Old wedding traditions that are no longer in fashion - When we think of weddings, the first thing that comes to mind is the strict protocol one “must” follow, like the bride having to wear a white gown or bridesmaids all having to wear the same model. However, modern celebrations have changed the way we look at wedding rules.

Meghan Markle is one of the latest examples of how it’s possible to break certain stereotypes. Prince Harry fell head-over-heels for the actress, who’s also divorced, and their wedding is bound to be anything but traditional. At the ceremony, Meghan will be making a speech, a move rather unusual for a royal wedding.

However, she is just one of the many brides who are refusing to follow wedding customs these days. Click here to see more examples!

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Veil - Traditionally, the veil was used to repeal bad energies, but superstition is in the past and many brides don't wear veils these days.

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Bouquet - There are so many other options to the traditional bouquet of real flowers now, such as fabric-made flowers.

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White dress - From pastel colors to bright colors, the white dress is a thing of the past!

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White dress - Champagne, lavender and even black are some of the most popular replacements.

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Child ring bearer - Children used to bring the bride and groom the ring because they represented purity.

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Child ring bearer - But the couple can choose whoever they want to bear the rings, from close relatives to friends, to the family dog.

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Throwing rice - This tradition, which supposedly attracts prosperity and fertility, has been slowly ditched by modern grooms. Many churches have even banned this practice for cleaning reasons.

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Throwing rice - Another disadvantage of throwing rice is that the floor can become slippery, hence dangerous (especially for women wearing high heels). Some good replacements include soap bubbles and confetti.

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Bridesmaids' dresses - This custom usually doesn't please the bride's girlfriends that much, as many want to wear the model and color that best fit them.

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Godparents - It isn't an obligatory tradition, but godparents sometimes accompany the bride and groom during the ceremony.

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First dance - The couple's first dance doesn't necessarily need to be the waltz, in which the bride dances with the groom before having to waltz with the father. There are so many song choices these days!

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Getting married in church - When you think about a wedding, the idea is usually connected to some religious place such as a church.

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Getting married in church - But couples actually prefer tying the knot at the same location where the party will take place, as it is more practical and cost-effective.

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The bride's parents must pay -

This one is not followed in most places. The pair may even get financial help from the parents, but they're usually the ones paying for the ceremony.

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The wedding cake - Tradition also says that the cake brings luck, prosperity and fertility to the newlyweds.

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The wedding cake - However, because it ends up being wasted most of the time, people have been opting for smaller cakes - or not getting them at all.

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Wagner's 'Bridal Chorus' -

It's one of the most popular wedding customs: brides walk down the aisle to the sound of 'Bridal Chorus.' However, the song choice has become super diverse now in order to fit the bride and groom's taste, and the genre can go from pop to rock.

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The ceremony's program - The schedules have to contain important information, but that doesn't mean they can't have a fun design!

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Bride and groom can't see each other before the ceremony - Many couples now prefer meeting up before the ceremony to take pictures together so that they can enjoy the actual party later on.

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Bride and groom can't see each other before the ceremony - Many also say that seeing their partners helps relief the stress and nervousness before the wedding.

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The dad walks the bride down the aisle - This custom has also become quite flexible. The bride can choose whoever she wants to walk her down the aisle.

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The dad walks the bride down the aisle - Many brides have even walked down the aisle on their own, or with their future husbands.

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The vows - The way that couples recite their vows has also changed, as there are so many more original and fun ways to do it over the traditional one.

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Engagement ring - Tradition calls for a diamond engagement ring, but not everybody likes it or can afford it. There are lots of other models and gemstones to chose from.

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Cocktails/beverages - Old protocol says that alcoholic beverages should be offered after the ceremony and before the reception. But rules were made to be broken and these days some even find it more relaxing to have a drink before the ceremony!

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Hand-written invitation -

This one also stayed in the past, as couples are often too busy to write the invitations themselves. There are also various ways you can play around with the invites so that they fit your taste!

See also: The most unbelievably expensive weddings in history 

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