Weddings

For some items of interest, it can be more difficult than usual to tell whether they indicate an overall trend, a short-term change, or a particular person's view of the world. Some people prefer traditional weddings that are major events, while others want smaller gatherings.  It did seem as if Princess Diana's wedding in 1981 made an impact on Generation X brides-to-be. Suddenly, having a fairytale wedding, perfectly executed, seemed desirable again, after some decades of assault by various opponents of tradition.

(Although hardly ironclad evidence, a similar boom in weddings in the previous Third Turning was indicated by a 1925 Saturday Evening Post article, Purveyors to the Bride. It mentioned weddings doubled in price compared to a decade earlier. Brides magazine was first published in 1934, in part because the market was seen as "Depression-proof."  The original Father of the Bride, however, is several years later, in 1950, so not a Third Turning event, although the 1991 remake could be seen that way.)

There was a wedding today that was not like Diana's. It was held in a converted barn that was used for both the ceremony and the reception - and, for that matter, a Fourth of July pre-wedding celebration yesterday.  Rough-hewn wood with LED chandeliers, events held there support an educational program covering nutrition, environmental issues, and other related subjects.  Dinner was buffet style, organic, vegetarian options, and no small part grown by the bride and groom. Although it gave some indication of being set up on a budget, it was noted as one of the best wedding meals ever by those present. The ceremony itself was short and non-denominational, with everyone in attendance holding hands at the start, a song from the bride's sister, and vows written by the bride and groom.

So, is this the new Millennial style of celebrating nuptials? The inevitable result of a shrinking economy - and if so, is it inevitable because nobody has money or because conspicuous consumption is becoming passé? Or is this simply one couple's particular style, indicating their specific priorities and preferences? The continued popularity of reality programs such as Bridezillas and Say Yes to the Dress suggest that the first possibility isn't exactly likely. There still seem to be plenty of people who want that traditional fairy tale wedding, as large as they can afford. That less money may be available for such an expenditure seems possible, though, which would make this a short-term trend. It may simply take a while to see what is really happening in this area.