Couples in Germany say yes to each other later and later. This trend is also noticeable in the district. A lot else has happened too.
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen - Facing the future together hand in hand and committing to each other for the rest of your life: For many, the wedding is the most beautiful day of their lives. Nevertheless, couples in Germany are getting married later and later. The average age has now risen to a record high: according to the Federal Statistical Office, women marry on average at 32.6 years and men at 35.1 years. And a lot has also happened in the trends surrounding saying yes.
“I can only confirm this development”: bridal couples are getting older and older
“I can only confirm the development here,” says Wolfgang Steger, referring to the tendency for many people to marry later. The 50-year-old has been working as a registrar in Bad Tölz for 22 years. “Today it is normal for women to study or do training,” he says. “Then they want to have a career before they think about marriage and children. Things used to be different.” 194 weddings took place in Bad Tölz last year. With a speech and music, this ceremony can last half an hour, Steger knows from experience. “Some couples don't want a lot of fuss, in such cases it's over in five minutes. That’s always a matter of type.”
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Landlady Sandra Sanktjohanser-Wohlmuth is also observing a trend towards simpler wedding ceremonies and wedding celebrations. Together with her husband Klaus Wohlmuth, she runs the “Jaegers” at the foot of the Brauneck – a sought-after location for wedding celebrations. “You have recently noticed that the trend is moving away from princess weddings and towards a rustic, casual style.” It is also noticeable that for many couples the church no longer plays a role in the marriage. “We are getting more and more requests for a combination of a private wedding and a wedding reception,” she explains. Pablo Landauer, landlord of the Tölzer Kurhaus, also confirms this. “Many people are inquiring about private weddings, and fewer and fewer wedding parties are coming from the church.”
According to experts, marriage has “become much more individual and informal”
The celebrations are also becoming smaller: “Our Salettl is much more in demand this year, but the large hall is rented a little less often.” The average wedding party currently consists of 70 guests, says Landauer. “That used to be more.” The parties at “Jaegers” are no longer quite as big as they used to be. “We have space for a maximum of 130 guests at a wedding, but on average we celebrate with around 80 guests.” Weddings have “become much more individual and informal.” You can see that more and more couples are breaking away from the “typical polite invitations”.
Franziska Bitsolis ensures everything runs smoothly. The 29-year-old from Geretsrieder is a wedding planner. The majority of her customers are in their late 20s and early 30s. “Younger people often can’t afford a wedding planner.” Bitsolis’ prices for weddings in Germany start on average at 6,800 euros. The couples often come to her office with specific wishes and ideas. “After getting engaged, many people first get inspired via social media.” Colorful weddings with flowers are in demand this year. Older couples, on the other hand, prefer more elegant celebrations, according to Bitsolis.
Money also plays a role for many people
Sanktjohanser-Wohlmuth also notices in the consultations that financing plays a major role for many people. “The desire to spend money on the wedding is still there. But many just have to see how they can manage it financially.” Savings are often made on decorations or spirits. “Flowers are still valued, but according to our florist they are becoming more and more simple and fewer,” she reports. “Otherwise, many people opt for simpler dishes or just have a three-course meal.” Landauer observes that bands are booked for the celebration much less often. “Many people now only opt for a DJ.”
Small celebrations for two to ten people, in the mountains or at lakes in Bavaria and Austria – that is Martina Anders’ specialty. “Corona brought this trend to me,” says the 42-year-old from Wolfratshausen, who has been working as a wedding planner since 2017. “Now it is becoming more and more common for couples to want to enjoy their big day just as a couple.” Often in conjunction with a vacation in a beautiful place. On average, Anders organizes between 20 and 30 weddings per year. “This combination of mountains and lake is always ideal, whether in winter or summer,” enthuses the woman from Wolfratshausen. Sanktjohanser-Wohlmuth also notes that getting married in the mountains is becoming increasingly popular. “We don’t just have couples from the region, many come from Munich and further afield to get married in the mountains.”
(feb/kof)