Wedding traditions evolve for the 21st century

Wedding etiquette is evolving and couples no longer need adhere strictly to age-old wedlock traditions, states Elise Mac Adam in her new book.

Entitled 'Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists and Everyone in Between', the newly released title attempts to shatter a number of illusions about marriage ceremonies.

"There is a lot of confusion about what is required in a wedding and what isn't," the author told the NY Daily News.

"It's important to keep in mind what is required, what you want and how to get a balance of both."

One of the new twists on an old tradition is the relaxation of the unwritten rule that bridesmaids and groomsmen should all wear the same outfit. Ms Adam suggests thematic dressing instead, whereby the bridesmaids wear what they want - provided its blue - and the gents are asked to wear the same colour tie.

Another revelation shortly after leap day is that proposals need not happen in one spontaneous moment, but can be an organic process.

The tradition of registering for essential household items as wedding gifts is also changing, as many guests are now invited to give whatever they see fit.

And funding the big day need not make a hole in just the bride's finances - Ms Adam notes that it is more commonly a group effort these days, with all parties splitting the costs.ADNFCR-1121-ID-18493359-ADNFCR

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