Wedding Traditions to Keep

Following my most recent post, I stumbled across this manifesto from the Offbeat Bride site, and now I feel terrible. I felt the need to add something positive to my list.

Traditions I'm OK with:

1. Large weddings. I personally don't want a large ceremony, but weddings are great places to meet new people. People at weddings tend to be extra friendly (maybe it's the champagne), so go ahead and invite every person you've met since kindergarten, their parents, and their dogs.
2. Flower petal/bird seed/bubble exits. It's cathartic to hurl things at the happy couple, because weddings are emotional events. Rice is a bad idea though (I like birds) and be nice with the bird seeds, that dress might have cost more than your house.
3. Open bars. Yes, alcohol is expensive and your wedding should be about starting you life with your soul mate, not getting your friends drunk, but we are all selfish creatures and like to be rewarded for driving god-only-knows how long with a rather espensive present.
4. Full meals. See #3. 'Nuf said.
5. Traditional ceremonies. Do what makes you happy. Don't do tradition just because you think you have to, but if that's what you want, I will gladly dress up and sit on a hard pew for you. Everyone secretly likes dressing up.
6. Make an entrance. Wedding receptions vary so widely these days, that sometimes guests don't know when things are starting, or if you're even there yet (especially if you're doing post-ceremony photos). Have an emcee announce your entrance - make it unique if you want.
7. Expensive cakes. No one is going to complain about a delicious cake. No one will complain about Costco sheet cake either, but if it's important to you, go for it.
8. The cake smash. Yes, this tradition is messy, can ruin make-up and dresses, and is childish. That's why I like it. It's playful and a nice break in the seriousness of the event. A little frosting nose-dab is a nice alternative, though.
9. The money dance. What's wrong with making a little money? Combine this with the father-daughter and mother-son dance and avoid all that sappy, boring stuff.

Also, please check out my new sidebar image, from Bride$hare.net. It's a great way to share decorations, rental fees, etc, with another couple if there were anyone else interested in my general area. So especially if you're in Washington State, please go check it out, for both our sakes.