Weddings through the years

INFLUENCES: The world was affected by war and women now welcomed in the workforce. However, food, clothing and metals were in short supplied and often rationed. Because the men were shipped overseas, many couples wed in a rush. A wedding was often determined by the military.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh

WEDDING STYLE: With limited funds, brides made their own dresses out of available materials. But men began to wear wedding rings as a visual connection while separated.

THE RECEPTION: Those who could afford or had the time for a reception would hire big bands while guest would jitterbug. The wedding cake was created by the bride with sugar, flour and eggs given as wedding presents from the family's rationings.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 23; men, 25.

1950s

INFLUENCES: People were more relaxed about spending money. Families and friends were invited to the celebration weeks ahead of the event mainly to help the younger couple start their home. The popular film “Father of the Bride” inspired many brides to create elaborate events.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe

WEDDING STYLE: Glamour and style were important, no matter the social class. The brides wore shorter hem lines, but with full, fluffy skirts. Men dressed in tuxedos or nice suits they owned.

THE RECEPTION: The tradition of elegance continued with classic music and simple food. Tall, tiered cakes were gaining popularity with bride and groom figurines for added height.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 20; men, 24.

1960s

INFLUENCES: Whatever Emily Post said was a go. Although the decade was the start of many social changes, including the woman's movement, weddings were still elegant and a social gathering. But brides would begin to show their own style. England's princess Margaret started the trend of simple elegance with her wedding in 1960.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu.

WEDDING STYLE: As the decade grew, brides started with traditional white full white dresses then moved to mini dresses with go-go boots. The men, however, continued with a simple suit or tuxedo. Only the accessories would change from hats and gloves to the essential tie.

THE RECEPTION: Although tradition was slowly moving from a trend, romanticism was still alive. If the family chose music for the celebration, it suited the couples preferences instead of the family.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 21; men, 24.

1970s

INFLUENCES: The hippie movement of the 1970s softened the gender roles. Many couples decided forgo marriage and instead live together. If the couple decided to marry, tradition was a second thought.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood, Mick Jagger and Bianca de Marcias, Cher and Gregg Allman.

WEDDING STYLE: Early in the decade, dresses were tailored to be form-fitting. As time continued, many brides would return to the long, romantic dresses. Church weddings would become popular again. Attention was given to the details.

THE RECEPTION: Cakes became the center of attention, complete with a fancy knife for slicing. Since brides were young, weddings were still a social event enabling the couple to receive plenty of household gifts.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 22; men, 24.

1980s

INFLUENCES: The decade was known for its decadence. The bigger the better.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: England's Prince Charles and Diana Spencer, Madonna and Sean Penn, Laura Baldwin and Luke Spencer (characters on the daytime soap opera, “General Hospital”), Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.

WEDDING STYLE: Brides were dressed in large and elaborate dresses and veils to match her hair. The dress would often be followed by a long train measuring up to eight foot long. Black attire no longer represented mourning, but instead conveyed a since of class.

THE RECEPTION: After spending so much money on the large dress, fancy shoes and a garden of flowers, couples could not afford a live band. Instead, guests would dance the night away to a disc jockey playing the couple's favorite tunes. Although this was the time of decadence, guests were encouraged to go green. Couples opted to be pelted with birdseed instead of the traditional rice.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 23; men, 25.

1990s

INFLUENCES: Celebrities weddings were the trend setters. But what a famous couple considered a low-key wedding was often more elaborate than what the common Joe and Jane would spend.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: Celine Dion and Rene Angelil, John Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, Victoria Adams and David Beckham.

WEDDING STYLE: White weddings were back in style. Brides walking down the isle during their second and third trip were known to wear white. The importance of designer dress and suits became more of a priority.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 25; men, 27.

2000s

INFLUENCES: Before they decided to marry, couples were watching their finances throughout the decade. After the stock market problems, this practice became even more important.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Ellen De Generes and Portia de Rossi.

WEDDING STYLE: Details are prominent throughout the ceremony. Small flowers, subtle designs and simple hair ornaments added finer things to the wedding. The couple began to look to the past for a more sentimental feel.

THE RECEPTION: Dancing is important. Many couples and family members choreograph a waltz or stage elaborate productions.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 25; men, 27.

2010s

INFLUENCES: Social media has drawn couples to create unique details to their weddings. The guests are able use their own mobile device to post wedding photos instantly. Gay marriage is now legalized in many states.

FAMOUS WEDDINGS: Brad Pitt and Angelina Joley, Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Carry Underwood and Mike Fisher.

WEDDING STYLE: Brides and grooms want give attention to each other. Destination weddings have become more common.

THE RECEPTION: The guests are given more attention. They are entertained with photo booths, candy bars and chocolate fountains.

AVERAGE AGE: women, 27; men, 29.

– Sources: United States Census Bureau. “I do...100 years of wedding fashion,” by Caroline Cox. Bridalguide.com.