In the 1980s, Kerala weddings were simple affairs with minimal expenses. A wedding would cost less than two lakhs, and gold was just about 3,100 rupees for ten grams. Fast forward to today, and weddings have transformed dramatically. Modern weddings are now packed with multiple events like engagement, mehndi, haldi, sangeet, and reception. Young people like Reshma, a medical graduate, say these events are designed to create perfect Instagram and YouTube reels. Event managers, photographers, and makeup artists are now easily available on social media platforms.
Digital Age Wedding Trends
Today’s weddings are carefully choreographed digital performances. E-invitations have replaced traditional cards. Couples create “save the date” videos telling their love story, which are shared on social media and displayed during the wedding. Interestingly, while wedding expenses have increased, the obsession with gold is reducing. Young people now prefer minimal traditional jewelry, opting for oxidized gold and artificial jewelry that matches their outfits. The wedding guest list and expenses have become more controlled, especially after the Covid pandemic.
Marriage and Relationship Evolution
The marriage landscape in Kerala has drastically changed. Earlier, marriages happened between 14-22 years of age, often arranged through brokers. Now, people are marrying much later, with many in their 30s still single. Dating has become common, with platforms like Tinder and Bumble replacing traditional matchmaking. In Reshma’s medical batch of 150 students, 20 got married immediately after graduation – with a mix of arranged and love marriages, including inter-caste and inter-religious unions. The younger generation is more open-minded, exploring relationships, sexual orientations, and challenging traditional cultural norms. As a Zen master once said, “You never step into the same river twice” – reflecting how life and social norms continuously evolve.
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