Though the concept of marriage has been around for quite a while, the traditions and customs surrounding the act have changed thousands of times over. In fact, couples nowadays are approaching marriage in a very different way than their parents did. From uncertain economic futures to unprecedented global events, there are plenty of forces dictating the current decisions being made in relation to weddings. While these trends are likely to change again, there are some interesting ways modern couples are changing weddings today.  

Marry Now, Party Later

For many people, a wedding is a one-and-done affair. Both the ceremony and the reception take place on the same day. This allows family and friends to come together to witness the solemn occasion and party in celebration. However, weddings have become increasingly more expensive over the last decade or so. Some studies report that a couple could make a sizable down payment on a first home for what they spend on their wedding. Since inflation has caused prices to rise without an increase in national income averages, many couples can’t afford wedding costs.

One way that modern couples are changing weddings in recent years is tying the knot in a very private ceremony. This could be a formal ceremony with some family members or a quick trip to city hall with a witness. Regardless, the idea is to marry in an official sense as soon as possible. The reception is then held at a time in the future when the couple can afford better afford the costs of a big party. 

Less Is More

The spread of the novel coronavirus in 2020 was a global event that no one could have predicted. Though the pandemic has slowed in many respects, the lasting ramifications on the human population will likely be felt for years to come. The wedding industry took a big hit during the lockdown orders associated with COVID-19. Since couples couldn’t gather people together out of health concerns, many found creative alternatives. Though restrictions on big events have been lifted, many couples still adhere to the lessons learned from quarantine. 

Instead of throwing big parties and renting out expensive venues, couples are now holding smaller events. From having a handful of friends and family members over to the house for cocktails and a good meal to ditching the reception altogether for an extended honeymoon, couples are employing a variety of methods when it comes to keeping their celebrations small.  

A Prolonged Engagement

Also created by the spread of the coronavirus was the concept of the prolonged engagement. With countless couples choosing to delay their weddings, the idea of rushing into anything has become questionable. Whether conscious or not, trends show that couples who are getting engaged are not moving as fast to set wedding dates. In recent years, it was common for a couple to get married within two years of getting engaged. Now, experts are predicting that the average engagement period could last for closer to four years.

Formality Is Optional

Finally, it seems that many couples are relaxing when it comes to wedding attire. In the past, formal outfits were the norm at most nuptials. Now, business-casual options have become the more popular choice. It seems the comfort of being able to gather people together once more has eclipsed the need to have guests dress in a particular way. 

While trends change because different generations have different tastes, there are also larger factors involved. The most recent shifts in the wedding industry seem to have come about from more substantial global concerns. By understanding the latest trends, you can get a feel for how to best plan an event that meets your own needs.