The impact of TikTok on modern weddings 

Social media has reshaped the world in more ways than we can imagine. When Instagram became the top platform for sharing memorable photographs, weddings naturally followed suit–jaw-dropping décor, breathtaking venues, and double-tap-worthy photos became non-negotiables.

Now that TikTok is in the game, the wedding industry continues to evolve and people can’t keep up. While Instagram has led couples to fixate on aesthetics and dreamy decor, TikTok amplifies this by rounding up trends and giving ideas for short-form video content.

For example, a quick search on “weddings” will show fairytale venues and otherworldly destinations, with many showing how beautiful it is to get married in Italy. By romanticizing this country, this may lead brides to neglect other options and be fixated on European nuptials. One will also find a bevy of videos featuring “content trends” that suggest poses and transitions. Case in point, hiring a content creator for the big day has even become the new norm.

While it is not wrong to want an enchanted celebration, it can overshadow the couple’s relationship which is the true foundation of marriage. Instead of thinking about the dream wedding, individuals should first ask themselves if they are truly ready for marriage and all its implications. After all, getting married isn’t for the thrill of the event but for the commitment of a life-long partnership.

Here, Wendy El-Khoury, Wedded Wonderland’s CEO, shares her top advice before saying “I do.”

What getting married really means 

Don’t ignore the small stuff

It goes without saying that choosing a partner entails understanding their character well and discerning their suitability. The smallest details, like how someone treats strangers, handles stress, or spends their free time, can reveal more about them than grand gestures ever could.

“When you meet someone, observe how they treat you and others,” says El-Khoury. “Pay attention to their values and how they spend their time. Do these things resonate with you? As you get to know them better, consider their upbringing and lifestyle. Do they align with yours?” Observing their traits and patterns will show if there is consistency within and outside your relationship.

Facing challenges together 

Life is unpredictable, and a strong relationship means having a partner who will stand by you through every challenge. “Ultimately, when things are tough, will they be present, clear-headed, and hold your hand? Marriage is not all roses, but you can certainly smell a garden when it’s close by,” says El-Khoury. Support also includes encouraging you to pursue your ambitions and not seeing your wins as a cause for envy.

As a couple, another good sign of a healthy relationship is envisioning your partner in your goals. El-Khoury ascertains, “If they won the lottery tomorrow, what would they do with the money? If they could go anywhere in the world, where would it be, and would they go with you? These questions can reveal their dreams and priorities.”

Lifestyle compatibility 

Aside from those green flags, their lifestyle and expectations also play a part in determining compatibility. These include family expectations, financial habits, and goals. Thus, it is important to have conversations about these things from the beginning to manage expectations. Although people can have compatible personalities and lifestyles, their goals are just as important, as they will determine the direction of your shared lives.

For example, having kids is a divisive topic. Not everyone wants to raise children, and this can be a deal-breaker for some. Another one is family dynamics–some individuals expect to have a high level of involvement with family while others don’t. Lastly, even something as trivial as being a homebody or social butterfly can affect the relationship in the long run.

Reframing the conversation 

Given the ease of falling into the rabbit hole of social media, it’s important now more than ever for companies and thought leaders within the industry to flip the switch and consider discussing relationship matters as well. At the same time, it’s also the audience’s responsibility to understand their priorities, hence the need for more discussions to bring awareness to this issue.

Again, staging the perfect wedding is great, but it’s not the end game–it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Thus, taking the time to strengthen the relationship pays off more than investing in elaborate gimmicks for a wedding.

For her final thoughts, El-Khoury says that focusing on emotional connection, communication, and long-term compatibility is key to ensuring a good partnership: “Think about how they love you and add meaning to your life,” continues El-Khoury. “Do they have your back and stand up for you? Do they value your opinion and lift you up? When they have a free moment, do they look towards you or look away?”

So, instead of creating a wedding wishlist, why not create a relationship checklist alongside it?