Your Guide to American Wedding Traditions & Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Planning a wedding in Lake Tahoe? It’s the perfect opportunity to honor cherished common wedding traditions while embracing sustainable practices. Whether you’re looking to keep certain traditions, reimagine them, or swap them for eco-friendly alternatives, we’ve got you covered. Dive into this guide for a fresh take on popular American wedding traditions and creative ways to make your Lake Tahoe wedding both memorable and environmentally conscious.

8 American Wedding Traditions & Unique and Eco-Friendly Alternatives

The United States is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in the many unique wedding traditions that have evolved over time. Below, we explore some of the most beloved American wedding traditions, along with ideas to revamp or replace them with eco-friendly options. Remember, these traditions are yours to interpret — make them meaningful for you and your partner!

1. Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

This is one of the most well-known American wedding traditions, and it’s all about symbolism. Each item represents something special: “old” connects to your past, “new” looks ahead to your future, “borrowed” brings borrowed happiness, and “blue” stands for love and fidelity. It’s a sweet way to weave a little extra meaning into your wedding day.

• Ditch It: Skip the tradition altogether and wear whatever feels right for you.

• Revamp It: Get both partners involved! Whether you’re a bride or groom, you can embrace this tradition together.

• Make It Eco-Friendly: Use an heirloom for “something old,” shop sustainably for “something new,” borrow an item you already love, and incorporate “something blue” into your wedding details — like a blue ribbon, flowers, or embroidery.

2. The Wedding Party

The wedding party is a hallmark of American wedding traditions, with bridesmaids and groomsmen standing by the couple’s side during the ceremony. Historically, the wedding party was meant to protect the bride and groom from evil spirits, but today it’s more about celebrating with your closest friends and family.

• Ditch It: If the idea of coordinating a big group stresses you out, skip it! You and your partner can stand at the altar solo and still have a magical day.

• Revamp It: Who says your wedding party has to follow tradition? Mix up the gender roles, include your best friends regardless of gender, or even have a “party of honor” instead of a traditional lineup.

• Make It Eco-Friendly: Let your wedding party wear outfits they already own, or rent something fabulous. If you want a cohesive look, ask them to choose attire in your wedding colors that they’ll actually wear again.

3. The Father-Daughter Dance

This can be one of the most emotional moments in many American weddings. Traditionally, it’s a way for the bride and her father to share a special moment together, often set to a meaningful song. It’s a beautiful tradition, but it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay!

• Ditch It: If you don’t have a close relationship with your dad or this tradition doesn’t resonate with you, feel free to skip it.

• Revamp It: Make it your own! Dance with someone else who’s important to you — your mom, sibling, grandparent, or even your best friend. Grooms can join in on this tradition, too!

• Make It Eco-Friendly: Book a local band or DJ to reduce travel emissions and support the Lake Tahoe community. Bonus points if they’re committed to sustainable practices!

4. The First Dance

The first dance is one of those magical moments when the newlyweds share a romantic spotlight. It’s often seen as a symbol of their love and commitment, and some couples even go all out with choreographed routines. But let’s be real… if the idea of everyone staring at you while you sway (or stumble) makes you cringe, you’re not alone.

• Ditch It: If the thought of being the center of attention makes you break out in a cold sweat, skip it! Instead, you can kick off the dancing with a group number or just let the DJ get the party started.

• Revamp It: Love the idea but want to make it less nerve-wracking? Invite other couples to join you on the dance floor. You could even turn it into a multi-generational moment by asking your parents or grandparents to share the first dance with you. It’s a sweet way to honor lasting love while taking some of the pressure off.

• Make It Eco-Friendly: Dancing is naturally sustainable — no waste, no emissions, just good vibes! But if you want to go the extra mile, hire a local band or DJ to reduce travel emissions. Bonus points if they’re committed to eco-friendly practices!

5. The Bouquet Toss

The bouquet toss is one of those American wedding traditions that’s all about fun and a little bit of friendly competition. The bride tosses her bouquet to a group of single women, and whoever catches it is said to be the next to marry. It’s a lighthearted moment, but not everyone loves the idea of diving for flowers in a fancy dress.

• Ditch It: If the bouquet toss feels outdated or just not your style, skip it! Keep your bouquet as a keepsake, or give it to someone special, like your mom or grandma. Your single friends will find other ways to predict their futures, we promise.

• Revamp It: Want to keep the tradition but make it your own? Toss a single flower instead of the whole bouquet, or have your florist create a smaller bouquet just for the toss. You could also replace the toss with something more inclusive, like an “Anniversary Dance,” where couples who’ve been married the longest take the spotlight.

• Make It Eco-Friendly: There are so many ways to make this tradition greener! Use dried or silk flowers for the toss, repurpose a centerpiece bouquet, or borrow a bridesmaid’s bouquet (there’s always one left on a cocktail table). Or, think outside the box and toss something reusable, like a small potted plant or a fun keepsake.

6. The Cake Cutting

Cutting the wedding cake is one of the first things newlyweds do together, symbolizing their unity and partnership. It’s a sweet tradition (literally), but not everyone eats cake, and a lot of it ends up going to waste.

• Ditch It: If you’re not into the whole cake-cutting thing, skip it! You can still have dessert, of course — just enjoy it with your guests without the formalities.

• Revamp It: Love the idea but want to make it more “you?” Swap the cake for a treat that feels more personal. Are you ice cream lovers? Scoop your favorite flavors together. Obsessed with s’mores? Roast one over a fire pit and share a gooey bite. The options are endless!

• Make It Eco-Friendly: If you want to stick with cake but minimize waste, order a small one just for the cutting moment. Then, offer your guests a variety of desserts they’ll actually eat. Think cookies, cupcakes, or even a donut wall. And don’t forget to donate any leftovers to a local shelter or food bank!

7. The Wedding Gifts

Gift registries are a staple of American wedding traditions, helping couples start their new lives together with items they’ll need for their home. However, most couples these days already have the basics. That’s why modern registries have evolved to include everything from cash funds to charitable donations.

• Ditch It: If you don’t need or want gifts, skip the registry altogether. Some guests may still bring something, but that’s okay. It’s the thought that counts!

• Revamp It: Not into physical gifts? Create a cash-only registry or set up a honeymoon fund. You could also ask guests to donate to a cause you care about, like an environmental organization or a local charity. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate your love while giving back.

• Make It Eco-Friendly: Register with sustainable brands or eco-friendly stores, and focus on items that are high-quality and built to last. Or, skip the “stuff” altogether and ask for experiences, like cooking classes, concert tickets, or travel adventures.

8. The Send-Off

The send-off is a fun way to wrap up your wedding celebration, with guests often showering the couple with rice, birdseed, or confetti as they leave. It’s a great photo op and a symbolic way to wish the newlyweds good luck. But cleaning up all that rice or confetti isn’t exactly eco-friendly.

• Ditch It: If the send-off doesn’t feel like your thing, skip it! You can quietly exit your celebration and head off into the night with your new spouse. (Pro tip: Most send-offs are staged for photos anyway, so you’re not missing much.)

• Revamp It: Love the idea but want to avoid the mess? Ask your guests to cheer, wave sparklers, or clap as you leave. You could also hand out ribbon wands or glow sticks for a fun, mess-free alternative.

• Make It Eco-Friendly: If you’re set on a toss, go for biodegradable options like dried flowers, lavender, or herbs. Bubbles are another great choice because they’re fun, photogenic, and leave no trace behind.

Plan Your Eco-Friendly Lake Tahoe Wedding with Epic Thyme Events

Dreaming of a wedding that’s as kind to the planet as it is beautiful? At Epic Thyme Events, we specialize in helping couples create stunning, sustainable celebrations that honor both their love story and the environment. Whether you’re looking to incorporate common wedding traditions or reimagine them with an eco-friendly twist, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We understand that planning a green wedding can feel overwhelming. There are so many details to consider! But don’t worry, that’s where we come in. From choosing eco-friendly vendors to selecting sustainable materials and even offsetting your carbon footprint, we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you plan the perfect eco-friendly Lake Tahoe wedding!