It’s safe to say that, as the years go by, almost everything is subject to change. Whether we’re talking save-the-date cards or dresses, the aspects of planning a wedding are constantly evolving. The great thing about trends is that some are timeless, and others give you the chance to spice up your big day! Either way, one thing stays the same: it’s all about celebrating the start of forever with you and your other half. If you’re planning a wedding or are just looking for some inspiration, let’s take a walk down memory aisle together and see how the times have really changed for a few planning aspects.

Venue & Food

Traditional wedding ceremonies were mostly held in churches or other places of worship. After the couple said their “I do’s,” a reception would be held in a hotel, banquet hall, or country club. Catering would typically be done in-house for convenience. Although the 90’s did have an influx of destination and elopement-style weddings, domestic weddings of the 90’s and early 2000’s most often stuck to the long-established values of their elders.

Now, weddings and ceremonies are being held everywhere from refurbished barns to museums. The sky’s the limit when it comes to turning an unsuspecting location into the perfect space to tie the knot and celebrate, too! Nowadays, outside caterers are hired to assemble some trendy food options, such as edible flowers and donut- or taco-themed bars. New couples are into finding the perfect Instagram-worthy moments to capture and look back on for years to come. When it comes to cakes, go big or go home! The I Do! Collection provides both traditional and fun spins on wedding cakes, and assures couples will share the perfect sweet treat with their sweetheart. If you’re looking for something unique, consider geometric patterns alongside the cake or even square tiers.

If you’re not about that life, don’t panic: traditional weddings still exist! Don’t be afraid to go back to basics when it comes to your venue and food choices, and remember that those classic trends lasted decades for a good reason.

Wedding Wardrobe

Here’s the thing when it comes to grooms: the less work for them, the better. Since tuxedos have stayed relatively standard throughout the years, the only thing that really changes is the amount of work it takes to properly prepare it for the big day. Though tuxes do have a more refined and tailored look nowadays, the work that goes into them is more stress-free than ever. Instead of taking many trips to a tailor to get the perfect fit, some online suit and tuxedo rental companies give you the chance to do it all from the comfort of your own home. Companies like The Black Tux even have an at-home try-on that the groom can take advantage of a few weeks before the wedding to make sure everything fits flawlessly.

When it comes to wedding dresses, tradition sprinkles itself in with a little risk these days. At this year’s royal wedding, Meghan Markle proved that traditional isn’t a bad thing when she walked down the aisle in an iconic dress: it was an understated, minimalist, pure white dress. The well-known white, floor-length dresses, sometimes decorated with intricate lace and beads, aren’t totally a thing of the past. Some modern-day brides are pushing the envelope, however, and experimenting with veil-style capes or cold shoulder dresses, sometimes even playing with subtle colour variations from the classic white.

Whether you choose to stick to what you know, or play around with some new trends, it’s all up to you. Your special day will ultimately reflect the love you share for your soon-to-be spouse; the details are just the icing on the cake that is you’ll be eating at the reception!

Say I Do to new traditions infographic