Bride and groom walking down the aisle after a traditional wedding ceremony

New & Old Wedding Day Traditions to Consider for your 2025 Wedding

Traditions for your 2025 wedding

There are so many wedding traditions to consider for your 2025 wedding. While some traditions should most certainly stay in the past, choosing from both new and old traditions can be an excellent way to personalize your day.

candid ceremony photos
candid ceremony photos

Wedding day traditions for 2025

Your wedding day is a reflection of your partnership, and the events and details you include in your wedding day can make it even more meaningful – for you and your guests. As wedding photographers in the Seattle area, we’ve witnessed countless couples embrace a mix of old and new traditions to create celebrations that feel uniquely their own.

Whether you’re planning a casual or formal event, there are plenty of traditions worth considering for your 2025 wedding – and a few that can get left in the past.

Why do we have wedding traditions?

Classic wedding traditions like a procession, the first dance, and cutting the cake, continue to hold a special place in many ceremonies and receptions. These rituals are not only time-honored but also provide wonderful opportunities for candid photos that capture the joy of your day.

Many classic wedding traditions also involve your guests taking part and feeling included in your milestone. Many couples today are finding ways to reimagine these traditions, instead of leaving them out completely –  like opting for a private last dance instead of a first one or serving cupcakes, pie, or ice cream instead of a traditional tiered cake.

Traditions lend themselves to you and your guests participating in something together, evoking genuine reactions and emotions which make memorable moments and photographs for you to cherish forever.

Olympic National Park Adult Summer Camp Wedding
Olympic National Park Adult Summer Camp Wedding

What new traditions can I use at my wedding?

In 2025, modern traditions are taking center stage. Sustainability is a major trend, with couples choosing eco-friendly options and saying no to excess – like favors that don’t make an impact or matching outfits that will never be worn again.

Another popular modern twist? Adding personality wherever they can. Unity ceremonies are often tailored to the couple’s personalities, such as blending coffee beans for coffee lovers or mixing soil from meaningful places to symbolize their roots. These unique moments add a personalized touch and create memorable stories to share for years to come.

Wedding traditions we can say good-bye to in 2025

Many wedding traditions are rooted in patriarchal values and to those we say, see you never!

For many years couples have been shedding imagery and wording that alludes to ownership or the “giving away” of one partner to another. Walking down the aisle together, meeting in the middle, or both partners being walked down the aisle by parental figures together are all becoming more popular. “Who supports this couple in their marriage” often replaces the traditional “Who gives this woman to be married to this man”.

Sticking to traditions just for the sake of doing them is also out the window. If a couple doesn’t like it, it doesn’t make sense logistically, or would result in unnecessary excess for them it is thrown out in lieu of something else more meaningful.

Olympic National Park Adult Summer Camp Wedding
Olympic National Park Adult Summer Camp Wedding
wedding venue with exposed brick
wedding venue with exposed brick

Wedding traditions to keep in 2025:

These traditions balance meaning and emotion with unforgettable moments for an enhanced wedding day experience for you and your partner – and great photos to remember it by!

  • Personal or heirloom details
  • First looks
  • Dogs as wedding guests
  • Personal vows
  • Toasts
  • The last dance
  • Exits that involve your guests
  • Celebratory champagne sprays

Wedding traditions to skip in 2025:

  • Strict gender roles
  • Matching wedding attire
  • “Giving away” one partner to the other
  • Receiving lines
  • Bouquet and garter toss
  • Anything that doesn’t feel important to you and your partner!
epic photo of bride and groom spraying champagne on beach
epic photo of bride and groom spraying champagne on beach

Choosing meaningful traditions for your wedding

The beauty of blending old and new is that it allows you to create a day that honors the past while embracing the future. This blend ensures your wedding feels meaningful, authentic, and reflective of your personal style.

When planning your 2025 wedding, the most important thing is to choose traditions that resonate with you and your partner. Whether you’re keeping it classic, going modern, or blending both, your wedding day should reflect your love story and values. 

Need help capturing all these meaningful moments? We’d love to chat about how we can document your wedding and the traditions you cherish most. Reach out via our contact form!

Jewish Horah dance
Jewish Alderbrook Resort Wedding

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