Do you think the goal of couples in 2018 is to have a wedding or to have a marriage?

The couples I marry are usually in it for the long haul. Celebrants normally ask pertinent questions to ascertain reasons for getting married and should advise against it if they are not committed

They are an exchange of the same term. I realise you are looking at a deeper meaning and it is hoped that all couples are looking for a long and lasting relationship

I really believe that most couples plan their weddings with long term happiness as a married couple as their goal.  Less couples seem to be getting carried away with wedding fever and many are choosing low key intimate weddings to formalise their love and commitment to each other.

Regardless of the style and type of wedding chosen and the age or circumstances of the couple I really believe that love and marriage is the ultimate goel behind the beautiful weddings I am lucky enough to perf

Great question!

Having conducted 200+ ceremonies and being a little bit more on the wild side as far as celebrants go - that answer is totally dependant on the couple - EACH OF WHICH IS UNIQUE.

I do not believe that people set out to get married and then bust up again. Their wedding and the commitment they make on the actual day of the wedding is significant enough for them to see a future that has longevity (marriage). On saying this, couples that I deal with are down to earth and are more realistic about what their futures may hold. Nothing is certain.

A wedding is just one fun way in which to celebrate and acknowledge the (hopefully just as fun) marriage to follow. 
No matter how couples choose to approach it, I always try to remind them to keep the big picture and have fun, otherwise what's the point?
Life is too short. Wedding or marriage - keep the big picture.
I hope that others reading these words will agree to this outlook! Thanks for reading - Joanne Armstrong (Authorised Marriage Celebrant)

Interesting question. I think in 2018 there are many couples already living together experiencing life as a marriage, they have found each other, brought or rented their house and started their family. The weddingtherefore for many couples is the public declaration of their committment to their love, relationship and future, which they want to  share with their family and friends. Marriage often comes before and continues well after the wedding.

A marriage is supposed to be the union of two people in a personal relationship. It's a fusion, a combination, a connection with each other. That's what couples should really aspire towards. The wedding is just the symbolisation and celebration of that union.

I hope it is a marriage that people are after, not just a wedding.  Elizabeth Halley, Civil Ceremonies

I believe most couples deciding to have a wedding in 2018 wish to make a comittment to each other, in front of family and friends. Becuase of this comittment, they have decided to get married, and therefore arrange a wedding. 

The type of wedding is a decision the couple make after the engagement, or when they have decided to marry,  and does not necessarily have to be a big wedding. 

It is easy to see why the  focus of many couples is the wedding  initially because it is  a big moment in their lives. To organise a wedding can be expensive and quite stressful. However when the wedding is over the marriage begins.  

So answer the question simply, I believe the goal of couples in 2018 is to be married.

Surely the goal is to have a wonderful celebration on your wedding day. Then keep building your married life together!

I would hope it is both