The wedding industry is constantly evolving and changing. We asked local wedding professionals, "What is the biggest change you have seen in weddings over the course of the last 5 years?" Keep reading to get the inside scoop and to see if any of these changes are perfect for your own #AlbanyEverAfter. 

Special thank you to Rob Spring Photography for the photo above. 

Carey Institute for Global Good

"Many couples are interested in having more intimate dinners, opting for family-style service over more traditional buffet or plated dinners. More and more couples in the millennial generation are looking to make socially conscious purchasing decisions, and somehow support the global good with their spending power.  Here, at the Carey Institute, all of our events directly support our nonprofit programs and mission to build a strong, educated and just world, and couples really seem to relate to that.  Some have even asked us for talking points to say a few words recognizing our organization’s work during their wedding ceremony.

Five years ago, it seemed like weddings were getting bigger and bigger, and consequently, more expensive.  We’re starting to see more inquiries from couples interested in doing a 20-40 person intimate living-room ceremony by a fireplace, rather than the 150+ guest summer tent affair." - Sarah Avery Gordon, Director of External Affairs

The Century House

"A downward trend in DIY weddings surprised us, but we’ve enjoyed working with couples to help them with their plans and have loved the individual look of so many of them. Ceremonies taking place at the venue (instead of a church) are a huge change. A majority of our couples, probably 90%, get married on property which was not the case 10 years ago. Another change we’ve seen is an increase in short turn around weddings where the couple books and plans their wedding in less than 8 months. To adapt to this change, we created a package that catered to this specific time frame and style. We always have new pieces for head tables and ceremony backdrops to keep things interesting but honestly, we’ve just stayed the course knowing trends will change but a timeless look is always in style." - Maribeth Livingston, Director of Marketing

Pruyn House

"Many couples are letting go of traditional elements such as garter, throwing bouquet, formal introductions.  They keep some, such as mother/son and father/daughter dance, but we see fewer speeches and toasts.  Formal photos are done primarily prior to the weddings now and some during cocktail hour.  Photographers take more candid photos.  Kids are definitely included – we had several weddings this past summer where the couple already had kids and they were very much included."  - Tami Sherry, Assistant Curator