Couples Incorporate Family Traditions into Weddings

From cultural rituals to heirloom cakes, couples find meaningful ways to honor their heritage on their big day.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Couples are finding creative ways to incorporate their family's cultural traditions and heirlooms into their wedding ceremonies and receptions. From draping a prayer shawl over the couple to serving a beloved family cake recipe, these personal touches help make the day feel more meaningful and connected to the couple's history.

Why it matters

In an era where many weddings can feel generic or impersonal, adding family traditions and mementos allows couples to make their wedding day a truly unique celebration that reflects their identity and values. These gestures also help couples feel closer to loved ones, even those who may have passed away, and build a stronger sense of community and belonging among wedding guests.

The details

Couples have found many ways to incorporate family traditions, including: draping a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit) over the couple during the ceremony, serving a special cake recipe from a beloved family member, incorporating family heirlooms like brooches and lockets into the wedding flowers, and leading guests in a traditional cultural dance like the Italian Tarantella. One bride even wore part of her late grandmother's vintage wedding dress as a second dress during the reception.

  • Elyse Goldman's wedding took place in November at the River Café in Brooklyn.
  • Heather Shaw and Lilly Jean Coiner got married on New Year's Eve.
  • Arianna Sorrento Callahan's wedding with 225 guests was at the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, NJ.
  • Morgan Kilmer's fall wedding was last year.

The players

Zoe Bird Krauss

A New York City bridal stylist.

Elyse Goldman

A 37-year-old bride who had her father drape a tallit (prayer shawl) around her and her partner during their wedding ceremony.

Heather Shaw

A stand-up comedian who got married to Lilly Jean Coiner.

Lilly Jean Coiner

Heather Shaw's wife, who had a vegan chocolate cake made by her Aunt Val served at their wedding.

Megan Hevenor

The owner of Field Floral Studio in Portland, Maine, who advises couples on incorporating family mementos into wedding flowers and decor.

Arianna Sorrento Callahan

A bride who led her guests in performing the traditional Italian Tarantella dance at her wedding reception.

Morgan Kilmer

A bride who wore part of her late grandmother's vintage wedding dress as a second dress during her reception.

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What they’re saying

“Weddings can feel a little anonymous at times. This is one way to make the day even more special — and personal.”

— Zoe Bird Krauss, New York City bridal stylist (nypost.com)

“The Jewish prayer shawl is one of the most meaningful and iconic objects — it's a symbol of continuity and change. It was a forever reminder of my beloved father and the new home my husband will build together.”

— Elyse Goldman (nypost.com)

“Aunt Val made this cake and 10 years later people still talk about how good it was — they don't talk about the whole hog!”

— Lilly Jean Coiner (nypost.com)

“It was incredible to see all our guests on the dance floor joining in. Even now, my friends tell me it was one of their favorite moments from the wedding.”

— Arianna Sorrento Callahan (nypost.com)

“Something sparked in me at that moment. I was so close to my grandma, and I knew wearing part of her dress would help me feel connected to her.”

— Morgan Kilmer (nypost.com)

The takeaway

Incorporating family traditions and heirlooms into weddings allows couples to create a deeply personal and meaningful celebration that reflects their identity and values. These gestures help couples feel connected to their heritage and loved ones, even those who have passed away, while also building a stronger sense of community and belonging among wedding guests.