Changing Meaning of the Word ‘Wedding’

What does the word “wedding” mean to you? The answer is going to depend greatly on your personal ideals, the generation you belong to and more. Language is in a constant state of evolution and the meaning of words changes over time. In the past, when someone said ‘wedding’ the immediate ideas conjured up probably related to a traditional church big wedding. However, in recent years that has changed. The meaning of the word wedding is shifting. It no longer means a only a traditional church ceremony. Couples everywhere are reclaiming the word to cover all weddings regardless of their size!

Why Has The Meaning of Wedding Changed?

While researching my latest book, BIG Weddings SUCK! I learned that people had a range of interchangeable words that mean wedding. I have previously spoken about these Alternate Wedding Terms and how they can help to remove the stigma some people attach to elopements and small weddings. However, that doesn’t fully explain why the meaning of the word wedding has shifted. This is something that I explore in BIG Weddings SUCK! book, but it is my belief that the answer is societal change. Weddings are shifting away from their more traditional roots. Eloping is no longer a taboo subject. Let’s change the meaning of the word wedding. Why does it have to mean a big church wedding? Why can’t it just be about two people joining together in a celebration of their love? The simple answer is that it can and my book can help you to learn how!

BIG Weddings SUCK! is available now! Order your copy and reduce the cost, stress, energy and time that is usually involved with planning a big wedding! Take back control of what a wedding means and have your day, your way!

By Dave Westfall, the Alternative Wedding Planner