Generation Clash at the Altar: 18 Wedding Traditions Millennials Can’t Stand, but Boomers Stand By!

Millennials are more likely to value experiences over possessions, and traditional weddings can be expensive and wasteful. In addition, younger generations are more likely to be individualistic and independent, and traditional weddings can be seen as restrictive and conformist. We take a look at 18 Boomer traditions that millennials hate:

Traditional Wedding Attire

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Millennials are more likely to opt for more comfortable and stylish wedding attire than the traditional white dress and tuxedo. The same goes for guests, as many people ask that their guests be comfortable for a more relaxed affair.

The Garter Toss

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The garter toss is a tradition that dates back to the 14th century when it was seen as a way to bring good luck and fertility to the couple. However, many millennials see the garter toss objectifying women and promoting traditional gender roles. If a woman does want to wear a garter she usually keeps it on and will not show it in public.

The Bouquet Toss

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The bouquet toss typically involves the bride throwing her bouquet to a group of single female guests. This can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for both the bride and the guests, who may feel like they are being pressured to catch the bouquet.

The Wedding Cake

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The traditional wedding cake is often seen as too expensive and wasteful by millennials. Many Millennials prefer miniature cakes that guests can eat at the wedding ceremony.

The Open Bar

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The open bar is another tradition often seen as too expensive by millennials. Younger generations prefer to have a welcome drink and then ask guests to pay for it. Boomers had it good back in the day as alcohol was more affordable.

The Wedding Planner

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Some millennials may want more control over their wedding planning process and may not want to pay someone else to decide for them.

The Wedding Party

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Millennials are more likely to have a more intimate wedding party than boomers did, so long lines of bridesmaids and groomsmen are optional. Boomers were worried about leaving certain family members out, but nowadays, people are more assertive with their wedding choices.

The Bridesmaids’ Dresses

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Traditional bridesmaids’ dresses can be overly fancy and offer little room for moving when it comes to partying. Millennials are more likely to choose bridesmaids’ dresses that their bridesmaids choose alongside the bride to suit their personalities.

The Groomsmen’s Attire

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Traditional groom attire can be seen as outdated and stuffy by some millennials. Millennials are more likely to choose groomsmen’s attire that their groomsmen will want to wear.

The Wedding Vows

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Millennials are more likely to write their wedding vows than recite traditional ones. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking; some millennials may need more time to deliver their wedding vows to a large audience.

The First Dance

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Millennials are more likely to choose a first dance song that they like rather than a traditional song like “The Way You Look Tonight.” Others do not have a first dance and ask the whole wedding party to join them on the dancefloor instead.

The Father-Daughter Dance

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Millennials are more likely to choose a father-daughter dance song that they like rather than a traditional song that is too sweet and predictable.

The Mother-Son Dance

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The mother-daughter dance typically involves the bride and her mother dancing to a slow song while the rest of the wedding guests watch. This can be uncomfortable for some millennials, who may feel uncomfortable dancing in front of a large audience.

The Wedding Reception

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Traditional wedding receptions can be very formal and traditional, which may be to the taste of only some millennials. Millennials may prefer a casual dining experience like a cocktail reception or buffet.

The Wedding Favors

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Millennials are more likely to choose practical wedding favors than traditional favors like cake toppers or personalized napkins. Some Millennials skip the wedding favors altogether as they are a costly expense that is only sometimes practical.

The Wedding Gift Registry

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Millennials are more likely to register for gifts they need or want than traditional gifts like china and crystal. Gift registries can be seen as a way to tell guests what to buy you, and millennials may want to be seen as something other than materialistic.

The Honeymoon

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Millennials are more likely to choose a honeymoon that they want to go on rather than a traditional honeymoon destination like Hawaii. This can mean a staycation that doesn’t cost that much money or city breaks that are fun and exciting.

The Wedding Budget

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Millennials hate wedding budgets because they can be very expensive and stressful. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is over $30,000, and many millennials struggle to afford even a modest wedding. Millennials are more likely to have a smaller wedding budget than boomers do.

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