When it’s time to plan a wedding, every detail must be carefully chosen to create a day filled with love, joy, and cherished traditions. We surveyed Americans to see what they had to say about these time-honored wedding traditions, from the financial responsibilities to the magical dances and other ceremonial elements that make a wedding truly unforgettable. Read on to see what we found!
Key Findings
- 6 in 10 Americans (63%) don’t believe in any bad luck traditions.
- Though just 25% of Americans believe the bride’s family should pay for the wedding, 31% are convinced the groom’s family should pay for the rehearsal dinner.
- 6 out of 10 Americans believe the bride should take the groom’s last name.
- 55% of females believe in the bride taking the groom’s last name, compared to 67% of males.
- Though about half of Americans (49%) claim to not believe in the tradition of waiting until the altar to see their partner, 58% did agree they would wait until their partner was walking down the aisle for their first looks if photography scheduling was not an issue.
Wedding Traditions from Beginning to End
When it comes to bearing the financial burden of a wedding, one tradition still captures the hearts of many men across the U.S.
Over a quarter (29%) of men believe the bride’s family should take on the wedding expenses, while 22% of women hold the same sentiment. Additionally, 34% of men believe the groom’s family should graciously host the rehearsal dinner, with 29% of women sharing this belief.
Perhaps the gentlemen know they have the better end of the bargain?
On the day of the wedding, many Americans still embrace the idea of traditional wedding dances. An impressive 57% of Americans believe these dances, including the mother-son and father-daughter dance, should be a part of any wedding celebration.
However, there are some parents who may want to avoid the dance floor altogether, as we found that 18% of Baby Boomers do not consider these dances essential at all. Moreover, more than a quarter (26%) of millennials were on the same page and could go without any of the traditional dances.
Other generations, such as Gen Z and Gen X, show a greater inclination toward preserving these timeless traditions, with 85% and 84%, respectively, believing they are an integral part of the celebration.
On the other hand, 60% of Baby Boomers believe that a formal receiving line is a must-have at any wedding, while the majority of Americans (54%) disagree. The youngest generation in our survey, Gen Z, favors a less rigid ceremony, with only 36% saying they prefer to have a receiving line at their wedding.
While there seem to be a few disagreements among the generations regarding wedding traditions, some remain fan favorites among wedding-goers of all ages. For instance, nearly two-thirds of Americans believe no wedding is complete without the bouquet and garter toss.
And of course, no wedding is complete without a cake. An overwhelming 91% of Americans believe there must be a decadent wedding cake for the occasion, with 86% agreeing that the bride and groom should partake in the timeless cutting of the cake. This cherished tradition remains a timeless expression of love and togetherness woven into the very fabric of weddings as we know it.
It looks like there are some things we can all agree on, after all.
Closing Thoughts
At Shane Co., we understand the power of tradition in creating a wedding celebration that is truly yours. We design our wedding rings and fine jewelry to honor your most cherished customs and reflect your love story.
With our stunning selection of engagement rings and wedding bands, we offer a range of styles and designs to suit every couple’s taste. Our expert jewelers meticulously craft each piece, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail that will symbolize your love and commitment.
As you embark on this beautiful journey together, remember that tradition is the thread woven through the fabric of your wedding day. Embrace the customs that resonate with your hearts, knowing you will create enduring moments that will be treasured for years to come.
Methodology
In June of 2023, we surveyed 1,004 Americans of differing demographics to fully understand the overall American opinions and beliefs of typical classic wedding traditions (i.e., good or bad luck traditions, financial responsibilities, traditional activities or events, and more).
