Photo Credit: Lemon Lime Photo

When you first start your wedding planning it seems like everyone and every site has different “rules” for you to follow. That’s why we were so happy when Anja Winikka of TheKnot.com sent over this guest post about which rules she thinks it’s totally ok to break.

Yes, it’s true there are a lot of traditions when it comes to weddings, but things have changed too. Here it is in black and white — those formally set-in-stone rules that just don’t hold up anymore (despite what the ‘rents say).

1. Old School Rule: You must invite everyone with a guest.

New Rule If they’ll know others, skip the plus-one. It’s still polite (and very appreciated!) to invite guests’ significant others, but if you’re inviting a group of coworkers, for instance, and two or more of them are single, they should have no problem attending solo.

2. Old School Rule: Your registry should consist entirely of housewares for your new home.

New Rule You can register for anything from honeymoon hotel accommodations to skiing equipment. Guess what, Grandma? Lots of couples live together before they get married and may have all of the towels and blenders they’ll ever want.

3. Old School Rule: You must wear a white gown.

New Rule Sure, most brides go the white or ivory route, but for your wedding day attire, anything goes: from a cute cherry red flapper dress to a silver, slinky sheath to a (gasp!) black pantsuit. As long as you feel fabulous in your outfit, it can be any color or style. You can even skip the veil!

4. Old School Rule: The first time you see your groom on your wedding day should be at your ceremony.

New Rule We promise that it’s not bad luck if your fiancé catches a glimpse of you in your gown on the wedding day (or even before it, but why not surprise him if you both can hold out?). Photographers are happy to capture the moment you first see each other before the ceremony, so take photos then. That way, you don’t have to miss your cocktail hour.

5. Old School Rule: You have to leave for your honeymoon right after your reception.

New Rule Heading straight to your honeymoon sounds romantic, but it can be a logistical nightmare. When you take a honeymoon is entirely up to you two (and maybe your boss a little bit). No matter if you leave the day after or the year after, it’ll still be the wonderful, well-deserved vacation you always imagined it’d