Weddings: Happening Or Hype?

Weddings are happening again, and in large numbers. After a two-year lull due to the pandemic, the wedding industry is booming once more. Couples who delayed their nuptials are now rescheduling, creating a backlog of celebrations. This, combined with the usual number of yearly weddings, means that 2021 and 2022 are expected to be record-breaking years for weddings. However, the pandemic has changed how people marry. Weddings are now more intimate and personalised, with a greater focus on health and safety. Guests may be required to wear masks and gloves, use hand sanitiser, and maintain social distancing. Couples are also opting for smaller celebrations, or minimony microceremonies.

The impact of COVID-19 on weddings

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to postpone or cancel their nuptials. The $74 billion wedding industry came to a halt as couples began postponing their spring weddings en masse. This led to a decline in revenue for the industry, with a 34% drop reported by an IBIS World report.

The pandemic also changed the way weddings were celebrated, with intimate, personalized celebrations taking the place of extravagant nuptials. Couples opted for small, socially distant ceremonies or virtual weddings via Zoom. The adjustments made during the pandemic are expected to leave a lasting impact, with a greater focus on health and safety measures such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizing stations, and social distancing.

The pandemic also affected the timing of weddings, with many couples choosing to delay their celebrations until they could safely gather with loved ones. This resulted in a glut of weddings in 2021 and 2022, creating the busiest wedding season in decades. Couples competed for venues and vendors, and guests navigated the challenges of attending multiple weddings and related events.

The financial strain caused by the pandemic also impacted wedding celebrations. With the average cost of attending a wedding in 2019 being $430, and an additional $1,200 for those in the wedding party, guests faced difficult choices, especially if travel was involved.

The emotional toll of the pandemic on couples cannot be understated, with many experiencing "postponement fatigue" and anxiety about the safety of their guests. Some couples chose to elope or have small ceremonies, while others waited for the opportunity to celebrate with loved ones.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the wedding industry and changed the way couples celebrate their nuptials, with a focus on health and safety, and a preference for intimate gatherings over extravagant celebrations.

Wedding traditions and customs

Norway

Norwegian brides wear ornate gold and silver crowns with small charms dangling from them. The tinkling sound made when the bride moves is believed to deflect evil spirits. At Norwegian weddings, it is also typical to serve a towering cake called a "kransekake", made with iced almond cake rings to form a cone shape.

Mexico

During the wedding ceremony, a "lazo" or lasso made of rosary beads and flowers is draped over the couple in the shape of the figure eight, symbolising their union and the infinity symbol.

Armenia

Armenian newlyweds balance lavash flatbread on their shoulders when they enter their wedding reception. This is believed to ward off evil spirits. The groom's mother then gives them lavash and honey, and they eat spoonfuls of honey to symbolise happiness.

Congo

Congolese couples are not allowed to smile on their wedding day. If they do, it is believed that they are not serious about marriage.

China

In China, a prospective husband will shoot his bride with a bow and arrow several times. He then collects the arrows and breaks them during the ceremony to ensure their love lasts forever. In another Chinese tradition, brides typically wear three dresses: a slim-fitting, embroidered dress for the ceremony, a more decked-out gown with Western flair for the reception, and a cocktail dress to cap off the night.

Fiji

In Fiji, when a man asks a woman's father for her hand in marriage, he must present his future father-in-law with a whale's tooth.

Greece

On his wedding day, a Greek groom's best man shaves his face. After he has been freshly shaved, his new mother-in-law will feed him honey and almonds.

Guatemala

At Guatemalan weddings, when the newlyweds arrive at the reception, it is traditional for the groom's mother to break a white ceramic bell filled with rice or flour to bring prosperity to the couple.

Japan

Japanese brides celebrating a traditional Shinto ceremony wear white from head to toe, including a hood called a "tsunokakushi" to hide the so-called "horns of jealousy" she may feel towards her mother-in-law.

Lebanon

Lebanese wedding celebrations, known as the Zaffe, begin with music, belly dancing, and shouting at both the groom's and bride's homes, courtesy of the couple's friends, family, and occasionally, professional dancers and musicians. Everyone eventually ends up at the bride's house, where the couple is showered with blessings and flower petals as they leave for the ceremony.

Germany

German couples traditionally clean up piles of porcelain dishes thrown on the ground by their guests to ward off evil spirits. This custom symbolises that the couple can face any challenge thrown their way if they work together.

Czech Republic

Before a Czech couple gets married, an infant is placed on their bed to bless and enhance their fertility. Once they are wed, guests shower them with rice, peas, or lentils to promote fertility.

Russia

Newly married Russian couples share a wedding sweetbread called "karavay", decorated with wheat for prosperity and interlocking rings for faithfulness. Whoever takes the biggest bite is considered the head of the family.

India

In India, the bride's sisters and female cousins steal the groom's shoes and demand ransom money for their return. In another Indian tradition, women gather before the wedding to have their skin intricately painted with mehndi, a type of paint made from henna.

These are just a few examples of the many fascinating wedding traditions and customs from around the world. Each culture has its own unique way of celebrating the union of two people in marriage, and these rituals often have deep symbolic meanings and significance.

Wedding costs

In 2020, the wedding industry in the US saw a 34% decline in revenue due to the pandemic, with about 1 million couples postponing or canceling their nuptials. However, the cost of weddings is generally on the rise. Couples often incur expenses for the venue, catering, attire, decorations, entertainment, and more.

For instance, Nita Ambani, the wife of Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, wore a brooch priced at ₹2 lakh (over $2,500) and a neckpiece priced at ₹6 lakh (over $7,500) at her son's pre-wedding celebrations. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha wore a red Banarasi silk brocade saree priced at ₹79,800 (over $1,000) for her wedding reception, while another actress, Anushka Sharma, wore a similar saree that cost over ₹1.5 lakh (approximately $2,000).

The cost of weddings can be a significant financial burden, especially for couples who have to postpone or reschedule their weddings due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the pandemic. It is important for couples to carefully plan and budget for their weddings to ensure they do not incur excessive debt.

Wedding planning

Define Your Wedding Style and Priorities:

Start by determining your wedding style and the three most important aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, date, photographer, or live band. Having a clear vision will guide your decisions and help you stay within your budget.

Set Your Budget and Stick to It:

Your wedding budget will drive many of your choices, so it's crucial to tackle this early on. Discuss contributions from family members and be realistic about your finances. Stick to your budget, but build in a 10-15% cushion for unexpected costs.

Choose Your Wedding Party:

Select your wedding party wisely. Choose people who can provide emotional and tactical support throughout the planning process and on the big day. Consult with your partner to decide on the size of the wedding party, considering the associated expenses.

Research and Book Vendors:

Take your time when booking vendors. Ensure they understand your vision and can work within your budget. Communicate your expectations clearly, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Read contracts carefully, paying attention to dates, locations, times, deposits, additional fees, and cancellation policies.

Create a Master Checklist and Timeline:

Develop a comprehensive checklist and timeline to stay organised. Include tasks such as choosing a venue, sending out save-the-dates and invitations, planning the menu, selecting attire, and finalising setup details. Delegate tasks to your wedding party and family members when needed.

Manage Guest Logistics:

Start working on your guest list early, considering the venue and budget constraints. Decide whether children are invited and who will receive a plus one. Set up hotel room blocks to accommodate out-of-town guests and consider providing transportation between the ceremony, reception, and hotels.

Plan the Ceremony and Reception:

Choose an officiant who aligns with your vision and values. Decide on the key songs and create a do-not-play list. Outline the schedule of events for the day, including hair and makeup appointments, transportation, arrival times, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, etc.

Incorporate Personal Touches:

Add special touches to your wedding, such as familial or cultural traditions that hold meaning to you. Remember, this day is about celebrating your love and should reflect who you are as a couple.

Handle the Legalities:

Don't forget to plan for obtaining your marriage license, as these are typically only valid for a couple of months. Research the requirements and gather necessary documents well in advance to ensure a smooth process.

Take Care of Yourself:

The future of weddings

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on the wedding industry, with 90% of couples affected in 2020. Many weddings were dramatically downsized, postponed, or cancelled. However, the pandemic may have also kickstarted some new trends in the way we celebrate weddings.

The Rise of the Minimony

Couples have had to adapt their wedding plans to comply with size limits on gatherings and social distancing requirements. This has led to the rise of the "minimony" or "microceremony", a small, pared-down event with around 10 people in attendance. These ceremonies may be virtual, with a virtual officiant, or a mix of virtual and in-person. Many couples who opt for a minimony plan to hold a larger celebration at a later date.

Health and Safety Measures

Even with a vaccine, COVID-19 health and safety measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Couples are spending money on accessible sanitizer stations, masks for guests, and socially distanced seating. Some weddings have offered guests wristbands to indicate their comfort level with physical contact: red for keeping a 6-foot distance, yellow for an elbow bump, and green for hugs.

Postponement Fatigue

With so many weddings postponed, some couples are experiencing "postponement fatigue", finding it hard to get excited about a wedding date because of the fear that they will have to reschedule and replan again.

The Future of Wedding Season

It remains to be seen whether "wedding season" will return to its pre-pandemic form. Strict disease-prevention measures and travel restrictions may continue to impact the size of weddings. Couples may also be influenced by the trend towards smaller, more low-key weddings, which are cheaper and easier to plan.

A New Appreciation for Celebrations

Once people are able to gather freely again, there may be a greater appreciation for celebrations. However, it is unclear whether people will feel comfortable gathering in large numbers, even when it is allowed. The pandemic may have heightened fears around health risks, and large gatherings may now be seen as potential hotspots for disease spread.

The pandemic has certainly changed the way weddings are held, and some of these changes may be here to stay. However, as one wedding planner notes, "love is going to survive this".

Frequently asked questions