Marriage is like a cup of coffee! It started off simple with the traditional black cup then escalated to include options such as steamed milk, sweeteners, and specialty blended beans. It’s no wonder you need an index card to order a simple beverage like coffee and have a Starbucks at every corner. Getting married in the 21st century has become so complicated and detailed that in addition to a binder you need an entire team of people to help organize and support you through the wedding process.
20 years ago it was typical for a bride and groom to get married in a place of worship followed by a reception in a nearby location with the help of the family. Prior to the internet a bride-to-be didn’t have access to an unlimited network, but today she has the ability to visualize like no other generation. Merging modern day culture with tradition can be challenging if a person isn’t clear on what tradition is and why it’s important to their family foundation. Perhaps this is why tradition has taken a back seat role within the wedding planning process and the ceremony has become less of a focus.
Couples are opting for locations that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception and there are two primary reasons for their decision. One is expense and second is their lack of religious conviction.
The cost of a modern day wedding has steadily increased over the years and it’s now common to see couples having to contribute to the wedding budget in order to get the type of wedding they’re looking for. As couples began to contribute, they in return are expecting to have more control over their wedding vision. That vision often differs from their parent’s and this battle for control can often be the root of despair and much dispute.
So why does the disconnect occur? Is it the increase of interfaith marriages that prompts a couple to opt for a neutral location? Or is it the lack of connection that couples have with the organized religion? If people continue to rewrite their idea of a ceremony what will happen to the customs and cultural practices that define the foundation of their roots?
Many young people are uncomfortable discussing Religion, but if you’re engaged or thinking of becoming engaged it’s important to challenge each other in a healthy discussion regarding your beliefs. Make sure you are in agreement about what matters most and that you can intelligently explain why. Remember- The Ceremony is what makes the wedding official so give it the attention it deserves.
