More People Are Saying ‘I Do Not’ to Marriage, But Why?

Some people are not drawn to the idea of having traditional weddings, or even getting married. A recent study suggests that weddings are becoming less of a thing these days. The Thriving Center of Psychology conducted a survey involving over 900 millennials and Gen Zers who are currently in relationships but have not pursued marriage. The purpose of the survey was to gather information about their current living situations and their outlook on future arrangements.

The findings revealed an interesting trend about marriage. Although a majority of the participants in the survey (83%) expressed a desire to marry eventually, many are taking a more leisurely approach. The reason for this hesitation seems to be connected to financial considerations. Also found in the study is that 73% of respondents considered the current economic conditions too costly for weddings. Interestingly, 54% of those surveyed made the decision to cohabit with their partners, at least partially due to financial constraints.

In the past year, the national average cost of a wedding escalated to $30,000, signifying a $2,000 increase from the previous year, according to a separate survey by The Knot. However, steering away from financial matters, the survey also unveiled an overwhelming 85% of respondents believe that marriage is not an essential component of a dedicated relationship.

Looking at different parts of the country, it turns out that certain cities are less marriage-oriented than others, with Toledo, Seattle, and Spokane leading the pack in terms of unmarried cohabiting couples.

Additionally, the data highlighted that in 2022, over one-third (34%) of people aged 15 and above had never been married. This represents a substantial increase from the 23% reported in 1950, as indicated by statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Curious about other reasons why younger people may not prioritize marriage? Dive into the full study for a deeper understanding and to gain more insights here.

In recent years, a new trend has been making waves in the world of weddings: late-night snacks and meals. Gone are the days when weddings were limited to formal dinner receptions. Couples and wedding planners have embraced the idea of adding a touch of fun and excitement to the celebration by offering a delectable spread of snacks and meals in the late hours of the night.

As a matter of fact, there are some McDonald’s restaurants offering $200 wedding packages that include 100 chicken sandwiches and 100 four-piece packages of chicken McNuggets. According to CNBC, the $230 deal would provide a chicken sandwich and McNuggets for $2 per person at a 100-guest wedding.

The late-night snack and meal trend at weddings has gained traction for several reasons. It allows couples to extend the festivities and keep the party going well into the night. And late-night snacks and meals are very practical. Weddings are often full-day affairs; guests can work up an appetite after hours of dancing and celebrating. By providing a variety of tasty bites and heartier fare, couples ensure that their guests are well-fed and energized throughout the evening.

The trend injects an element of surprise and excitement into the wedding experience. It adds an element of novelty to the event, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

Choosing the right late-night snack or meal for a casual wedding involves a more relaxed and informal approach. When choosing late-night snacks or meals for a casual wedding, there are several factors to keep in mind. For instance, opting for comfort food favorites that evoke a sense of familiarity and satisfaction, such as sliders, chicken wings, or nachos. You may even consider a food truck also allows guests to interact with the chefs and customize their orders, adding an element of fun and personalization. Another great idea is to set up interactive stations where guests can build their own late-night snacks or meals.

Don't hesitate to incorporate personal touches that reflect your tastes and preferences. By considering these factors, you'll create a memorable late-night food experience that perfectly complements the ambiance of your wedding.

Check out six late-night wedding snacks and meals to serve up on your wedding day.

Create a nostalgic spread featuring marshmallows, graham crackers, and various chocolate options. For an interactive twist, provide small gas canisters typically used for buffet food warmers, allowing guests to roast their own marshmallows to perfection.

Regarding late-night snacks, offering full-sized burgers may not appeal to everyone, especially after a filling dinner. However, you can still satisfy your guests' savory cravings with sliders. Serve up mini burgers, or get creative with pulled pork or brisket sliders for a flavorful bite. Expand the options further by including mini grilled cheese sandwiches or mini biscuit sandwiches, providing a variety of burger or sandwich-like options. If you're short on time or prefer convenience, consider pre-ordering mini burgers from your favorite restaurant to save on wedding day DIY efforts.

Guests can customize their hot dogs with various toppings like mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and more. Whether you opt for traditional all-beef franks, vegetarian or vegan sausages, or specialty gourmet dogs, the possibilities for customization are endless.

Take it up a notch by offering a variety of fry cuts, each with its own unique appeal. From classic shoestring fries to thick-cut steak fries or crispy waffle fries. To enhance the fry experience, provide an assortment of dipping sauces. Think beyond the traditional ketchup and offer flavorful options like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, truffle mayo, or even a spicy sriracha dip. Present the fries and dipping sauces in an attractive display, whether in individual containers or shared platters for guests to enjoy.

Serving pizza as a late-night snack adds a comforting and delicious touch to the festivities. Consider classic favorites like pepperoni, cheese, or Margherita and gourmet options with unique toppings like BBQ chicken, spinach, and feta, or prosciutto and arugula. You can even provide vegetarian or vegan pizza options to accommodate different dietary preferences. To keep things convenient, you can arrange for a local pizzeria to deliver fresh pizzas to your wedding venue. Alternatively, consider setting up a pizza station where guests can customize their slices with a selection of toppings.

These bite-sized treats pack all the flavor of traditional tacos into a compact and easy-to-eat package. Offer a variety of fillings to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Classic options like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled vegetables are always a hit. Consider adding unique twists like shrimp with spicy aioli, pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce, or vegetarian options like black bean and corn salsa. To complement the mini tacos, set up a toppings bar with an array of condiments and garnishes. Include traditional favorites like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. You can also provide additional toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime to add a burst of freshness.