Modern Wedding Etiquette

Wedding etiquette has changed to fit modern lifestyles.

In wedding planning, traditional etiquette has been altered by modern lifestyles. Though certain expectations should be honored, modern wedding etiquette allows a couple to strike a balance between what is expected of them, and what they desire.

The Proposal

Rather than asking permission for the bride's hand in marriage before the proposal, grooms instead often opt to ask the bride's parents for their blessing of the union after the bride has accepted the proposal.

Planning

Debrett's, an authority on modern etiquette, says, "While parents should be consulted, especially if they are contributing to or financing the wedding, the bride and groom usually make final decisions on key elements of the day..."

Announcements

Instead of mailing announcements or save-the-dates, modern couples take advantage of technology by notifying persons on their guest list of the engagement and impending wedding date by email.

Money

More often, the bride and groom and both sets of parents split the bill for the wedding. Because weddings for second marriages with blended families are more common, the bride and groom often foot the bill.

Gifts

Couples who don't need kitchen appliances and linens may register for the guest to contribute the purchase of anything from art and furniture to the honeymoon.

References

• Debrett's: Weddings
• Debrett's: Engagement Announcements