Junior Rasmussen
The wedding industry is undergoing significant changes, with couples seeking more personalized experiences and venues investing in creating unique, stand-out destinations. The Law Commission for England and Wales has proposed marriage law reforms to give couples more choice over their wedding locations and content, potentially triggering a shift in wedding trends. These reforms aim to license the officiant rather than the building, opening up diverse options like gardens, beaches, and parks. While the government's response was anticipated in July 2023, it has yet to materialize, leaving the industry awaiting news on the future of wedding rules and trends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To give couples more choice over where and how their wedding takes place |
| Location | Couples will no longer be limited to getting married in an approved location, register office or church |
| Officiants | Licensing the person carrying out the ceremony, rather than the building where the wedding takes place |
| Venues | Venues will need to become authentic, stand-out destinations of choice or compete on price |
| Consumer Power | Couples will have increased choice and power, and will be able to express themselves more freely |
| Suppliers | Wedding suppliers will need to become more innovative and creative in the services and products they offer |
| Marketing | Proactive and competitive marketing strategies will be used to showcase products and services |
| Legislation | Amendments to the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 to allow legal outdoor civil weddings and civil partnership registrations |
| Equality | Addressing the inequality faced by many groups, making marriage laws more inclusive and universal |
| Campaign | Raise awareness and support for wedding law reform, including the recognition of independent celebrants |
| Etiquette | Modern couples have more agency over their guest lists, dress codes, gift expectations, and financial contributions |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage law reform in England and Wales
Marriage laws in England and Wales have been under review by the Law Commission since 2015. On 19 July 2022, the Law Commission published its recommendations for marriage law reform, which included allowing legally binding marriages and civil partnerships to become more accessible and inclusive. The government was due to respond in July 2023, but with a change in government, the assumption is that other issues have taken priority.
The proposed changes aim to remove restrictions for couples when getting married or forming a civil partnership, giving them more choice and addressing the inequality faced by many groups. The system would change from the current regulation of buildings to one based on the regulation of the person officiating the ceremony. This would bring the laws in England and Wales in line with Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey, New Zealand, and Canada.
The new legislation for civil ceremonies will be introduced through amendments to the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005, allowing legal outdoor civil weddings and civil partnership registrations within approved premises. Religious ceremonies would be addressed through a legislative reform order under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006.
The Law Commission's recommendations also include allowing celebrants not affiliated with any belief group (independent celebrants) to conduct civil marriage ceremonies. This would result in fewer weddings being conducted that aren't recognised by law, and greater clarity on the consequences of non-compliance.
Supporters of the proposed changes can campaign for law change and raise awareness about the benefits of celebrant-led weddings, including the ability to design a ceremony reflective of the couple. It is important to gain support from MPs, who are the ultimate decision-makers, by providing clear and concise information about how the issue personally affects them and their constituents.
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Wedding venues will need to adapt
To remain attractive to couples, venues will need to offer a unique and personalised experience. This may involve investing in their facilities and services to create an exceptional and exclusive experience for the couple and their guests. Venues will need to become authentic and stand-out destinations, focusing on long-term competitiveness rather than constantly competing on price.
The shift towards personalised and innovative weddings presents an opportunity for venues to showcase their creativity and adaptability. Couples will seek out venues that align with their vision, whether it's an outdoor ceremony in a garden, on a beach, or even on a boat. Venues with outdoor spaces may benefit from styled shoots to showcase their settings and attract couples looking for visually appealing locations for their special day.
Additionally, venues may need to adapt their marketing strategies to highlight their unique selling points and reach a wider audience. With increased choice, consumer power will also increase, and venues will need to find ways to stand out and meet the diverse needs and preferences of modern couples.
While the proposed changes offer greater freedom and choice, there is still uncertainty about the timeline for implementing these reforms. The Law Commission has made recommendations, but the government's response and the enactment of new laws may take time. Venues should stay updated with any developments and be prepared to adapt their business models and strategies accordingly.
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Wedding attire and fashion rules are changing
For guests, the traditional rules of wedding attire are becoming obsolete. Wearing a hat, avoiding white, and toning down sexiness are no longer mandatory. Guests are now expected to respect the couple's vision and preferences, often conveyed through Pinterest mood boards or wedding websites. While it is still considered polite to deduce the expected dress code, guests have more freedom to express their personal style.
For the bridal couple, dress codes are becoming more relaxed and are often based on the venue or location. Formal gowns are being replaced by more casual attire, such as cocktail dresses or sundresses for beach or outdoor weddings. Brides are also feeling less pressure to wear white to every wedding event, with some opting for more playful or colourful options.
Additionally, the modern bride is less concerned about guests upstaging her and is more likely to encourage a racier or bold look, such as feathers or unique textiles. Couples are also breaking tradition by serving casual food options that don't match the formality of their reception.
These changes in wedding fashion reflect a broader shift towards personalisation and expression in the wedding industry. With proposed changes to marriage laws in countries like England and Wales, couples will have more choice over where and how their wedding takes place, further encouraging unique and innovative celebrations.
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Wedding gift rules are evolving
While it is not mandatory to give a gift at a wedding, it is a time-honoured tradition. Wedding gift rules are evolving, with new considerations and expectations for guests.
Firstly, the amount spent on a wedding gift is flexible and dependent on one's relationship with the couple. While there is no "magic number", guests should consider their budget and how close they are with the newlyweds. Experts suggest a range of $50 to $100 for acquaintances and coworkers, with amounts increasing for closer relationships. It is worth noting that group gifts are acceptable and even encouraged, especially for high-cost items on the couple's registry.
Secondly, the type of gift is also evolving. While traditional gifts like cookware, bakeware, and small kitchen appliances are still common, modern couples may already have these items due to living together beforehand. As a result, guests may opt for more personalised or unique gifts, or choose to give cash instead.
Additionally, timing is becoming a factor. While it is generally recommended to send a gift within three months of the wedding, some suggest sending it before the wedding day or waiting until the couple returns from their honeymoon. This ensures the gift is received promptly and can be enjoyed upon their return.
Lastly, guests who are unable to attend the wedding are not obligated to send a gift. However, if they are close to the couple, they may still choose to send a present before the event or contribute to a group gift or honeymoon fund.
In conclusion, wedding gift rules are indeed evolving, with a focus on flexibility, personalisation, and timely giving. Guests are encouraged to consider their budget and relationship with the couple when selecting an appropriate gift.
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Wedding etiquette rules are becoming more flexible
Wedding etiquette rules are indeed becoming more flexible, with couples expressing themselves more freely and creating unique experiences for their guests. This shift in wedding trends is driven by the desire to accommodate diverse cultural and spiritual customs, as well as the increasing popularity of outdoor ceremonies and non-traditional venues.
One of the most notable changes in wedding etiquette is the move away from traditional venues, such as churches or approved buildings, to more personalised locations like gardens, beaches, forests, parks, and even boats. This change is reflected in the Law Commission's recommendations for marriage law reform in England and Wales, which aim to license the person conducting the ceremony rather than the building where it takes place. This shift will empower couples to choose a setting that aligns with their personalities and preferences, creating a more intimate and meaningful experience for them and their guests.
Another aspect of flexibility in wedding etiquette is the evolving nature of proposals and engagement announcements. In the past, proposals were typically intimate affairs, occurring in private settings. Today, however, proposals have transformed into shared experiences, often taking place in public venues like parks or events, and are frequently shared on social media. This evolution reflects a more inclusive and celebratory mindset, where the joy of the occasion is amplified by involving a broader community.
Additionally, wedding attire guidelines have become more relaxed and adaptable. While wearing white to a wedding is still generally discouraged, unless specifically requested by the bride, there is greater flexibility in colour choices. Wearing black or red is now considered acceptable, provided the outfit complements the venue, weather, and requested dress code. Couples are also embracing more casual ensembles, with dress codes tailored to the venue, location, and theme of the wedding. For example, beach or wine country-themed weddings may call for boho-chic attire, creating a relaxed and unique atmosphere.
Lastly, wedding etiquette surrounding guest lists and plus-ones is also adapting to modern sensibilities. In the past, singles were commonly invited with a plus-one, whereas today, due to tighter budgets and more personalised guest lists, singles attending solo has become the norm. Couples are prioritising people who have been actively involved in their lives, creating a more intimate and meaningful celebration.
While some traditional wedding etiquette rules remain in place, there is a clear shift towards greater flexibility and personal expression. Couples are embracing the opportunity to create unique experiences that reflect their personalities, cultural backgrounds, and relationships with their loved ones.
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Frequently asked questions
The Law Commission for England and Wales has published recommendations for marriage law reform to remove unnecessary restrictions on couples. The changes would allow couples to have more choice over where and how their wedding takes place, giving them more freedom to express themselves.
The proposed changes would mean that weddings would no longer be limited to approved locations, register offices or churches. Couples could get married in a wider range of locations, such as gardens, beaches, forests, parks and boats.
Wedding venues will need to adapt to remain attractive to couples. They will need to offer a unique experience that couples cannot get elsewhere.
The Law Commission published their recommendations on 19 July 2022, and the government was due to respond in July 2023. However, with a change in government, it is uncertain whether the proposals will be delayed, shelved or reconsidered.
People can show their support by campaigning for law change, raising awareness, and contacting their local MPs to express their views. Social media can also be used to show support and spread awareness using relevant hashtags such as #ChangeWeddingLaw.
