Your Wedding, Your Way – Embrace the Freedom to Make It Yours
September 2, 2025
From the team at J Costello Wedding Officiants
When it comes to weddings, traditions can be beautiful—but they’re not mandatory. Your wedding day is exactly that: yours. It should reflect your personality, your relationship, and the way you want to celebrate your love. At J Costello Wedding Officiants, we believe in breaking the mold when it no longer fits. Whether you want to skip the garter toss or have a flower dude dancing down the aisle, we say go for it.
Here’s your permission slip to throw out the rule book and plan a wedding that feels true to you:
💐 Have a Flower Dude
Who says flower petals can only be tossed by a tiny child in a tutu? Bring in your best friend, brother, or groomsman to strut down the aisle as your Flower Dude—fanny pack, dance moves, and all. It’s fun, unexpected, and will have everyone smiling before the ceremony even begins. Or, one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen – the Flower Gram! The couples’ grandmas scattering rose petals down the aisle.
📵 Go Unplugged
Consider asking guests to put away their phones and be fully present for your vows. An unplugged ceremony helps maintain an intimate, distraction-free atmosphere—and allows your photographer to capture your moments without a sea of screens in the way. Don’t get me started on the hot pink iPad – ugh!
👶 Skip the Kids (If You Want)
Not every wedding is meant to be a family affair, and that’s okay. If a kid-free celebration gives you peace of mind, go for it. Just communicate kindly and clearly so guests can make arrangements in advance.
🩰 Ditch the Garter & Bouquet Toss
These traditions aren’t for everyone. If they feel outdated or uncomfortable to you, skip them! Replace them with a fun group dance, late-night snack, or simply spend more time on the dance floor. A new tradition we’ve seen is handing off the bouquet to your mom as a thank you – So. Sweet.
🎶 Play What You Love
Walk down the aisle to an acoustic cover of your favorite rock song. Share your first dance to a track from your favorite video game or movie. Your soundtrack should make you feel something—not just check a box.
Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple—not a checklist of what’s “supposed” to happen. Whether it’s a traditional affair or totally outside the box, the best ceremonies are the ones that feel authentic. And we’re here to help you create just that.
So break the rules. Start new traditions. Make memories your way.
Because at J Costello Wedding Officiants, we believe the best weddings are the ones that are unapologetically you!
