Franklin Dean
Wedding traditions and rules are constantly evolving, and the year 2025 is no exception. From dress codes to decor, bridal parties to branding, the rules of weddings are ever-changing. On the legislative side, several US states are revisiting marriage laws, including who can perform weddings, recognition of same-sex marriages, interracial marriage laws, the minimum age to marry, and more. So, when will the rules on weddings change? The answer is: they already are.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding trends | Branding, colour schemes, decor, bridal parties, garter tosses, dress codes, and mood boards |
| Wedding attire | Hats, white outfits, and sexy dresses are no longer mandatory |
| Marriage laws | Amendments to same-sex marriage bans, interracial marriage laws, the minimum age to marry, who can legally solemnize marriage and officiate weddings, covenant marriage licenses, common law marriage, remote/virtual marriage services, penalties for refusing services to LGBTQ+ couples, remarriage, and marriage waiting periods |
| Wedding days | Saturdays are less popular, and winter weddings are becoming more common |
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What You'll Learn
Dress codes for guests
Wedding dress codes can be complicated, and it can be challenging to decipher the exact type of wedding attire the couple envisions. While most wedding invitations include the preferred wedding dress code, it may be difficult to interpret. For instance, "whimsical garden party" or "tropical formal" are creative suggestions that might leave guests perplexed.
White-Tie
White-tie is the most formal wedding attire. Women should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown with jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are expected to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or grey gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or Oxfords.
Black-Tie
Black-tie dress codes indicate a formal, evening event. Women can wear a floor-length gown in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza. Men typically wear tuxedos, with a black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket with black tuxedo trousers is a suitable option.
Black-Tie Optional
Black-tie optional is slightly less formal than black-tie attire. While a tuxedo is not required, it can still be worn. Men can also opt for a formal dark suit, a white shirt, and a conservative tie.
Formal
Formal attire is a common wedding dress code. It is slightly less formal than black-tie. Women can wear a cocktail dress, and men do not need to wear tuxedos. A jacket and tie or a traditional suit are suitable options for men. An elegant dress or a pantsuit can also be worn by women.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal attire is more ambiguous and can be challenging to interpret.
Casual
Even if the dress code says "casual," it is important to remember that a wedding is still a formal event. For men, business casual attire can be a good guide. Women can opt for khakis or linen pants paired with a comfortable sundress and flats.
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Bridal parties
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on weddings, with couples having to adapt their plans and pre-celebrations to ensure the safety of their guests. Bridal parties, in particular, have been affected by the restrictions and safety measures put in place.
In Australia, for instance, COVID-safe weddings had specific rules and restrictions. While these rules varied across states, some general guidelines included limiting weddings to 10 people if held at a private residence and requiring masks indoors unless eating or drinking. Bridal parties were exempt from wearing masks during the ceremony, but singing was permitted with masks in place. Dancing was also restricted to the bridal couple only. To ensure the safety of guests, couples had to adapt their pre-celebrations, such as engagement parties, bridal showers, and bachelor/bachelorette parties, by making them virtual events.
The pandemic has also influenced the size and format of bridal parties. Some brides have opted for smaller bridal parties or none at all, with those included taking on a more honorary role rather than an active one during the ceremony. This shift may be influenced by the need to reduce guest numbers and maintain social distancing, as well as the desire to keep costs down.
While the specific rules and restrictions on bridal parties during the pandemic have varied depending on local regulations, the impact has been global. Couples have had to stay updated with the constantly evolving guidelines to ensure safe celebrations. The challenges posed by COVID-19 have led to creative solutions, such as virtual pre-wedding parties, hand-painted ornaments, and specialty hot drinks for guests, ensuring that the joy of the occasion is not lost despite the circumstances.
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Wedding branding
Firstly, it is important to note that wedding branding is not about being Pinterest-perfect or having a big budget. It is about creating a cohesive design that reflects your unique love story and brings your vision to life.
- Colours and Decor: Choose a colour palette that reflects your taste and style. This can be as simple or as detailed as you like. You can also incorporate decor elements such as eucalyptus leaves or disco balls to add to the ambience.
- Invitations and Fonts: You can find pre-made invitation designs that match your colour palette and fonts. This is an easy way to bring your wedding brand to life without custom-designing everything.
- Signature Cocktail: Even the colour or name of your signature cocktail can be part of your wedding brand.
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Instead of having matching bridesmaid dresses, you can give your bridesmaids freedom to choose their own dresses within a certain colour scheme or brand aesthetic.
- Wedding Favours: Opt for small, thoughtful wedding favours that add to the guest experience without breaking the bank.
- Branding Ceremony: A unique way to symbolise unity and commitment is to incorporate a branding ceremony. Using a branding iron, you can create a permanent reminder of your love by branding a piece of wood or leather with your initials, family crest, or a significant image.
Wedding Trends
It is worth noting that wedding trends are constantly evolving. For example, the rate of weddings taking place on Saturdays has been falling, with couples opting for more low-key celebrations. Additionally, bridal parties are becoming smaller or non-existent, and traditions like the garter toss are disappearing.
By focusing on wedding branding, you can create a meaningful and cohesive celebration that reflects your unique style and love story, rather than simply following passing trends.
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Wedding officiants
In North Carolina, for instance, a qualified "officiant" is required for the wedding to be legally recognised. The state's definition of a qualified "officiant" includes officials of any religious denomination that does not use officiants, such as federally or state-recognised Indian Nations or Tribes. Couples can hire officiants to join them at their chosen location, whether it's a simple ceremony or an adventurous mountain hike. It is important to discuss what is most important to the couple and how they envision their ceremony before selecting an officiant who aligns with their preferences.
Texas also requires a recognised officiant for the wedding ceremony. Section 2.202 of the Texas Family Code authorises licensed or ordained Christian ministers or priests to conduct the marriage ceremony. There is no official registration for persons authorised to perform the ceremony; instead, Texas law focuses on the time periods within which certain actions must be completed. Additionally, for those marrying someone incarcerated with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the wedding ceremony must be conducted on TDCJ property, following specific rules and guidelines.
In Oklahoma, recent changes to the law have simplified the process for wedding officiants. House Bill 3075, effective from November 2022, removed the requirement for officiants to register marriages they solemnise. This update also extended the marriage license expiration date from 10 to 30 days and allowed officiants to return the marriage certificate within five to 30 days before the ceremony. These changes aim to reduce the burden on officiants and streamline the marriage process in the state.
The role of the wedding officiant is essential in ensuring a valid and legal marriage. They guide the couple through the ceremony, including the exchange of vows and rings, and ensure that all necessary requirements, such as marriage licenses and registration, are fulfilled.
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Same-sex marriage laws
The history of same-sex marriage laws in the United States dates back to the early 1970s when civil rights campaigns in support of marriage without distinction as to sex or sexual orientation began. The first lawsuits seeking legal recognition of same-sex relationships brought the question of civil marriage rights and benefits for same-sex couples to public attention. However, these initial efforts were unsuccessful, and it wasn't until the 1990s that the issue gained prominence.
In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court decision in Baehr v. Miike suggested that the state's prohibition on same-sex marriage might be unconstitutional. This decision sparked reactions from opponents, leading to the enactment of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) at the federal level in 1996. DOMA explicitly restricted marriage to male-female couples. Despite these challenges, the movement to obtain marriage rights for same-sex couples gained momentum.
On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage following the Supreme Judicial Court's decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health. This legalization provoked further legal restrictions from opponents, but the tide of public opinion continued to shift towards supporting same-sex marriage. From 2004 to 2015, various state court rulings, state legislation, direct popular votes, and federal court rulings played a crucial role in expanding the recognition of same-sex marriage across the country.
By late 2014, same-sex marriage had become legal in states that contained more than 70% of the United States population. Finally, in 2015, the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges marked a significant turning point. This ruling ended all interstate legal complications by ordering states to perform and recognize the marriages of same-sex couples, regardless of where they were initially married. As a result, same-sex marriage became legal in all fifty states, guaranteeing equal rights and protections under the law.
The Respect for Marriage Act provides statutory authority for same-sex and interracial marriages, replacing provisions that defined marriage as between a man and a woman with provisions recognizing any marriage between two individuals that is valid under state law. This act also prohibits states from refusing to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. While the law doesn't require states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the Supreme Court's 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges mandates that states must do so to comply with the U.S. Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
Some wedding trends that are expected to change include bridal parties, garter tosses, colour schemes, decor, and signage. Branding your wedding with a specific theme, colours, and other unique elements is also becoming more popular.
The rules for dressing as a wedding guest have evolved. While wearing hats and white used to be avoided, these choices are now more acceptable, depending on the wedding's vibe and dress code. Black is also becoming a more common colour for guests to wear.
Examples of wedding branding include selecting a specific colour scheme, font, motif, family crest, or monogram, and applying them to various wedding elements such as the website, decor, and cake.
Several states in the US are considering changes to marriage laws, including who can perform weddings, same-sex marriage bans, interracial marriage laws, the minimum age to marry, covenant marriage licenses, common law marriage recognition, and penalties for refusing services to LGBTQ+ couples.
Some specific examples include Missouri's proposal to restrict marriages to "one man and one woman" and South Carolina's consideration of allowing the denial of marriage services to LGBTQ+ individuals due to their sexual orientation or gender.
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