Pocket worthyStories to fuel your mind

The Best New Wedding Trend? Doing Whatever You Want.

Societal expectations for “the perfect day” have shifted, making way for underwater ceremonies, pre-reception haircuts—even beer-toting donkeys.

Pocket Collections

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

Weddings are changing. Even before the pandemic, people were staying single longer, and couples were delaying marriage and weddings. When the pandemic hit, couples went small—for obvious reasons—and then stayed small, perhaps because of inflation or changing expectations, or just general ease.

Going small has also meant going against tradition, making for a far more interesting wedding industry landscape. Solo bachelorette parties, sans bridesmaids? Check. Weddings without a bouquet toss? Check. Brides hacking off their hair between the ceremony and reception? Check. A “mini moon” before the wedding and honeymoon? Check and also: Yes please!

It’s an exciting time to be a bride or a groom, don’t you think? No expectations, just what makes you feel good and feel loved. Here, we survey the many ways the industry is changing and anything goes.

Image by vernonwiley/Getty Images

Samantha Leal

Samantha Leal is a travel and lifestyle writer and editor, currently based in Los Angeles. Formerly the deputy editor at Well+Good, she’s also held editorial stints at Marie Claire, Latina magazine, and The Knot. You can find her writing about—well, lots of things—at places like Travel+Leisure, VinePair, Parade.com, Byrdie, Elle.com, SELF.com, and more. You can find her pretty much everywhere @samanthajoleal.