Wedding Trends: Now And Forever

A wedding is a ceremony where 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.

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed many weddings, creating a backlog of celebrations and resulting in the busiest wedding season in 40 years. This has brought joy but also challenges for couples, caterers, DJs, photographers, and other vendors.

With the pandemic easing, couples are now facing new issues, such as inflation, supply chain issues, and weight gain due to quarantine. Despite these complications, the wedding industry is booming, with an estimated 2.5 million couples expected to tie the knot this year in the US alone.

The wedding ceremony

Procession:

The entrance music plays as soon as the bride is ready, and the guests stand to welcome her. The flower girl and ring bearer usually lead the way, followed by the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and finally, the bride, who is often escorted by her father or a male representative.

Welcome/Introduction:

The officiant or minister says a few words about the couple and gives a speech on marriage. They may also share the couple's love story or talk about what marriage means to them.

Vows Exchange:

The couple exchanges their wedding vows, making promises to one another. They may write their own vows or repeat traditional ones after the officiant.

Exchange of Rings:

The ring bearer presents the rings, and the couple exchanges them, often with additional vows or words about the significance of the rings.

Pronouncement:

The officiant declares the couple husband and wife, and the groom kisses the bride, sealing their marriage with their first kiss as a married couple.

Exit:

The couple signs the marriage register, and the recessional begins, marking their exit from the ceremony.

Alternative Wedding Ceremony Ideas:

There is no fixed order that must be followed, and couples can customize their ceremony to reflect their personalities and values. Some alternative ideas include:

• The couple enters together or separately, each accompanied by their parents.
• Surprise performances or choreographed dances by the couple or talented guests.
• Releasing butterflies, planting a tree, or other unique symbolic gestures.
• Sharing circle: Guests share stories, blessings, or well-wishes for the couple.
• Group blessing: All guests join in a group blessing or prayer for the couple.

The wedding reception

During the reception, the newlyweds are typically the centre of attention and participate in several traditions such as the first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, and bouquet and garter toss. The reception usually begins with a cocktail hour, where guests can mingle and enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. This is followed by the grand entrance of the couple and wedding party, who are introduced to the guests. The couple then shares their first dance as husband and wife, which is followed by welcome speeches and/or a meal blessing.

The next hour of the reception usually includes dinner and speeches from the father of the bride, maid of honour, and best man. After dinner, the couple may choose to visit each table to take pictures with their guests. The next two-and-a-half to three hours are dedicated to the party aspect of the celebration, including special dances, the bouquet and garter toss, cake cutting, and other entertainment. The reception typically concludes with a last dance and grand exit, followed by an after-party.

Wedding attire

In Western culture, the colour white is often associated with weddings, and this is largely due to Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress and veil when she married Prince Albert. The white dress was seen as a symbol of her purity and innocence, and it is a tradition that has endured.

However, wedding attire varies greatly depending on the couple's preferences, the location, and the level of formality. Here is a breakdown of the most common wedding dress codes, ranked from most formal to least formal, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky world of wedding attire:

White-Tie

White-tie is the most formal of all dress codes and is reserved for very elegant events like state dinners and royal banquets. It is not as common for weddings nowadays, but if you are invited to one, it is important to dress appropriately. For men, this means a long, dark tuxedo tailcoat with fabric extensions to the knee, a white shirt, a white vest, and a bow tie. Trousers should match the jacket and often include a satin or grosgrain stripe. For women, a formal, floor-length evening gown is appropriate, and this is a chance to accessorise with jewellery and gloves.

Black-Tie

Following white-tie, black-tie is the next most formal dress code and is quite strict regarding what is acceptable. Black-tie weddings usually take place in the evening and require formal outfits. For men, this means a tuxedo, black bow tie, and a long black tie or string tie. For women, a formal, floor-length gown is expected. Accessories can be used to dress up the outfit, such as cufflinks and refined jewellery.

Black-Tie Optional

If the invitation says "black-tie optional", it means you can opt for a more relaxed version of black-tie. For men, this could be a dark suit with dress pants and loafers, and for women, a knee-length or midi cocktail dress. The time of day can also be a helpful indicator; a black-tie optional wedding in the afternoon calls for a less formal outfit.

Formal Attire

Formal attire is less strict than black-tie and gives guests more flexibility. Women can wear a nice cocktail dress, and men do not need to wear a tuxedo; a jacket and tie or a traditional suit are appropriate. A dark, well-tailored suit or a floor-length dress are always safe choices if you are unsure.

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire gives guests more flexibility with hemlines, colours, and patterns. For women, a formal dress with a shorter hemline and jewellery is appropriate, and for men, a suit and tie with a crisp shirt and dress pants are a good choice.

Semi-Formal Attire

Semi-formal attire is a step down from formal attire and can be tricky to navigate. For women, a midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress are good options, and for men, a suit and tie are still appropriate. The key difference from formal attire is that a semi-formal outfit might not include any beading or statement accessories.

Dressy Casual

This dress code is a spin on business casual. For women, a sundress, a high-low dress, or a jumpsuit is recommended, and for men, a navy blazer, a button-down shirt, and khaki pants are a safe choice.

Casual

Even though casual weddings are more relaxed, it is important to remember that it is still a formal event. Business casual outfits are a good guideline, and for women, a nice dress with a simple accessory is always a good choice.

Creative Black-Tie

This dress code allows guests to be more creative with their outfits while still adhering to a formal dress code. It is a trendier version of classic black-tie, and guests can experiment with colourful separates, hair, and wild shoes.

Other Considerations

When deciding what to wear to a wedding, it is important to consider the location and any cultural traditions. For example, bright hues are encouraged for Indian weddings, and guests may be asked to wear a kilt at a traditional Scottish wedding. It is also important to respect the couple and avoid wearing white, as this is usually reserved for the bride.

Wedding customs

Traditional Western Customs

The traditional Western custom of the white wedding, in which the bride wears a white dress and veil, was popularized by Queen Victoria. The white colour was seen as a symbol of extravagance and virginal purity.

Gift-Giving

The presentation of gifts is also common in most wedding ceremonies. In Western weddings, rice (a symbol of prosperity and fertility) is thrown at the newlyweds, along with other seeds or shoes. In Muslim weddings, the groom presents the bride with cash, gifts, and other offerings in a ritual called the mahr.

Vows and Rings

The exchange of marriage vows and rings is another common custom. In Christian weddings, the couple may exchange rings before sharing their first kiss as a married couple. In Muslim weddings, the couple exchanges vows when the Imam recites from the Quran.

Food

Food and drink are also central to wedding customs. In Western weddings, the wedding cake is a central feature, along with a wedding breakfast or reception. In Chinese weddings, the couple kneels in front of their parents and serves them tea.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are also customary in wedding celebrations. In Western weddings, there is often a first dance for the newlyweds, followed by a father-daughter dance and sometimes a mother-son dance. In Jewish weddings, the groom stomps on a glass, and everyone shouts "mazel tov" (congratulations).

Wedding costs

• Venue: The choice of venue can greatly impact the overall cost of the wedding. Some couples opt for traditional settings such as churches, banquet halls, or hotels, while others may choose unique locations like beaches, historic homes, or even destination weddings. The cost will depend on the location, size, and amenities offered by the venue.
• Attire: Wedding attire is a significant expense, especially for the bride and groom. The cost of wedding gowns, suits, or cultural outfits can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the designer, fabric, and level of customization.
• Catering and Refreshments: Food and beverage costs can quickly add up, especially for larger weddings. Couples may choose to have a sit-down dinner, a buffet, or just hors d'oeuvres, with costs varying based on the menu selection and the number of guests. Alcoholic beverages can also increase the budget, especially if an open bar is offered.
• Decorations and Flowers: Decorations, including floral arrangements, centrepieces, lighting, and other decorative elements, can contribute significantly to the overall cost of the wedding. Couples often hire wedding planners or florists to create a cohesive and elegant aesthetic for the ceremony and reception venues.
• Photography and Videography: Capturing the special moments of the wedding day is essential for many couples. Professional photography and videography services can be expensive, with prices varying based on the experience of the photographer, the duration of coverage, and the number of photos or videos delivered.
• Entertainment: Music and entertainment are crucial elements of a wedding celebration. Couples may choose to hire a band, a DJ, or other performers, such as dancers or cultural entertainers. The cost will depend on the popularity and experience of the entertainers, as well as the duration of their performance.
• Wedding Rings: Wedding rings are a significant expense, with prices varying based on the type of metal, the presence of gemstones, and the intricacy of the design. Couples may also incur additional costs for engraving or resizing the rings.
• Invitations and Stationery: Wedding invitations and stationery, including save-the-date cards, programmes, menus, and thank-you notes, can add to the overall cost. The price will depend on the quantity, quality of paper, printing techniques, and any additional embellishments.
• Wedding Cake: A wedding cake is a traditional element of the reception, and the cost will depend on the size, flavour, and level of customization. Some couples choose to have a small display cake for cutting, along with a larger sheet cake to serve the guests.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: There are numerous other costs associated with weddings, such as transportation, hair and makeup, wedding favours, officiant fees, and accommodation for out-of-town guests. These expenses can add up and should be factored into the overall budget.

It is important to note that the cost of a wedding can be mitigated by careful planning, budgeting, and prioritisation. Many couples choose to allocate their budget based on their personal preferences and the significance of different elements to them. By being mindful of expenses and exploring cost-saving options, it is possible to have a memorable and special wedding within a reasonable budget.

Frequently asked questions