Something old, something new - and what if the old doesn't fit us anymore? Weddings are full of traditions that span generations, but today many couples prefer to go their own way. Do we really need a bride kidnapping? Do you have to say yes in a white dress? And what if we could say goodbye to the night with a more personal gesture instead of a money-spinner?
As the world changes, so does wedding culture. Today, more and more couples are daring to rethink their customs to make their wedding truly about them, reflecting their individuality and bringing real joy to them and their guests. But it's important to know what these traditions are all about.

White wedding dress - where does the tradition come from?

For most women getting married, it's obvious that they will wear a white dress to their wedding. Perhaps this is the tradition that people still widely adhere to today. But in the 1800s, women still got married in colourful, fancy dresses, until Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, wearing a white satin gown with lace and orange blossoms, which quickly became fashionable among women. White dresses at weddings symbolise purity, innocence and new beginnings. Today, it is worn mostly for elegance, but more and more women are moving away from this tradition.

It's especially popular these days with the remarried or alternative style set to go for colours, more casual fabrics and styles. The possibilities are endless, of course, if you want to make your outfit unique: pastel colours, elegant trouser suits or bohemian lace dresses can be great choices.

Wedding procession past and present

The wedding procession traditionally started from the groom's house, then went to the bride's house, and finally the bride and groom marched together to the church or to the registrar. This symbolized community support or families living together.
Nowadays this is often not possible, so the modern alternative has clearly emerged on its own, as the couple usually arrive together at the wedding venue. The wedding procession can be a walk with the guests after the ceremony or a car parade to the restaurant, which also strengthen the bond.

Bride abduction - a joke or a compulsion?

Originally, the bride was kidnapped by groomsmen or friends, and the groom had to pay some kind of "ransom". This symbolized the man's ability and the effort he had put into the marriage. Many people think it's a fun game, but the bride may not be happy to disappear from her own wedding for a while.
A modern alternative might be a joint treasure hunt, where the groom and the wedding party solve puzzles together. They might even make anything else disappear: the bride's ring, or the bride's bouquet or shoes, which the groom has to find.

Dance of the bridesmaid and money sweep

One of the best-known traditions of Hungarian weddings is the bride dance. The guests "dance" the bride for money, thus contributing to the beginning of their life together. This is often followed by a money sweep, which symbolises the couple's cooperation. Although many people still keep these traditions, more and more are looking for ways to make them more modern.
If this form of fundraising is not appealing, you can also collect good wishes and money in an elegant box or bushel - these gifts can be placed in a sealed envelope with or without the name of the guests. There's also a solution to the bride's stage fright, as the newlyweds can invite the whole wedding party to join in for a song.