Here are 16 wedding traditions that millennials can’t stand but boomers stand by:
Traditional Wedding Attire
Traditional wedding attire, such as ball gowns and tuxedos, can be expensive. Millennials are more likely to be budget-conscious and may not want to spend a lot of money on a dress or suit that they will only wear once. Millennials are more likely to choose comfortable and affordable wedding attire over traditional dresses and suits.
Expensive Weddings
Millennials are more likely to value experiences over material possessions. They may need to see the value in spending a lot of money on a one-day event. They have different priorities than previous generations. They may prefer to spend their money on other things, such as travel, homeownership, or starting a family.
Formal Wedding Ceremonies
Millennials are more likely to want to express their style in all aspects of their lives, including their wedding ceremony. They may not feel comfortable having a formal wedding ceremony that does not reflect their style.
Wedding Cakes
Millennials are more likely to question traditional norms and expectations. They may not see the need to have a wedding cake, especially if they are having a non-traditional wedding. Millennials are more likely to choose alternative desserts, such as cupcakes or pies, over traditional wedding cakes.
First Dance
Millennials are more likely to want to express their personal style in all aspects of their lives, including their wedding day. They may not feel comfortable having a first dance that does not reflect their style. Some people may feel uncomfortable dancing in front of a large crowd. Millennials may be more likely to experience performance anxiety than older generations.
Garter Toss
Some people find the garter toss to be a cringey tradition. They may feel that it is outdated and embarrassing. Millennials are more likely to skip the garter toss or choose a more gender-neutral alternative.
Bouquet Toss
Millennials believe that the bouquet toss is outdated and sexist, like the garter toss. In addition, some people may feel pressured to catch the bouquet, even if they are not interested in getting married. This can lead to anxiety and disappointment.
Receiving Gifts
Instead of receiving gifts, millennials may ask their guests to donate to a charity of their choice or to contribute to a honeymoon fund. They may also choose to have a non-gift registry, where guests can bring a book to add to their library, a bottle of wine to share at the reception, or a dish to pass around.
Having a Bridal Party
Millennials may not have a large group of close friends and family members who are able to be at their bridal party. They may live far away from their friends and family, or their friends and family may have other commitments.
Having a Wedding Planner
Instead of hiring a wedding planner, millennials may choose to plan their own wedding or get help from friends and family. They may also choose to hire a wedding coordinator for specific tasks, such as managing the day-of logistics or coordinating with vendors.
Going on a Honeymoon
Instead of going on a traditional honeymoon, millennials may choose to take a shorter trip or delay their honeymoon until later. They may also choose to have a mini-moon, a short trip they take shortly after their wedding.
Changing Their Last Name
Millennials are more likely to keep their own last name rather than take their spouse’s last name. They are more likely to value their personal identity. They may not want to change their last name, which is a part of their identity, just because they are getting married.
Inviting Extended Family
Millennials may not have as close relationships with their extended family as previous generations. They may have grown up in smaller families, or they may have moved away from their extended family.
Having a Religious Ceremony
Millennials are less likely to be religious than previous generations. This is due to a number of factors, including the rise of secularism, the internet, and the increasing diversity of society. Instead of having a religious wedding ceremony, millennials may choose to have a civil ceremony, a non-denominational ceremony, or a ceremony that reflects their own personal beliefs. They may also choose to elope or have a destination wedding.
Following Wedding Traditions
Millennials are more likely to value diversity and inclusion. They may want to have a wedding that is inclusive of all people, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Some wedding traditions, such as the garter toss and the bouquet toss, can be exclusionary and offensive to some people.
Buck and Hen Nights
Millennials are increasingly choosing to break with tradition and have non-traditional buck and hen nights. For example, some millennials may choose to have a joint buck and hen night or to have a party that is more active and outdoorsy, such as going camping, hiking, or skiing.