There are many options of tone, style and setting open to the modern couple, with traditional ceremonies no longer required, couples are free to be playful and innovative in creating their perfect day. However, there’s still something romantic about a church wedding that can’t be ignored either. What’s important to know is that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer as to which is best, only which one works for you. Let’s explore some Pro wedding planning tips looking at classic vs contemporary weddings.
Tradition
Many of us know and love the charm of a traditional wedding — it’s packed with nostalgia and familiar moments that never seem to go out of style. From a heartfelt church ceremony and sit-down meal to the white dress, sharp tuxedos, and iconic moments like the bouquet toss, first dance, and cake cutting — it’s a time-honored formula that just works, rooted in cultural and religious traditions.
The Pros
Traditional wedding ideas have a timeless elegance, filled with meaningful traditions. The clear structure also makes planning and expectations manageable because there’s a set formula in place that everybody knows will work oh so well.
The Cons
While timeless, the formula of a traditional wedding can feel restrictive to the daring and creative couple who wish to pioneer a new way that works uniquely for them. There’s also the possibility that all these age-old traditions might end up straining your budget with lavish meals, decor and over the top expectations, when neither of those things might be necessarily meaningful to a modern couple.
Modern times
Modern wedding trends have a flexible structure open to unconventional elements. They might feature unique locations like a woodland ceremony, outdoor receptions or even a minimalist venue. No longer bound to the white dress, couples are free to make creative attire choices of relaxed dress codes or dare we say…a gown of any other colour. These weddings have an emphasis on the personal touches in the decor and guest experiences that make each modern wedding as unique as the couple themselves.
The Pros
A modern wedding empowers a couple to have total freedom in their choices to reflect their individual personality, the budget has more room for flexibility in DIY choices and out of the box ideas. They often feel less formal with a more relaxed and playful tone.
The Cons
Choosing unchartered territory means there’s no roadmap to follow, this will require much more creativity in terms of a couple’s choices and execution. Pioneering your own traditions means there’s a potential for unpredictable elements without a clear tradition to follow.
The best of both worlds
There are ways to combine the two worlds that might end up the best choice for all, one that keeps traditions alive yet has a splash of your own creative spirit. One could still do traditional vows with a relaxed outdoor reception. Or a classic wedding dress with contemporary florals or decor. One might even choose a formal ceremony followed by a festival-style celebration in the evening. Choose what works for you from our trusted traditions and innovate what seems outdated.
What to consider
The suitability of your venue of choice is of the utmost importance. You need to ask yourself if the space matches your decisions. Another important factor is your guest list size which will affect your budget and dynamics of the day. But ultimately your personal priorities and preferences should dictate which style suits you as a couple best.
Finding What Feels Right for You
Take a moment to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you both as a couple. What do you value most? If honouring tradition feels important, then embracing those timeless touches could be your perfect path. If showcasing your unique style feels right, don’t be afraid to step outside the box and create something truly personal.
Still unsure? Sometimes the best way to spark inspiration is to explore the possibilities in person. Why not visit one of our beautiful venues? Each offers the perfect backdrop for both classic and contemporary celebrations.
Ultimately, your wedding day should be a true reflection of you and your love story — whatever that may look like. Our experienced team is here to help bring your vision to life, ensuring your day feels just right for you. Book a viewing today and start turning your dream wedding into reality.