MARRIAGE continues to enjoy widespread support in Wales, with nearly two-thirds of adults rejecting the idea that it has become outdated.
A YouGov study found that 65% of Welsh adults do not believe marriage is an outdated institution, while just 24% think it no longer has a place in modern society.
The findings show that attitudes towards marriage have remained remarkably stable over time. In 2019, 65% of Welsh adults also said marriage was not outdated, highlighting the institution’s enduring appeal despite significant social and cultural changes over the past decade.
While opinions have fluctuated over the years, support for marriage has consistently outweighed criticism. The proportion of Welsh adults who view marriage as outdated has ranged between 14% and 30% since 2019, but has never surpassed those who see it as a relevant and meaningful commitment.
The results come as many couples continue to embrace both traditional and modern approaches to marriage, creating celebrations that reflect their personal values while maintaining many of the customs associated with weddings.
From intimate ceremonies in the Welsh countryside to larger celebrations in Cardiff, Swansea and beyond, marriage remains an important milestone for many people across Wales.
Lee Heaven, bridal jewellery expert at Deacons, explained: “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, concluded: “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.”
