Are the classic wedding traditions becoming outdated?

Are the classic wedding traditions becoming outdated?

Traditionally, the most important day of a couple's lives is the stuff that dreams are made of. The blushing bride walking down the aisle, the exchange of wedding rings, cutting the cake – the list goes on.

 

But the 21st century offers a different spin on that traditional dream. Changing times, attitudes, and of course, the Covid-19 pandemic have all had a bearing on some of the most common wedding traditions. But do some aspects of a traditional wedding still remain? We take a look at whether the classic wedding traditions are popular today or if they have become outdated.

Photo by Jess Soper Photography

 

The wedding process begins with this all-important big question. But unlike the conventional proposal where the man does the asking, more women are now willing to pop the question. A Chillisauce survey found that 57% of women were prepared to propose, while 76% of men advocated this, too.

 

You’ll need to decide if you’re going to ask your partner’s parents for their permission to get married, too. For most modern couples, this isn’t a necessary step, although some people do ask for their blessing, rather than permission, if they feel like it will be important to their partner.

Photo by Jess Soper Photography

 

Whether you’re proposing with a classic diamond solitaire or a slightly more edgy stack of gemstones, the proposal remains an important moment.

Normally, Saturday or Sunday used to be the day of choice for a wedding. Several factors have meant that the big day has shifted from a weekend to a weekday, such as a more affordable cost and a smaller likelihood of clashing with other couples hoping to get married at the weekend. Some people also prefer to get married on a Friday so that their guests then have the weekend to recover from the party before going back to work.

 

Many brides continue to favour a classic wedding dress, but a notable trend is that more women are opting to buy their dress second-hand, or renting one. As a means of saving money, it's an ideal solution. It can also be a great choice for any couple who are conscious about their carbon footprint, which is an increasingly important concern in light of the climate crisis.

A traditional church wedding isn't as popular as it used to be. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics report that only 21% of weddings were religious ceremonies, the lowest on record. Moving away from religious venues means that couples have a wider choice of venue, from manor houses to beaches.

 

With the choice of the location much wider, there's also the scope to tailor the ceremony in terms of your favourite music, readings, speeches, and individual flourishes. All of these elements mean that couples can make their day perfect for them.

 

A traditional wedding wouldn't be complete without a lavish wedding cake for the bride and groom to cut into. But modern couples are increasingly choosing to have a ‘cake’ made of cheese, or opting for smaller cupcakes or a dessert table instead. Doing so allows them to offer their guests a wider selection of treats, and looks incredibly photogenic too!