Couples today have a very different take on their wedding than their parent’s generation.
They are waiting longer to marry, they are more mature and have a better sense of who they are and want their wedding celebration to be a true reflection of them.
Some of the differences have to do with style, some have to do with scope. One of the most notable differences is that today’s wedding is a marathon, not a sprint.
The festivities begin with elaborate engagement parties and are followed by some very creative showers. Gone are the showers with the sole purpose of stocking the kitchen of the newlyweds. Since they have either already been keeping house together or are joining 2 fully stocked households another toaster is the last thing they need. You can expect to see anything from lingerie showers to showers devoted to helping them redo their landscape to gift registries to remodel their kitchen.
Next comes the weekend long bachelorette parties in Cozumel or Vegas. The bachelor party might be a golf weekend at Hilton Head or a ski trip to Telluride.
The millennial couple values the experience.
The wedding itself has become a three day affair. The Rehearsal dinner, once reserved for the family and wedding party is opening up to all the guests who have traveled to come to the wedding. The day is spent in good company with lots of activities. The wedding day itself starts early with spa visits for the ladies and a trip to a trendy barber shop for the men, complete with a hot towel shave and a manicure.
There is a good chance that the couple are big foodies. The wedding reception will reflect that in elaborate dinners with exotic foods or so many eclectic food stations that you think you are at a food and wine festival. Pace yourself. You will want to save room for the finale of hot sliders or warm chocolate chip cookies with shots of ice cold milk on the dance floor.
This party has been so great they just can’t let it end so it’s off to the afterparty at a club or hotel suite. Party on!
The weekend is capped off with a brunch. The bloody marys and mimosas are blessing. The atmosphere is relaxed and everyone has a chance to catch up.