We examine the most popular big-day traditions.
Whether your style is modern or old school, a bride has bountiful traditions to choose from for their ceremony and reception. Mix and match your favorites to create a wedding that’s all your own. We polled 50 of the city’s top industry insiders, and here’s what they had to say about these time-honored customs.
Registering for fine china
Y: 57%
N: 43%
“Not everyone has the benefit of receiving (or loving) their grandmother’s china. Still, I love a formal table setting. I say go for it.” — Katy Taylor, Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Cake cutting/first bite
Y: 92%
N: 8%
“Where there is cake, there is love, as our friends at La Duni say.” — Julian Leaver, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Bouquet toss
Y: 69%
N: 31%
“Love it Father of the Bride-style, as you leave the reception.” — Caroline Fair, Caroline Events
Receiving lines
Y: 43%
N: 57%
“Greet your friends and family during dinner service or plan an event for the following day of your wedding to spend some quality time with everyone.” — Ashley Love, Ashton Gardens
Garter toss
Y: 27%
N: 73%
“I don’t know if I love it, but I don’t see it going anywhere. I say it depends on the client’s level of comfort with this tradition and the formality of the event.” — Rachel Burt, As You Wish Weddings and Events
Waiting Until the bride walks down the aisle
Y: 46%
N: 54%
“I love a good first look—such a fun, intimate moment for the couple. That said, it’s still terribly romantic to wait until the ceremony. Both are wonderful, and a bride should follow her heart on this one.” — Rachel Burt, As You Wish Weddings and Events
Something old, new, borrowed, and blue
Y: 100%
N: 0%
“Consider mentioning the items you selected in your wedding program.” — Mary Frances Hurt, DFW Events
Guests seated on appropriate sides
Y: 0%
N: 100%
“Family is family. Need we say more?.” — Ashley Love, Ashton Gardens
Groom’s cake
Y: 64%
N: 36%
“As long as it doesn’t totally clash with the wedding decor, it’s the perfect Southern tradition.” — Julian Leaver, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Formal speeches
Y: 79%
N: 21%
“Keep them limited to two or three max—no more than 15 minutes.” — Katy Taylor, Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Wedding favors
Y: 33%
N: 67%
