What do you envision when you think of a wedding? Do you see a picture-perfect couple exiting a church, arm-in-arm, as a cheering crowd tosses rice at them like confetti? Or do you instead think of a casual couple exchanging their vows in a beautiful orchard next to a table filled with gourmet cupcakes? The way couples have chosen to say “I do” has undoubtedly transformed throughout the years, especially within the past decade. Here are 6 of the biggest ways weddings have changed:

Social Media Is #Everywhere

Long before social media emerged, you’d have to wait for your film to develop before you could share photos of the big day or pick up the phone and call your local vendors. Social media has completely changed how we interact with one another, and weddings are no exception. Since Instagram and Pinterest launched in 2010, couples have used these platforms as sources of inspiration for their upcoming nuptials and have even vetted many of their vendors for the big day. And of course, during the celebration the happy couple and their guests are busy taking the perfect photos for social media, updating their statuses, and using their personal (and oftentimes punny) hashtag for the event.

Less Traditional, More Customized

Not terribly long ago, customizing your wedding mostly meant putting your monograms on cocktail napkins and invitations. Within the past 10 years, weddings have shifted farther away from traditional trimmings and have become more of a reflection of the couple’s relationship. Brides and grooms feel less compelled to do “what’s expected” of them and are choosing to get creative and showcase their style and personality. Many couples are choosing to write their own vows, include their favorite desserts at the reception, and allow bridesmaids to customize their dresses’ style and color, shoes, and hairdos. Bottom line: it’s less about formality and much more about fun and living in the moment.

Non-Traditional Wedding Venues Are on the Rise

Whether it’s a destination wedding on a sunny, far-flung beach or a deeply meaningful location to say their vows, couples are expanding their creativity to include the setting as well. Campsites, national parks, rooftops, and college campuses are only a handful of places couples have been celebrating their big day during the past decade. While the ubiquitous church-and-fancy-ballroom backdrops will never go away, couples are choosing nontraditional venues that incorporate their hobbies, passions, or combined pasts now more than ever.

Guests Have Become More of a Priority

We all know that weddings are a time (and often monetary) commitment for not just the happy couple but also for everyone on the guest list. Instead of “putting on a show” for the attendees, couples are now inviting the guests to celebrate and drink in the memorable moments with them. From personalized surprises left on the reception tables to taking photos side-by-side in a rental photo booth, couples are dedicating themselves to showing their appreciation by wowing their guests and getting them more in on the fun.

Good Food Is an Absolute Must

Remember the days of asking invited guests to indicate if they wanted chicken or fish on the RSVP? This is quickly becoming a thing of the past, thanks to couples who love good food almost as much as they love each other. Now, weddings are full of more intimate, family-styled meals, self-serve stations, cocktail-style dinners, or even trendy food trucks. There’s also less focus on assigned seating, which allows guests the freedom to mingle with whomever they wish while enjoying delicious food!

Wedding Cakes? More Like Wedding Desserts

Once a mainstay in weddings, the traditional, tiered wedding cake is no longer absolutely essential. Instead, couples are choosing desserts they like, or are opting for a smaller cake and a variety of sweet choices for their guests. It’s not unusual for weddings to include cupcakes, donuts, pies, candy, or even ice cream instead. After all, not everyone is a cake person!

Whether couples choose a more traditional route or decide to be more casual and buck age-old traditions, each wedding is as unique and beautiful as the couple that plans it. If you’re looking for a beautiful venue with the convenience of catering and a team of professionals to walk you through the entire process, look no further than Chaumette Vineyards & Winery. We make it our mission to make your big day the very best day ever. To learn more or get started, call us at (573) 747-1000 or contact us online!