The Best (And Worst) Things About Getting Married in the Modern Age

People often spend their lives dreaming about getting married. It’s a romantic milestone full of meaning, but it also comes with some potential factors everyone should consider with their partner before walking down the aisle.

These are some of the best and worst things about getting married in the modern age that every couple should know about.

 

1. Anyone Can Attend Your Wedding Virtually

When engaged couples meet with potential wedding venue coordinators, they often discuss the size of their guest list. The coordinators must limit their event attendance numbers due to fire codes and practical venue size restrictions. Although that meant couples had to shrink their guest lists in the past, modern couples can always invite people online.

Set up a camera on a tripod, and you can have an endless guest list of loved ones who want to watch your ceremony online. Some couples are even saying their vows in the Metaverse, so you can host your wedding online in any way that makes you happy.

 

2. Divorce Laws Change per State

Marrying the love of your life is exciting, but it’s also a big decision. It comes with potential legal implications that every couple should think about while they’re enjoying the fun parts of wedding planning.

The nuances of getting divorced change based on where you live instead of where you got married. Your state may also have specific requirements for couples to file, like one spouse living in the state for a particular length of time.

You and your partner should also know what the proceedings could include. In Pennsylvania, you can receive spousal support during divorce proceedings and after the divorce is finalized. That might be different if you live in another state. Consider learning these details as a practical and romantic opportunity to fall back in love with the idea of a forever marriage.

 

3. You Can Compare Any Wedding Vendors Online

People used to only have wedding vendor options around their hometown. They got married in a local venue and planned their big day based on the closest local businesses. Modern couples can use the Internet to compare vendor prices around the world. Do deep dives into review sites for the vendors you like. You’ll feel confident you’ve hired the best professionals to make your wedding dreams come true at the best price.

4. Apartment Life Might Last Longer Than Expected

Unless you have daydreams about seeing the country without leaving home, you’re likely one of the many couples imagining putting down roots. People typically view buying a home as the next step after getting married. Unfortunately, the modern housing market complicates this.

Homeownership rates have not changed significantly between 2023 and 2024. There aren’t many people selling their homes, so you might have to pay more for a brand-new build to get out of renting.

 

5. Personal Time Alone Is More Generally Accepted

Researchers found that teenagers, young adults and older adults value alone time for various reasons. People don’t view it as a bad thing because it’s self-affirming. Modern married couples may carry this into their marriage more so than couples from previous decades.

You won’t have to spend all day, every day with your spouse to prove that you love them if you’re among the people who value alone time equally to their socializing opportunities.

 

6. You Might Become Responsible for a Shared Loan

After designing wedding programs that match your theme and hosting a dreamy ceremony, you and your partner will likely need to buy something with a loan. Whether you purchase a house or a car, signing for the necessary loan together often turns out to be among the worst things about getting married in the modern age.

If your partner is unreliable with money or you get divorced, you’ll have to pick up the payments until a court determines otherwise. Some couples separate and remain financially tied together. Keep this in mind as you evaluate your confidence about your shared future.

 

7. Couples Often Request Money as a Wedding Gift

Asking for money as a wedding gift used to be taboo. Now, you can just send your guests a donation link from your wedding website. Cash gift requests increased by 10% from 2021 to 2022. If you already have everything you need at home and would rather get funding for your honeymoon or future, you and your partner could mention that to your guests without breaking any social etiquette rules.

 

8. You Might Not Find Yourself Among Married Friends

Previous generations may have imagined getting hitched and hosting their other married friends for parties. Modern couples may not experience that as much. The number of married couples in the United States fell from 67% in 1990 to around 53% by the end of 2019.

People are opting for domestic partnerships because they don’t involve costly ceremonies or potentially expensive divorces. Some couples may also not prefer the legal structure of a marriage. Although you might be among the few people in your life who get married, this trend also means you can divorce and live unmarried without as much social judgment.

 

Prepare for Modern Marriage Factors

Every marriage experiences ups and downs. Couples should think about these things before getting married in the modern age. You’ll know if walking down the aisle is right for you and your partner if you’re on the same page while discussing these perspectives on married life.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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