Bouquet Toss or Bust: Trending Traditions & Wedding Guest Etiquette 101
Wedding season is here! Congrats to all those couples who are getting married this year. Happy anniversary to those who have made it another year. And get excited that you get to celebrate all of those who are making a lifetime commitment [hopefully ;)] Go Kozy and Brian for hitting their 1-year anniversary later this month. WE LOVE YOU!!
I feel like we were passionate about this episode. We are passionate about them all, but this one we had some clear opinions about weddings and how one can best prepare for the new wedding season. Biggest take-a-way: READ THE WEBSITE. These websites are a labor of love and require significant time and effort to put together. Yet, many guests still overlook this valuable resource, bombarding the couple with questions that are already answered online. The golden rule of modern wedding attendance? Check the website before texting the bride or groom. Everything you need to know is likely there, including crucial information about whether you have a plus-one or if children are welcome at the event. Don’t be THAT asshole! They are feeding you afterall and who doesn’t love an open bar? (to my sober friends…you can still dance your ass off while sober. I’ve done it many of times!)
Speaking of plus-ones, this is an area where expectations have evolved considerably. In an era where weddings can easily cost upwards of $30,000, couples are becoming more selective about their guest lists. The casual plus-one is gradually disappearing, with invitations often specifying exactly who is invited. A good rule of thumb shared by wedding planners is this: if you wouldn't spend at least $50 on a birthday or Christmas gift for someone, they probably shouldn't be on your wedding guest list. Genius way to determine your guest list!
Probably second top take-a-way from this episode - DON’T USE YOUR CELL PHONE. The "unplugged wedding" has become increasingly common, with couples requesting that guests put away their phones during the ceremony. This isn't just about maintaining a certain aesthetic – it's about respecting the professional photographers who have been hired to capture these moments without smartphone-wielding guests blocking their shots or ruining carefully composed photos with the glow of their screens. Kozy thought of the idea to collect phones before the ceremony and guests get them back afterwards…let’s start that tradition!
Did you know the bouquet toss originated in medieval times when guests would try to tear pieces of the bride's dress for good luck? To prevent this, brides began tossing their bouquets as a distraction.
Trends that need to die ASAP:
Bouquet toss
Garter toss
Instead, we're seeing a rise in personalized alternatives and unique celebration styles. The emphasis has shifted toward creating genuine connections and meaningful experiences rather than adhering to traditions for tradition's sake.
Trends we love:
A person being your “something blue” - Brandi killed this at Kozy’s wedding
Unique food options - food trucks, food experiences, etc.
Welcome parties night before
Brunches and family time morning after
Ways to thank you guests in a specific way - like a photo receiving line - so you don’t have to spend all night thanking people and can actually dance
As wedding guests, our primary responsibility is to remember that the day isn't about us. It's about celebrating the couple and respecting their wishes, whether that means adhering to dress codes, RSVP-ing on time, staying off our phones, or recognizing when children aren't invited. They deserve to the center of attention on their day - the least we can do is support them and honor their love!
Listen Now!
Chapters to check out:
1:08 Wedding Season Do's and Don'ts
4:01 Plus Ones and Guest Etiquette
9:10 Phone-Free Ceremonies and Photo Booth Alternatives
18:24 Welcome Parties and Post-Wedding Events
23:06 Wedding Planning Advice and Coordinators
32:26 Evolving Traditions and Final Tips
Let’s hear about the wedding traditions you are loving right now and a big ick you’ve experienced as a wedding guest. Text us with this info! Text link is in the description on where you listen to each episode.
So until next time - stay bold, stay empowered…
Rachael & the Girl Gang
