1. Wearing a Veil That Covers the Face
Back in the day, the moment when the groom lifted the bride’s veil was seen as a huge, dramatic reveal. It was supposed to symbolize purity, mystery, and tradition—but today, it just feels outdated and unnecessary. Most modern brides either skip the veil entirely or opt for a sheer one that flows behind them rather than covering their face. The idea of literally hiding your face before marriage seems strange in an era where relationships are built on openness and equality. Plus, a heavy, opaque veil can be awkward to maneuver and just feels impractical. Brides want to feel comfortable and be able to see their guests instead of feeling like they’re stuck under a piece of fabric says Brides.
Veils themselves aren’t entirely out of style, but the way they’re worn has definitely evolved explains Fox News. Many brides today prefer delicate, minimalist veils or even dramatic, cathedral-length ones for a more modern effect. But the whole “unveiling” moment? Most couples skip it altogether. Some even feel that the tradition has a weird, old-fashioned connotation—like the bride is being “presented” to her husband. Wedding trends now focus more on individuality and comfort rather than rigid traditions. If a bride does wear a veil, it’s usually because she loves the look, not because she feels obligated to follow an old-fashioned rule.
2. Overly Staged Engagement Photoshoots
Boomers love a good engagement photoshoot, but some of them feel a little too posed and artificial. The classic “gazing into the distance” shot or the one where the guy dramatically dips his fiancée backward like they’re in a soap opera? Yeah, those haven’t aged well. Today’s couples prefer candid, natural moments that actually capture their relationship rather than stiff, picture-perfect poses. There was also an era when engagement photos featured weird props—random picnic baskets, outdated cars, or even animals that weren’t pets. The pressure to create these elaborate, magazine-ready engagement pictures just feels excessive now. Most couples want a quick photo session or even just a spontaneous picture that feels more like them. Social media has changed the game, too, because people are constantly sharing real-life moments instead of highly curated ones says Good Morning America.
Another cringey aspect of these shoots was the forced matching outfits, especially denim-on-denim or the dreaded all-white ensembles. Coordinating colors is fine, but looking like a ‘90s JCPenney catalog ad isn’t the goal anymore. Some boomers even insisted on those awkward “holding hands but not looking at each other” poses, which just feel forced. And let’s not forget the classic “holding a sign that says ‘She Said Yes!'” photo—cute in theory, but overdone to the point of exhaustion. Many couples today skip the traditional engagement shoot altogether and just use a favorite selfie or a fun, in-the-moment snap. The whole idea of spending hours posing just doesn’t fit today’s more casual, social media-driven wedding culture.
3. Matching Bridesmaid Dresses in the Exact Same Style
Boomers had a thing for uniformity when it came to bridesmaids, and that meant putting everyone in the exact same dress, no matter their body type or personal style. This often led to some pretty unfortunate fashion moments, with bridesmaids feeling uncomfortable in a dress that didn’t flatter them. Today, most brides embrace a mix-and-match approach, letting their bridesmaids choose styles that suit them while sticking to a general color scheme. It’s way more inclusive and ensures that everyone looks and feels their best. Plus, no one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress they’ll never wear again just because it matches everyone else’s.
Another cringe-worthy detail? Some of those old bridesmaid dresses were just plain awful, featuring massive puffed sleeves, shiny satin, or strange pastel colors that washed everyone out. Boomers were also big on matching accessories, from identical shoes to the same over-the-top hairstyles. Now, the trend leans toward individuality while still keeping a cohesive look. Letting bridesmaids pick different shades within a color palette or choosing different silhouettes makes the whole wedding party look more natural and stylish. The days of forcing your best friends into a dress they hate just for the sake of symmetry are, thankfully, behind us.
4. Garter Tosses in Front of Family Members
There’s something incredibly uncomfortable about watching a groom stick his hands up his bride’s dress in front of her parents and grandparents. The garter toss was meant to be a playful, flirty tradition, but in reality, it often comes across as awkward and outdated. It’s one thing to have fun at your wedding, but do you really want your uncle watching you get undressed, even in a symbolic way? Many modern couples opt out of this tradition because it just doesn’t fit the vibe of today’s weddings. The whole idea of the groom removing the garter with his teeth? That’s enough to make anyone cringe.
Plus, the garter toss usually leads to another awkward moment—the single men at the wedding being forced to fight over a piece of lingerie. Unlike the bouquet toss, which still has a lighthearted, celebratory feel, the garter toss just seems weirdly intimate for a public setting. Many brides today skip the garter altogether, preferring to wear something more comfortable under their dress. Even the most traditional families have started phasing this one out, realizing that some traditions just don’t translate well to modern weddings. There are plenty of other fun ways to celebrate without making everyone at the reception deeply uncomfortable.
5. Over-the-Top Cake Smash Moments
Boomers loved a dramatic cake smash moment, where the bride and groom shoved cake into each other’s faces like it was a food fight. While it was supposed to be funny and playful, it often ended up ruining expensive makeup, dresses, and good moods. Some grooms took it too far, leaving their bride frustrated or even in tears on their wedding day. The trend feels cringey now because weddings are expensive, and no one wants to waste a beautifully decorated cake just for the sake of a messy photo op. It’s also a little weird to turn a sweet, romantic moment into a mini food fight.
These days, most couples prefer to feed each other a small, meaningful bite of cake instead. It keeps the moment elegant without turning into a chaotic mess. No one wants to spend hours getting ready just to have frosting smeared all over their face in front of hundreds of people. Plus, it’s a bad start to the night if one partner is upset over an aggressive cake smash. Some couples even see it as a red flag if their new spouse ignores their wishes and goes through with it anyway. The new wedding trend? Keeping the cake-cutting cute and classy.
6. Cheesy Choreographed First Dances
Boomers went all-in on highly choreographed first dances, often turning them into full-blown performances. While a well-rehearsed first dance can be fun, it sometimes comes across as more of a talent show than a romantic moment. The worst offenders? Those awkward mashups that start with a slow dance before suddenly breaking into an over-the-top hip-hop routine. While it’s meant to surprise guests, it often feels forced and inauthentic. Not every couple needs to prove their dance skills on their wedding day.
Modern weddings tend to focus on natural, intimate first dances that actually feel personal. Some couples still opt for choreography, but it’s usually something simple and elegant rather than a full-on dance battle. The priority now is to enjoy the moment rather than stress about nailing a complex routine. A heartfelt, spontaneous dance often resonates more than a performance that feels rehearsed to death. Plus, after a long day of wedding chaos, most couples just want to sway and soak in the moment together.
7. Elaborate Reception Table Settings
Boomers were known for going all-out with reception table settings—think matching china, crystal glassware, and perfectly folded napkins. While it’s nice to have a beautifully decorated table, this trend has become less popular in recent years, especially as many couples opt for more laid-back, rustic settings. The excessive details, like tiny menu cards or place settings for every guest, can feel a bit too fussy today. Instead, couples are focusing on creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for their guests to enjoy.
Rather than setting up a highly detailed table for every individual, today’s weddings tend to use more casual and adaptable table decor, often using natural elements like wildflowers or greenery for a more organic feel. Less emphasis is placed on perfection, and more on creating a cozy, inclusive atmosphere. These days, brides and grooms are also experimenting with mismatched plates, modern flatware, and a variety of glassware, offering a fun, eclectic feel that’s more in line with today’s casual style. In fact, many couples skip formal seating altogether, opting for lounge areas and cocktail tables that encourage mingling and dancing. Gone are the days of stuffy dinner tables that leave guests feeling like they’re at a corporate event.
8. Bridal Party Dances to “The Chicken Dance”
At weddings of yesteryear, the bridal party was often required to perform a silly, synchronized dance for the guests. The “Chicken Dance” was a classic—everyone flapping their arms and doing the silly movements as if they were in an elementary school talent show. As fun as it may have seemed at the time, it quickly became one of those moments guests wanted to forget. Today, wedding guests expect the dance floor to be full of fun, upbeat songs, but not choreographed routines that make everyone cringe.
Instead of the chicken dance, modern couples are more likely to get the party started with a fun, crowd-pleasing song that encourages everyone to hit the floor and let loose. The focus has shifted to songs that bring out spontaneous dancing and make everyone feel included. Brides and grooms no longer force the wedding party to take center stage and perform a dated routine. Today, weddings are more about good vibes and having fun, rather than executing awkward, over-rehearsed performances for an audience. Guests can enjoy themselves without feeling like they’re watching a talent show.
9. Big, Overly Ornate Wedding Invitations
In the past, wedding invitations were meant to make a statement, with heavy, ornate designs and layers of intricate details. While the intention behind them was to impress, they often became more about showing off wealth or social status than delivering a simple message. Today’s couples are gravitating toward more modern, minimalist invitations that convey elegance without being too flashy.
Wedding invitations now reflect the personality and style of the couple rather than adhering to some set of societal expectations. Instead of heavy embossing or gilded edges, couples prefer clean fonts, simple designs, and personal touches like hand-written notes or creative illustrations. The days of sending out bulky, over-the-top invitations are gone, as many couples opt for more eco-friendly options, such as digital invitations, or paperless cards that still convey the same heartfelt sentiment. The focus is now on the experience, and invitations are simply a preview of the more laid-back and intimate vibe that today’s weddings embrace.
10. Overly Dramatic Bridal Showers
While bridal showers are still a thing, the excessive, over-the-top ones that boomers favored seem like a thing of the past. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, some bridal showers resembled full-blown parties, complete with game after game and over-the-top decorations. Think of the endless ribboned gifts and the bizarre “toilet paper wedding dress” contests that left everyone cringing. Today’s bridal showers are much more relaxed and focused on what matters most: spending time with close friends and family.
Rather than feeling pressured to have an all-out event with a formal lunch and games, many brides now opt for casual get-togethers, like brunches or afternoon tea. These gatherings focus on laughter, love, and personal connections, rather than cheesy party games or embarrassing gift-opening rituals. In some cases, the event might even be a weekend getaway, where everyone can bond without the need for elaborate decor or forced games. Bridal showers today are more about creating memories than checking off boxes on an old-fashioned party planning list.
11. Formal, Overly Long Wedding Ceremonies
Boomer weddings were notorious for their long, formal ceremonies that followed a rigid script. From lengthy religious readings to extended vows and ceremonial rites, some weddings felt like they lasted longer than the reception itself. While many couples today still enjoy some level of tradition, the ceremony is often shortened to focus on what really matters: the couple’s vows and personal reflections.
Today’s couples are taking a more personalized approach to their wedding ceremonies, including meaningful traditions that reflect their beliefs and values without dragging things out unnecessarily. Instead of having a 45-minute religious ceremony that might not feel relevant to everyone in attendance, modern weddings focus on shorter, more intimate moments that still honor family traditions but in a more inclusive way. Brides and grooms are opting for personalized vows or unique rituals that resonate with them. The key is to keep the ceremony meaningful, heartfelt, and—most importantly—shorter, so that everyone is ready for the real fun to begin.
12. Wedding Favors No One Wants
Boomers loved to send guests home with wedding favors—often something like tiny trinkets, keychains, or cheap candles that no one ever asked for. The problem was that many of these items were useless, taking up space on a shelf or in a drawer for years to come. Today’s couples are shifting away from this outdated tradition in favor of more meaningful or eco-friendly gifts—or better yet, no gifts at all.
Instead of cluttering guests’ homes with useless knick-knacks, many couples opt for donations to charity in lieu of traditional favors. Others go for something experiential, like photo booths or custom drink stations that guests can enjoy during the reception. If a gift is given, it’s often something consumable like locally made treats or drinks that guests can enjoy right away. The trend is all about being mindful of the environment and the guest experience, rather than following outdated practices that result in unnecessary waste.
13. The “Money Dance”
Ah, the infamous “money dance”—a tradition where guests pin money onto the bride and groom, often to fund their honeymoon or new life together. While it’s still practiced in some cultures, it’s generally considered tacky today. The idea of parading around with dollar bills stuck to your wedding dress feels outdated, especially as many couples today prefer more personal, thoughtful gifts.
With more couples opting for wedding registries or cash funds, there’s no need for a literal dance with money pinned to you. Guests now know that they can contribute to the couple’s future without making them feel uncomfortable by handing over cash in a public setting. The focus has shifted toward experiences or contributions to shared dreams, rather than sticking cash on a wedding dress for the sake of a quick photo op. Couples today understand that their love story doesn’t need to be funded by a weird, forced tradition. Instead, they’re finding ways to celebrate with authenticity and class.