Who would have thought that in the span of 50 years, weddings would go from formal, stuffy affairs to laid-back celebrations? Let's take a look at how things have changed over the years.

1. In the 1970s, most weddings were held in churches, with the reception afterward in a hall or at home.

2. The bride usually wore a white dress and veil and the groom a suit.

3. Flowers were simple, typically just white roses.

4. The cake was often fruitcake, which is very dense and less sweet than modern cakes.

5. There was no such thing as "wedding photography" - the couple would pose for portraits before the wedding day itself.

6. The average cost of a wedding in the '70s was $5,000 - today, it's closer to $30,000

7. In 1973, the average couple was 22 years old - today, they're closer to 30

8. The most popular wedding cake flavor was chocolate - today, it's vanilla

9. The average wedding had 150 guests - today, that number has decreased to 120

10. The most popular form of entertainment at weddings was a live band - today, it's a DJ

11. Wedding receptions typically lasted for 4 hours - today, they last for 6-8 hours

12. The number 1 wedding song in

• 1970- The Wonder of You – Elvis Presley

• 1980- Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon

• 1990- Love Without End, Amen – George Strait

• 2000- I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack

• 2010- "Marry Me" – Train

• 2020- TIE- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran & All of Me – John Legend.

It's fascinating to see how far weddings have come in such a short time. It will be interesting to see how they evolve.