The trends surrounding weddings tend to change at a fast pace. While some traditions persist for generations, other fads fizzle out within a year or so. When planning for your own big day, it can be helpful to understand the changes that have taken place in the wedding industry. Even if you have no desire to follow the latest wedding trends, you can benefit from knowing what other couples are including in their events. Even some tried-and-true staples of weddings have been disappearing over the last decade, and this can be helpful information to understand.
Older and Wiser
There are a number of factors that dictate how a wedding is planned. Above all else, the age of the happy couple will usually determine things like the guest list, the decor, and the food. Younger couples tend to want to invite more people and spend more money on their weddings, whereas older couples usually have more money to work with and a strong desire to spend less. Interestingly, one of the biggest shifts that has taken place in the last decade is the age at which couples are tying the knot.
In 2010, the average age of a man at his wedding was 31. Now, that age has gone up to 34. The same is true for women, with the average age shooting up to 30 from 28 ten years ago. If you and your partner are worried about getting married before you’re ready, it might comfort you to know that you are not alone.
Guest Lists and Expenses
Guest lists can easily become a point of contention for couples who are planning a wedding. How many guests you invite will dictate exactly how much you spend on the event. According to recent reports, couples are inviting fewer people on average to their receptions. National statistics state that lists contained roughly 150 guests in 2010, while that number has slipped to about 130 in the last few years. Unfortunately, these reports also point out that couples are spending more per guest than they did in 2010.
The experience of being a guest at a wedding has changed a lot over the years. In the past, couples viewed each guest from a perspective of how much each plate of dinner from the caterer costs. Couples now invest in additional services like photo booths and live bands to enhance the experience. When these numbers are taken into account, it is easy to see why it costs more per person.
Guest Experience and Preferences
The guest experience has become such an integral part of wedding planning that experts estimate a majority of decisions are based primarily around the needs of friends and family members. An example of this can be found in food restrictions and preferences. While vegetarian options from a caterer are nothing new, couples are now more likely to offer options for those who are vegan or who cannot eat gluten, dairy, and other meal components. Couples want guests to have a good time, and food is useful for guaranteeing enjoyment.
Casual and Comfortable Vibe
Younger couples tend to make a lot less money than their parents on average. Since wedding costs have only gone up, many people are cutting corners where they can. This had led to the sweeping popularity of the casual wedding. Hosting your big day at a venue where guests can wear relaxed clothing and still have a blast is a great way to cut some costs without sacrificing crucial components like food and entertainment. Best of all, there are plenty of exciting ways to host a casual wedding that aligns with your tastes and personality.
Though some aspects of a wedding will always remain somewhat recognizable, some wedding trends change on a regular basis. Focus on these shifts, and it can make all the difference to how you plan for your own big day.
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