Traditional wedding gowns and traditional white will always be a choice. That’s a tradition that’s just not going to disappear. And that’s okay. But choices now available for modern bride are welcome change, allowing those creative juices to flow, and one’s own personality to stand out.

The history of bridesmaids attire is quite interesting. In past centuries brides wore elaborate colorful gowns, and bridesmaids wore similar gowns. This was to disguise bride and protect her from being kidnapped by evil spirits. By Victorian era things had changed producing brides that wanted to stand out in crowd. Thus formal elaborate white wedding gown entered wedding fashion scene. However bridesmaids attire didn’t change, remaining bold and frilly.

Well this century bridesmaids have a lot more to say about what they wear. Not only have traditional dresses taken on a more sophisticated and elegant look. Many brides now let their bridesmaids choose their own dress based on chosen color scheme. All bridesmaids weren’t created equal. By allowing them to choose a dress that flatters them, you have happier bridesmaids and better photo ops.

Gowns and dresses worn by modern bridesmaid are often functional enough for other formal events and gatherings. A much smarter alternative to expensive gown that’s worn once then buried deep in closet never to be seen again. We all remember wearing one of those “awful” dresses at some point.

There are also no longer fast and set rules on how many bridesmaids you must have. The size of your wedding often relates to how many attendants, and these days choice is entirely up to you. Tradition has gone out window, a pleasing thought for many future brides. You can even have more than one maid of honor if you wish. The rules you must play by are your own rules.

I bet your wondering where idea of wedding gifts originated? You’ll have to travel back to time when men no longer bartered for their wives. With tradition of choosing your bride, also came tradition of friends and family bearing gifts. In those days articles were functional and useful additions to couple’s house, making their lives easier.

The Grecians were into presenting lush and lavish gifts. It was a big competition to see who could present most lavish gift. Brides and grooms were presented with precious jewelry, gold vases, magnificent clothing or furniture.

These days’ things have really changed. Wedding gift etiquette of past, simply does not work today. For couples who have been married before they already have all household toys, so what is one to buy? Even if a couple has not been married before, most have run their own households so they still have everything they need. Many couples request no gifts. Some will ask for cash gifts, so they can put funds towards a vacation, a house, or bigger ticket item. Is this okay? How big of wedding gift should one buy? It seems no matter what a person buys, they feel they’ve not spent enough, or bought wrong type of gift. Relax!! And go with modern day flow!