Deborah Chan
Wedding numbers have been decreasing in many Western countries since the 1960s. In the US, marriage rates fell from 8.5 per thousand people to 6.2 between 1960 and 2022. Similarly, in Canada, the proportion of married families fell from 83.1% in 1981 to 64.6% in 2021. However, there was a brief increase in the number of couples tying the knot in England and Wales between 2012 and 2014, with 51.2% of people over the age of 16 marrying in 2014. The COVID-19 pandemic may have also had an impact on wedding numbers, with many couples opting for micro weddings or virtual attendance options. As of 2025, about 20% of couples are expected to offer virtual attendance options for guests who cannot attend in person. While the number of weddings may fluctuate due to various social, economic, and technological factors, the overall trend suggests a decline in the institution of marriage.
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What You'll Learn
The average age of couples getting married is rising
In the past, marriage was often viewed as a necessary step for couples to take, especially for women. Social expectations and religious or cultural beliefs influenced people to marry at a younger age. However, today, individuals are challenging these traditional norms. The increasing focus on education and career development among young adults has contributed to delaying marriage. People are prioritizing their personal goals and achieving financial security before considering marriage.
Economic factors also play a significant role in the rising average age of couples getting married. The cost of weddings and the financial responsibilities associated with married life can be daunting for younger individuals. Many couples prefer to attain a certain level of financial security before exchanging vows. Additionally, the impact of student loans and the challenge of saving for a down payment on a home can further delay marriage plans.
Changing family structures and relationships also influence the rising average age. Today, it is increasingly common for couples to cohabit and live as common-law spouses rather than enter into legal marriage. This shift has been particularly notable in countries like Canada, where the number of common-law couples has increased by 447% between 1981 and 2021. Individuals may choose to forgo legal marriage altogether, opting for long-term committed relationships without the formal recognition of the state.
Furthermore, societal attitudes towards marriage have evolved. The institution of marriage is viewed by some as outdated or irrelevant, especially among younger generations. The rise of individualism and changing beliefs about commitment and companionship have contributed to this shift. Additionally, the increasing acceptance of diverse family structures, including single-parent families and same-gender marriages, has broadened the understanding of what constitutes a family beyond the traditional marital framework.
While the average age of couples getting married is rising, it's important to note that marriage continues to hold significance for many people. Some individuals still view marriage as a meaningful commitment and a way to strengthen their relationship. Additionally, marriage is associated with various potential benefits, such as increased wealth, health, and happiness, as indicated by research. Nonetheless, the rising average age reflects the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors shaping marriage decisions in contemporary society.
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The popularity of micro weddings
One of the main appeals of micro weddings is the level of intimacy they offer. With a smaller guest list, couples can prioritise close family and friends, fostering deeper connections and allowing them to spend quality time with each attendee. This intimacy also extends to the chosen venue, as micro weddings can be held in backyards, parks, or small venues, creating a unique and personalised atmosphere that reflects the couple's personality.
Cost-effectiveness is another advantage of micro weddings. The average cost of weddings has risen dramatically, with couples spending an average of $34,000 in the United States. Micro weddings provide a more budget-friendly option, allowing couples to allocate their funds towards meaningful aspects of the celebration that align with their values and preferences. The smaller scale of these weddings also simplifies logistics and planning, reducing the stress often associated with traditional large-scale weddings.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role in accelerating the trend towards micro weddings. Social distancing measures and restrictions on large gatherings made small, manageable ceremonies more practical and appealing. Even after the pandemic, many couples continued to embrace the simplicity and intimacy of micro weddings, indicating that this trend is grounded in shifting cultural norms and values rather than being just a passing fad.
While the popularity of micro weddings is notable, it is worth mentioning that traditional large-scale weddings still hold their allure. Summer weddings, for example, remain a classic favourite, and some months like October and September have even overtaken the typical choices of May and June in recent years. Ultimately, the choice between a micro wedding and a grand celebration depends on the couple's preferences, cultural norms, and practical considerations, with both options offering unique advantages.
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The impact of social media on wedding planning
Social media has become an indispensable tool for wedding planning, with platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok offering endless inspiration and access to vendors and resources. Couples rely on these platforms to shape their vision and share their journey, making planning more accessible and fluid than ever.
The virtual and the real have converged in wedding planning, and the result is transformative. Social media has seeped into every aspect of the modern wedding, from the first date to the honeymoon. It has redefined how we discover, plan, and execute one of life's most significant events. Couples announce, plan, and celebrate their big day on social media, with 80% of engaged couples doing the majority of their wedding planning online.
Social media provides a digital equivalent of a personal wedding planner. A simple search provides access to a visual feast of ideas, from vintage styling to gourmet food spreads. Pinterest, for example, allows users to pin decor, dresses, and more, creating a visual guide to share with vendors. Instagram collections make it easy to find inspiration, and following hashtags like #WeddingInspo keeps ideas fresh. TikTok offers quick videos with DIY hacks and tips. These platforms also connect couples with vendors and resources, making the planning process less stressful.
However, constant exposure to extravagant weddings on social media can pressure couples to meet unrealistic standards and push costs up. Social media influences how much couples spend on decor, venues, and personalized touches. Wedding fashion has also been shaped by social media, with brides opting for bold, photogenic gowns and camera-ready hair and makeup, adding to the overall budget.
Despite these potential drawbacks, social media has positively impacted wedding planning by making it more accessible and providing a platform for couples to connect, exchange tips, advice, and experiences, and share their journey with their community.
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The rise of gender-neutral bridal parties
The primary reason for the rise of gender-neutral bridal parties is the desire to include all loved ones in the wedding celebration, regardless of gender. Many brides have close male friends, and many grooms have close female friends, so a gender-neutral bridal party allows for a more diverse and inclusive celebration. For couples and their friends who do not conform to the gender binary, a gender-neutral approach makes sense and ensures that everyone feels welcomed and represented.
The language used to describe the bridal party is also evolving to accommodate gender neutrality. Terms such as "bridesmates" and "groomsmates" are becoming more common, eliminating the assumption of gender. Couples may also choose to refer to their bridal party as a "wedding suite" or "wedding party", which is gender-neutral and avoids any confusion. Other gender-neutral terms include "partner", "spouse", "attendant", "flower child", and "marriers".
Additionally, some couples are choosing to assign roles based on their relationships rather than gender. For example, the "best man" role may be given to the "best person" or "best friend", regardless of their gender. The same goes for the "maid of honor", which can be replaced with "person of honor" or "friend of honor". Ultimately, the dress code and specific roles are up to the couple, and they can choose to include or exclude any traditions that align with their values.
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The increase in themed weddings
Themed weddings are becoming increasingly popular, with couples seeking to create a unique and memorable experience for their guests. The bar for unique weddings is ever-increasing, with couples wanting to create a day that stands out and might be talked about for years.
Couples are getting creative and elaborate with their chosen themes, with movies being a recurring source of inspiration. For example, a couple chose to base their wedding on the Pixar movie "Up", filling the venue with balloons to represent the light and deep emotions of the film. Another couple hosted a Harry Potter-themed wedding, serving butterbeer and sorting guests into the four Hogwarts houses. A Beatles-themed wedding featured life-size cutouts of the band and their albums, with a Beatles cover band providing the reception entertainment.
Invitations are also becoming more creative, with couples opting to send gifts or objects that tie in with their theme, rather than traditional boxed invitation cards. One couple commissioned martini and aspirin-shaped salt and pepper shakers, with their initials and wedding date stamped on them, as a retro 1960s-inspired take on the invitation.
Themed weddings also extend to the wedding attire, with couples choosing themed outfits for pre-wedding events, such as beach-chic for a coastal wedding or Hollywood glam for a black-tie affair. Guests are also becoming part of the wedding decor, with couples requesting that guests wear certain colours or styles to supplement their overall aesthetic vision.
The rise of social media and the availability of YouTube clips are also contributing to the increase in themed weddings, providing endless inspiration and ideas for couples.
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Frequently asked questions
It's hard to say if wedding numbers will increase, but the popularity of marriage has been rising after a 40-year decline. People are marrying later in life, and the number of common-law couples is increasing.
Attitudes toward marriage have been changing since the 1960s. Marriage rates have declined, while cohabitation and births out of wedlock have increased. The view of marriage as an outdated institution is rising, especially among younger people.
Shifting social mores, technology, women's rights, and economic factors have influenced marriage trends. The availability of contraception, dating apps, and changing preferences have also played a role.
The average age of couples getting married continues to rise, with many brides and grooms expected to be in their early 30s. This trend could potentially increase the risk of divorce due to challenges in cohabitation and merging lives.
The wedding industry has seen shifts in guest expectations, with a focus on unique experiences and entertainment. Couples are also incorporating technology, eco-friendly elements, and personalized details into their celebrations.
