CHANGING TRENDS
Time has changed, people have changed and so have the ways in which modern Indian couples are marrying. The age-old rituals and traditions of weddings are no longer followed by everyone. Millenials and modern day Indian couples tend to not follow all traditional norms these days and prefer shorter and more casual weddings. Here are some trends that have influenced the wedding industry and how they have impacted the wedding methodology.
DOWRY
India has been a land of dowry for centuries. Taking or giving dowry has always been considered a crime. In recent years many matches have been rejected for the sole purpose of not giving dowry. But in recent years, societies have begun to change, slowly families are no longer afraid to decline dowry demands.
CHANGING SURNAME
There is a growing trend in our society of women not changing their surnames after marriage. Not all brides do this and few men have done so. It is no longer a sign of sexism but a sign of a more liberal society.
ELABORATE WEDDING
The cost of an Indian wedding can skyrocket depending on how lavish the event is. From booking a lavish location and buying costly outfits to feeding hundreds of guests, the celebration can be a grand affair. But couples in the same society can also choose a simpler affair. Despite this, there are also couples in the same society who wish to begin their life together in a court marriage.
SHARING FINANCES
Similarly, a bride's family used to bear the enormous cost of a wedding by itself, but the trend is changing here as well. It is becoming more common for both families to share costs and plan the wedding together.
LOOKING FOR A PARTNER
Matrimonial sites, apps, and even dating apps have become popular ways to meet potential life partners as opposed to traditional methods like newspaper advertisements and relatives bringing 'Rishta' from friends.
CHANGE IN ATTITUDE
Marriage today is more of an individual decision than a compulsion for young adults. Many young people prioritize career over marriage, and they are willing to get married only after they have found the right person. It is not generally accepted that you can have a family under 30 years old and become a parent at that age.
LEGAL ASPECTS
Traditionally, religious customs were the most important part of a wedding ceremony, and the couple would be declared husband and wife only after completing all religious wedding rituals. Currently, a couple can only be recognized as husband and wife if they sign out the documents of their court wedding, which is the only document that gives legal authority to their marriage. In the past, minor children were married off by their parents without their consent. The Indian government has now set 18 as the minimum marriageable age for girls, while the age for boys is 21. Therefore the couples can formulate their own ideas and voice their own opinions concerning all aspects of their wedding
