How wedding traditions change over time

16:52 10 September 2010

Wedding traditions are fading away, a study has revealed.

Gestures such as asking the future father-in-law for his permission is now considered 'too cheesy'.

However, some traditions such as the groom going down on one knee to ask for his bride's hand in marriage are still ripe.

The trends were documented in a study of 5,000 married adults by The Wedding Inbox, an online wedding directory which helps couples prepare for the big day.

Spokesman Mitesh Lad said: "It's a sign of the times that some wedding traditions are dying out, especially the bride's father picking up the bill.

"Weddings are more flamboyant and lavish than ever before so subsequently they cost a lot more. Therefore many couples and even in-laws all have to chip in to help pay for the big day.

"It's a shame that some old wedding rituals aren't popular anymore - tying tin cans to a car and covering it in shaving foam is synonymous with a newlywed couple heading off to their honeymoon destination and embarking on married life together.

"With many British families now spread across the country and even the globe, some grooms may not know their prospective father-in-laws that well before they get married, so it's understandable that many wouldn't be comfortable asking for their daughter's hand in marriage."

The study also found that in tight times less than one in five fathers now picks up the bill for the wedding, due to the fact they can't afford it or because their daughter wants to support herself financially.

Mitesh Lad added: "Some deemed wedding day activities as old-fashioned, while some respondents were concerned about throwing confetti because it has to be environmentally friendly.

"Asking a bride's father for permission was 'cheesy' and writing 'Just Married' on a rear window of a car was 'messy'.

"It's stressful enough planning the big day without having to worry about wearing something borrowed or blue, it simply may not be a priority for wives to be.

"But some things will take a while to die out - like throwing a bouquet and getting down on one knee."

	1960s (%)	2000's (%)
Bride's father was asked for his permission	47	15
Something old, new, borrowed, blue	64	39
Glass of sherry before heading to the altar	10	4
The bride's mother sat next to groom's father	33	18
Father walks the bride down the aisle	54	59
Father of the bride paid for wedding	44	17
Threw confetti	74	54
Bride changed into 'going away suit'	51	7
Had 'Just Married' on car	20	11
Cans tied to back of car	22	6
Went on immediate honeymoon	47	16
Bouquet of flowers was thrown	23	24
Best man speeches	57	78
Bridal chorus	8	5
Emotional first dance	23	47
Cut the cake	71	73
Donned a white wedding dress	52	50
Guest book signed	11	43
A favour to guests	8	48
Bouquet of flowers for mother and mother in law	15	40
Gathered for photos	69	72
Partner went down on one knee to propose	10	38
Carried partner over the threshold	68	13