When it comes to weddings, there are surprisingly few things you have to do. At the heart of it, a wedding is simply a celebration of your commitment and love – a moment to mark the start of your marriage in whatever way feels right for you.
Today, let’s challenge three well-known wedding rituals. We’ll take a look at where they came from and why it’s perfectly okay to ditch them if they don’t feel like you.
1. The White Wedding Dress
Let’s start with one of the most iconic traditions: the white wedding dress. Many people associate it with purity, but historically, that’s not why brides started wearing white at all.
The trend actually began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Before that, brides wore all kinds of colours – red, in particular, was a popular choice. White eventually caught on as a fashionable, elegant option, and its association with purity came later.
So if you’ve ever wondered, “Can I wear a white dress if I’m not a virgin?” – the answer is a big yes. You might already live with your partner, have children together, or simply want to wear something that feels meaningful to you. That could be white, or it could be blush, champagne, grey, or any colour under the sun. Wear what makes you feel incredible.
2. Walking Down the Aisle With Your Dad
This one has deep historical roots, and not always in the most romantic way. Traditionally, the bride’s father walking her down the aisle was part of a transaction – he was quite literally “giving her away” as part of an arranged marriage deal.
Thankfully, today’s couples have far more freedom to rewrite that narrative. For some, this walk is still a meaningful gesture – a father symbolically offering his blessing. But for others, the tradition doesn’t reflect their reality or relationships.
Maybe you have a close bond with a stepdad, grandfather, brother, or even a mom who played both roles. Or maybe you’d rather walk solo as a proud, independent woman. There’s no one right way to make your entrance – only the way that feels right to you.
3. The Church Ceremony
Church weddings can be beautiful and meaningful, whether you’re deeply religious or simply drawn to the atmosphere. Many people describe churches as serene, sacred spaces that add gravity to the moment.
But here’s the thing: in many places, including Ireland, you don’t need to get married in a church to have a legally recognised wedding. Non-religious ceremonies are fully legal [as long as the right paperwork is in place] and can be performed by registered celebrants or solemnisers almost anywhere.
Whether you’re dreaming of a forest clearing, a beach at sunset, or a garden terrace at your venue, you can absolutely get married in a location that reflects your personality and values. Want a religious ceremony outside of a traditional building? That can work too – many religious officiants are happy to travel.
