Wedding Traditions You Don’t Have to Follow
Do you have to walk down the aisle with your dad? Exchange rings? Have a first dance?
The short answer is no. Absolutely not.
One question couples often ask me is which wedding traditions they have to include in their ceremony. And the answer is that you can keep the traditions you love and leave out the ones that don’t feel right for you.
Walking down the aisle
You don’t have to have your dad escort you down the aisle. You can walk in with:
- your mum
- your children
- your best friend
- your dog
- or even your partner.
You can also walk in alone.
And you don’t have to wait until the ceremony to see each other. Some couples prefer a private first look, giving them a moment together before everyone else gets involved.
Vows, rings and the first kiss
You don’t have to exchange rings. Some couples choose another symbol of commitment, while others don’t want anything at all.
If you’re having a celebrant-led wedding, you can also decide how you’d like to exchange your personal vows. You might:
- read them aloud
- make simple promises
- or share something privately before the ceremony.
And if kissing in front of a room full of people fills you with dread, there’s no reason to include a ceremonial first kiss.
What about the first dance?
Personally, I can’t think of anything worse than having to learn a choreographed dance and perform it in front of everyone I know.
But that’s me!
If you love dancing, go for it. If you don’t, there are plenty of other ways to start the evening celebrations.
Make your own traditions
You can have:
- a bouquet toss
- speeches
- bridesmaids
- matching outfits
- and all the traditional elements if that’s what you want.
Or you can do something completely different.
The only wedding tradition worth keeping is one that actually means something to you.
As an independent celebrant, I work with couples to create ceremonies that reflect their personalities, relationships and ideas, rather than asking them to fit into a prescribed format.
Because when you look back on your wedding, I want you to think:
That was a bit of us.
Services Overview
Wedding Ceremonies
From intimate elopements to large joyful crowds, I create personalised wedding ceremonies that reflect your unique love story. Perfect for blended families, couples marrying later in life, and anyone wanting something refreshingly different.
Funerals & Celebrations of Life
Saying goodbye shouldn't feel overwhelming. I help families create meaningful ceremonies that celebrate a life lived, with honesty, warmth, and the right touch of humour when it feels appropriate.
Naming Ceremonies
Whether you're welcoming a new baby, celebrating an adoption, or marking a chosen name, I'll help you create a ceremony full of joy, love, and the people who matter most.
Vow Renewals
Ready to celebrate your journey together? I craft vow renewal ceremonies that reflect where you've been and where you're going, perfect for anniversaries or new chapters.
Other Life Celebrations
From coming-of-age ceremonies to pet memorials, business launches to divorce ceremonies – if it matters to you, I can create a ceremony that honours it.
Full Day Support
Want someone by your side beyond the ceremony? This package includes me staying on until the first dance — helping with photos, introducing speeches, keeping things running smoothly, and making sure the vibe stays joyful and relaxed. Think of me as your celebrant and your behind-the-scenes calm in the chaos.
Ready to Start Your Story?
Every conversation begins with understanding what matters most to you. Whether you're planning months ahead or need support during difficult times, I'm here to listen, guide, and create something just right for you.