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A wedding is a beautiful thing. When done correctly, it's a personal celebration of love; a proverbial fusion of two souls into one.

At its worst, however, it can morph into a money-hungry industry, chasing after every penny in your pocket.

This is largely because there are a lot of outdated and quite frankly superficial customs that have been carrying on for far too long, mainly due to social inertia.

Interested in these cases, Reddit user u/mathsoprano17 posted a question on the platform: "What's the dumbest wedding tradition?" And they got plenty of replies.

Below, you will find some of the most popular ones that should make you rethink what a typical modern ceremony ought to look like.

#1

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Bachelor parties at strip clubs/ Vegas hotel rooms with a private stripper.

Your last hoorah was before you started dating her, not the night before you get married. Stop acting like being faithful is some kind of funeral.

ringoandme , Level 23 Media Report

#2

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Going deeply into debt to make it happen in the first place.

despecific , Álvaro CvG Report

#3

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Expecting your friends to spend thousands of dollars on you with stupid destination bachelor parties, dress/tux rentals, hotels, miscellaneous b******t.

TRex_N_Truex , Leonardo Miranda Report

#4

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Smashing a cake in the groom/bride face. Seen too many where they really smash them with the cake

Beer2Bear , steews4 Report

#5

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Rehearsal dinners and all the pre-wedding events are b******t. They are unnecessary money spent. If you need to rehearse getting married, then you've complicated your damn ceremony. Get engaged, walk up to your fiance/finacee, say "I do", eat and end the day. S**t.

ZeeKayGee , Fabio Sangregorio Report

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#6

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Spending a lot of money for a dress you will wear once

anon , Asdrubal luna Report

#7

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Removing the garter, the following garter toss, and application on another woman. That s**t is just weird.

BLMdidHarambe , Chalo Garcia Report

#8

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Color matching outfits for the attendants. Those dresses are always ugly and can never be worn outside the wedding. When I got married, I chose an easy color scheme and told my bride maid and maid of honor to match it with whatever they had. They looked lovely.

oceanbreze , Guy Basabose Report

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#9

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Diamond rings. Didn't become a thing until the 30s when DeBeers made it a thing and had been profitiing ever since.

decorama , TranStudios Photography & Video Report

#10

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible I feel like I'm gonna be one of the very few people to think this, but I think the whole 'be given away at the alter' thing is weird. When I get married, I'm walking myself down the aisle.

This is probably because I'm just not close with anyone besides my boyfriend (and obviously he can't simultainiously walk me down the aisle and be at the alter), but I've just never liked that tradition.

GoghAway13 , Ignatios Kourouvasilis Report

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#11

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Maybe this is just me, but the wedding cake.

Over priced, silly, they all pretty much look the same. They're like 90% frosting, and even if you try to get a nice cake, they taste like sandpaper after the six hours they have to be out to be decorated. No one at the party actually wants to eat it, so you end up with about eighty pounds of left over cake.

My husband and I went to a local cupcake shop and order cupcakes, all different varieties. They were made fresh and decorated the morning of, low on frosting because we asked. We put them nicely on the table and when the party was done, we had boxes for everyone to take some home in. People took them into work or school the next day, and it was like we were sharing our happiness with the whole world.

SalemScout , Jeremy Wong Report

#12

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Wedding showers. Being a female person, I get invited to a lot of these, and they're all pretty much the same: sitting around eating finger sandwiches, tentatively sipping white wine, and watching the bride open boilerplate registry gifts and Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards for 3 hours. No thanks.

SmoreOfBabylon , Taha Samet Arslan Report

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#13

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible I've been a bridesmaid in 3 weddings. In all of them, I had to "pair up" with a groomsman, who I was expected to flirt with and "act like a couple" with. This was usually for photos, but also for walking down the aisle. In all three cases, I didn't know the groomsmen and didn't appreciate the implication that we were a couple just because we had to walk together down the aisle.

For example, i had to take group photos where the groomsman I was paired with had to dip me and look lovingly into my eyes. I don't even know that guy's name. At my sister's wedding, I had to walk down the aisle arm-in-arm with my brother-in-law's brother (I was 13, he was 22) and he had to kiss my hand. This was all orchestrated by the mothers-in-law who thought it was precious.

I also had to take pictures where all the bridesmaids would swoon over the groom (and vice versa with groomsmen and the bride), with the implication that we are all jealous that the bride got such a great catch and we wish WE were getting married to him. I was there to support my friend on her wedding day by being her bridesmaid - I am NOT there to secretly undermine her or feel envious.

When I eventually got married, I had a consultation with my photographer. I whipped out these photos and said, 'I don't want THAT.' She laughed and said she hated those too.

anon , Joeyy Lee Report

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#14

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Having only girls on the bride's wedding party and only males on the grooms side.

sauerpatchkid , Melike Benli Report

#15

Asking the father or the parents for their permission or blessing. I'm not marrying a child here. I'm marrying an adult who can make her own decisions.

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David H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing wrong with asking for a blessing, it's a sign that their family is accepting you in. The Permission is a relic from a different time when a fathers permission was required. But what is wrong with a blessing of support? You want the other family to show full acceptance.

Crissie Laugesen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with relics from a different time is that they should have been buried, not preserved.

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Kate Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get more angry at the in-laws who get salty because the guy *didn't* ask. This isn't 1954 it's really unnecessary to ask other people if you can marry their daughter. There's a sweet sentiment about it that...okay if it's for a tradition thing I'm not that mad about it but still you really don't have to do that. You aren't getting a dowry.

Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad flipped his s**t. Now, mind, he left when I was 4 and we had no relationship of any kind, but in his mind, he was "always" there and couldn't fathom why George did not drive up to ask him permission to propose to me. (First of all, George's proposal was spur of the moment, but second of all, no, Dad, f**k off.) The fact that my father couldn't even acknowledge, much less celebrate, that his adult daughter who had been a mess as a kid had grown into someone confident in her decisions and identity? Too much to ask when he wanted all of that Father of the Bride attention, apparently. Can't you just be happy for your kids?

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Jaya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's also so sexist that you're supposed to ask the woman's parents and not the man's parents. My mom asked my father's mother for my father's hand in marriage. I still think that was a pretty cool feminist thing, and it was also such a lovely moment between my mom and my grandma, my grandma was so moved by it, she was crying many happy tears. (Yes I was there, my parents were hippies, they didn't believe in the concept of marriage, and when I was a teen they apparently decided a wedding would be fun)

Mattewis88
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The chances of getting a no are very low. It's more of an opportunity for the groom to promise the family that he'll be good to her rather than asking permission. Just be glad your pre-wedding negotiations don't involve lobola and actual negotiation. THAT'S tough.

Helen Waight
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. I straight up told my (now) husband that if he even thought about asking my parents ‘permission’ my answer to the proposal would be ‘no’

Lady of the Mountains
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ask both sets, yours and theirs, for their blessing, not their permission. Thats my opinion

onitsuka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yea dunno about this one. You're not asking for permission; it's mostly symbolic and a gesture of respect to the parents.

Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are plenty of ways to show respect to your parents without suggesting that a woman is incapable of making a decision and needs her father's/parents' permission. It's outdated and, with more nontraditional and blended families, ineffective.

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Kakofonyx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someday, you will be glad to have the parents-in-laws on your side. Trust me on this one.

Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sure but asking permission is still so silly. Announce your plans to your future in-laws sure, but you shouldn't need their permission or approval.

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Allan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

* also, asking for permission to go on a date with 'Your' date

Shelby Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My (now ex) husband asked for my parents blessing. There is nothing wrong with it. I think the meaning behind it has changed (in most cases) over time

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#16

Spending tens of thousands of dollars on a stupid ceremony that is nothing but a showboat of gaudy excess and barely anything to do with the relationship.

Bielzabutt Report

#17

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible The bride being expected to wear white. I've told people I don't want a white wedding dress when and if I get married and you wouldn't believe the looks of disbelief and horror I've gotten in return.

ankhes , Brianna Amick Report

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#18

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible That the brides family should pay for the wedding. I know it's becoming less common. I have a single mom (dad passed away when I was little) and I know she felt terrible about not being able to contribute more to my wedding. I, knowing my mom has a single income, would never expect my mother to pay for my wedding. I'm not putting down any bride whose family is fortunate enough to pay for their wedding, i just don't think it should be the expectation anymore. Anyways, we had a beautiful wedding and we paid for the majority of it on our own.

Thewhitneygirl , Pixabay Report

#19

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Throwing confetti (or rice) at the couple outside the front doors of the church after the ceremony to wish them "good luck."

The pastor of one church asked those in attendance to "please throw $20 bills instead to spare the sexton a huge clean-up job."

Back2Bach , Juliana Navajas Robb Report

#20

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible This is a bit late but there is a tradition in Sweden where if the groom leaves the room without the bride every man in the formentioned room is allowed (or have) to kiss the bride.

I would to so far as to say that it's a bit weird,

anon , Valerie Elash Report

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#21

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible For me, wedding itself is a pretty dumb tradition.
You're going to start a life with your future partner and you toss all you life savings on a one night celebration.

geraaaaald Report

#22

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Forcing several of your closest friends to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress, or a tux rental, to literally stand in the front of the church with you. Other than the best man and maid/matron/man of honor, there's no purpose.

If you go casual and let people wear their own stuff, it's not so bad.

tommyjohnpauljones , Gad Samuel Report

#23

The idea of throwing a party for gazillion people, because 'they are family!'. No, if I haven't seen them for last 20 years they are not. The whole general social concept of a modern wedding is just stupid. People spending much more they can afford on one night, that is stressful and makes them hate each other and scream at each other. Blah.

edit: grammar

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#24

Inviting people you don't like, who you never see and have a greater than 50% chance of ruining the event.

Then paying $250 a head for the privilege.

jalif Report

#25

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Apparently there is a weird tradition that it's bad luck for the bride to walk down the aisle at the rehearsal and some other girl/woman is supposed to walk down and stand with the groom. My wife said "screw that" and walked herself. Why would she want to sit and watch some other girl our age stand up there with me and the preacher the day before the wedding?

wabrown4 , Владимир Васильев Report

#26

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Engagement rings. Obscene waste of money to support an evil industry.

Puckhead88 , Daniel Moises Magulado Report

#27

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible I'm getting married next month.

I think most of the traditions are dumb.

- I don't want to do a first dance with everyone staring at me. Awkward and unnecessary.

- I don't want to take the garter off of her and throw it to some dudes.

- The dollar dance is dumb

- I wish "Give me money" was an acceptable registry for wedding gifts. No, no gift cards. Money. I've been hassled relentlessly for months about what gifts I want. I want money because this wedding is expensive. That's it.

- The tradition of pricing everything up once the word "wedding" is mentioned. Great photoshoot for your family -- $300. Wedding photos of the same quality and quantity -- $1500. Yeah, I'll gladly just have friends whip out an iPhone and take pics and edit them myself.

TheRealHooks , TranStudios Photography & Video Report

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#28

The over the top spending in general. I'm now divorced; however, when I got married... I was excited to BE married... I wasn't excited to GET married. I think there's too much of an emphasis on rings, gowns, and impressing all of your guests. I walked into the bridal shop, tried on ONE dress, and said "Ok, good to go!" I believe it was maybe $250. We ordered our rings off of Amazon for probably $50-$75 each, at the most.

A wedding should be about celebrating a commitment to one another, not spending a down payment on a house to throw a party, in my opinion. This holds true, especially, for those people that spend money they don't have on it. I could have just walked down to the courthouse with my ex and been just as happy. I would rather have the money to save for a home for a future family or a college fund for future kids than on a single day of my life.

pagirl023 Report

#29

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible The woman buying her dress. I mean why? In theory you will only wear it once. It makes more sense for the guy to buy his tux, there's at least a chance he'll wear it again.

EBJ1990 , PhotoMIX Company Report

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#30

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible All the flowers arrangements. I have been to so many weddings where there are amazing, expensive displays on all the tables, down the aisle, etc. etc. It's a lot of money to spend, and totally not worth it (put it toward the food!). Though it can be amusing to see people fight over them once the event is over.

selfstopper , José León Report

#31

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Just had my wedding back in May. It was AWESOME because if I don't know you, or talk to you, or visit you, and you don't know my birthday, where I work, that I'm even engaged, what state I live in... no, I'm not inviting you. Sorry.

My best friend got married over the weekend. I didn't get to see or talk to her at all during the reception because they were stuck walking around talking to extended family. F**k that noise. I wanna get wasted and dance. It's a party! She did get a f**k ton of presents though.

BurberryCustardbath , Pixabay Report

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#32

Brides jumping into water with their wedding dress on.

You could drown idiot!

anon Report

#33

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Registering for gifts. Giving gift cards instead of cash, although this applies to more than just weddings.

I mean, we eventually spent the $1200 in Target gift cards, but it would've been cool to spend it at other places as well.

spanxxxy , Amy Shamblen Report

#34

Buying a ring then struggling to be financially happy

anon Report

#35

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible Being expected to have a dance. I hate dancing I've never ever liked it (no not even as a child) and basically everyone tells me that ill have fun dancing because it'll be my wedding day blah blah. Seriously. I always think it'd be fun to go bowling or something but get a third degree burn for not wanting to dance on my wedding day. Maybe the rest of the people there could dance while i enjoy spending time with all the people who came to my wedding

anon , Edward Eyer Report

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#36

Just about all of it. I have very little concern for standard traditions. I pick the ones I like. We celebrate Halloween and kinda celebrate Christmas but thats about it. Even Christmas we don't get a tree, we get one big present each and take a vacation.

For our wedding we basically just through a party. No one brought gifts they all just brought a bottle of liquor and we got a keg. We invited all our friends and immediate family and just ignored all the stress and flare of organizing a wedding and making sure people do certain toasts and dances at particular times. just have fun.

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#37

Registries, honey funds, and wishing wells.

It's just begging.

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#38

Personally, I've always thought that it's pretty dumb that some people have to invite their parents' friends and coworkers who they don't know to their wedding just because their parents are paying for it and want to host their friends. Host your friends at your own party, mom.

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#39

Getting married after just a year of dating.

That's a lifetime commitment, you gotta be SURE you're ready.

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#40

A friend of mine and I argue about this because she did it at her wedding and I had never seen it before, but apparently it's very common and popular.

The unity sand bottle thing. It's just extra time in the ceremony. I asked her what they did with it and apparently it was just put in some box somewhere.

BEEFTANK_Jr Report