Second Weddings. Almost 45% of marriages are for the second time for at least one of the person’s getting married. Such weddings tend to be less formal and often include children in the wedding party, or at least invited to attend the wedding, as well as the reception. In the past, weddings were predominantly for adults only.

Involved Grooms. Similar to expectant fathers being involved with the birthing of their children, the active role of the groom in wedding planning, or filling out thank you cards, and sharing the financial burden, and other ways. Traditionally, in the past, it’s always been the bride who wrote thank you notes.

Diverse religious traditions celebrated. Interfaith marriages are more common now, with a priest or other, equally significant representative of the two different faiths present, with each participating in the ceremony.

Honor Attendants. One of the most radical shifts in wedding etiquette is for a special male friend to stand in the “maid of honor” position [remember the movie, Made of Honor?], as the bride’s “honor attendant.” This can also take place for the groom, with a special female friend standing at his side as his “honor attendant”. These two departures from the long-held traditions are known as “Man of Honor” and “Best Woman” respectively.