When did weddings stop being family occasions?

[Quackpot]

Just that really. Child free weddings are boring

I think it’s when couples started paying themselves, rather than the bride’s parents. So, no more aunts and uncles and parent’s friends. It’s a party for the couple’s friends.

@Quackpot

Just that really. Child free weddings are boring

I suppose as long as those whose wedding it is are happy with it. You don't have to go to child free weddings!

There were a couple of kids of about 4 or 5 at the last wedding I went to, barely noticed them except when they were getting in the way of all the (drunk) guests on the dance floor late in the evening. They certainly didn't add anything special to the event and it wouldn't have been any more or less boring without them there!

Child free weddings are boring

They are great. You can still have a 'family occasion' without children there.
Children can be the bored ones at weddings.

I rarely find other people’s children great for conversation, so if a wedding is boring without kids, I doubt it will be improved by a gaggle of over-tired toddlers and showy-offy preteens.

Child free weddings are the best.. there's not one part of the day that's child friendly.

We only had 2 kids at are wedding because we’re at an age where there’s no kids in the family.

All our generation are adults, (so the generation above clearly adults as well!) and none of our friends / family have kids yet (we’re both elder siblings).

So the 2 kids that were there were literally the only 2 kids we know - either through friends or extended family.

Early 2000s is my guess. Or perhaps late 90s. In Four Weddings and a Funeral (which I know is not real) there seemed to be a balanced mix of friends and family.
I vaguely remember weddings when I was a child would consist of mainly family members and lots of neighbours and local people, rather than friends from all around the country (and world).

What Hedda said.

Why are weddings without children boring? Do you only do activities with children? Have you never been to a party without children? Most weddings I've been to have had a handful of children so most tables didn't have children on them at the wedding breakfast and people didn't look bored nor did I notice them looking wistfully across at the tables with children on them.The vast majority of guests didn't seem remotely dependent on the children for fun. I think the parents seemed to have less fun than the other guests to be honest, tag-teaming with tired and bored children. I didn't enjoy the wedding I took my own daughter to as much as the ones without her and I thought she was the bees knees.

I can remember my parents going to weddings without me, in the 90s.

The first wedding I attended was my best friends when I was 23.

When it became increasingly a vehicle for performative display where everything had to be special, unique and better rather than a celebration.

I am also intrigued as to how having children at a wedding makes it less boring?
Unless everyone's placing bets on who's child/baby has the loudest voice during the vows and speeches.

@Quackpot

Just that really. Child free weddings are boring

I like them. I don't mind weddings with kids but I'd quite like them all to go home at 7.

@Zilla1 is that not what a celebration is?

Child-free all the way!! Both pre-kids, and post-kids. Weddings are adult affairs. What kid wants to sit quietly throughout the service, speeches, meal etc? I have much more fun without having to run around after my DS (as much as I love him!).

Child free weddings are the best! I love the day off

Unless our guests at our child-free wedding were lying (which I highly doubt) they said our wedding was one of the most fun they've ever been to. Which somehow we achieved without inviting small children.

When it was over £70 per plate and people started getting married later so some friends have tonnes of kids by the time others get married.

Bride and Grooms choice, other than babe in arms.

Child free weddings are fine, but modern weddings are definitely about the stage management of the event rather than a celebration of two people in love.

I don't think weddings in general are as nice now.
Years ago people got married younger, they didn't already have dc and most didn't have a lot of money.
A wedding gift was something really appreciated.
Families mucked in to give their dc a good day.
And people didn't get in debt to get married.

Now it's hen dos and stags in expensive locations.
5k wedding dresses and matching platinum rings, venues in castles or smart hotels.

And it's always the most important day of their life and everything has to be perfect.

The only important bit of the day is the legal contract you make.
People forget this because they're focused on perfection in unnecessary details.

Weddings aren't family occasions anymore they're 3 ring circuses.

@Zilla1

When it became increasingly a vehicle for performative display where everything had to be special, unique and better rather than a celebration.

Why is it less of a celebration if children aren't involved?

I have 4 children. If i was invited to a wedding I would want to go without my children and enjoy the day.

Who enjoys weddings with children?

@Quackpot

Just that really. Child free weddings are boring

No. You’ve got that all arse about face. Children are bored at weddings.