Millennials are Shaking up Marriage Proposal Traditions

Millennials, the generation born between 1981 and 1996 (ish), are shaking up many long-standing traditions. They are proposing differently than previous generations and creating their own traditions for weddings. Here are some of the ways that millennials are shaking up both proposals and weddings.

 Engagement Ring Shopping as a Couple

Unlike the days of old, it’s becoming more and more common for couples to shop for engagement rings. We see couples shopping together almost every day. This break in tradition has some advantages. It allows brides to try on different styles and to discover what they really want, rather than relying on pictures on the internet. Even if the ring-buyer wants their purchase to be a surprise, they will at least have some information to get the process started. 

Above and Beyond Proposals

The social media age has propelled proposals to a new level. Some of today’s proposals have multiple steps and elaborate themes. Many proposals involve a professional photographer who is hired in advance to “spy” on the couple and sneak of picture once the special moment arrives. It is also common for today’s proposals to involve friends and family. Some are even followed by an all-out engagement party!

Switching Proposal Roles 

Some millennials are also switching up gender roles when it comes to proposing. It’s not unheard of for a woman to propose to a man. Some women buy engagement rings for this purpose; others prefer not to. We also help many guests shop for their engagement rings after one has already proposed.

Proposing Later in the Relationship

Although it’s not true in every case, on average, today’s couples are waiting longer to commit to a lifetime together. In previous generations, couples knew each other for an average of five years before becoming engaged. Today’s couples wait even longer, getting engaged an average six and a half years after they first meet. 

Wedding Planning Earlier

Maybe because proposals are coming slower, wedding planning is starting earlier than ever before. Many future brides have Pinterest boards dedicated to the weddings of their dreams well before they’re engaged. We’ve also helped couples who have a date set and have a venue booked — even before he’s popped the question!

 

Planning Your Big Day Online

Planning a wedding? There’s an app for that! A lot of wedding details can now be planned online, and a good bit of the planning can be done right from your phone. About 75 percent of couples are also creating wedding websites to share information with their guests, and the majority even have their own wedding #hashtags.

 

Customizing the Details

While weddings of the past may have all looked somewhat similar, today’s weddings are as unique as the couple getting hitched. Many engaged couples choose a theme and color scheme for the big event. Most weddings include a variety of personalized elements, including food, favors, and decor. At Koser, we create one-of-a-kind rings for both brides and grooms. We also offer engraving services that allow couples to inscribe their wedding dates, initials, or personalized messages to one another.

 

Less Formal Wedding Ceremonies

Another tradition that millennials are changing is the formality of wedding ceremonies. Most wedding ceremonies today are shorter than 30 minutes. Couples are opting to write their own vows rather than exchange traditional ones. And many are walking (or dancing) down the aisle to non-traditional tunes, such as rock music or bagpipes. 

 

Koser Jewelers is the Wedding Destination

No matter what type of proposal you’re planning or what kind of wedding you’re dreaming of, Koser Jewelers can help you along the way. Whether you want to shop for the ring as a couple or go the traditional route alone, we’re here for you. 

At Koser Jewelers, our goal is never to just sell you a ring. We want to be your personal jeweler for a lifetime to come! We will help guide you through the process of choosing the perfect ring. Then, after you’re engaged, we would love to teach your future spouse how to care for their ring and hear the story of your proposal. Next, we’ll help you find the perfect wedding bands to celebrate your union. After that, we’ll be here for “push presents,” anniversary gifts, and anything else you might need in the future.  

You can trust us with all your jewelry-related needs — now and forever! We look forward to seeing you soon!