CityLife Weddings | Modern Wedding vs the more Traditional Affair

CityLife Weddings

Modern Wedding vs the more Traditional Affair

When it comes to weddings, couples today have the freedom to create whatever their hearts desire.

While there may be some elements of tradition that still exist, such as the throwing of the bouquet and garter, speeches, and cutting of the cake for example, for many, the day is a reflection of who the bride and groom are as a couple, and how they want to portray that to their guests.

The Proposal
In previous generations it was considered a requirement for the groom to first ask the father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Today, the practice is considered an antiquated, and perhaps sexist gesture. For those men who do approach the parents first, it is more as a mark of respect rather than seeking permission.

When it comes to the actual proposal, grooms-to-be today are more inventive in popping the question compared to the staid proposals of generations past. From balloons and billboards to flash-mobs and YouTube, they are limited only by their budget and creativity.

The Ceremony
The traditional wedding usually involved a church ceremony, complete with full religious mass. Those that wanted a civil service had to attend the local registry office.

Today, many couples opt for a civil service at a location of their choosing, often at the same venue as the reception.

For couples who do want a church wedding, many denominations now offer the flexibility to personalise the service, with the bride and groom writing their own vows and having input into the order of the service.

The Reception
The cost of the wedding reception was traditionally covered by the bride’s family. With this came the expectation that the parents of the bride would have a significant input into the arrangement of the event.

Today, many couples choose to fund their own weddings.

While in the past the reception usually involved a formal sit down meal, these days it can be anything from cocktail style with canapés on the deck, to a picnic in a vineyard or a barbecue on the beach.

When it comes to the wedding cake, the structural masterpieces of multiple tiers, pillars, layers, flower sprays, fruit cake and copious amounts of marzipan are a thing of the past. More bespoke and refined creations reflecting the couple’s personal tastes are offered.

No longer is the bride required to change into a “going away suit”, or the wedding car to be decorated in tin cans and a ‘Just Married’ sign. These days, couples rarely leave their reception before their guests.

There is one tradition however that has stood the test of time.

While the stoic bridal “waltz” may have given way to a more romantic and emotional dance to the couple’s “song”, or even a choreographed extravaganza from the whole bridal party, the first dance as a married couple is still a poignant moment for newlyweds.