Given that you’re reading these words, it probably won’t come as a shock to learn that the internet has had an enormous impact on the way we plan and execute weddings – and on the way we meet one another in the first place. So, this time around, we thought we’d assess some of the changes effected by the internet age.

Meeting one another

The popularity of online matchmaking services like Tinder, OkCupid and match.com have provided would-be couples with a brand new means of meeting one another. According to research commissioned by another online dating service, eHarmony, more than half of us will be meeting our partners via the internet by 2031. By the time we get to 2040, the figure will be closer to 70%.

A significant portion of these, naturally, will go on to get married. Time will tell whether we reach a saturation point with online dating, or whether the phenomenon marches on to encompass all of society. What’s clear is that in the future, more and more of us will find our spouse via the internet.

Booking Services

Another revolution sparked by the internet looks to be a little further along. A wedding requires bringing together scores of different service providers, from florists to caterers to ministers to DJs. While picking up the phone still has its place, no modern wedding-focussed business could hope to survive without the help of the internet. It puts us in touch with one another, allows us to provide information, and sell services. So, if you’re looking for a photo booth service in Buckinghamshire, then all it takes is a simple Google search!

Inspiration

The internet, as well as putting us in touch with one another, is a ceaseless source of information. Sites like Pinterest function like endless catalogues of cakes, dresses and rings – and traditional print media has migrated online to help inspire us to make the big day as special as possible.

RSVP

One of the weightiest spanners thrown into the works of your wedding plan come in the form of those guests who can’t quite bring themselves to reply promptly. Well, thanks to the internet, you don’t need to spend quite as much effort chasing up those few stragglers.

What about the downside?

Of course, the situation isn’t entirely rosy. The availability of the internet can cause a strain on relationships when it’s not properly moderated – in much the same way as any other habit. There’s a large body of research out there which suggests that too much time spent glued to your smartphones rather than talking to one another can lead to resentment, arguments, and ultimately divorce. For this reason it’s worth agreeing upon some hard rules to limit the time spent scrolling through Instagram.