• Millennials are opting out of traditional weddings and waiting longer to get married due to the expensive cost associated with ceremonies and receptions.
• Many millennials are delaying marriage to focus on their professional goals, pay off student debt, and ensure they have found the right person before taking the plunge.
• Some millennials fear divorce or want to explore life more before settling down.
• When preparing for a wedding, couples should consider making a budget and taking pre-marital education classes or workshops.
Marriage in the U.S. is an important institution and an expression of love, commitment, and trust between two people. Couples who get married often share common goals, such as creating a family, building a home, and forming lasting relationships. Marriage also gives couples legal rights they would not have in any other relationship. However, nowadays, people aren’t getting married, with some delaying marriage for various reasons. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Millennials and Marriages
In days past, a couple was expected to get married relatively young. Nowadays, however, millennials are waiting longer to tie the knot. This shift in attitude towards marriage has led to many questions about why this is the case. Here are some reasons why millennials are getting married later in life.
The Cost of Weddings
One of the most significant factors contributing to millennials delaying marriage is the cost associated with ceremonies and receptions. The average wedding costs around $20,000—a sizable expense for many couples who have not yet saved up for such an event. Many millennials are opting out of traditional weddings and instead eloping or having small destination weddings, which can be much more affordable.
Career Goals
Millennials are also putting off marriage to focus on their professional goals first and foremost. This generation often focuses on advancing their careers and building financial stability before taking the plunge into matrimony. With more than ever graduating from college with debt, many millennials are looking to pay off their student loans before taking on any additional expenses associated with a wedding or marriage.
The Fear of Divorce
Millennials have also grown up watching their parents go through divorces or painful separations, making them cautious when making commitments they might not be ready for. Unfortunately, this fear can lead many individuals to delay getting married until they feel confident that they have found the right person and built a solid foundation to make a real commitment that will last forever.
A Desire for Self-Exploration
Many millennials feel there is still so much to explore before settling into married life. They want to travel, find new hobbies and interests, and meet new people — without feeling like they’re being held back by having a spouse or family obligations too soon. Unfortunately, this desire for self-exploration leads many millennial couples to wait until both partners feel secure enough financially and emotionally before taking the plunge into marriage.
Waiting For the Perfect Marriage
Lastly, most millennials wait until they’re sure that the marriage is 100% right for them. They want to be sure that it’s built on a solid foundation and that both partners are equally committed to making it work before taking the plunge into becoming husband and wife.
Preparing For the Perfect Marriage
If you’re one of the millennials planning to get married this year, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure your marriage is the best it can be.
Preparing a Budget for the Wedding
You should also consider preparing a budget for your wedding to ensure you don’t spend too much. Start by listing down all the items that you need and decide on an amount that you can afford. This will help you stay within your budget and still have the wedding of your dreams.
Choosing the Right Dress
It can be problematic as a bride if you don’t have the right wedding dress. Many simple wedding dresses are available for you, even in online stores. These dresses are usually made of lightweight, comfortable, and stylish materials. It should make it easier to go around on your perfect day.
Carrying Out Pre-Marital Education
Taking pre-marital education classes or workshops is vital to help couples understand the importance of communication and conflict resolution in marriage. This will ensure that you are both prepared for any issues that may arise during your wedding.
Marriages are a significant milestone in life, especially for millennials. Although it can be tempting to rush into marriage without proper preparation, it is essential to remember that this is a lifelong commitment and should not be taken lightly. Taking the time to ensure you are financially and emotionally ready will help ensure a successful and lasting marriage.
