Wedding traditions deserve to be interrogated, especially by women. Predicated on the idea that we'd be virginal teenage brides in search of a man to take care of us fiscally, but probably not emotionally, the symbolism of many of the original rituals probably doesn't hold up these days. The white dress as a symbol of sexual purity, for example, or the father 'giving' another man the gift of his daughter (connotations of property) and all that 'love, cherish and obey' nonsense, all feel pretty irrelevant in a 2019 context.
Which is why it's not surprising to see that the results of the annual weddings study, carried out by American Express, reflect our move away from many of the traditional staples of a weddings ceremony.
For example, only 36 per cent of people surveyed think that the father of the bride walking the bride down the aisle is still an integral part of the wedding service. And in the 18-34 age category, this number reduces to just 23 per cent.
Similarly, only 26 per cent of us now believe that the bride should wear a white dress.
Even more interestingly, only 10 per cent of the people surveyed think that a formal seating plan is important for the meal, the suggestion being that people actually prefer to have their guests mingle and a more informal food set-up is more sociable.
Controversially, 15 per cent of guests would not attend a wedding if their ‘plus one’ wasn’t also invited, and 12 per cent would not go if their children were not invited.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Best Bridal Shoes To Buy Now: 37 Of The Most Beautiful And Comfortable Wedding Shoes
Gucci Women's Horsebit mid-heel slide sandal
Jimmy Choo Women’s Shoes
Now 20% Off
The Row Cybil leather mules
Jimmy Choo Women’s Shoes
Jimmy Choo Heloise 120 patent leather platform sandals
There are several reasons why Jimmy Choo is such a popular choice for brides ahead of their big day. Not only are Choos comfortable, but they're always ahead of the bridal curve when it comes to designs, which is why we love this more unusual platform sandal style made of patent leather, rather than your traditional satin.
Malone Souliers Perla 70 White Embellished Heeled Sandals
We love Malone Souliers' bridal shoe collection, and have become obsessed with this square-toed sandal design. Created in collaboration with the Lebanese jewellers L'Atelier Nawbar, these white heels are made of 100% leather in Italy and feature semi-sheer mesh and a gold cosmic symbol, making them the perfect choice for a spring/summer weddings. They can also be dressed up with jeans and a blazer after the wedding, meaning they're a true investment.
Roger Vivier Flower Strass 100 satin pumps
Made from satin and decorated with a stunning crystal embellishment, we think these shoes are well worth the price tag for your special moment.
Neous Irena
Give us an organic crepe de chine and lace pair of kitten heels, handcrafted in Italy, and we're happy. We love Neous for several reasons, but these heels truly have us swooning. Style with a midi and veil, and you'll shine.
Tom Ford Padlock leather pumps
The gold lock chain and heel team perfectly with the simple white leather style and fabric of this shoe. We're in love.
AQUAZZURA Tequila 105 embellished leather sandals
We love these blush leather sandals with a buckle-fastening ankle strap. The heel measures approximately 4 inches, so you'll be able to add height without having discomfort on your wedding day.
Valentino One Stud embellished leather pumps
Whether you've opted for a super feminine off-the-shoulder gown or a modern mini from bride-favourite The Fall Bride, these off-white leather pumps won't go unnoticed. We're into the platinum-plated stud at the toe.
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi embellished satin pumps
These are one of the most coveted pairs of bridal shoes, which are made in Italy and decorated with a buckle. Sarah Jessica Parker famously wore a pair of the shoes in electric blue for her wedding to Mr Big in the Sex and The City film.
Manolo Blahnik Serba 70 bow-detailed suede pumps
Now 36% Off
White suede heels and a black velvet bow, anyone? These modern pumps can be worn on your wedding day and at every party to follow.
Aquazzura Gatsby 105 embellished slingback pumps
The 'Gatsby' is a fitting name for these retro heels, which feature a super thin heel and are embellished with crystal braids.
Jimmy Choo - £795.00 Aveline 100 bow-embellished grosgrain sandals
The 'Aveline' is one of the most popular wedding shoe styles on the market at the moment and feature oversized organza bows at the back and on the toes.
Miu Miu Metallic leather sandals
These shoes can be worn far beyond your wedding day. The Studio 54-esque sandals are made from buttery grained calf leather, finished with a twist at the front, and we fear if we bought them, we might not want to take them off.
From Miu Miu To Molly Goddard, 23 Modern Wedding Dresses For The Fashion Bride
