Wedding traditions shattered - Grooms dazzle with epic aisle entrances

As weddings continue to evolve, wedding planners are noting significant shifts in tradition.

Veteran wedding planner Shonik McFarlane, with over 10 years in the industry, says grooms aren't playing it cool anymore - they're making bold aisle walks, often accompanied by their favourite reggae tunes.

"It's not just the bride making a grand entrance into the ceremony; the groom is doing his walk down the aisle. I find that very cool. We love it," McFarlane said.

This shift reflects a broader move away from traditional wedding norms, as couples increasingly choose to tailor their ceremonies to fit their unique personalities.

"Couples are just having their dads sit down while they go down the aisle," McFarlane noted. "They want it all for themselves."

The trend of grooms walking down the aisle is often accompanied by music that resonates with them, such as reggae tunes, making the moment even more special.

In addition to changing entrance traditions, couples are also rethinking wedding budgets.

"I find that brides are cutting back on certain expenses, especially videography. They want a good photographer who can tell a story through photos," McFarlane said. While the wedding dress remains a significant investment, with many brides opting for elaborate designs, couples are increasingly looking for cost-effective alternatives in other areas, such as decor.

Chardonnay Lewin Davis, owner of Unions Bridal Boutique, concurred, adding that today's brides are leaning toward dresses with luxury aesthetics but maintaining a more intimate guest list.

"They're keeping weddings small, focusing on close family and friends, while still creating that lavish look in the photos," she explained.

Many brides choose to splurge on attire while keeping the actual wedding small, ensuring that their photos convey a lavish experience without the high guest count. The material choices for wedding attire are also changing.

"Customers are going for more illusion in dresses," Lewin Davis shared. "They're gravitating toward luxurious-looking fabrics like silk, moving away from traditional materials."

Popular silhouettes now include dramatic ball gowns reminiscent of series dramas and sleek mermaid styles.

One noticeable trend both planners have observed is the decline in traditional wedding flourishes, such as decorated vehicles with 'Just married' emblazoned on theme. McFarlane said she hardly ever sees that any more.

"All-in-one wedding packages have made that tradition almost non-existent," McFarlane added.

Lewin Davis attributed this shift to the convenience of all-in-one wedding packages, which allow couples to hold their entire ceremony and reception at the same venue, eliminating the need for a decorated vehicle.

As many still continue to tie the knot, it's clear that modern couples are prioritising personalisation and practicality over convention. With an emphasis on individual expression and meaningful experiences, today's weddings are more reflective of the couple's unique journey than ever before.