Weddings have changed drastically over the last few decades, with each year bringing with it a brand new set of trends. In the past, almost every aspect of a wedding would be rooted in age-old traditions; nowadays, however, more and more couples are choosing to tie the knot in a way that reflects their individual taste, personality and relationship. From wedding cakes composed of cupcakes to dresses in every colour under the sun, the sky’s the limit. So much so, that photos of newlyweds today will likely bear very little resemblance to those of their parents, let alone grandparents.
With the wedding season now upon us, let’s take a closer look at how wedding traditions have changed over the last few decades.
The proposal
Traditionally, the etiquette for a marriage proposal was to ask for the bride’s father’s permission before tying the knot. Even as late as the 70s, this was standard practice and would have been expected of any groom. Today, while a small proportion of newlyweds still keep this tradition alive, most will forgo this prenuptial step due to its outdated notion that the bride is a possession to be ‘handed over’ from one guardian to the next.
The cost
Weddings have always been lavish affairs, but since the industry’s exponential boom over the last decade, prices have only been on the rise. Today, the average cost of a wedding in the UK is £18,400, but it’s certainly not uncommon for couples to fork out over £30,000 on their special day. It used to be customary for the bride’s parents to pay for the wedding, but now many groom’s parents – or even the couples themselves – will cover the costs.
The wedding dress
In the 70s and 80s, the trendiest wedding dresses featured high necklines, puffy sleeves and a long train to match. There was very little variety, which is why many brides of this era looked oddly similar. In the twenty-first century, it’s a completely different story. Strapless, backless, lace, vintage beaded, mermaid-style, mid-length and everything in between – the options are endless.
Who says you have to wear one dress, anyway? It’s now common for brides to don a more traditional gown for the ceremony before changing into a ‘party’ dress for the reception.
The ceremony
Traditionally, it was standard practice for the father of the bride (or a male relative if the father wasn’t around) to accompany his daughter down the aisle before ‘giving her away’. Today, however, more and more brides are choosing to make the journey on their own. Wedding vows have changed too; it’s customary now for brides to ditch the promise to ‘obey’ her new spouse. In fact, lots of couples now write their own personalised vows!
The wedding cake
Traditional tiered wedding cakes have always been a staple at wedding breakfasts, with the tiers representing prosperity, and the white frosting purity. Nowadays, anything from cupcakes and doughnuts to ice cream and candy tables are used as alternatives to the main event. Many couples choose a wedding cake alongside an array of other sweet treats in order to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences.
The grand exit
Showering newlyweds in rice on their exit from the chapel was a tradition for centuries, signalling prosperity, fertility and good fortune. Instead of the grain, couples now encourage guests to use everything from confetti and rose petals to glitter and bubbles to mark their transition into married life. Sparklers are also modern favourites and make for a picture-perfect send off.
The honeymoon
Honeymoons date back to the early nineteenth century, but they’ve changed quite a bit over the last few decades. As international travel became easier, many couples began splashing out on more exotic locations in the late 60s and early 70s, but the all-inclusive honeymoon holiday package didn’t fully take off until the 1990s. These included everything you’d expect from a romantic getaway, from couples’ massages to sightseeing tours.
Now, thanks to the boom of social media, honeymoons are bigger and bolder than ever – from safari adventures in Kenya to breaks on the blissful islands of Bora Bora. In fact, lots of couples now plan a short ‘mini-moon’ straight after the wedding, and a longer trip later on in the year. This gives them more time to plan and save for their ‘trip of a lifetime’ honeymoon.
