Featured Article

What does today’s bride want?

Written by, Ellen Shaheen Fox, CMP

Professional Bridal Consultant™

Certified Meeting Professional

Owner, ShaFox Weddings & Events

“It’s MY day, and you’ll do what I want!”  These words are becoming a relic of the past, as the perspective of today’s bride is changing to view her wedding as celebration to be shared with friends and family, rather than a submission to her every whim.  Today’s bride is a career woman that does not have unlimited funds or time to plan her wedding.  She wants a memorable wedding without getting caught up in the details.  She’s been a guest at several weddings and, more times than she can count, a bridesmaid.  She knows what she wants, and it’s NOT all about her anymore.

Common sense planning, budgeting and professionalism are her guidelines.  The working bride is very conscious of the costs associated with planning a wedding.  She wants the best food, entertainment and décor without spending exorbitantly.  In most cases the bride’s parents still pay the majority of the costs, with help coming from the bride and groom.  There is a respect from the bride to stay within her parent’s budget.  The budget is a working document that can be followed but requires some discipline.  A budget does not limit her from having a fabulous event.  It is common sense planning and a relationship with her wedding coordinator and vendors that can help pull off the dream wedding. 

Today’s bride does not have time to wait and doesn’t expect her guests to wait either.  More times than not, she has sat waiting, herself, for the arrival of the bride and groom, while becoming bored and hungry. Invitations were sent saying, “reception immediately following ceremony”.  “Immediately” actually translated into getting family pictures, pictures of the newly married couple, bustling the bride’s gown, and then, for some reason, private cocktails for the wedding party.  Today’s savvy bride is determined to keep her guests engaged, happy, and having fun.  When planning the reception, she considers the enjoyment of her guests.  She understands the energy and excitement of the affair depends upon the presence of the bride and groom.  Most pictures are now taken before the ceremony, buffets open as soon as the first guest arrives, and music is already playing.  The guests are now engaged, and when the married couple arrives, the energy of the reception soars to another level.  Wedding guests expect to wait a bit, but one key to a fabulous reception is keeping the wait to a minimum.

Today’s bride is practical.  She understands the wedding is for a day, the marriage is for a lifetime.  It is clear her focus is beyond herself, and on the wedding as a holistic experience for family and friends. She wants an enjoyable, memorable transition to a new life without getting overwhelmed in the planning.  Her vendors and wedding coordinator work together on the creative details, while she focuses on the commitment into which she is entering.

Because today’s bride is a working woman, she has dealt with deadlines, pressure, business relationships, and balancing her personal and professional life.  She is able to view her wedding from a broader perspective than just her own desires.  In the end, it’s still her day, but her words are more likely to be, “How can we make this a wonderful experience for everyone?”