Updating Classic Wedding Invitations and Traditions for Your Modern Wedding

Your wedding can be a day rich in tradition or a day of brand new customs. While there are many rituals we still observe at weddings today, there are very few brides that don’t choose to add their own touch to those traditions. Many brides are combining old traditions honoring their heritage and new trends and ideas for custom wedding invitations and receptions.
Weddings are rich with centuries of history, lore and traditions. Many brides want to honor these traditions, but seek ways to update those customs with their own personal flair. The hardest part of mixing tradition with your up-to-date style is knowing what to keep and what to update. While there is no set rule, here are some great ideas for keeping your wedding invitations and your reception up to date and still classic.

The Classic Wedding Invitation
Traditionally, wedding invitations have been elaborate, multi-folded pieces. The invitation itself covered with a sheet of velum. You can easily update this look by replacing the velum with a colored mesh or fabric. And feel free to loose the complicated, folded look for a simple sheet accented with a colorful ribbon. Your only limitation for the style of your wedding invitation is your own imagination. A few traditions you should always observe; keep the language on your wedding invitation on the formal side. Under no circumstances should you send an e-invitation for your wedding. And you should never mention wedding gifts or your wedding registry. This is information that will find its way to your guests by word of mouth – even if you are not registered or accepting gifts.

The Reply Card
Another important component, the reply card is customarily sent with the wedding invitation. These days more and more brides are forsaking the traditional paper reply card and opting for a wedding website. Setting up a website for your RSVPs can also serve as a great source of information for your guests. Post airline, hotel and rental car information your out of town guests, set up a discussion board so all guests can communicate with each other and of course, allow your guests to RSVP here. This is one update that is definitely an upgrade from the old way. Not only can it save you a little money, but it can be a great resource for your guests.

The reception
Your reception should be a celebration of your marriage in the style that best suits you and your new spouse. While there are many reception traditions – cutting the cake, a champagne toast to the bride and groom, the first dance – you shouldn’t hesitate to create your very own traditions. Incorporate elements and foods that you and your fiancé love to make your reception everything you’ve dreamed of. Skip the traditional wedding cake and opt for cupcakes if you prefer. Leave out the champagne and serve your favorite cocktail instead. The sky is the limit when it comes to your reception. You can choose to honor many traditions or none at all. Your only obligation is to have fun!

Your wedding a day to make your very own; your style, your taste and traditions you want to honor. The most important thing is to do it your way. Start with wedding invitations that speak to your unique flair and good taste and you’ll be off to a great start. Choose traditions that have meaning for you and then add modern elements for a wedding day that is perfect for you and your fiancé.
Wedding Invitations
Wedding Invitations

By Amy Carter
Published: 2/13/2009
 
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