The Evolution of Weddings

by: Pam Romero
2010-06-16

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Weddings are not what they used to be anymore. This age of information and modern technology has given new meaning to the term wedding. It has been transformed from just being an event to being a big production, an industry. Gone are the days when all it took for a wedding to take place was the concerted efforts of the couple, parents, siblings, and relatives. Now, it takes a whole team of suppliers just to ensure a smooth and enjoyable flow of the wedding. Let us take a closer look at this transformation.

First is the planning. Do you want to have a themed wedding, such as a Hawaiian inspired one, or dressing up according to a favorite movie? Or do you want a small intimate solemn wedding with only a few close family and friends present? Or maybe, you want a grand wedding, with all your friends, officemates, former classmates, your neighbors, clients, and other significant people in your life present to witness this momentous occasion. Or maybe, you dream of something just right and simple that you don’t need to go over your budget just to be able to afford it. These questions are all part of the planning process of the event called “getting married.” And this will dictate how, where, when, and what you will need to execute it.

Second is the selection of venues, from the ceremony venue or church to the reception, plus pre-wedding preparation areas. Choosing a church to get married in now is not dependent on which parish you belong to but to its style and ambience, which can range from grand historical churches, architectural masterpieces, colorful gardens, up to cozy, quaint chapels. If a theme is being followed for the wedding, then their choice of venue will also be based on this theme. When a ceremony venue is chosen, next is the venue for the reception, which is usually as near and accessible as possible to the ceremony venue, unless the reception venue that fits your requirement is found quite farther away from it. A reception venue may continue on with the theme started by the ceremony venue. It can also be a place big enough to comfortably hold the number of guests invited. It is surely a change from when a wedding reception was automatically reserved at a hotel ballroom. When both have been booked, the selection for the area for the pre-wedding preparations is finally accomplished. It is often at a nearby hotel since it provides the comfort that the couple will need as they are made up and photographed before their wedding. It’s a radical change from the previous practice of preparing at their respective houses.

Next is the selection of suppliers. In the past, the list of suppliers consisted only of the food provider or caterer, a videographer and photographer, an invitation maker, a flower shop, and a dressmaker. All other needed things were assigned to the different members of the family. Now, it consists of the caterer, the videographer, the photographer, a florist, an event stylist, a gown stylist and maker, a barong maker, invitation printer, a band, a sound system and lights provider, a photo booth provider, an emcee, a hair and make-up artist, coordinator, and a host of other suppliers that may be hired before the wedding. These suppliers will be responsible for the execution of the type of wedding you initially planned.

Furthermore, the quality of pictures taken by the photographers and videographers are a far cry from the ones taken during the time of our parents. With the tough competition in the market, they are now being challenged to bring out the best angle for the couple as well as making their pictures “speak” to their audience and not just become a typical portrait.

And lastly, but definitely not the least, is the wedding program for the reception. This is part of the wedding that has truly evolved through time. From just the typical act of doing the wedding traditions, a wedding reception program now begins another walk for the entourage as well as much fanfare to announce the entrance of the newlyweds. Wedding traditions such as the cutting of the cake and the wine toast may still be performed. How the meals are distributed to each guest is made much more organized. After meal entertainment may include the usual messages from well wishers to hiring a full band to play during the program. Gimmicks such the release of butterflies, bubbles, doves, etc. may also be done. Even the garter and bouquet ceremony has not been spared from change. From the typical bouquet and garter throwing, they are now constantly thinking of games that can increase the enjoyment of their guests as well as encourage their participation. Choreographed dances, song duets, and other surprise activities that they can think of, they can include in the wedding program, with time and venue their only their restraints.

As you view the transformation that a wedding has now evolved into, you just can’t help but wonder. Why is there the need for all these changes? A wedding is a very important, life-altering event that a person experiences in this lifetime, therefore given a lot of thought before it is finally decided on. Why not make it as memorable as you can imagine it to be?

Pam Romero is one of the principal coordinators of Designs Avenue Events. In her spare time, she also writes articles on a wide array of topics, including weddings.

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