My late mother used to say that she was very happy about the time she was born. It was code for saying she prefers the simpler and traditional way of doing things every day. She hated Facebook and preferred to give real birthday cards. She preferred the markets any day than the supermarkets and often complained about processed food and snacks.
I found myself saying the same thing in relation to my marriage. I had a very small one with only three guests and as another wedding season approaches, I have to wonder how it is like for couples to question their plans for their big day.
Small weddings are not for everyone and understandably so. Many people look forward to celebrations to entertain an extended family and to embrace religious traditions. As COVID-19 forces us to face our own death and consider our priorities, it inevitably has influenced marriages; its impact can already be felt in the marriage industry.
According to the 2021 Bridebook Wedding Report, 65% of couples have had to postpone their marriage at least once since the start of the pandemic. Trends suggest that the new marriage is the new normal that seems to be emerging. Not two couples married at the same time, but a small ceremony to ease COVID restrictions and one more when a sense of normality returns.
While most brides would traditionally have one bridal dress, the magic number now appears to be two with one carrying a significantly lower price tag and a much simpler design / silhouette
With intermittent locks and the broken pandemic livelihoods, mile-long train extravagance and sweeping cover are a distant and unlikely fantasy, as is the gathering of 100 plus people for a wedding.
Although there will still be a heavier price tag for the second dress, the cost and drive to get out are all still in limbo due to the instability COVID has fostered. It is only expected that fast fashion brides will continue to gain traction. As with the increase in home events, venue and wedding decor rentals may also experience reduced demand. All these changes, no matter how temporary they may seem now, modify our perception of what a marriage should be. So much so that the question is no longer if you want a small or prestigious wedding but what the restrictions allow and how long you are prepared to wait.
My little marriage five years ago would have been good enough for the toughest COVID restrictions, there was comfort and satisfaction with being able to choose. Today, couples’ choices are limited to going with what is allowed now or staying indefinitely. Once they choose to get married now they have to become comfortable with what is available. The rest will fall into place. If not, it will be an early test of priorities and deal with uncertainty rather than marital bliss.