Cultural Changes in Marriages in the USA

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Today, instead of talking about weddings, I want to share this article about marriage…. 
An article by the National Bridal Service and Weddings Beautiful Worldwide
 
Cultural Changes in Marriages in the USA
An overview by Gary Wright based on “The National Marriage Project” and Pugh Research Center at the University of Virginia.
Is America having a marriage crisis? It’s a question that researchers at the University of Virginia and others are trying to answer.  Certainly, marriage is changing, and it is worth taking a look to see why and where it might end, as marriages are correlated to the number of wedding gowns sold.
Facts, Stats, Opinions
  • The number of new marriages each year is declining at a slow but steady rate.
  • When marriages are down, wedding gown sales will most likely be down, also.
  • Only about 50% of Americans are married now, down from 72% in 1960.
  • The average age at which one first gets married has risen to 29, and now only 20% get married before the age of 30.
  • If you are a single adult, you face a lower change of getting married than in the past.
  • A recent study found about 40% of unmarried adults believe that marriage is not as important as it used to be.
  • While marriage is on the decline, unmarried cohabitation is on the rise. Fifteen times the number of couples today live together outside of marriage than in 1960.
Why has marriage declined?
  • The women’s liberation movement of the late 1960′s and 70′s resulted in more women staying in college and starting a career. Marriage became less necessary for their economic survival.
  • The pill gave a lot more control to women in general, as the pill allowed women to both control when they become mothers and when to continue or discontinue working. The neessity for early marriage or marriage at all, has become less compelling.
  • The divorce rate has actually fallen since 1969, but it is still twice as high as it was in 1960. It is currently around 50%. Emery says, “from a psychological standpoint, the high divorce rate has partly caused the decline in marriages today. It makes young people today less secure in the idea of committing to and being in a lasting marriage. Much of the rise is in cohabitation as an alternative to marriage is actually an alternative to divorce. If you never make a commitment, you are never going to divorce.”
  • For some sections of the population, there is no marriage crisis at all. For example, if you are college educated, you are much more likely to be in a long-lasting, stable, happy marriage and much less likely to divorce.
  • Wilcox sees evidence that marriage among the higher socio-economic classes is going strong, but 70% of the country does not fall into that category.
The Postive News
  • The divorce rate has actually fallen since 1969.
  • The institution of marriage still symbolizes core values important to intimate relationships.
  • Marriage conveys a sense of meaning, purpose, direction and stability that tends to benefit adults and especially children.
  • My view is that marriage remains the most viable and desirable lifestyle option. Think about it, it is a two person contract of which 50% survive a lifetime. Not many business contracts last a lifetime.
  • Celebrities keep marrying and gossip magazines and programs such as Entertainment Tonight, glamourize marriage and weddings almost daily. This publicity seems to infulence the market in a positive way.
The Future of Marriage
  • Notwishstanding the declining number of marriages, half of this number still want to be married.
  • Pugh says, “We should make the lives of young people easier and provide them with the support they need to be able to commit to each other for the long term”
  • Most scholars agree that there is something about marriage that benefits a large portion of the population, and we believe that will continue.
  • Like marriage, cohabitation has changed. These days, living together precedes more than half of all first marriages. The number one reason couples say they live together is to learn more about their potential marriage partner.
  • Wilcox says that there is no reason to give up hope for good, healthy marriages.

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Marriage has been a benchmark of civilization for thousands of years. There has been scientific proof that people are healthier, happier, wealthier and live longer, as a general rule, when they are married. There has also been research that shows that couples who live together out of wedlock first, have a much higher divorce rate than those who wait to live together until after marriage. What do you think about this article? Do you think it is accurate?  I would love to hear your feedback! 

Northern Virginia Magazine’s Dream Wedding Giveaway Bridal Showcase!

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You’re Invited!

Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2013
Dream Wedding Giveaway Bridal Show

When: March 16, noon-3 p.m.
Where:The Waterford at Fair Oaks
12025 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033

Mix and mingle with family, friends and other brides-to-be as you visit with our Dream Wedding
sponsors and learn about all the amazing services they offer. Enjoy raffle prizes worth over $500,
a bridal fashion show and the big reveal of our Dream Wedding winning couple!

RSVP to RSVP@NorthernVirginiaMag.com

Honoring Family Members and Loved Ones

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Honoring Family Members and Loved Ones

We find that brides often wish to honor a deceased family member by including that person’s name on the wedding invitation. While the intention is good, this is not the proper way to go about it. There are other more appropriate ways to honor the deceased one’s memory – either privately or publicly.

To honor a deceased mother, an usher can place a white rose on the pew at the moment the deceased would have been seated. During the ceremony, a song can be dedicated to the deceased or the person’s favorite hymn sung and commemoration noted in the program.

Deceased siblings or grandparents can be honored during the candle ceremony by lighting an additional candle in their honor.

Rosemary stands for remembrance so a sprig of rosemary could be included in the bridal bouquet or attendant’s bouquets. Bouquets could also contain the family member’s favorite flower.

A contribution to the deceased’s favorite charity in their name is a nice way to honor someone you love. Make note of the contribution on your printed program.

For more ideas on how to include the memory of a loved one in your wedding ceremony, call 571-337-0719 or email Tyler@voilaeventstudio.com.

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Casting Call: Randy to the Rescue

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Some wedding gowns need a train. Others require a semi-truck.

Last season, millions of viewers fell in love with Randy’s bridal style and practical advice for brides-to-be. He’s back at it again and we are NOW CASTING Season 2 of the runaway summer-hit, TLC’s Randy to Rescue!

Have you watched Randy turn bridal dreams to realities and would love to walk down the aisle with the help of New York City’s premiere bridal expert? If your wedding budget or schedule just doesn’t allow a trip to the Big Apple, never fear! It’s Randy to the Rescue!

TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress fashion expert (and resident “FOB” – friend-of-the-bride), Randy, is heading off the floor of Kleinfeld and behind the wheel of a big rig to bring handpicked designer gowns to YOU! Once again, Randy will bring his favorite dresses, his unsurpassed wedding knowledge, and his signature “head-to-hem” styling approach to your hometown!

If you love TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress but live miles away from Kleinfeld and New York City, now is your chance. Email us with your name, age, location, and wedding date ASAP to randytotherescue@gmail.com.

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