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.
Marriage and financial matters
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.
Marriage stats
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.
Late-Night Snacks: Bring Big Flavor To Your Wedding Celebration
Smores Bar
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.
Burger Sliders
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.
Hot Dogs
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.
Fries
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.
Pizza
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.
Mini Tacos
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.
