March 12, 2025 • 19 mins
Celebrate love your way! Join us as we explore the evolving #WeddingStyles that make each celebration special.
This podcast is for engaged couples who are stressed out with wedding planning and family expectations but want a fun wedding day.
Sal and Sam, delve into how wedding traditions have evolved. They explore the increasing preference for personalization over formality, the impact of social media and technology on weddings, and the changing norms around ceremony locations, attire, and guest lists.
.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}Mark as PlayedTranscript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome as we exploreeverything, weddings and events.
Today, we're talking about howwedding traditions have evolved.
Are modern couples redefiningtradition or leaving it behind?
How has social media andtechnology transformed the big day?
And what's fueling the shift towardspersonalization over formality.
Thank you for joining us.
(00:20):
Hi, I'm Sal from AfterHours Events, New England.
We'll answer these questionsand more in today's Stress-free
Wedding Planning podcast edition.
Hi, I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
Listen now and discover fromtradition to trend the revolutionary
shift in wedding styles.
These are wedding insider secrets forstress free fun and memorable day.
(00:44):
Our podcast helps engage couplesnavigate wedding planning complexities
while addressing family expectations.
We will guide you through the journeyof creating the perfect wedding
day without unnecessary stress.
By the end of this edition, you'llget concise tips on budgeting,
wedding party management, ceremony,reception planning, and more.
(01:06):
Perfect for anyone planning awedding all in 30 minutes or less.
Trust us.
You don't wanna miss this.
Welcome to Stress-free WeddingPlanning, the podcast that will
transform your wedding planningjourney from chaotic to enchanting.
Sal and Sam bring over 80 years ofcombined wedding expertise and exclusive
insider information to the table.
(01:26):
If you're recently engaged, feelingthe pressure of wedding planning,
Struggling with family expectations, butstill dreaming of a joy filled wedding.
You've come to the right place.
Get ready to unveil the best kept weddingsecrets, discover practical tips and
strategies, and learn life changinglessons for a stress free wedding.
Your unforgettable wedding day awaits.
(01:46):
We're here to take you on a transformativejourney of love, laughter, and memories.
So don't miss out on the podcastthat just might change your life.
This is the Stress-free WeddingPlanning podcast with Sal and Sam.
On today's podcast from traditionto trend, the revolutionary
shift in wedding styles.
We'll reveal how wedding traditionsare shifting in the modern
(02:08):
age and what's shaping today'sunforgettable celebrations.
Hi, I'm Sal from AfterHours Events in New England.
You're go to experts for creatingstress free and unforgettable weddings.
From DJ services and wedding officiatingto photo booths and lighting, our
team brings energy, professionalism.
And a passion for makingyour big day truly special.
(02:29):
Whatever your vision, we'rehere to make it happen.
Visit us at After HoursEvents of N.E dot com.
Learn more about our experienceand journey to help you with
Stress-free Wedding Planning and thetrailer or pilot of this podcast.
Wedding traditions have evolvedsignificantly over time, and they
reflect social changes, culturalshifts, and individual preferences.
(02:53):
We'll cover some notable wayswedding traditions have changed.
I'm Sam from the award winningAtmosphere Productions, wedding
entertainment with expert knowledgeand the difference in quality.
Visit us at Atmospherehyphen Productions dot com.
Today's edition is all aboutthe shift in wedding styles.
(03:14):
You know, Sam, I know that you rememberback in the day how weddings were very,
cultural and traditional, it was justalways very fine tuned to what their
religion or cultural was all about.
But couples now are personalizingtheir ceremonies and reception.
Choosing elements that reflecttheir unique love story and values.
(03:34):
Having a first look and, you know, sayingyour vows to each other there instead of
in the ceremony and so many other things.
And this is incorporatingpersonalization over tradition.
As a matter of fact, Sal,that's the name of the game.
Personalization over Tradition.
Everybody wants to have a customizedwedding package and why not?
In the past, weddings were, youknow, rooted in those religious
(03:57):
and cultural traditions.
Now, not so much.
Let's consider then the ceremony location.
In the past, tradition hadthose ceremonies in places of
worship, or something that hadsome significant cultural value.
Nowadays, couples are going for nontraditional venues, beaches, barns,
(04:20):
gardens, out in your backyard, or a venuethat has everything all in one location.
He wants things done, one and done.
Sam, it's just so much easier nowto have everything on location
or many times it could be offlocation at a very special spot.
Churches have made thingstough for a lot of our couples.
Timing is off.
(04:40):
It just doesn't make sense.
So, yes, let's do something different.
Don't do what your cousin oryour brother and sister did.
Have something that's more personalizedto you and what you really want.
Sam, something else that has changedpretty drastically at weddings
is how they're dressing nowadays.
So the dress code.
You remember how it always used to bea white dress because it symbolized
(05:04):
purity and it was considered essential.
Now we're getting all differenttypes of personalization.
I gotta tell you, I did a weddingwhere it was more of a, Emo type thing.
And the bride wore a black dressand that was so cool looking.
I had another bride who wore ared dress and she looks stunning.
So it was somethingdifferent and not the usual.
(05:27):
But now one point I do want to make,if you go to someone's wedding and
you know, they're using a differentcolor for their dress, it doesn't mean
you can wear white at their wedding.
That is a no, no.
Stay away.
Please don't do it.
Now, just as a reminder, you canalso join us on our YouTube channel.
Just search for the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
(05:49):
Subscribe and get it first.
Nowadays, many couples are opting formore intimate gathering where you have
50 to 100 guests or 75 to 150 guestswith close family friends and kind of
making it so it's not just so impersonal.
(06:12):
Micro weddings have been very, verypopular since COVID hit and passed.
Micro weddings are where you haveless than 25 people, and you don't
do it in a traditional, space.
Elopements are very popular.
As DJs, we don't encourage elopements, So,obviously, because we can't be there to
(06:32):
play the music.But that is a big trend.
Also, Sam, who wants to havepeople at their wedding that
they don't even really know?
That's not like inviting everyoneon your Facebook list because, "oh,
those are my friends, aren't they?"
No, they're acquaintances.
So you want people that you're close to.
You don't want to be told thatyou have to do certain things.
It's your wedding.
(06:52):
Do what you want.
Have the people you want to have atyour wedding that makes sense to you.
People who are dear and close to you.
And what we could do for thosepeople who are NOT going to be
able to attend the wedding is wheretechnology integration comes in.
Before it was just photos andvideos at a wedding to capture
the day, but now there's drones.
(07:13):
And now for those other people, livestreams, social media hashtags, and
real time photo sharing, allowingcouples to connect with guests
and even those who are not ableto attend, which is the key thing.
This is how you can shorten thatlist by doing some of these things so
other people can enjoy the wedding butdon't necessarily have to be there.
(07:34):
That's becoming so popular nowthe fact that a lot of people
are not being able to make it.
So you you live stream it very,very popular and it's nice to
include those that are not there.
I've even had a wedding where theyhad the iPad in a chair for the
ceremony and the participant whowasn't able to make it was just
(07:57):
watching the entire ceremony from home.
It's a great addition toyour wedding planning.
So think about it.
Technology integration, very important.
Another item that we're going togingerly step into is the gender roles.
Now, remember, you don't have to have amale groomsman or a female bridesmaid.
(08:20):
You can switch those up.
I've had many weddings where we'vehad a bridesmaid that's a male.
So you don't call thembridesmaid or a best man.
That's a female and you don't callthem the best man, best person.
There's other terms that you can use too.
So let's see if we can shift thosegenders a little bit and use the
(08:42):
term best woman man of honor.
Those type of terms are great.
You also don't have to do thedad walking down the aisle.
When my daughter got married, my wifeand I walked our daughter down the aisle
because we thought we both, added toher life and not just one person, me.
(09:03):
We both walked her down the aisle.
So these type of things can be changed.
You don't have to followtraditional gender roles.
I've seen where grandparents are walkingtheir granddaughter down the aisle
because parents are not there anymore.
And these are the People who are closestto them who maybe even brought her up.
(09:23):
You don't have to stick to traditional.
Absolutely not.
So we've just explained personalizationover tradition, technology integration
and how it has changed things andgender roles are not the same anymore.
Coming up next, how receptionstyles have changed.
Gift registries are not the sameanymore, and the focus on experience,
(09:45):
why having a fun wedding is important.
But first, if you have a questionor concern, go to Facebook now and
join us on the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Community and ask away.
You can also join uson our YouTube channel.
Just search for the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Subscribe, and get it first.
(10:05):
This is the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal Sam, a
podcast for engaged couples concernedabout wedding planning and family
expectations, but who want a stressfree, fun, and unforgettable wedding.
Now it's time for my favorite segment.
It's Wedding Tip Wednesday.
My wife always says I never listen to her.
At least that's what I think she said.
(10:25):
On a serious note, provideclear driving directions.
Help your guests navigate easily.
Look, GPS doesn't always giveyou the correct, directions.
And sometimes it gives youdirections that it may take longer.
It just doesn't make sense to go to.
So obtain some directions from the venues.
Either it'd be the ceremony venue orthe reception venue and make sure you
(10:48):
test the routes yourself and make surethere are reliable directions that
are included in your wedding websiteor any emails going out to your guest.
And that's another weddingtip from Sal and Sam
Wedding Tip Wednesday is availableon the Stress Free Wedding Planning
Facebook group page every Wednesday.
Join the group for free!
Experience the magic of your specialday with Pfitzner Productions, a
(11:09):
premier wedding videography companybased in Middletown, Connecticut.
Fitzner Productions dot com.
Our mission is to capture your lovestory, candidly and authentically,
creating stunning, high quality videosthat you can cherish for years to come.
Our founder, Carson Pfitzner,combines technical expertise with
a passion of storytelling, Ensuringevery moment from the excitement
(11:30):
of getting ready to the heartfeltceremony is beautifully documented.
We offer a range of customizable packages,including drone footage and multi location
shoots tailored to fit your unique vision.
Let us help you relive the romance,laughter, and tears of your wedding day.
Visit Fitzner Productions dot com that'sF I T Z N E R productions dot com.
(11:52):
This is the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Welcome back to the discussionfrom tradition to trend, the
revolutionary shift in wedding styles.
I'm Sal from After HoursEvents in New England.
In the first half of our podcast, wecover the changing of ceremony locations
and how dress codes have also changed.
I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
(12:14):
Now let's discuss reception styles.
In the past, a formal sitdown dinner was the norm.
You went to a banquet facilityor a venue that had a room.
You had a head table and you hadvarious round tables around the room.
That was the tradition.
(12:34):
Now, today, we're going for buffet style,food trucks, just a cocktail reception,
no formal seating, and unique foods.
Pizza is now becoming a wedding trend.
It's not for me, but you mightstill want to consider it.
What we're doing now, then, isdoing the social experience.
(12:57):
It's not just about going to awedding, sitting down, eating,
and then dancing and going home.
As a matter of fact, Sam, there'sother changes that have happened in the
industry and that's gift registries.
It used to be you registered thingsfor household items for your home, but
many couples live together nowadays,so they don't need any of that.
(13:18):
So, they may have something for likea honeymoon fund or experience gifts.
Experience gifts could be when you goon your honeymoon, there's different
excursions that may be available andthey may give you money towards that.
So you can have a great time on yourhoneymoon or even something I've seen
a lot of lately is donations to causesthe favorite cause of the couple.
(13:40):
Just for your information, youcan go back to an edition we
did about gift giving made easy.
Why every couple needs a wedding registry.
That was back in October of 2024.
That would be edition 116.
Go back and check that out.
Now, we have to discuss the cakebecause the cake is something that has
(14:04):
changed dramatically over the years.
Traditionally, you would have atwo, three multi tiered cake that
would be brought to the facility.
We'd cut the cake andserve it to everyone.
Now, particularly since COVID, thosetype of cakes are no longer being done.
And many couples are getting afancy cake, just for display.
(14:29):
And then, a sheet cakethat was cut for everybody.
Or are they going with cupcake towers,donut walls, dessert pies, and many
are forgoing dessert entirely, oryou're having a full dessert buffet.
So the cake is only cut as a tradition andthen you have a full dessert buffet like
(14:53):
Italian pastries and things like that.
So the cake has really, really changed.
Have you experienced that, Sal?
Have I experienced it?
Let me tell you, I'm findingin my personal weddings that
60 percent of my weddings don'teven do anything with a cake.
And 40% are either, they're doingit in front of their gas cutting and
(15:14):
still feeding each other, and therest are doing it kind of privately.
So I'm getting a lot of moreof these donut walls and
different type of pastries.
Venetian table, just to, you know,to make it fun type of foods that
everyone gets to enjoy what they likeinstead of being given one choice.
So this is really working out well.
I don't think we're going to see that cakein 10 years, the way it's going, Sam, at
(15:36):
least in my experiences, that's for sure.
Great information there, Sal.
We now need to discuss about thediversity that's happening at weddings.
We know that there are cultural cominglings and interracial marriages.
All these cultural differences are great.
I love seeing the different mix ofcolors, peoples, and traditions.
(15:57):
So ceremonies have changed.
You don't necessarily have tohave a Christian wedding only.
You can combine a Christian anda Jewish wedding, for instance.
Even at the reception, you don'tnecessarily have to do the traditional
events that happen at a wedding.
I mean, you can add indifferent cultural items.
(16:19):
You don't have to stickwith the tradition.
So Sam, I want to sharesomething with you.
I had a wedding that the groom wasfrom India and then his bride was
white and what was cool is theystarted with the Indian traditions.
In India what they do is the guyshave a party out in the parking lot
(16:40):
of the church typically, and justhave a great time for a full hour.
And then we're using musicto get them into the church.
So much fun, so much energy.
And then once that's done,typically you're going right to
the reception and starting, butno, they had a second ceremony.
She was Christian, so theydefinitely wanted to have some
Christian beliefs put in there.
(17:00):
So they had a second ceremony.
That worked out great, bringingthe cultures together and then
going right into the reception.
It was beautiful.
Love those type of,ceremony and receptions.
It's totally different and it makesthe wedding so much more exciting.
Finally, focusing on the experience.
As Sal just mentioned, that Indianwedding, that was an experience.
(17:24):
In the past, formality and traditionwas overshadowed sometimes by the
fun that the guests would have.
you'd have all these formalities at theceremony, then at the reception, and then
there was only an hour left for dancing.
Not so anymore.
Entertainment is now the focus,especially once the ceremony is
(17:46):
done during the cocktail hour.
There may be, live musicians orinteractive games, or some type
of entertainment like a photobooth to encourage your guests to
mingle and just have a lot of fun.
Then later on in the evening after thedinner or reception, again, you might have
a strolling musician or you might justhave, a band that play with the DJ or have
(18:12):
certain different types of entertainmentthat the DJ is collaborating.
So it's not just all aboutthe formalities anymore.
It is about making your guests have funat your wedding reception, and you're
focusing on the experience for everybodyto go home and know that they had fun.
(18:33):
So there you have it.
We've just provided some insider tips onthe revolutionary shift in wedding styles.
Thank you for joining us on thisedition of the Stress-free Wedding
Planning Podcast as we talkedabout how wedding traditions have
changed to a new age of weddings.
Find out more.
Ask a question or tell us about yourexperience in our Facebook community.
(18:54):
Now, as you spend the next weekplanning your wedding, if you want me,
Sal, or our community of stress freeengaged couples and wedding experts to
answer any wedding related questions,then join us in the stress free
wedding planning, Facebook group.
Once you're in, go ahead and shareyour concerns and worries, and
we'll let you know if you're on theright track or if there are some.
(19:15):
Things you need to work on thelink to join us is in the show
notes of this edition, or go toFacebook and search for the stress
free wedding planning community.
Remember to do somethingnice for someone today.
And if you can't then dosomething nice for yourself.
If you've enjoyed what you've justheard, leave a review and share it with
a friend or someone who would benefitfrom this information until next time.
(19:36):
It's TTFN,
ta ta for now.
Thank you for listening to this edition.
A new edition is released every Wednesday.
Subscribe and get it first.
We'll catch you then.
Ciao.
The Stress Free Wedding PlanningPodcast is produced and copyrighted by
Atmosphere Productions in associationwith After Hours Events of New England.
Welcome as we exploreeverything, weddings and events.
Today, we're talking about howwedding traditions have evolved.
Are modern couples redefiningtradition or leaving it behind?
How has social media andtechnology transformed the big day?
And what's fueling the shift towardspersonalization over formality.
Thank you for joining us.
(00:20):
Hi, I'm Sal from AfterHours Events, New England.
We'll answer these questionsand more in today's Stress-free
Wedding Planning podcast edition.
Hi, I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
Listen now and discover fromtradition to trend the revolutionary
shift in wedding styles.
These are wedding insider secrets forstress free fun and memorable day.
(00:44):
Our podcast helps engage couplesnavigate wedding planning complexities
while addressing family expectations.
We will guide you through the journeyof creating the perfect wedding
day without unnecessary stress.
By the end of this edition, you'llget concise tips on budgeting,
wedding party management, ceremony,reception planning, and more.
(01:06):
Perfect for anyone planning awedding all in 30 minutes or less.
Trust us.
You don't wanna miss this.
Welcome to Stress-free WeddingPlanning, the podcast that will
transform your wedding planningjourney from chaotic to enchanting.
Sal and Sam bring over 80 years ofcombined wedding expertise and exclusive
insider information to the table.
(01:26):
If you're recently engaged, feelingthe pressure of wedding planning,
Struggling with family expectations, butstill dreaming of a joy filled wedding.
You've come to the right place.
Get ready to unveil the best kept weddingsecrets, discover practical tips and
strategies, and learn life changinglessons for a stress free wedding.
Your unforgettable wedding day awaits.
(01:46):
We're here to take you on a transformativejourney of love, laughter, and memories.
So don't miss out on the podcastthat just might change your life.
This is the Stress-free WeddingPlanning podcast with Sal and Sam.
On today's podcast from traditionto trend, the revolutionary
shift in wedding styles.
We'll reveal how wedding traditionsare shifting in the modern
(02:08):
age and what's shaping today'sunforgettable celebrations.
Hi, I'm Sal from AfterHours Events in New England.
You're go to experts for creatingstress free and unforgettable weddings.
From DJ services and wedding officiatingto photo booths and lighting, our
team brings energy, professionalism.
And a passion for makingyour big day truly special.
(02:29):
Whatever your vision, we'rehere to make it happen.
Visit us at After HoursEvents of N.E dot com.
Learn more about our experienceand journey to help you with
Stress-free Wedding Planning and thetrailer or pilot of this podcast.
Wedding traditions have evolvedsignificantly over time, and they
reflect social changes, culturalshifts, and individual preferences.
(02:53):
We'll cover some notable wayswedding traditions have changed.
I'm Sam from the award winningAtmosphere Productions, wedding
entertainment with expert knowledgeand the difference in quality.
Visit us at Atmospherehyphen Productions dot com.
Today's edition is all aboutthe shift in wedding styles.
(03:14):
You know, Sam, I know that you rememberback in the day how weddings were very,
cultural and traditional, it was justalways very fine tuned to what their
religion or cultural was all about.
But couples now are personalizingtheir ceremonies and reception.
Choosing elements that reflecttheir unique love story and values.
(03:34):
Having a first look and, you know, sayingyour vows to each other there instead of
in the ceremony and so many other things.
And this is incorporatingpersonalization over tradition.
As a matter of fact, Sal,that's the name of the game.
Personalization over Tradition.
Everybody wants to have a customizedwedding package and why not?
In the past, weddings were, youknow, rooted in those religious
(03:57):
and cultural traditions.
Now, not so much.
Let's consider then the ceremony location.
In the past, tradition hadthose ceremonies in places of
worship, or something that hadsome significant cultural value.
Nowadays, couples are going for nontraditional venues, beaches, barns,
(04:20):
gardens, out in your backyard, or a venuethat has everything all in one location.
He wants things done, one and done.
Sam, it's just so much easier nowto have everything on location
or many times it could be offlocation at a very special spot.
Churches have made thingstough for a lot of our couples.
Timing is off.
(04:40):
It just doesn't make sense.
So, yes, let's do something different.
Don't do what your cousin oryour brother and sister did.
Have something that's more personalizedto you and what you really want.
Sam, something else that has changedpretty drastically at weddings
is how they're dressing nowadays.
So the dress code.
You remember how it always used to bea white dress because it symbolized
(05:04):
purity and it was considered essential.
Now we're getting all differenttypes of personalization.
I gotta tell you, I did a weddingwhere it was more of a, Emo type thing.
And the bride wore a black dressand that was so cool looking.
I had another bride who wore ared dress and she looks stunning.
So it was somethingdifferent and not the usual.
(05:27):
But now one point I do want to make,if you go to someone's wedding and
you know, they're using a differentcolor for their dress, it doesn't mean
you can wear white at their wedding.
That is a no, no.
Stay away.
Please don't do it.
Now, just as a reminder, you canalso join us on our YouTube channel.
Just search for the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
(05:49):
Subscribe and get it first.
Nowadays, many couples are opting formore intimate gathering where you have
50 to 100 guests or 75 to 150 guestswith close family friends and kind of
making it so it's not just so impersonal.
(06:12):
Micro weddings have been very, verypopular since COVID hit and passed.
Micro weddings are where you haveless than 25 people, and you don't
do it in a traditional, space.
Elopements are very popular.
As DJs, we don't encourage elopements, So,obviously, because we can't be there to
(06:32):
play the music.But that is a big trend.
Also, Sam, who wants to havepeople at their wedding that
they don't even really know?
That's not like inviting everyoneon your Facebook list because, "oh,
those are my friends, aren't they?"
No, they're acquaintances.
So you want people that you're close to.
You don't want to be told thatyou have to do certain things.
It's your wedding.
(06:52):
Do what you want.
Have the people you want to have atyour wedding that makes sense to you.
People who are dear and close to you.
And what we could do for thosepeople who are NOT going to be
able to attend the wedding is wheretechnology integration comes in.
Before it was just photos andvideos at a wedding to capture
the day, but now there's drones.
(07:13):
And now for those other people, livestreams, social media hashtags, and
real time photo sharing, allowingcouples to connect with guests
and even those who are not ableto attend, which is the key thing.
This is how you can shorten thatlist by doing some of these things so
other people can enjoy the wedding butdon't necessarily have to be there.
(07:34):
That's becoming so popular nowthe fact that a lot of people
are not being able to make it.
So you you live stream it very,very popular and it's nice to
include those that are not there.
I've even had a wedding where theyhad the iPad in a chair for the
ceremony and the participant whowasn't able to make it was just
(07:57):
watching the entire ceremony from home.
It's a great addition toyour wedding planning.
So think about it.
Technology integration, very important.
Another item that we're going togingerly step into is the gender roles.
Now, remember, you don't have to have amale groomsman or a female bridesmaid.
(08:20):
You can switch those up.
I've had many weddings where we'vehad a bridesmaid that's a male.
So you don't call thembridesmaid or a best man.
That's a female and you don't callthem the best man, best person.
There's other terms that you can use too.
So let's see if we can shift thosegenders a little bit and use the
(08:42):
term best woman man of honor.
Those type of terms are great.
You also don't have to do thedad walking down the aisle.
When my daughter got married, my wifeand I walked our daughter down the aisle
because we thought we both, added toher life and not just one person, me.
(09:03):
We both walked her down the aisle.
So these type of things can be changed.
You don't have to followtraditional gender roles.
I've seen where grandparents are walkingtheir granddaughter down the aisle
because parents are not there anymore.
And these are the People who are closestto them who maybe even brought her up.
(09:23):
You don't have to stick to traditional.
Absolutely not.
So we've just explained personalizationover tradition, technology integration
and how it has changed things andgender roles are not the same anymore.
Coming up next, how receptionstyles have changed.
Gift registries are not the sameanymore, and the focus on experience,
(09:45):
why having a fun wedding is important.
But first, if you have a questionor concern, go to Facebook now and
join us on the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Community and ask away.
You can also join uson our YouTube channel.
Just search for the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Subscribe, and get it first.
(10:05):
This is the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal Sam, a
podcast for engaged couples concernedabout wedding planning and family
expectations, but who want a stressfree, fun, and unforgettable wedding.
Now it's time for my favorite segment.
It's Wedding Tip Wednesday.
My wife always says I never listen to her.
At least that's what I think she said.
(10:25):
On a serious note, provideclear driving directions.
Help your guests navigate easily.
Look, GPS doesn't always giveyou the correct, directions.
And sometimes it gives youdirections that it may take longer.
It just doesn't make sense to go to.
So obtain some directions from the venues.
Either it'd be the ceremony venue orthe reception venue and make sure you
(10:48):
test the routes yourself and make surethere are reliable directions that
are included in your wedding websiteor any emails going out to your guest.
And that's another weddingtip from Sal and Sam
Wedding Tip Wednesday is availableon the Stress Free Wedding Planning
Facebook group page every Wednesday.
Join the group for free!
Experience the magic of your specialday with Pfitzner Productions, a
(11:09):
premier wedding videography companybased in Middletown, Connecticut.
Fitzner Productions dot com.
Our mission is to capture your lovestory, candidly and authentically,
creating stunning, high quality videosthat you can cherish for years to come.
Our founder, Carson Pfitzner,combines technical expertise with
a passion of storytelling, Ensuringevery moment from the excitement
(11:30):
of getting ready to the heartfeltceremony is beautifully documented.
We offer a range of customizable packages,including drone footage and multi location
shoots tailored to fit your unique vision.
Let us help you relive the romance,laughter, and tears of your wedding day.
Visit Fitzner Productions dot com that'sF I T Z N E R productions dot com.
(11:52):
This is the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Welcome back to the discussionfrom tradition to trend, the
revolutionary shift in wedding styles.
I'm Sal from After HoursEvents in New England.
In the first half of our podcast, wecover the changing of ceremony locations
and how dress codes have also changed.
I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
(12:14):
Now let's discuss reception styles.
In the past, a formal sitdown dinner was the norm.
You went to a banquet facilityor a venue that had a room.
You had a head table and you hadvarious round tables around the room.
That was the tradition.
(12:34):
Now, today, we're going for buffet style,food trucks, just a cocktail reception,
no formal seating, and unique foods.
Pizza is now becoming a wedding trend.
It's not for me, but you mightstill want to consider it.
What we're doing now, then, isdoing the social experience.
(12:57):
It's not just about going to awedding, sitting down, eating,
and then dancing and going home.
As a matter of fact, Sam, there'sother changes that have happened in the
industry and that's gift registries.
It used to be you registered thingsfor household items for your home, but
many couples live together nowadays,so they don't need any of that.
(13:18):
So, they may have something for likea honeymoon fund or experience gifts.
Experience gifts could be when you goon your honeymoon, there's different
excursions that may be available andthey may give you money towards that.
So you can have a great time on yourhoneymoon or even something I've seen
a lot of lately is donations to causesthe favorite cause of the couple.
(13:40):
Just for your information, youcan go back to an edition we
did about gift giving made easy.
Why every couple needs a wedding registry.
That was back in October of 2024.
That would be edition 116.
Go back and check that out.
Now, we have to discuss the cakebecause the cake is something that has
(14:04):
changed dramatically over the years.
Traditionally, you would have atwo, three multi tiered cake that
would be brought to the facility.
We'd cut the cake andserve it to everyone.
Now, particularly since COVID, thosetype of cakes are no longer being done.
And many couples are getting afancy cake, just for display.
(14:29):
And then, a sheet cakethat was cut for everybody.
Or are they going with cupcake towers,donut walls, dessert pies, and many
are forgoing dessert entirely, oryou're having a full dessert buffet.
So the cake is only cut as a tradition andthen you have a full dessert buffet like
(14:53):
Italian pastries and things like that.
So the cake has really, really changed.
Have you experienced that, Sal?
Have I experienced it?
Let me tell you, I'm findingin my personal weddings that
60 percent of my weddings don'teven do anything with a cake.
And 40% are either, they're doingit in front of their gas cutting and
(15:14):
still feeding each other, and therest are doing it kind of privately.
So I'm getting a lot of moreof these donut walls and
different type of pastries.
Venetian table, just to, you know,to make it fun type of foods that
everyone gets to enjoy what they likeinstead of being given one choice.
So this is really working out well.
I don't think we're going to see that cakein 10 years, the way it's going, Sam, at
(15:36):
least in my experiences, that's for sure.
Great information there, Sal.
We now need to discuss about thediversity that's happening at weddings.
We know that there are cultural cominglings and interracial marriages.
All these cultural differences are great.
I love seeing the different mix ofcolors, peoples, and traditions.
(15:57):
So ceremonies have changed.
You don't necessarily have tohave a Christian wedding only.
You can combine a Christian anda Jewish wedding, for instance.
Even at the reception, you don'tnecessarily have to do the traditional
events that happen at a wedding.
I mean, you can add indifferent cultural items.
(16:19):
You don't have to stickwith the tradition.
So Sam, I want to sharesomething with you.
I had a wedding that the groom wasfrom India and then his bride was
white and what was cool is theystarted with the Indian traditions.
In India what they do is the guyshave a party out in the parking lot
(16:40):
of the church typically, and justhave a great time for a full hour.
And then we're using musicto get them into the church.
So much fun, so much energy.
And then once that's done,typically you're going right to
the reception and starting, butno, they had a second ceremony.
She was Christian, so theydefinitely wanted to have some
Christian beliefs put in there.
(17:00):
So they had a second ceremony.
That worked out great, bringingthe cultures together and then
going right into the reception.
It was beautiful.
Love those type of,ceremony and receptions.
It's totally different and it makesthe wedding so much more exciting.
Finally, focusing on the experience.
As Sal just mentioned, that Indianwedding, that was an experience.
(17:24):
In the past, formality and traditionwas overshadowed sometimes by the
fun that the guests would have.
you'd have all these formalities at theceremony, then at the reception, and then
there was only an hour left for dancing.
Not so anymore.
Entertainment is now the focus,especially once the ceremony is
(17:46):
done during the cocktail hour.
There may be, live musicians orinteractive games, or some type
of entertainment like a photobooth to encourage your guests to
mingle and just have a lot of fun.
Then later on in the evening after thedinner or reception, again, you might have
a strolling musician or you might justhave, a band that play with the DJ or have
(18:12):
certain different types of entertainmentthat the DJ is collaborating.
So it's not just all aboutthe formalities anymore.
It is about making your guests have funat your wedding reception, and you're
focusing on the experience for everybodyto go home and know that they had fun.
(18:33):
So there you have it.
We've just provided some insider tips onthe revolutionary shift in wedding styles.
Thank you for joining us on thisedition of the Stress-free Wedding
Planning Podcast as we talkedabout how wedding traditions have
changed to a new age of weddings.
Find out more.
Ask a question or tell us about yourexperience in our Facebook community.
(18:54):
Now, as you spend the next weekplanning your wedding, if you want me,
Sal, or our community of stress freeengaged couples and wedding experts to
answer any wedding related questions,then join us in the stress free
wedding planning, Facebook group.
Once you're in, go ahead and shareyour concerns and worries, and
we'll let you know if you're on theright track or if there are some.
(19:15):
Things you need to work on thelink to join us is in the show
notes of this edition, or go toFacebook and search for the stress
free wedding planning community.
Remember to do somethingnice for someone today.
And if you can't then dosomething nice for yourself.
If you've enjoyed what you've justheard, leave a review and share it with
a friend or someone who would benefitfrom this information until next time.
(19:36):
It's TTFN,
ta ta for now.
Thank you for listening to this edition.
A new edition is released every Wednesday.
Subscribe and get it first.
We'll catch you then.
Ciao.
The Stress Free Wedding PlanningPodcast is produced and copyrighted by
Atmosphere Productions in associationwith After Hours Events of New England.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.