Modern vs. Traditional: Which style of ceremony is better for your wedding?

Mar 04, 2022

Opt for the trend or keep it old school? It's up to you!

groom putting giving his wife a ring


For many years, the traditional wedding took precedence over all others. However, this is slowly changing as more and more couples are opting for a modern twist on their special day. In recent decades, weddings have become less formal and much less expensive to plan — which is just one of the reasons why modern weddings are becoming increasingly popular with younger generations. Here are some pros and cons of traditional vs.
modern weddings to help you decide which type is right for you!


Traditional Weddings

The traditional wedding is a classic favorite, and it’s easy to see why. In the past, weddings were often extravagant affairs that could last all day or even multiple days. Guests would typically be invited to attend as many events as possible, from the rehearsal dinner the night before, to the after-party at the newlywed couple’s home.



Traditional weddings can be extremely expensive to pull off since many couples are expected to provide transportation and meals for all their guests, and accommodation for anyone coming from out of town. Practically speaking, traditional weddings can also be a lot of work for the bride and groom, who are expected to take on the majority of the event planning decisions themselves.


Traditional Weddings Pros:

●    Guests respect the significance of the ceremony and come prepared to be respectful.

●    Traditional weddings are full of family traditions and cultural significance that people love.

●    Traditional weddings are fairly straightforward to plan.


Traditional Weddings Cons:

●    Traditional weddings can be very expensive, especially if you want to have several events over multiple days.

●    A lot of time and effort are required on behalf of the bride and groom to pull off a traditional wedding successfully.

●    The planning process can be stressful due to its somewhat rigid nature.


groom kissing his bride on the forehead


Modern Weddings

In recent decades, weddings have become less formal and much less expensive to plan, which is why modern weddings are becoming increasingly popular. By opting for a more contemporary approach, couples can save time, money, and stress while still experiencing the same magical wedding day they’ve always dreamed about. Rather than having a specific set of cultural traditions to observe, the couple instead has the freedom to choose exactly how they would like to celebrate their nuptials.


Modern Weddings Pros:

●    They can be less expensive than traditional weddings since the decision to include or not include certain aspects is up to the couple as there are no preconceived expectations.

●    Modern weddings also allow you more flexibility when it comes to vendors and planning decisions since there are no official wedding rules to follow.

●    They also allow for more creativity in terms of planning any additional activities or events.


Modern Weddings Cons:

●    There are no official wedding norms recognized by all guests, which means some people may not understand what is expected of them.

●    If you’re not used to planning events, it can be challenging to know where to start.

●    If the families involved have traditional expectations, this could cause some discord.


As you can see, traditional and modern weddings each have their own pros and cons. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of wedding ceremony will suit your needs best. Let us know what type of wedding you prefer and why in the comments!


Are you looking for an officiant? You've come to the right place. Click here to get in touch with our well-respected, 5-star Google review officiant!


Cantor Daniel Pincus | NYC Wedding Officiant Blog

Save time, money, and effort by planning a minimalist wedding ceremony
By Novem Mari 07 Nov, 2023
Weddings are generally overwhelming with so many things to manage. But you can save on money, time, and be less stressed by preparing a minimalist wedding.
Learn the wedding trends for 2023 to apply and implement on your own wedding
By Novem Mari 01 Nov, 2023
With so many trends going on, it's a headache on top of planning your own wedding. Learn the wedding trends for 2023 to apply and implement on your own!
Keep memories to cherish with the power of wedding photography
By Novem Mari 26 Oct, 2023
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime moment that only lasts a day. Encapsulate the moment and make it last forever with the power of wedding photography!
Discover the ins and outs of what's to be expected when attending a Jewish wedding
By Novem Mari 20 Oct, 2023
Invited to your first Jewish wedding? Don't fret, here's all you need to know what to expect, the traditions, and the ceremony in a Jewish wedding!
Vows written in a piece of paper for the bride and groom on their wedding day
By Daniel Pincus 30 Sep, 2023
Sometimes, when writing your vows, it's so hard to find the words to express how you feel towards your partner. Here are tips from professionals to help you!
Bride and groom sharing a kiss while a drone films their moment
By Daniel Pincus 24 Sep, 2023
Technology has played and is still playing an important part in making our lives easier and more efficient. Why not make use of its advantages in your wedding?
Show More
Share by: