Last Updated on October 18, 2021 by Guillermina
Today, we’re going to be looking at alternatives to you may kiss the bride. It’s a classic phrase that you’ll hear at almost every wedding – but it seems almost outdated now! While some couples may opt to have the traditional phrase, it’s completely understandable if you don’t.
The phrase doesn’t take gay male couples into consideration, or non-binary couples. Or even couples that simply don’t want to stick to tradition or you may not even be a big lover of PDA and want to avoid the kiss altogether! However you identify as a couple, your day should feel as natural and tailor-made to you both as possible. So do whatever you feel comfortable with – no matter what tradition says! Let’s look at some other phrases you can use for your big day.
What Alternatives are There to You May Kiss the Bride?
Depending on where you’re having your wedding, you can change the wording to almost anything you’d like (as long as it’s respectful!). If you’re already written your own vows, or know your officiant, this will make the process a lot easier, but most venues will be happy to oblige to any personal requests you make.
1. “Your New Journey Together Has Now Begun”
Whether you’re wanting to have the traditional kiss at the end of the ceremony or not, this is a great option. You can share a kiss, a cuddle, or even turn to your wedding guests and cheer! This wording is the perfect way to symbolize the new path you have chosen to take together and is a very touching way of wording it.
The pressure to kiss is also alleviated so whether you aren’t a fan of PDA or are simply more reserved about kissing, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to.
2. “We Can Now Toast to the New Couple”
A trend that is becoming increasingly popular is having a drink at the end of the ceremony. Not only is the moment most definitely worthy of a toast, but it’s also a huge relief when the ceremony is over, so a small break to relax and celebrate the moment may be what you need.
Again, it takes away any pressure to kiss and instead lets all of your guests celebrate you both, and your new journey together – whilst enjoying a drink!
3. “Think Now’s the Time For That Kiss”
If you do still want to incorporate the kiss, but want the traditional wording taken away, this is a great choice. What’s great about this one is that it’s funny, will make your guests laugh – and instantly relax you and your partner. Once those words have been said, you’ll also know it’s the end of the ceremony. Some couples worry they may not know when it’s over!
4. “Let’s Applaud Your New Marriage”
Clapping has always been the best way to celebrate any huge moments in your life – graduation, awards, so why not your wedding? It’s a moment that should be celebrated and will be something fun for your guests to do. It can even lead on to clapping along to your exit music. If you’re looking for cheesy for your wedding, this may be the best option for you!
5. You May Now Kiss Your New Lifelong Partner
If you still want your ceremony to be as traditional as possible, but you aren’t a “bride/groom”, this is a good choice. It’s as close to the classic line as it can be, while giving it the modern aspect it certainly needs. I think You May Now Kiss the Bride is not a very progressive statement to still be the “norm” at the end of the ceremony.
6. Nothing at All
While this may seem like a strange choice, it’s one of the most popular choices. Be sure to ask your officiant beforehand at which point the ceremony ends, so you know when to make your exit. If you’re choosing this way, it may be best to share a kiss. But you certainly don’t have to! You could even turn to your guests and say, “we did it!” or anything of your choosing to mark the end of your ceremony.
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You May Kiss the Bride Alternatives
If you’re looking for a range of funny alternatives, or want to see what other couples used on their big day, The Knot has some great forums in which other couples have shared their choices. Some of their choices include:
- You may seal this union with a kiss
- “Name” and “Name” – you may now kiss each other
- You may now seal your promise with a kiss
- You may now take your partner’s hand (a good way to avoid the public kiss!)
- Seal the deal so we can start the reception
- “Go on and kiss the girl” (in the style of The Little Mermaid)
Conclusion
And now comes to the end of our alternatives. How to kiss the bride/groom is completely down to you (if you decide to kiss). It can be a peck, or dipped kiss to display your love to all of your wedding guests. “Kiss the Bride” weddings may be old school, but if it feels right for you, do it!
The most important point to remember about your wedding day is that it’s yours. If you want the world to know you’re in love with a movie-worthy kiss – go for it! If you want to knock back a glass of champagne to calm your nerves – do it! If you want to walk down the aisle holding hands – do it!
Whatever you decide to do or say, your guests will just be happy to be sharing one of the most important days of your life with you. What are you using for your wedding day? Or if you’re already married – what did you use? Please feel free to leave any answers in the comments below. You may be helping out future couples with their own wedding.
Read more about Alternatives To You May Kiss The Bride