When planning a wedding, tradition will always come into play at different times in the process as well as when the actual days arrive. These "traditions" seem to have because unspoken rules as to the things you HAVE to do. I'm sure there comes a time though where you think to yourself "do I really have to do this?" or "Is that really necessary?" By getting rid of a couple of these things, could possibly save you time and save your budget.

This is something that I think more couples are adopting. Tradition tells you that the brides friends and family sits on the left side and the groom's friends and family sit on the right side. The history behind this dates back hundreds of years stating that this was because the groom needed his sword arm free in case someone came and tried to kidnap the bride or take her dowry. 

How many times have you gone to a wedding reception and saw the little bag of mints and peanuts in front of your place setting? Or maybe it was a personalized candle or chocolate bar? After the reception, what ended up happening to those items? Did you even remember to take them off the table? In essence it was money that was spent that maybe could've been used for some other purpose. One resolution to this is if you want to give a favor, why not take that money and give to a charity you both love and support. Whether it be an organization that helps with disease treatment and/or research or a program that helps our military and wounded veterans, pick something where the contribution will be worth while, and you won't have to be cleaning up unclaimed favors at the end of the night.

So we all know that at receptions there's a moment where everything pauses and attention is drawn to all the singles in the room. That one song plays (usually Single Ladies by Beyonce) and the DJ starts calling out all the unmarried women to the floor for the ceremonial bouquet toss. Seems like each time it's like pulling teeth to get women to join in although you do have that one or two that this is the moment they have been waiting for. The count begins and the bride throws behind her and then what happens - a whole of pushing and possibly a tumble or two just to get this bouquet which tradition tells us signifies she will be the next one to marry.

Now, don't get it wrong, watching this all unfold still goes strong with some added variations for this particular tradition. The cost of a "toss" bouquet can actually be very variable depending upon what other type of flowers you plan to have. If you hope to have real flowers, the florist will probably mention a toss bouquet. You actually could make your own, it's up to you. If you are a couple who is trying to keep the party going, this might be something you can pass over all together and it might actually not be missed. 

I think this is a tradition that has also pretty much gone a way - the receiving line. Traditionally after the ceremony, the wedding party would stand outside and great all their guests as they head over to the reception. Of course you would like to greet everyone that has decided to share your day with you. I think in order for this to be effective, your wedding must be on time to the second and we all know 9 times out of 10 that doesn't happen. What seems to be happening these days is that the bride and groom will go around to each table at the reception following their meal. That way they will have a time where they can mingle and take pictures with everyone there. This seems to be effective and won't cut into pictures that may need to be taken after the ceremony.

We're sure there are other little things that are traditionally done that could be overlooked. Ultimately, your wedding day is about you and your significant other. The bottom line is you want to have a day that you will enjoy and these things don't necessarily have to be done in order to enjoy it.