How has modern culture influenced the change in the traditional Anglo Saxon wedding?

Abstract

This study is concerned with identifying what and how modern influences have affected the traditional Anglo Saxon wedding. To identify this secondary and primary research was undertaken in the form of a literature review and a questionnaire and semi structured interviews. The results of these research methods provided a range of different opinions regarding the wedding process and the changes in the industry. The questionnaires and semi structured interviews were both aimed at people who either were currently planning their wedding or people who are married. The questionnaire received 60 responses and asked short questions which provided an understanding of what they each thought about the wedding industry and influences to the traditional wedding. The interviews asked more in depth questions to 6 participants, establishing the reason behind their thoughts and opinions to further understand their answers to the questionnaire. The results from both the questionnaire and the interviews were compared with the literature review to establish themes and key findings within the responses. The results were discussed in relation to the theory found in the literature review which provided a set of conclusions to summarise the study. It was found that there is an apparent distinction between the opinions of the younger engaged participants and the older married participants in relation to the planning of the wedding and the importance of traditions. It also found that media was the most prominent factor influencing wedding decisions and that people perceive the different forms of media in different ways.