When planning a wedding, most people are usually so deep in the process of bringing their big dream to life that they never stop to consider the impact of weddings on society.
Why is it important? Well, taking the time to contemplate some of the nuances and forces behind the various wedding-related expectations, considering the societal impact may free you up to celebrate your wedding in a way that resonates with you.
Our hope is that by thinking through some of the major wedding presuppositions, you’ll embrace the positive aspects, and feel less inclined to cave to the pressure of the negative impacts. Ultimately, freeing you up to celebrate your wedding, your way.
Positive Impacts Weddings Have on Society
Thankfully, the positive aspects of weddings and how they affect society totally crush the negative.
Let’s start off by taking a look at the best part of weddings, the parts that bring joy to everyone involved.
Celebration of Love and Commitment
Probably the most positive impact weddings have is the reason for the celebration itself. There’s no denying the importance of love. It remains one of the most powerful incredibly beautiful things there is—and something the world can always use more of.
Thus, a celebration that centered around true love? Truly, there’s nothing better than that.
Cultural Preservation and Tradition
For centuries, different cultures around the globe have celebrated weddings in a multitude of ways, honoring and preserving the tradition handed down through their heritage.
Even though modern weddings are celebrated as the bride and groom see fit, many couples still enjoy weaving in aspects of tradition—or blending two traditions together when couples from different backgrounds unite.
Community Building
There’s no doubt about it, being invited to a wedding is an honor. Gathering together with others who were invited to share in the good cheer is fun and uplifting.
Weddings foster a sense of community and belonging. Diverse groups of friends and loved ones are invited to gather together, uniting to honor and celebrate the loved ones they care so deeply about.
Positive Economic Impact
From a small intimate wedding to a huge bash, weddings cost money. Small businesses and local vendors benefit from the revenue, generating more jobs with the increased need, all serving to benefit the local economy.
Family and Friends Unite
Gathering with loved ones to celebrate and making new memories and friends throughout the day is something that everyone benefits from when attending a wedding.
And of course, the bride and groom get to tie the knot surrounded by everyone they hold dear. The bride gets to say ‘I do,’ stunning and radiant in her gown with her best friends at her side, also gorgeous in their Bella Bridesmaids dresses.
And with that, two families are united, brought together as one.
Negative Impacts Weddings Have on Society
Now for the less than favorable impact weddings have on society. As you read through these, please keep in mind—the negatives pale in comparison to the positives. In fact, with the right mindset, the negative aspects of a wedding don’t have to impact you at all.
Comparison
There’s that old saying: comparison is the thief of joy. Weddings can lead to unrealistic expectations as flashy social media posts showcase glitzy A-list style weddings, dripping in opulence that only a select few can afford.
The truth is, weddings are about coming together to celebrate love. That’s where the magic and joy reside. The key to keeping perspective is to plan your wedding, a wedding centered around what you and your fiancée actually value—something that’s true to who you are.
Financial stress
Weddings can get really expensive, fast. Many couples overextend themselves financially because they believe their big day has to be or look a certain way.
Yet starting a life together in debt is really not the best way to begin a marriage, and many couples realize that there are workarounds—ways of achieving their dream wedding on a budget—often crafting something that’s even more beautiful and creatively appealing by taking the DIY approach.
Environmental Waste
Weddings—especially large ones—can be pretty taxing on the environment. There’s fuel used for travel, food waste, single-use decorations… it all accumulates, piling up in a landfill.
To combat this, many couples opt for eco-friendly venues which are essentially wedding venues that make it a priority to be as green as they possibly can.
Some brides also choose to use thrifted decorations or create their own out of scrap or recyclable material.
Wedding websites let many couples send electronic save the dates and wedding invitations, and some couples choose to have people donate to their favorite charity, instead of purchasing gifts.
Conclusion:
All in all, weddings are wonderful celebrations. The ripple effect from all that love and joy radiates from the couple, lighting up the hearts of their guests who in turn get to carry it with them out into the world.
