A Day to Celebrate Love and Sisterhood: International Women’s Day Through the Lens of Weddings

Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally, honoring the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women throughout history. It is a day to recognize the continued fight for gender equality, celebrate milestones, and remind us of the work still left to do.

As we mark this important day, let’s take a closer look at how women are transforming the wedding industry, empowering themselves, and paving the way for future generations of women in the world of weddings.

Breaking Away from Traditional Wedding Norms

The traditional fairytale wedding, as depicted in storybooks, often follows a very specific script: a princess-like bride in a white gown, a formal ceremony with a father "giving away" the bride, and a reception filled with dancing and elaborate decorations. While this fairytale narrative remains a cherished dream for some, today’s brides are choosing to craft their own version of the story, one that better reflects their personal journeys and the diverse ways in which love can be celebrated.

Modern brides are questioning and bending the rules of tradition, opting for more relaxed, non-traditional celebrations that feel authentic to who they are. Whether it’s exchanging vows in a backyard, on a mountaintop, a beach wedding with an ocean breeze or an intimate ceremony in a quirky art gallery, today’s weddings are about creating an atmosphere that resonates with the couple’s shared values, hobbies, and personality, rather than simply following a prescribed formula.

In recent years, we’ve also seen a surge in destination weddings, elopements, and micro-weddings, where the emphasis is placed on intimacy and meaningful connections. These choices give brides the opportunity to celebrate in a way that feels true to them, not a script written by generations before.

Embracing Non-Traditional Wedding Attire

One of the most visible ways modern brides are reimagining the fairytale is through wedding attire. The iconic white ball wedding dress—once a symbol of purity and tradition—is no longer a requirement. Women today are opting for a range of attire choices that better suit their personal style and comfort, whether that means choosing a colorful wedding dress, a sleek pantsuit, or even a custom-made ensemble that reflects their heritage or personal story.

Some brides are wearing dresses that break with tradition by incorporating bold colors like red, black, or even metallics, signaling a departure from the centuries-old symbolism of the white gown. Others are ditching dresses altogether and choosing jumpsuits, tailored suits, or separates, making a strong statement about their independence and personal style.

Wedding attire is now a canvas for self-expression, and many modern brides are using it to showcase their personality and creativity. The once-strict rules about “what a bride should wear” are being thrown out the window, allowing brides to wear whatever makes them feel empowered and beautiful on their special day.

Wedding Traditions Reimagined: New Rituals and Meaningful Moments

While some couples choose to discard traditional wedding rituals altogether, many are instead creating new ones that reflect their unique relationship. Women are taking the lead in adding personal touches that make their wedding day more meaningful. For example, couples may choose to write their own vows to speak directly to their feelings and commitments, rather than relying on generic promises.

Crafting Your Own Fairytale

The modern bride is reimagining the fairytale by crafting a wedding day that reflects her unique love story, values, and identity. Women today are breaking free from traditional expectations and building celebrations that are authentic, inclusive, and empowering. They are taking ownership of their weddings, embracing creativity and individuality, and celebrating love in all its diverse forms. This is seen in different wedding themes, colors among others. As the landscape of weddings continues to evolve, it’s clear that modern brides are shaping a future where love is celebrated on their own terms—a truly modern fairytale.

One of the most significant shifts in recent years is how women are taking control of their wedding planning. Previously, weddings were often seen as a family affair, with parents, especially fathers, playing a dominant role in decision-making. Today, many women are actively involved in every aspect of their wedding, from the venue selection to the guest list, ensuring that their personal tastes and preferences shine through.

This sense of empowerment has resulted in a surge of women-led wedding businesses, with women stepping into leadership roles as planners, photographers, designers, florists, and chefs. Female wedding planners, for instance, are not only creating unique and personalized experiences for couples but also challenging the industry’s long-standing stereotypes. By taking the reins of their weddings, women are turning what was once a highly traditional event into a meaningful celebration of love, creativity, and self-expression.

Challenging Gender Norms: Love, Equal Partnerships and Symbolism in Marriage

Another important shift that women have driven within the wedding space is the redefinition of marriage itself. Traditionally, marriage was seen as a hierarchical relationship, with an inherent power imbalance favoring the man. However, today’s couples, especially women, are challenging this outdated notion of marriage, choosing to enter into partnerships that are rooted in equality, mutual respect, and shared decision-making.

From taking an active role in every aspect of wedding planning which includes everything from choosing the venue, managing the budget, and organizing the guest list, to helping curate the ceremony and crafting personalized vows. While weddings are often seen as a collaborative effort between partners, the modern bride is reclaiming her agency and ensuring that her voice is heard every step of the way.

Additionally, many women today are embracing symbolic rituals that reflect the equality in their partnerships. For example, some couples are opting for a “unity ceremony” that doesn’t just symbolize the merging of two lives but represents the equal contributions both partners make. A significant shift is seen in women choosing not to take their partner’s name, reclaiming their identity and honoring their individual legacy. They are also speaking out about equitable relationships, where both partners contribute equally to family and household dynamics.

Many are challenging outdated norms, rejecting the pressure to conform to one-size-fits-all expectations, and prioritizing their own careers, dreams, and aspirations.  Through this shift, women are empowering themselves and future generations, showing that marriage can be a flexible, evolving institution that values individuality, partnership, and choice.

Empowering Women Through Wedding Businesses

Women have always played a major role in the wedding industry, but in recent years, more and more women have become entrepreneurs, leading their own wedding planning businesses, designing dresses, and even creating innovative wedding venues. Women-run wedding businesses are fostering environments where creativity, innovation, and leadership thrive, while also advocating for values such as equality, sustainability, and inclusivity.

From wedding planners to florists, photographers, and designers, women are not just contributing to the wedding industry—they are revolutionizing it. 

Celebrating Sisterhood on Your Wedding Day. The Power of Female Friendships: More Than Just Bridesmaids

Weddings are often seen as a celebration of love between two people, but what about the incredible relationships that surround the couple, particularly the deep, supportive bonds of female friendships? When we think about weddings, the first image that often comes to mind is the bride in her dress with a group of bridesmaids standing by her side. These women, often close friends, family members, or both, aren’t just part of the wedding party—they’re essential to the bride’s emotional journey. The power of female friendships in weddings goes far beyond the roles of bridesmaids or maid of honor. These are the women who’ve been your cheerleaders, confidantes, and support system. They’re the ones who’ve listened to your dreams, offered advice when you needed it, and been there through the tough times. They are often the ones who know you best, and their presence on your wedding day is a testament to the lasting strength of your bond.

On your wedding day, it’s not just about finding “the one”—it’s also about celebrating the women who’ve been by your side through thick and thin, the ones who have supported, uplifted, and stood with you through life’s highs and lows. These friendships are the unsung heroes of your journey to the altar, and on your special day, they play a vital role in making it unforgettable.

As we celebrate the bond of sisterhood on International Women's Day, it's the perfect time to recognize the power of female friendships in weddings. From your bridesmaids to your closest friends, these women not only contribute to the joy and excitement of the day but also remind you that love and connection are about more than just romantic relationships—they are about the deep, unwavering support of the women who’ve been with you every step of the way.

Beautiful shots from Priscilla Ojo's bridesmaids' party. Credit; Nairaland Forum 

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and transformative impact women have on marriage and society as a whole. Happy Women's Day to all the women.