Wedding Rituals

Abstract

Wedding rituals mark a special occasion because, traditionally, the day of the marriage was perceived as representing a major change in the individuals' lives. In the early twenty‐first century, individualization and detraditionalization theses emphasize that individuals are more free to make their own choices than in the past, and thus many people incorporate a personalized narrative into the construction of their wedding day, stressing their desire for the wedding “they want” in “the way they choose.” There is increasing use of creative adaptations and adjustments around various wedding rituals in terms of legitimizing the diversification and pluralization of relationships in contemporary western society, such as commitments between same‐sex couples, and de facto unions. Despite these changes and debates surrounding the so‐called deinstitutionalization of western marriage, wedding rituals' symbolism remains and crosses time, space, and cultures.

Two Faiths, One Happy Couple

“…shows, provides modern couples with an abundance of ideas on turning one's wedding into a hyper-personalized, unforgettable occasion (Costa, 2016). Consistent with national reports, Southern couples try to create a fun experience with personal touches for their guests.…”

“…Although a modern western wedding chiefly consists of a ceremony, a reception dinner, and sometimes a honeymoon, couples frequently turn to their family traditions when planning the wedding details (Costa, 2016). In 2019, 4 in 10 American couples incorporated religious or cultural/ethnic elements into their ceremony (Seaver, n.d.).…”

“…According to the authors' interview with a wedding planner located in a Southern college town, personalization is one of the leading wedding trends. Modern couples are greatly influenced by social media, wedding fairs and exhibitions, bridal magazines, and wedding-related websites (Costa, 2016). Pinterest, a social media site, drives many wedding trends, such as elaborate wedding designs, venues, and food and beverage choices.…”

Two Faiths, One Happy Couple

“…According to the authors' interview with a wedding planner located in a Southern college town, personalization is one of the leading wedding trends. Modern couples are greatly influenced by social media, wedding fairs and exhibitions, bridal magazines, and wedding-related websites (Costa, 2016). Pinterest, a social media site, drives many wedding trends, such as elaborate wedding designs, venues, and food and beverage choices.…”

“…Although a modern western wedding chiefly consists of a ceremony, a reception dinner, and sometimes a honeymoon, couples frequently turn to their family traditions when planning the wedding details (Costa, 2016). In 2019, 4 in 10 American couples incorporated religious or cultural/ethnic elements into their ceremony (Seaver, n.d.).…”