• Being given away - Jess doesn't like what this represents. It suggests that responsibility for her well-being is being passed from her father to her husband. What about Andrew? Who is looking after him? Jess walked the first half of the aisle by herself (She had to make an entrance!). Jess then met Andrew and they walked the rest of the way together. Andrew and Jess, entering their marriage, together as equals.
• Speeches - Traditionally, the father of the groom, father of the bride, the best man and the groom will make a toast at the wedding. Jess has never agreed with this. Apparently women have to rely on men to speak on their behalf. We asked both the mother and the father of the bride, the best man, and Jess's best friend, Davina to make toasts. Of course, Jess also got up with Andrew to make a speech. You aren't going to keep Jess quiet!
• Throwing the bouquet - decided to skip this one, not only to avoid the embarrassment factor for the poor girls who are made to get up and catch the bouquet, but also because it was going to cost us $50 for a "throwing bouquet".
• Removing and throwing the garter - can we say "yuk". Definitely didn't do this one.

• Wearing a white(ish) bridal gown - Every little girl dreams about wearing a fluffy, white, princess dress on their wedding day. Just ask my cousin Emily. I toyed with the idea of wearing a red dress but then thought I might regret it later on.
• Taking my husband's last name - Ok, so maybe I don't exactly like this one. Andrew wanted me to take his name and so I have. Makes for less confusion anyway.

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