Weddings: A Celebration Of Love And Commitment

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to cancel, postpone, or scale back their wedding plans. However, as restrictions ease and vaccines become more widely available, there is now more certainty and optimism for those looking to tie the knot. Wedding venues and planners have had to adapt and come up with creative solutions to ensure couples can still celebrate their big day, albeit in a smaller and safer way. This has given rise to the trend of micro weddings and minimonies, with a focus on outdoor spaces, intimate guest lists, and strict safety precautions. While there are still challenges and uncertainties, the availability of vaccines and the lifting of restrictions in many places mean that couples can now plan their weddings with more confidence, and there is hope that the wedding industry will recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The cost of weddings

Weddings are expensive. The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2023 was $35,000, a $5,000 increase from 2022. This figure does not include the cost of the engagement ring, which is an additional average cost of $5,500. The cost of weddings has been steadily increasing over the years, with the exception of a COVID-related dip in 2020.

The reception venue and catering are the two largest expenses, making up over 40% of the average wedding budget. The average cost of a reception venue is $12,800, and couples generally spend around $5,220 on catering. The cost of a wedding varies depending on location, with weddings in big cities costing more than those in smaller towns. For example, the average cost of a wedding in New York City is $63,000, whereas the average cost in West Virginia is $36,000.

The number of guests also has a significant impact on the overall cost. The more people you invite, the more you will spend. The average guest count in 2023 was 115, and the cost per guest has increased from $256 in 2022 to $304 in 2023. The average cost of a 100-person wedding is $28,300, while a 200-person wedding costs an average of $60,800.

Other major expenses include the wedding photographer ($2,900), wedding/event planner ($2,100), live band ($4,300), reception DJ ($1,700), florist ($2,800), videographer ($2,300), wedding dress ($2,000), and wedding cake ($540).

To save money on a wedding, couples can consider having a smaller guest list, choosing a less popular date or time for the wedding, or hiring vendors who are just starting out. It is also important to set a budget and leave some wiggle room, as unexpected costs may arise.

The benefits of weddings

A wedding is a ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions vary across cultures, but most ceremonies involve an exchange of vows, gifts, and a public proclamation of marriage.

Weddings are a special occasion for the couple and their loved ones. Here are some of the benefits of weddings:

Public Declaration of Love and Commitment

The wedding ceremony is a couple's opportunity to publicly declare their love and commitment to one another. The vows exchanged during the ceremony are particularly meaningful as they are a public declaration of the couple's devotion.

Legal Recognition and Benefits

A wedding certificate provides legal recognition of a couple's union, and there are several legal benefits that come with it. These benefits vary by region, but generally include the right to make medical decisions for your spouse if they are unable to, the ability to inherit your spouse's estate without tax consequences, and legal protection in the division of assets during divorce proceedings.

Emotional Support

Marriage provides a partner with whom to share your deepest thoughts and feelings. It offers emotional support and intimacy, which can lead to the release of chemicals and neurotransmitters like serotonin and oxytocin, which help regulate mood.

Financial Benefits

Married couples often benefit financially due to shared financial accounts, improved credit scores, and better mortgage rates. They may also receive tax breaks, such as the ability to file taxes jointly and receive certain deductions and credits.

Health and Insurance Benefits

In countries without universal healthcare, being married provides health and insurance benefits. Spouses can usually join each other's health insurance plans, and family rates are often available, which is especially beneficial when expanding your family.

Intimate and Meaningful Moments

Smaller, intimate weddings can lead to more meaningful moments with your partner and guests. They allow you to be fully present and create authentic conversations and connections with your loved ones.

In summary, weddings offer numerous benefits, including legal recognition, financial and health advantages, emotional support, and the opportunity to publicly celebrate your love and commitment.

The drawbacks of weddings

Weddings are a time of celebration, but they can also be a source of stress and financial strain. Here are some of the drawbacks of weddings:

Financial Burden

Weddings can be incredibly expensive, with costs adding up quickly for invitations, catering, wedding favours, and venue hire. The financial burden can be especially heavy if you choose to have a large wedding with many guests. The cost of a wedding can put people into debt, which can lead to stress and short-lived marriages that end in divorce.

Time and Labour Intensive

Planning a wedding can be a time-consuming and labour-intensive endeavour. From sending out invitations to creating DIY decorations, there are many details to organise and tasks to complete. This can be overwhelming for the couple getting married, especially if they are also balancing work and other commitments.

Stress and Anxiety

The process of planning a wedding can be stressful, with a lot of pressure to create a perfect day. There may be family expectations or traditions to uphold, and it can be challenging to coordinate all the details, from the menu to the music. Post-wedding anxiety or depression can also occur as a result of the stress and pressure leading up to the event.

Guest Management

Managing a large number of guests can be difficult. It may be hard to spend quality time with each guest, especially if you have a large wedding. Some guests may have special requests, such as dietary requirements or wanting to bring children, which can add to the planning complexities. Additionally, if guests need to travel long distances, they may opt to give a smaller gift or contribution, which could be a consideration for the couple.

Venue Limitations

Finding a venue that can accommodate a large number of guests can be challenging. Some sites have limitations on capacity, and you may need to check if your desired location can comfortably host your expected guest count. It is also important to ensure that the venue has enough space for activities like dining and dancing, and that it is accessible for any guests with special needs.

Competition for Vendors

During peak wedding seasons, such as spring and summer, there is higher competition for quality vendors. Couples may need to book their preferred wedding services well in advance to secure their top choices. This includes photographers, caterers, florists, and other specialists who play a crucial role in creating the desired atmosphere and experience.

Allergies and Health Concerns

If you plan an outdoor wedding, it is important to consider the impact of allergies, especially during seasons like spring when pollen counts are high. Guests with allergies or respiratory issues may need to take extra precautions or even decline the invitation to protect their health.

Weather Unpredictability

For outdoor weddings, the weather can be a significant concern. Unpredictable factors like rain, extreme temperatures, or natural phenomena can disrupt the event. Having a backup plan, such as an alternate indoor venue, can help mitigate these risks, but it also adds to the overall cost and complexity of the wedding.

In conclusion, while weddings are joyous occasions that bring people together, they can also present several drawbacks. It is important for couples to carefully consider their decisions, plan accordingly, and seek support to manage the potential challenges associated with weddings.

The cultural significance of weddings

Weddings are a universal tradition, but the customs and rituals associated with them vary significantly across different cultures, ethnicities, races, religions, and countries. While some cultures have unique practices, others have adopted the traditional Western custom of the white wedding.

In some cultures, weddings are steeped in spirituality and ritual. For instance, in Hindu weddings, the bride and groom garland each other in front of their guests, after which a Brahmin arranges a sacred fire sacrifice, with the fire serving as the prime witness to the marriage. In Jewish weddings, the couple formalises a written marriage contract, or ketubah, specifying the husband's obligations to his wife, before being married under a chuppah, or wedding canopy, signifying their new home together. In Christian weddings, the ceremony often includes the Holy Communion and is viewed as a sacred institution, contributing to the spiritual growth of the newlyweds.

In other cultures, weddings are infused with symbolism. In Mexico, a lasso is draped over the couple's shoulders during the ceremony, shaped like a figure eight, representing their union and the infinity sign. In Armenia, the mother of the groom gives the newlyweds lavash flatbread and honey, which they eat to symbolise happiness, and they balance the bread on their shoulders to ward off evil spirits. In Norway, brides wear ornate tiaras to ward off evil spirits, while in the Congo, couples must conceal their smiles on their wedding day, as grinning is seen as evidence of not taking the marriage seriously.

Weddings also serve as a means of connecting with history and honouring ancestors. For example, some African Americans choose to have their weddings at Southern "plantation" sites in the United States, viewing it as a form of "psychic and cultural repair", honouring the memory of their ancestors who were enslaved at those places.

Additionally, weddings are a time for celebration and festivity, often including music, dance, and feasting. In Lebanon, the wedding celebration, known as the Zaffe, involves music, belly dancing, and shouting by the couple's friends and family. In Germany, guests throw porcelain dishes on the ground to ward off evil spirits, symbolising the lesson of "Polterabend", which is about facing challenges together as a married couple.

Overall, weddings hold significant cultural value, bringing people together and perpetuating traditions, rituals, and customs that are unique to each society.

The history of weddings

Ancient Times

In ancient times, marriage was often viewed as a strategic alliance between families, with little emphasis on romance or the individuals' wishes. It was typically a transaction between the groom and the bride's father, with women having no choice in the matter and often not meeting their future husband until the wedding day. Marriage was also a way to expand the family labour force and strengthen familial bonds. Dowries were common, with the bride's family providing money, land, or goods to the groom's family.

Medieval Period

During the Medieval period, marriage began to be seen as a legal contract, with laws prohibiting the bartering or selling of women. A priestly blessing was required for a marriage to be valid, and secret weddings were illegal. While arranged marriages were still common, especially among royalty and aristocracy, the role of the individual in choosing a spouse began to emerge.

Elizabethan Era

The Elizabethan era, from 1558 to 1603, saw a continuation of arranged marriages, with women having little say in the matter. The exchange of dowries remained a significant aspect of the marriage customs. Many modern wedding traditions, such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and religious officials conducting the ceremony, have their roots in this period.

Victorian Era

The Victorian era, which encompassed most of the 1800s, saw a shift in wedding fashion with the introduction of the white wedding dress by Queen Victoria. This tradition quickly spread, with brides in England and America embracing the trend. Victorian weddings often included veils, flowers, and a small dinner following the ceremony, with a larger wedding breakfast the next day.

20th Century to Present

In the 20th century, weddings became more elaborate and modern, influenced by trends and cultural changes. The emergence of wedding planners, elaborate bridal departments, and wedding photography transformed the industry. World events, such as wars and economic crises, also impacted wedding traditions, with couples adapting to the circumstances. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on personalisation and unique touches, reflecting the couple's personalities and values.

Frequently asked questions