The latest YouGov data analysed by Deacons shows that 67% of adults say marriage is not an outdated institution, while only 21% believe it is.
The figures continue a stable long-term trend, with the share calling marriage outdated remaining between 21% and 23% since 2021, while the proportion saying it is not outdated has stayed consistently higher at 63% to 67%.
The findings suggest that while weddings may look different to previous generations, public belief in marriage remains resilient.
This evolution is reflected not only in the data but also in the weddings capturing public attention, as celebrities increasingly opt for more personal and less conventional celebrations while still embracing the institution of marriage.
Recent celebrity weddings reflect the same trend. Couples are not turning their backs on marriage; they are simply restyling it. Dua Lipa’s civil ceremony in a Schiaparelli skirt suit, a deliberate nod to Bianca Jagger’s iconic registry office look, is a good example of how modern brides are blending fashion history with their own version of commitment.
Lee Heaven, bridal jewellery expert at Deacons, explains, “There is a real difference between people rejecting marriage and people rethinking how they celebrate it. Couples still want commitment, symbolism and meaning, but they are making the experience feel more personal to them.
“We are seeing that in everything from smaller ceremonies to more thoughtful jewellery choices. We see many couples putting more of their budget into pieces they can wear for years, engagement rings, wedding bands, and bridal jewellery that keep the memory of the day alive. People may be moving away from some traditions, but that does not mean they have stopped valuing marriage itself.”
Five money‑saving wedding hacks that don’t kill the romance
Cut the guest list, not the meaning
“The easiest way to cut costs without killing the romance is to rethink the guest list. Every extra person adds to your venue, catering and drinks bill, so keeping it to the people who really matter can save a significant amount while making the day feel more personal.”
Choose off‑peak dates
“If you’re flexible on timing, an off‑peak date is one of the best ways to save money. A weekday or out‑of‑season wedding can be hundreds or even thousands of pounds cheaper than a peak‑season Saturday, and your suppliers are often more available too.”
Make jewellery do double duty
“Bridal jewellery is an area where you can be smart. Choose pieces you know you’ll wear again, classic studs, a simple pendant, or a refined bracelet, so they feel like an investment rather than a one‑day expense.”
Reuse and repurpose
“Look for ways to reuse and repurpose rather than buying everything new. Reusing ceremony flowers at the reception or borrowing and re‑setting family jewellery into a modern design adds sentimental value and can be more affordable at the same time.”
Skip what no one misses
“Finally, be honest about what no one will really miss. Favours, multiple outfit changes throughout the day or lots of extra printed stationery are easy to drop if the budget is tight. Your guests will remember how the day felt, not whether they took home a goody bag.”
Lee Heaven, bridal jewellery expert from Deacons, concludes, “Behind every percentage point is a couple choosing to stand up in front of the people they love and promise each other a future. Traditions may shift, and weddings may look different from one generation to the next, but the desire to celebrate commitment hasn’t gone away. For many couples, marriage still represents hope, stability, and the start of a new chapter, and that’s why the institution continues to matter, long after the confetti has been swept away.”
Photo by Juris Freidenfelds: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-hands-with-rings-on-a-bouquet-of-yellow-roses-7816258/