Today’s brides and grooms are an interesting mix. Perhaps more than anything else, this generation wants to trail blaze their own way. They’re doing things differently and it’s getting noticed. Despite the departure from the ordinary, millennials are willing to keep certain traditions alive. From DIY weddings to hiring friends as photographers, here are five traditions and the way modern couples are rearranging them. The Tradition: RingsThe Transition: Silicone Rings Today’s couples are over pricey wedding bands. The old three month’s salary as a guideline for how much to spend on an engagement ring is antiquated. We love this transition, as the commitment should never have been about the price tag anyway. So, how are millennials keeping the tradition but putting their own twist on it? With value-rich silicone rings. Ahem – check out our Forever Collection. It’s the perfect example of form meeting function, proving beautiful doesn’t have to mean expensive. The Tradition: World Class PhotographersThe Transition: Friends as Photographers When mom and dad got hitched, they very likely paid a lot of money for someone to take very posed photos of them looking pretty uncomfortable. It’s a rite of passage, right? Today’s couples are more informed. The transition is moving away from staged, stuffy photographs and into informal, candid moments. The perfect way to do this is to hire your friend as your photographer. After all, you’re likely very well versed with their work, after following them on Instagram for years. The price is right, and friends know your best angles without prompting. The photos turn out beautifully elegant and intimate. The Tradition: Extravagant VenuesThe Transition: Backyard Weddings Once upon a time, there were entire television shows dedicated to the high price tags and intense locations of dream weddings. We’re so happy those days are behind us. Today’s couple understands that it’s more about the marriage than the wedding day, and are opting for more budget-friendly venue locations. A favorite is your own backyard. It’s sentimental and personal. And free. The Tradition: Pricey Plated DinnersThe Transition: Self Chef Catering The guest list used to be managed, in part, by the price of dinner. The balance became more friends … or better food. Desperate to find the balance, many couples are introducing DIY dinner stations, where guests can build their own plates. It allows for bulk ingredient purchasing and a greater degree of plate customization. Plus, it’s downright fun. The Tradition: Two-week HoneymoonThe Transition: Mini-Moons The honeymoon tradition started as a way to send a couple away so that they could focus on starting a family. Since most couples aren’t shooting for instant pregnancy anymore, the idea of an extended honeymoon is somewhat outdated. It’s still fun, sure, but it’s also very expensive. Instead, today’s newlyweds are opting to take a “mini-moon,” now and a full honeymoon in five to ten years. Mini-moons are a short trip, usually much closer to home, this allows the couple to pay off school debt, save for a house, or make other more fiscally responsible choices.