In the early 1800s, brides in England wore red dresses. That changed in 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert and wore a white dress. ( Source ) In the 19th century, marriage became more about love and less about status, thanks to the Industrial Revolution and growth of the middle class. ( Source ) In the 19th century, weddings were typically small, intimate ceremonies at the home of the parents of the bride or groom. ( Source) Weddings did not become elaborate events until the 1820s and 30s. ( Source ) Weddings in the 19th century often took place on weekdays between 10 a.m. and noon, followed with a breakfast reception. ( Source ) 1900s Many colonial-era marriage celebrations took place in the winter months when there was less to do on the farm or plantation agriculturally. ( Source

The Evolution of the Wedding Industry How wedding ceremonies and traditions have changed over time

These days, it’s not uncommon for couples to spend over $30,000 on a wedding ceremony.1 But that wasn’t always the case. We wondered: How did wedding ceremonies look hundreds, and even thousands, of years ago? And what trends were popular back then that are still common today? We wanted to find out — here’s a detailed look at how the wedding industry has changed over time.

B.C. to 1700s

Many colonial-era marriage celebrations took place in the winter months when there was less to do on the farm or plantation agriculturally.2

The First Wedding

The first evidence of marriage dates to 4,000 years ago, in Mesopotamia.3

In the ancient world, marriage In Roman times, bridesmaids In Ancient Egypt, wedding was an act to preserve power. would form a shield around the bands were worn on the left Kings married off daughters to bride while walking to the groom's ring finger because Egyptians forge alliances, acquire land and village. They intervened if anyone believed this finger held a produce heirs.4 tried to hurt the bride or steal special vein directly connected her dowry.5 to the heart.6

During the Elizabethan era in England, between 1558 and 1603, most marriages were still arranged.7

1800s

After brides and grooms left their receptions, they would be pelted with rice and shoes by their guests as a symbol of wishes for fertility and happiness.8

In the early 1800s, brides in England wore red dresses. That changed in 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert and wore a white dress.⁹

Changing Values

In the 19th century, marriage became more about love and less about status, thanks to the Industrial Revolution and growth of the middle class.10

In the 19th century, weddings were typically small, intimate ceremonies at the home of the parents of < the bride or groom.11 Weddings did not become elaborate events until the 1820s and ‘30s.12

Weddings in the 19th century often took place on weekdays between 10 a.m. and noon, followed with a breakfast reception.13 1900s

In the 1910s, dancing became a part of wedding celebrations, with phonographs providing music as guests danced the tango, turkey trot, and waltz.14

In 1924, the department store Marshall Fields invented the wedding registry to avoid duplicates of wedding gifts.15

Wartime Weddings

Wartime weddings in the early 1940s were typically planned and held in less than a week, because they had to be done when the groom was home on furlough.16

1940s brides turned to DIY decorations due to limited wartime funds — furnishing fabrics for dresses, lace curtains for veils, and paper flowers for bouquets.17

Changing Trends

As late as the early 1960s, many couples were forgoing receptions, even if they had a church wedding.18

After Princess Diana married in 1981, weddings became fairytale productions, and wedding planners became more prominent.19

2000s

Traditional wedding cakes were more frequently passed up in favor of cupcake towers so brides could flaunt their unique style.20

The early 2000s saw the rise of hotels and country clubs as the preferred venue type for couples getting married.21

Big Plans

In 2010, 26% of engaged couples hired a professional wedding planner to help ensure their big day went smoothly. 22

Pinterest was launched in 2010, but it didn’t become popular as a wedding planning tool until 2012.23

The 2010s saw the return of the DIY bride because an original, one-of-a-kind wedding was important.24

Trendy Must-Haves

Photobooths edged out disposable cameras as the must-have accessory for brides and grooms at their wedding receptions in the 2000s.25

Conclusion

Over the ages, marriage has transformed from a way for families to form alliances to the ultimate celebration of a couple’s commitment and love for each other. Wedding ceremonies themselves have grown from intimate parties in homes with one or two witnesses to extravagant events that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Wedding practices and trends have changed dramatically over time, and we can’t wait to see what the upcoming decades will bring.

Sources:

1-https://www.businessinsider.com/average-wedding-cost-in-america-most-expensiv 18 - https://www.countryliving.com/life/a38375/wedding-traditions/ e-2018-3 19 - https://weddingsforaliving.com/the-history-of-the-wedding-planner 2 - https://livesandlegaciesblog.org/2015/10/06/a-colonial-wedding/ 20 - 3,4 - https://theweek.com/articles/475141/how-marriage-changed-over-centuries https://www.thedailymeal.com/entertain/biggest-wedding-trends-every-decade-190 5 - https://www.southernliving.com/weddings/history-wedding-traditions 0-slideshow/slide-12 6 - https://www.jtv.com/library/article/jewelry-wedding-ring-history 21 - 7 - https://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/History_of_Weddings https://www.insideweddings.com/news/planning-design/explore-the-biggest-wedding 8 - -trends-from-the-2000s/3265/ https://partyspace.com/newjersey/article/view/wedding-traditions-of-the-19th-cent 22 - ury-441 https://www.forbes.com/sites/winniesun/2016/04/06/wedding-18000-people/#4f78 9 - http://time.com/3698249/white-weddings/ 31dc9594 10 - https://theweek.com/articles/528746/origins-marriage 23 - 11,12 - http://www.southerndistinction.com/american-wedding-traditions/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/weddings/wedding-planning-pinterest-or- 13 - professionals/2012/05/31/gJQAOYwD5U_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.2b5b1 https://partyspace.com/newjersey/article/view/wedding-traditions-of-the-19th-cent ed31599 ury-441 24 - 14 - https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/weddings-through-the-ages#136569 https://www.thedailymeal.com/entertain/12-wedding-decorations-even-non-crafty-b 15 - ride-can-diy https://www.thisisinsider.com/how-weddings-have-changed-2018-2#1924-the-weddi 25 - https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-trends-that-are-new-photobooth ng-registry-was-invented-4 16- https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/weddings-through-the-ages#136568 17 - https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/weddings-through-the-ages#136571

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