Traditions have evolved during the past 25 or more years since your parents walked down the aisle. Here's a look at some of the changes that indicate how your own upcoming wedding will be different from Mom's and Dad's.

Strapless wedding gowns were never worn, especially in a house of worship.

The bride wore white pantyhose with her white pump shoes.

Bridesmaids wore identical bridesmaid gowns.

It was considered socially incorrect for guests wearing black to attend a wedding.

While your bouquet will probably be hand tied with ribbon, Mom would have carried a large cascade bouquet with the flowers stuck into foam and carried with a plastic handle.
Bouquet preservation didn't happen back then, so the bride had no reason for a throw bouquet. Instead she threw the real one to some lucky gal.

Wedding favors were limited to matchbooks imprinted with the couple's names and wedding date, small amounts of mints or Jordan almonds wrapped in netting or tulle. Today there is far more variety. A new idea is the candy buffet, where guests can fill small drawstring bags from a display of anything sweet, from sourballs to hot gummy worms or personalized M&Ms with the couple's picture on them.

Save the Date cards and magnets were not here yet, so word of mouth or an engagement announcement in the newspaper were the ways news was spread.

Invitations were on flat white or ivory cards with black ink. Colored paper, ink or pockets were unheard of.

Your parents' cake was probably a round white cake with pillars separating the layers. There would have been a small bride and groom on the top. Yours can be any flavor, color or shape you want.

Dad and his groomsmen wore bow ties with their tuxedos and cummerbunds instead of vests.

The album your parents received after the wedding had slots for the pictures to be inserted. Yours will have the pictures printed right onto the pages.

Your mother may have walked down an aisle with a white aisle runner, but you and your groom can walk a path strewn with rose petals.

Bridal registries for your Mom were at department stores in the china department. She and the groom could register for china, silverware and linens. Today couples buying a home can register at just about any store and request anything from drywall to bug zappers.

While you may feature a signature cocktail at your reception, the idea was never thought of back in Mom and Dad's day. They would have chosen to serve champagne, wine and beer, or have an open bar.

While bachelor parties have been around for ages, bachelorette parties are new to the scene. Your Mom would have had a (girls-only) shower and a bridal luncheon for her bridesmaids, mother and future mother in law.

Disposable cameras may have been on the tables in Dad and Mom's day, but there was never a photo booth or any entertainment other than good food, visiting and dancing.

While Mom and Dad were limited to a guest book for guests to sign, you can have a signature portrait to display in your home.
Alice Goetschel is a professional wedding and event coordinator; 270-9448

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