35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible

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This is largely because there are a lot of outdated and quite frankly superficial customs that have been carrying on for far too long, mainly due to social inertia.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

This post may include affiliate links.

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

Final score:

373points

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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

Final score:

359points

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Biliegh Berrie 2 years ago

American bride fantasy. Growing up believing the wedding has to be a princess fairytale.

49points

LH25 2 years ago

For fun, I looked up the most expensive weddings. Number 10 is George Clooney and Amal Clooney. She is Lebanese-British. # 8 is Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin, they are English. #7 is an Indian couple. #4 is Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, she is Indian. #3 and #2 are also Indian couples. Yes, I realize there are a lot of celebs on this list, but it's not just the US.

15points

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S 2 years ago

I never even thought about my wedding until I was engaged lol I never understood the big dreams of having a huge wedding. After watching my best friend stress over planning hers, I said no thanks I'll keep it small and elegant.

8points

A Jones 2 years ago

my family grew up in the states, but none of us really wanted a wedding. A good chunk of family just only got wedding papers in and not much else. If I get wed, I probably do the same. I would however like to have a casual pot-luck BBQ party (diet variety friendly) to celebrate unity of families.

4points

Kalevra 2 years ago

Yep, i refuse.

0points

piruoztek 2 years ago

I don't even understand why that dream from childhood about their wedding and not about spending rest of their life with someone with who they understand each other and love each other.

0points

Aunt Riarch 2 years ago

Nope. I was in an office where 5 of the girls were getting married. UK too...

0points

xxx 2 years ago

Also releasing balloons! (In pic) so bad for the environment

14points

S 2 years ago

Oh yeah, balloons were a no go at my wedding. They were offered by the venue for free. No thanks, just some bubbles or flower petals will do lol

2points

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Isabella 2 years ago

I do no think it is a tradition to go into debt to make a wedding, it is choice.

9points

Local foodie 2 years ago

However, big expensive weddings are so encouraged that people think they will be embarrassed if they don’t go all out at the expense of their bank account

10points

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Tams21 2 years ago

The debt by itself isn't. But having a wedding where all your family (often including extended family) and friends is, so much so that a lack of an invitation can cause hard feelings for years. Even basic weddings for so many people are painfully expensive. So it's not so much a case of choosing to go into debt but choosing not to be alienate family and/or friends.

3points

Jason Melvil 2 years ago

Tradition IS a choice you do not because you want to but because you think that's how it used to be done.

3points

Hermien Greeff 2 years ago

And balloons, stop with the stupid balloons.

6points

Daycare Attendant Sun 2 years ago

I find that the couples who spend the most on their weddings are the first ones to get a divorce. It's like a death knell to the relationship.

5points

LH25 2 years ago

I find they (usually the bride) is more focused on the wedding day than actually being married.

4points

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Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

Since most of the weddings in my family are backyard affairs, George and I wanted to do something different, but we agreed on a budget, no debt, personal, and paying for it all ourselves. That was 20+ years ago. Today, we'd probably do it even smaller, pay for more, make it even more nontraditional and personal, and not invite most family. I get wanting to have a special day and memories, but it doesn't have to look like a reality TV event to be special.

5points

Mattewis88 2 years ago

In a borrowed black dress and sneakers I married the love of my life in the pastor's living room. 10 minutes for the blessing - no expensive s**t and people. Best decision ever.

5points

Daniel O'Neal 2 years ago

Being expected to break the bank just to get married is absurd. We spent maybe $1500 at most on ours (this was 2015) and I wouldn't have changed a thing.

3points

Mistiekim 2 years ago

I used to have that vision as a kid, but as I’ve gotten older I see how unnecessary a giant and expensive wedding would be. Stressful too. I already have student debt, and adding on to that for something that could end in divorce is a no go.

3points

Aunt Riarch 2 years ago

If you're focus is on getting married rather than being married, you're too young

2points

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Colleen Hennessy 2 years ago

My husband and I eloped with just an officiant and photographer. We went to a cousin's wedding in Hawaii the week before, then stayed an extra week and hopped over to a different island. I found the photographer the week of, she recommended the officiant, and I was able to get my wedding dress altered the day before. We got to the beach at sunrise for some photos, then did our vows, went to brunch after, and then went back to the beach we married on to enjoy some swimming and lounging. We have spent more being in other people's weddings as a bridesmaid or groomsmen than we spent on our own wedding (including the airfare, wedding dress, photographer, and officiant).

3points

Colleen Hennessy 2 years ago

10/10 recommend eloping for those considering it.

3points

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Sage Gusano 2 years ago

We pulled ours off for around $300. I've always said that the wedding means little. It's the marriage that matters.

2points

Aunt Riarch 2 years ago

Yes!

0points

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Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 2 years ago

Spent less $1,000 on mine 25 years ago

1point

Mario Strada 2 years ago (edited)

This. What is the matter with people spending the equivalent of a hefty house down payment on a single day celebration?

1point

Josurf 2 years ago

I blame Hollywood for that. They show extreme weddings with whole family groups being invited for the whole weekend all expenses paid. Cocktailparties before the wedding, wedding dinner rehearsals, weekends in Las Vegas, etc... I've seen my share of weddings, none of them went that far. Mostly a drink for all attendees, then dinner for close relatives.

1point

Deborah B 2 years ago

So much expense, and so much stress, for one day, where the bride is often exhausted stressed out wanting perfection. Often the debt is a major stressor in the marriage, and some of them will be divorced before they finish paying it off.

1point

Janet L 9 months ago

Supposing you have a headache on the day? All that money down the drain

0points

Debbie Stearne 2 years ago

I am sure you can have a fairytale wedding for a fraction of the price if you put your mind to it. Unfortunately I think it is now a bridal competition.

0points

Darnell Gregory 2 years ago

Problem is caring more about the wedding than the Marriage

0points

Lyoness 2 years ago

Right? Our entire wedding including dress, tux and reception cost under 6K (in 1998). So that'd be, what... 10 grand today? We had 50 guests, no debt and money left over for a honeymoon. We paid for the whole thing ourselves and I wouldn't change a thing.

0points

Bonni Poch 2 years ago

If I could go back and do it over (after just celebrating our 24th anniversary on Tuesday), I would have done it very low key. Maybe 50-75 guests and an afternoon affair or maybe a destination wedding. Big and expensive is a big and expensive mistake.

0points

UpQuarkDownQuark 2 years ago

My divorced friends spent $14,000 on their wedding. They did not make a lot of money. I cringed, because I knew they weren’t going to make it.

0points

JayhawkJoey 2 years ago

All so a grown woman can be a Disney princess for a day.

0points

Jaekry 2 years ago

A wedding is not the same as a marriage. Better invest in the marriage then in a wedding.

0points

Riley Quinn 2 years ago

Anyone who demands the fairytale wedding isn't mature enough to make a lifelong commitment. And their financial priorities are deeply skewed. Save the money for the divorce that will, statistically, be coming down the pike.

0points

Dre Mosley 2 years ago

Save money. Go to the courthouse. Throw a big party for friends and family after. I read somewhere that the average wedding in the US is 27k. This American would never.

0points

PurpleUnicorn 2 years ago

Far better putting the money towards a home

0points

Richard Smith 2 years ago

Weddings/receptions should be simple and inexpensive. The more a couple spends on a wedding, the greater the chance that they will divorce. Keep your priorities straight, people.

0points

Stannous Flouride 2 years ago

Several studies have found an inverse correlation between the expense of the wedding and the success of the marriage.

0points

Crissie Laugesen 2 years ago

Releasing balloons to mess up the environment. Or worse, white doves, which often get lost and die slowly.

0points

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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

Final score:

319points

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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

Final score:

275points

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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

Final score:

222points

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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

Final score:

204points

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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

Final score:

202points

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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

Final score:

196points

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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

Final score:

193points

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#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

Final score:

183points

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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

Final score:

168points

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#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

Final score:

155points

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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

Final score:

150points

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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

Final score:

148points

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#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.

WorkRedditEqualsFun Report

Final score:

143points

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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

Final score:

138points

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#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

Final score:

137points

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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

Final score:

133points

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#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

Final score:

112points

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#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

Final score:

111points

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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

Final score:

91points

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#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

Final score:

90points

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#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

codingraf Report

Final score:

83points

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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

Final score:

72points

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#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

Final score:

70points

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#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

Final score:

63points

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#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

Final score:

60points

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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

Final score:

59points

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#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

Final score:

55points

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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

Final score:

49points

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#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

Final score:

46points

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#32

Brides jumping into water with their wedding dress on.

You could drown idiot!

anon Report

Final score:

46points

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#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

Final score:

44points

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#34

Buying a ring then struggling to be financially happy

anon Report

Final score:

42points

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#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

Final score:

36points

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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.

Zeldas_lulliby Report

Final score:

16points

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#37

Registries, honey funds, and wishing wells.

It's just begging.

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Final score:

16points

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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.

anon Report

Final score:

14points

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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.

SleeplessShitposter Report

Final score:

9points

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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

Final score:

7points

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What do you think ?

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Fembot 2 years ago (edited)

Dear Americans, most of these are your traditions. You can choose not to follow them. People could wear nice clothes of their own choosing, no wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, demeaning garter throwing, or absurd expenses. A lot less debt-inducing and much more fun! In other parts of the world we have some silly stuff too, like the Swedish one and the dad walking the bride to her groom. But we’re working on that. Don’t listen to the salespeople and do what makes you happy!

25points

Paula Pattison 2 years ago

This is what I was thinking the whole way through this article. I have never seen or heard of most of these traditions. My wedding cake was a dense fruit cake, you could have broken someone's nose if you smashed it into their face (we kept the bottom layer, soaked in plenty of brandy and used it as my son's christening cake)

10points

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S 2 years ago

As an American, I've never heard of most of these. Some may be regional traditions. I wouldn't lump us all together like you people love to do.

4points

Ben 2 years ago

I think the point of "just don't do it then" is really key here. This preoccupation with how much it *should* cost, or *this specific thing* is really bad because it often is expensive. Is just mad. My ring cost £50 and I love it, our cake was made by a local Baker, the suits where wear what you already had, the dresses where nice high street ones. It didn't matter or change the day one but.

2points

Bernd Herbert 2 years ago

German here: probably been to a dozen weddings over the past years. Haven’t seen or heard of nothing or almost nothing on that list. Here you simply get together and have big party. And the guests usually give some money, not present.

2points

Rachael Sampson 2 years ago

How do you know which country these traditions are from?

1point

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

One I loathe is the clinking of glasses to get the couple to kiss. I hate the noise. I hate the spectacle. I hate the "command performance" feeling. We told everyone we weren't going to do it, but a few of my aunts tried it, anyway. George planted a smooch on his best man's cheek, and I kissed one of my pals on the top of the head. They didn't clink glasses any more after that. Guys, if a couple says they don't want to do a thing at their wedding, don't try to force them to do the thing.

7points

Aunt Riarch 2 years ago

Muwahaha!

2points

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James016 2 years ago

Wedding speeches: I hated writing it, I hated saying it. The fact I had to stand up in front of everyone and speak with all eyes on me was just horrible and made me anxious. Rest of the night was great though.

6points

censorshipsucks 2 years ago

I didn't write it - I just ad-libbed on the day, as if I was having a funny chat at a bar with friends. Needless to say I said some off-colour stuff but who cares. It was just for laughs.

1point

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Amanda Rose 2 years ago

The older I get, the more I like the idea of eloping.

5points

Aunt Riarch 2 years ago

Do it Amanda. My goddaughter is getting married in Vegas next month, she has my wholehearted approval, all I ask is photos!

2points

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Jenna 2 years ago

The thought of spending so much money on a party gives me a headache. Plus I'm over 40 now, and do not like being the centre of attention. If I were to get married at this point I would elope for sure.

2points

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago (edited)

Because of my experiences, I was the opposite. All of the weddings I'd seen growing up were the backyard bbq/party after eloping kind, very casual and low-key at best, sloppy and tacky at worst. Neither George nor I felt casual and low-key, and we wanted something more formal, for us. Now, we'd likely still do it that way, but just not invite most of the family we'd invited the first time around, only the friends. All the stuff with friends was AWESOME.

1point

Firefly 2 years ago

That's what I wanted to do, or just get married at the courthouse and go to a restaurant with friends afterward. My mom insisted that I would regret it and promised (falsely) that she'd take care of everything if I had a wedding. Although it was small, it was still too much work and money. The only regret I have after 26yrs of marriage, is that I didn't stick to my guns and go the no wedding route.

1point

Pirates of Zen Pants 2 years ago

My husband and I had a $100 wedding, but his brother's weddings were much more lavish. The brother (let's call him Mike) got married to the same woman three times on two different continents. To raise money, the bride shook her behind at the New England wedding and invited people to stuff money in her garter, all while chanting, "Money! Money! Money!" If that's not a sign of the Apocalypse, I don't know what is.

4points

Stacey Rae 2 years ago

I wish premarital counseling was mandatory. Wishing everyone success.

4points

Nicole Herron 2 years ago

It doesn't help because people lie. It happened to me and now I'm stuck.

3points

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Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

You need counseling throughout, too, because you're going to grow and change, and a lot happens in a marriage. It's always good to have points to stop, assess, and recommit together.

0points

Shelby Jackson 2 years ago

I got married in the Catholic Church and they require pre marital counseling with the priest.

0points

And i was like WTF!! 2 years ago

Let me add some from Serbia: On the day of the wedding, groom needs to go to pick up his best men and then the best men and family need to have some food/drinks - stupid and unnecesary expence. Then they go to get the bride and then to "buy her" from her brothers (also there are food and drinks) - so r******d. Inviting some people just becouse "they are family" - f**k that i dont even know them, no i do not need them. This will be a day for my future wife and myself. WE talked it out, and no unnecesary guests, no expences, no stupid things. P.S., just to add, people tend to make a big weddings just to "earn" some money (as presents, mostly it is custom here to just give money, tho there are people that do not sign the envelope and just give it empty)

3points

Elliot Fowler 2 years ago

I think what these people want is a village style wedding. They are usually held outside in a clearing in the woods or town square which is free. And the only requirements are music and food and seating for the elderly. No formal wear required. Lots of dancing, socializing, and eating - good times all around. Bonus if the village has some interesting/wacky wedding traditions. I went to one were instead of wedding gifts, the bride and groom are given jackets made up of money (gifts from the attendees) and they are paraded around the village on horses.

3points

Alejandro Reyes 2 years ago

Why label them as dumb? Many may have had a had a reason to exist in the first place, others may be very questionable, if you don't like them just don't do them, but don't judge people for doing them. I don't believe a did any of them in my wedding, but I don't label the traditions as dumb just because I don't like them or disagree with them.

2points

Lea S. 2 years ago

Don't waste your time 'hoping these will disappear.' Do what you want at your wedding. I've been to many the last few years that adhered to NONE of these things. Also - some people do things differently. At the last rehearsal dinner I went to? It didn't cost 'thousands,' we ate at an Applebee's and we all paid for our own meal. I've NEVER, NEVER spent *thousands* on the newlyweds. If they expected it - I ignored it. If I can't afford something - I don't do it. I own one of those 'ugly' bridesmaids dresses. I wear it out at least once a month, and it wasn't chosen to make me look ugly. These sound like over-the-top couples and bridezillas.

1point

Christy Thompson 2 years ago

The vows: "Til death do us part." How morbid! How about, Through life, one at heart."?

1point

Tamra 2 years ago

Yeah, I insisted on deleting the "I promise to obey" BS from the vows. I did not promise to obey then, I do not promise today, and probably won't in the future. Best he knows what he's signing up for, I reckon.

0points

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Adam Belaire 2 years ago

I find it interesting that the whole garter tossing thing is mentioned twice but no mention of tossing the bouquet.

1point

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

I threw the bouquet. All of the women just stared at it and watched it fall to the floor. It was one of the funniest moments I'd experienced until then, and it was perfect commentary on, well, everything!

4points

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Jason Melvil 2 years ago

Weddings are a terrible tradition. The only thing important is that your partner is someone you want to share your life with. Everything is just LEGAL issues. Marriage is important. Weddings are stupid.

1point

Alice 2 years ago

In Malta they have something called Stand Up weddings - it means weddings with no seating. People just mingle and dance all night. I found myself pregnant this year, and we had 3 weddings. Standing up all night looking all nice and fancy is fun, but doing that and being pregnant is hard. Honestly I had to leave the most beautiful wedding I ever seen early, as it was too difficult for me not to have a seat. My legs were so swollen, that people started to point it out.

1point

Jaya 2 years ago

Interesting, sounds fun. Although they should have a couple of chairs around for people who can't stand for long.

2points

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Greta Kolding 2 years ago

Were ther no old people at the wedding? I would not have been able to stand around or dance a whole night either, or even for more than 1 hour.

2points

censorshipsucks 2 years ago

wow that is interesting thanks.

0points

ADHORTATOR 2 years ago

American "traditions".... they don't apply in Europe. We had a small wedding with 50 people, family and friends from Germany, France, Italy, Norway and it was 1. not so expensive 2. most important it was fun!

1point

Warrior Mama 2 years ago

I'm American and loved the European weddings I attended! I don't know if it's the norm, but for a family friend in Germany there was no expensive catering - a bunch of families each brought a lovely cake (there were at least 20 cakes) and the brides mom and aunts made a simple and delicious buffet meal. No bridal party, no speeches, just the ceremony and then eating, drinking, and dancing

3points

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Niall Mac Iomera 2 years ago

Honestly: just the entire concept of marriage. Why does anyone need to get the government involved and sign a legal document declaring your romantic partnership?

0points

Hey! 2 years ago

I think the more the years pass the more people don't realize all those traditions come from far away. The bridesmaids are supposed to be ugly in order to keep the evil spirits away from the bride. Now it either means you have a lot of friends and want to show off or you have a lot of money. Some of the weird traditions above I've never heard of, like relocating the garter on someone else's thigh.

0points

Jo Firth 2 years ago

Let's get rid of the whole wedding industry. That is all.

0points

Bri Nicole 2 years ago

Every wedding I've been to makes me not want to have one of my own. I'd probably just do a backyard wedding with a potluck. I don't understand the need for so much fancy nonsense..the most I'd want to spend is for the photographer.

0points

Jolie McCleave 2 years ago

We had our wedding at our favourite provincial park, camping! My dress was $10 from Wish and we had a taco bar. Everyone floated down the river on fun floats (unicorns, dragons, donuts, pizza, you get the idea), flowers were fake, no stupid garter. Free wine and beer for the guests and it was marvellous!

0points

Jason Marin 2 years ago

Here's two traditions not on the list that I never saw a purpose to. 1. Needing to get down on one knee to propose. Why? If someone is going to propose, just do it. There's no reason to get on a knee. 2. The groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. That one makes no sense at all.

0points

Aubrie Allen 2 years ago

Just getting married in general. You can be in a relationship for as long as you want. You don't have to bring a piece of paper into it. And if it doesn't work out, divorces aren't expensive! Break ups are free! Been with my dude for over 6 years, and I would never dream of getting married. I don't see the purpose or the need to.

0points

All's Gravy 2 years ago

These are mainly US "traditions" dreamed up by capitalism to rid as many people as possible of their $$$. You indulge yourselves in such privilege and expectation that couples use weddings as self-indulgent money-making events - always finding another thing to tag on to the build-up for the bride's ego. The evidence of this is how the US couples seem to offload the cost of wedding party (bridesmaids/groomsmen/ushers) outfits on to the individuals and not picked up by the bride/'s parents. A gift registry is sensible to avoid 10 toasters, and in the UK couples generally have them at John Lewis (Never knowingly undersold), and have a range of priced options from a can opener to a whole dinner service (or even a single side plate) - so pretty egalitarian. And there's still the option to go off-piste with a hand-carved rocking chair. Generally speaking, if close family have travelled some distance and are gathered in the same city or even hotel for the nuptials, then lunch or dinner the day/eve before the wedding is usual as an ice breaker for the families to meet, usually hosted by the bride's parents. But there is no 'rehearsal' of anything. (I think that might arise when weddings take place elsewhere than churches?) Showers are just a 'give me attention' moment for a needy, insecure woman who is about to realise disappointment begins here. It's one tradition to throw the bouquet, something else entirely for a male guest to be cajoled into removing the bride's garter with his teeth as a showpiece! (I had to do that in Canada, traumatising). Of course, the father giving away his daughter was part of the financial transaction of a marriage before the church took control of marriage. The father would jointly hand over the bride and the dowry.

0points

H M 2 years ago

The wedding itself. You're not a couple and you can't breed or have sex until you perform a specific, and expensive ritual agreed upon by people who are all now dead.

0points

Shelby Jackson 2 years ago

A lot of these have been faking by the wayside for decades. Like seriously. If you don't want to spend a ton of money then don't. You aren't being forced into doing anything at all that you don't want to do on your big day. You want a red dress a'la Blanche Devereux by all means have that red dress. Just do what you want to do and don't listen to anyone else. Some of these "traditions" are ones I've never heard of. Like making the bridesmaid and groomsman flirt with each other. If that's what it takes being in your wedding no thank you I'll sit in the audience. And you don't have to spend a fortune either. My wedding with everything included (my dress, his tux, food, venues, bridesmaids/groomsmen) was less than $1500.

0points

Shelby Jackson 2 years ago

*falling not faking.

0points

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Solidhog 2 years ago

Brides wearing more than one wedding dress on the day.

0points

Islandchild 2 years ago

If you don't like the tradition, don't do it. It's that simple. Or modify it to suit yourself. I was 'given away' by my sister, who was delighted to do so, she'd been trying to do that for years (sibling jk

0points

Islandchild 2 years ago

Teasing) only things about weddings I don't understand by people do is the strive for bride (princess) perfection at other's expense, and going deep into debt.

0points

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Jessica Wood 2 years ago

I hate literally everything about weddings.

0points

Got Myself 4 Pandas 2 years ago

Have your wedding the way you want, none of these are compulsory. I've had a big wedding the first time, hated it, ended in divorce. I'm now married and did the wedding our way - literally just us, our 4 kids and both our mums followed by a lovely meal and a surprise announcement to our family - no-one knew that that we were getting married that day, they were tricked into coming to the right place and told the kids it was a family members wedding we were heading to - they were told 5 minutes before it happened. Wouldn't change any of it. But, yeah, you don't have to do any of these traditions if it doesn't appeal to you - nothing bad will happen if you don't

0points

POST

Fembot 2 years ago (edited)

25points

Paula Pattison 2 years ago

10points

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S 2 years ago

As an American, I've never heard of most of these. Some may be regional traditions. I wouldn't lump us all together like you people love to do.

4points

Ben 2 years ago

2points

Bernd Herbert 2 years ago

2points

Rachael Sampson 2 years ago

How do you know which country these traditions are from?

1point

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

7points

Aunt Riarch 2 years ago

Muwahaha!

2points

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James016 2 years ago

6points

censorshipsucks 2 years ago

I didn't write it - I just ad-libbed on the day, as if I was having a funny chat at a bar with friends. Needless to say I said some off-colour stuff but who cares. It was just for laughs.

1point

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Amanda Rose 2 years ago

The older I get, the more I like the idea of eloping.

5points

Aunt Riarch 2 years ago

Do it Amanda. My goddaughter is getting married in Vegas next month, she has my wholehearted approval, all I ask is photos!

2points

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Jenna 2 years ago

2points

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago (edited)

1point

Firefly 2 years ago

1point

Pirates of Zen Pants 2 years ago

4points

Stacey Rae 2 years ago

I wish premarital counseling was mandatory. Wishing everyone success.

4points

Nicole Herron 2 years ago

It doesn't help because people lie. It happened to me and now I'm stuck.

3points

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Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

You need counseling throughout, too, because you're going to grow and change, and a lot happens in a marriage. It's always good to have points to stop, assess, and recommit together.

0points

Shelby Jackson 2 years ago

I got married in the Catholic Church and they require pre marital counseling with the priest.

0points

And i was like WTF!! 2 years ago

3points

Elliot Fowler 2 years ago

3points

Alejandro Reyes 2 years ago

2points

Lea S. 2 years ago

1point

Christy Thompson 2 years ago

The vows: "Til death do us part." How morbid! How about, Through life, one at heart."?

1point

Tamra 2 years ago

0points

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Adam Belaire 2 years ago

I find it interesting that the whole garter tossing thing is mentioned twice but no mention of tossing the bouquet.

1point

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

4points

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Jason Melvil 2 years ago

1point

Alice 2 years ago

1point

Jaya 2 years ago

Interesting, sounds fun. Although they should have a couple of chairs around for people who can't stand for long.

2points

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Greta Kolding 2 years ago

Were ther no old people at the wedding? I would not have been able to stand around or dance a whole night either, or even for more than 1 hour.

2points

censorshipsucks 2 years ago

wow that is interesting thanks.

0points

ADHORTATOR 2 years ago

1point

Warrior Mama 2 years ago

3points

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Niall Mac Iomera 2 years ago

Honestly: just the entire concept of marriage. Why does anyone need to get the government involved and sign a legal document declaring your romantic partnership?

0points

Hey! 2 years ago

0points

Jo Firth 2 years ago

Let's get rid of the whole wedding industry. That is all.

0points

Bri Nicole 2 years ago

0points

Jolie McCleave 2 years ago

0points

Jason Marin 2 years ago

0points

Aubrie Allen 2 years ago

0points

All's Gravy 2 years ago

0points

H M 2 years ago

The wedding itself. You're not a couple and you can't breed or have sex until you perform a specific, and expensive ritual agreed upon by people who are all now dead.

0points

Shelby Jackson 2 years ago

0points

Shelby Jackson 2 years ago

*falling not faking.

0points

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Solidhog 2 years ago

Brides wearing more than one wedding dress on the day.

0points

Islandchild 2 years ago

0points

Islandchild 2 years ago

Teasing) only things about weddings I don't understand by people do is the strive for bride (princess) perfection at other's expense, and going deep into debt.

0points

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Jessica Wood 2 years ago

I hate literally everything about weddings.

0points

Got Myself 4 Pandas 2 years ago

0points

35 Of The Dumbest Wedding Traditions People Hope Will Disappear As Soon As Possible

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Rokas Laurinavičius

Rokas Laurinavičius

Mantas Kačerauskas

Mantas Kačerauskas