non-traditional wedding dress

Tips for Saying “No” to the Dress

When it comes to marriage ceremonies, perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of the event is the traditional white wedding gown. Settling on a particular gown is often a major milestone and expense in preparing for the big day. Finding your wedding dress can be a group activity involving the participation (and opinions) of loved ones. There may even be an expectation that you will wear an heirloom garment that has been passed down in your family. However, the reality is that not everyone is into the classic white dress. Here are some other ideas to consider when you’re not feeling the idea of a white gown.

Change Color

Not everyone is into white as a color (or absence of color) for their nuptials. Consider wearing a gown in another color altogether. Is there a favorite shade that complements your skin tone or the color of your hair and eyes? Make that the basis of your color story for your wedding attire. You can find a dress that has the same silhouette of a gown, but in a hue that is more in line with your personal taste. Remember that it’s your special day. You can do whatever you want.

Ditch the gown and Suit Up

Perhaps color isn’t the issue and it’s more about the silhouette for you. Consider wearing a pantsuit. You’re in control, and the right pantsuit conveys a sense of power, letting people know that you’re the boss (or one of the bosses) on your big day. You might even take things a step further out of the ordinary by wearing a white suit or tuxedo. A power suit has been a go-to for many celebrity weddings, to the point that you may be able to shop for such an outfit at the same place you’d find a dress. Get your suit tailored for a perfect, flattering fit.

Jump to It

A jumpsuit provides an alternative that sits between a wedding dress and a full suit. Jumpsuits come in various colors, styles and fabric weights, making them an especially nice choice for both outdoor and indoor occasions at any time of the year. You can keep things light and breezy for a summery soiree, or go for something elegant with lacy details, merging gown sensibilities with the practicality of a jumpsuit.

Serve a Two-Piece Meal

Wedding gowns can be stuffy and restrictive. A two-piece outfit gives you options to maximize flexibility and versatility. You can mix and match different colors, textures, styles and designers to suit your sartorial mood. Two-piece combinations can be customized for the weather demands of a certain season or destination. Your top could be a sweater, a blouse or a crop top, while your bottom is a skirt, pants or even shorts. For additional dimension, you can also play with layering.

Go Shorter

It could be that you’re willing to say yes to a different type of dress. A cocktail dress can be a fun, cheeky alternative to the typical gown. This particular choice has the benefit of being dressy while also being less fussy, restrictive and expensive. Cocktail dresses come in a variety of lengths, giving you the choice to decide how much leg to show on your special day. An added bonus is that these outfits can be comfortably worn for the wedding, the reception and for honeymoon travel. Go with your favorite designer’s ready-to-wear outfit or choose a bespoke option that reflects your personality and unique sense of style.

Even if you’re someone who tends to lean traditional when it comes to tying the knot, you’re free to do your own thing for the wedding outfit. It’s your big day, and you should feel both comfortable and beautiful, whatever you decide to wear. If a traditional white gown is going to increase your stress on the big day, just say no!

Canadian Wedding Traditions, Both Old and New

European wedding tradition involving bridesmaids reaching for bouquetAll couples are different, and a wedding that reflects their personalities and preferences is a common goal. In Canada, many wedding customs incorporated in the celebration are influenced by European-Christian, particularly British, traditions.

The White Dress

A conventional white wedding dress, purchased specifically for the occasion, is still the most popular choice of Canadian brides. The custom of wearing white started in the Victorian Era and symbolized purity.

Something Old, Something New

It is considered good luck for brides to wear “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” The tradition originated from an old English rhyme. The fifth and final item referenced in the rhyme, not usually adhered to outside of Britain, is “a sixpence in your shoe.”

  • “Old” stands for continuity. Some brides choose to wear a family heirloom.
  • “New” represents optimism for the future. The wedding dress or shoes can be two examples.
  • “Borrowed” represents borrowing joy from a happily married couple in hopes it rubs off on your own relationship. A piece of jewelry or handkerchief are items that can be borrowed.
  • “Blue” is meant to represent loyalty and fidelity. Brides sometimes wear blue garters or tie a blue ribbon in their bouquet.
  • “A sixpence in your shoe” is the desire for prosperity and good fortune.

The Groom Stands on the Right

Many couples still choose to get married in a church, but there are numerous other options including gardens, beaches and the homes of family and friends. No matter where the ceremony occurs, it is customary for grooms to stand on the right side and brides on the left while they exchange vows. This tradition evolved in Europe centuries ago. Grooms needed easy access to their swords in the event someone attempted to abduct their brides. While there is no longer a worry of brides getting kidnapped at the altar in modern day Canada, the custom has endured.

Bridal Party

Having a bridal party is an Anglo-Saxon tradition. Grooms would have knights assist their brides in getting to ceremonies safely. The knights would also escort couples back home to prevent them from being attacked and their dowries stolen.

Bouquet Toss

It is traditional for a bride to carry a bouquet of flowers and toss it towards all the single women after the wedding. Whoever catches it is supposed to be the next to marry. This custom originated from brides wanting to protect their dresses from unmarried women who would rip bits off the gowns for good luck. Brides started throwing pieces of bouquets towards them so they would have something pretty and not try to tear off their dresses.

Honeymoon

Many couples go on a honeymoon after they are married. The term “honeymoon” comes from a traditional drink couples would consume. They would drink mead wine, which was made from fermented “honey” and water, for a month after their wedding. The month represents a full cycle of the “moon.”

New Wedding Trends

While traditions are practices and rituals that have stood the test of time, trends are much more recent and easily come and go. Here are some current wedding trends.

  • Bite-Sized Desserts

As an alternative to the big wedding cake, it is becoming popular to offer individual bite-sized desserts. They can be served off a tray at each table.

  • Metallic Accents

Metallic accents are popping up everywhere. Foil on invitations, floral table decorations in gold and silver vases and metallic specks on desserts are all ways to add some sparkle to the occasion.

  • Chef Interaction

Instead of traditional buffets or sit down dinners served by waiters, more couples are ditching convention when it comes to cuisine and letting their guests interact with chefs.

Weddings often include traditions. However, it is also fun to mix some new trends into the festivities.