Oh, how the times have changed. This sentiment can be expressed toward many modern-day traditions, but it rings especially true when the bells are of the wedding variety! From the first date to the big day itself, the way in which couples celebrate their love has evolved drastically over the ages, and even within the last decade. Whether your big day is around the corner or down the road, or if you’re just reflecting on your wedding day, let’s go back in time and take a look at a few wedding trends that have changed the experience.

Photo by Kelly Lemon Photography — *Photo by* *Kelly Lemon Photography*

The Engagement:

Where better to start than the beginning? If we’re talking ten or more years ago, it was commonplace for engagements to happen over a private, candlelit dinner. After an intimate celebration between the couple, they typically announced their engagement via a get-together with their closest family and friends. Though this routine is still the preferred route for some couples, you can say things have escalated since.

Extravagant proposals have taken the Internet by storm. With social media serving as the perfect platform for a digital announcement to large groups of friends and family, many soon-to-be brides feel that they have to keep up with the times. Today, it’s all about showing off your ring with a flawless manicure and a crafty Instagram-worthy hashtag to get your friends excited for the wedding.

As most people will tell you, it’s important to do what makes you feel most comfortable; if you like keeping the details of your engagement private, or if you want to share the totally over-the-top proposal your fiance planned for you, it is all up to you. Either way, an engagement is the beginning of a lifetime promise, so don’t feel pressured to handle it in a way that isn’t your style!

Photo by Affinity Photography — *Photo by* *Affinity Photography*

Invitations:

Before technology was prevalent, it was typical for save-the-date and formal invites to be designed in a print shop or stationary store and delivered via snail mail. There weren’t too many options to choose from when it came to being creative with invitations and they lacked a sense of individuality.

Since, couples have harnessed their creativity with digital invites, while still keeping a sense of tradition through companies like Paperless Post; they allow you to template your ideal look, include images, and send out both paper and paperless invites depending on whether it’s going to your best friend or your not-so-tech-savvy grandparents. These options allow you to keep the old and still bring in the new, which keeps everyone happy!

Photo by O'Malley Photographers — *Photo by* *O'Malley Photographers*

Wedding Attire:

When the big day finally arrives, you and your eventual spouse finally walk down the aisle and profess your love; maybe you do so in an intimate location with your nearest and dearest, or in a cathedral with all of your family and friends. Now, if this were the early 2000’s, she’d be wearing a classic white gown, complete with a veil and surrounded by identical bridesmaids dresses, and he would be wearing a complete tuxedo that he purchased and had tailored.

In the spirit of change, many would say that some rules are made to be broken. Wedding attire is certainly one of them, mostly at the discretion of the couple, though. Brides are into off-white, hints of blush, or champagne colored dresses these days. Some brides still stick to traditional white, but others aren’t afraid to experiment with a little color. They keep the same mentality when helping their bridesmaids pick a dress; mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses, whether it’s in the style or the shade of whatever color fits into the wedding party’s theme, are a great way to make bridesmaids feel even more involved in the wedding day.

For the groom and his guys, many skip the traditional purchasing of a tuxedo 0r suit and opt for online options, where you can rent a suit or tuxedo for your special day with no hassle. This has made it virtually painless for last-minute grooms, and even guys who just don’t want to spend the time taking trips to and from a shop or tailor.

Photo by Carina Skrobecki Photography — *Photo by* *Carina Skrobecki Photography*

Dessert:

Though the days of a cartoon couple sitting atop a 3-tiered cake aren’t totally over, they are harder to come by as the years pass. Nowadays, couples can often be found celebrating their big day with cupcake towers, mini versions of timeless desserts, and donut walls galore, to name a few. Personalization when it comes to the art of dessert has shifted by leaps and bounds when it comes to weddings.

Photo by Alante Photography — *Photo by* *Alante Photography*

Couples are able to let their personalities truly shine in the selection of their unique desserts. Let’s be honest: nothing screams night owl quite like having a fully-loaded coffee bar for dessert to keep wedding guests on their feet!

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate your big day, all that matters is the love you share for your spouse, and the family and friends in attendance. Whether you’re an “out with the old and in with the new” kind of person, or a traditionalist at heart, make sure your day is a reflection of who you are as a couple. After all, it is a celebration of the start of your lifetime together!

If you need help planning your traditional or not-so-traditional wedding day, contact New Creations Weddings today!

Happy Planning! ~Rebecca

4 Ways Wedding Day Trends Have Changed