If you’re using Google or even international discussion groups on Facebook or Reddit to research your wedding day planning, you might come across a lot of terms, traditions, or just old-fashioned expectations that we don’t see that often anymore. 
These might include “throwing of the wedding bouquet“, a garter removal, or “receiving line”.
So do you have to do the throwing of the bouquet? No – of course you don’t! Remember, there is no such thing as “Wedding Police”, and you can do (or NOT do) pretty much anything you want at your wedding.
That said, don’t just rule out these more traditional ideas just because your situation doesn’t suit the way it’s always been done.
Tradition says: Bride throws the bouquet over her shoulder to a group of “unmarried women”.
Modern day says: What exactly determines “unmarried” in this century?
Alternative: There are several ways to modernise this entire tradition while still honouring the overall concept.
No unmarried guests? No problem – there are other ways.
Don’t have a bouquet, or just don’t want to give it away? No problem – there are other ways.
Just think it’s old and done a million times already? No problem – there are other ways.
The same can be said for most of the wedding traditions. You don’t HAVE to incorporate them. But at the same time, don’t dump them just because it feels like the same old thing your parents saw in their day.
Don’t skip it just because you think everyone else already did it.
And don’t do it just because you think you have to.
If you like the concept but not the history, remix it, make it memorable, make it yours.
Done right, I guarantee it will be different to what your friends might think they know about throwing the wedding bouquet.
I hope this helps!
Nick Logan
