Bride shares 8 'controversial' things she did on her wedding day to buck traditional norms

Weddings these days tend to follow the same formula. From the rehearsal dinner and speeches, to the wedding ceremony and reception, these special days can feel monotonous. But one bride and groom chose to make the day truly 'theirs' with some controversial choices. Content creator Alex Hazen and her husband Matt decided to do things different during their wedding.

In a recent Instagram post, Hazen decided shared to share "'controversial' things my husband and I did on our wedding day," adding in the post's caption, "moral of the story is to do what’s best for YOU & your marriage - I promise you won’t regret it 🍰."

Hazen went on to share 8 things in a carousel of photos that the couple chose to do to make their wedding day truly unique to their relationship–and to encourage others to do the same for their special day.

1. No extended family
"We did our immediate family & our closest friends. My husband has a large family & most we only see on holidays. We wanted a super intimate group of the people that we see on a regular basis. People we wouldn't have to 'catch up with'," she wrote.

2. Kids WERE allowed
"Because the wedding was so small, we already know & love all our best friends kids. We didn't expect them to travel without them & wanted them there. It was up to the parents though if they wanted the night off!!", she shared.

3. Bridesmaids and groomsmen walked differently
"Bridesmaids walked down the aisle with bridesmaids & groomsmen with groomsmen. They were paired with a friend they knew & we loved it!!!" she explained.

baile dancing GIFGiphy

4. Bridal party speech opportunities
"We gave everyone in our bridal party the chance to give a speech throughout the wedding weekend. We asked who wanted to & assigned them a night so it was all evenly distributed throughout the weekend!!" she wrote.

5. Multiple first looks
"I did first looks with my dad, brothers & grandparents. I wanted to have intentional time with each of them & remember those moments forever. I don't care how much it cut down on the traditional pictures or timeline," Hazen explained.

6. No hard alcohol
"We served beer & wine & Dr. Pepper of course. We don't drink much (I don't at all) so we didn't see a point in spending a ton of $ on something we don't value," she noted.

pick your pepper GIF by Dr PepperGiphy

7. Curated DJ playlists
"I made the DJ a 'must play' & 'do not play' playlist & everyone LOVED the dance floor. It was one of our most complimented items of the day!!" she shared.

Vibing Will Ferrell GIF by USC TrojansGiphy

8. First dances with both parents
"I did a first dance with my momma, as well. I feel like so much of the day honored my Dad & I wanted a moment dedicated just to her," she wrote.

And Hazen's followers love the originality of their wedding day. "& this is what it looks like when a couple prioritizes THEMSELVES on THEIR wedding day! 👏🏽," one commented. Another added, "9 years ago we also did no alcohol (I don’t drink really either) and it was still a party I feel like it’s totally the people who make it a party!!! Love this!!😍😍" And another shared, "Ohhhh I love all of these so much. What beautiful ways to honor YOUR MARRIAGE and your people you love in all the best ways."