In Australia the marriage rate is generally stable, although there has been a decline over the past twenty years. In 2005, 109,000 marriages were registered in Australia, which is equivalent to 5.4 marriages for every 1,000 people. Couples are also marrying later with the average age of first-time brides being 27.5 years in 2004 and increase of 4.5 years since 1984.

In some countries, cultures and religions, the actual act of marriage begins during the wedding ceremony. In others, like Australia, the legal act of marriage occurs at the time of signing a marriage license or other legal document, and the wedding is then an opportunity to perform a traditional ceremony and celebrate with friends and family.

A woman being married is called a bride, a man called a bridegroom or groom, and after the ceremony they become a wife or a husband, respectively.

Most weddings contain wedding vows and a public proclamation of marriage, usually by a government approved celebrant. The Australian Marriage Celebrants Program was established in 1973. It enables the appointment of suitably qualified people to perform marriages and provides couples with a meaningful alternative to Government Registry Office and mainstream church weddings.

Most weddings also involve wearing traditional clothes (gowns, kilts, white gown, red sari and so on). A wedding is often followed or accompanied by a wedding reception. Some receptions are very expensive and elaborate affairs costing tens of thousands of dollars while other may just be a group of friends and family sharing a meal at a local restaurant.

Other elements during the wedding service may include music, poetry, prayer or scripture readings. Some elements of the traditional Western wedding ceremony symbolize the bride's departure from her father's control and entry into a new family with her husband.

A number of cultures utilize the western custom of a bride wearing a white dress. This tradition came to symbolize purity in the Victorian era. Within the 'white wedding' tradition, a white dress and veil would not have been considered appropriate for a second or third wedding of a widow or a divorcee.

The custom of exchanging rings may be the oldest and most universal symbol of marriage, but the origins are unclear. The ring's circular shape represents perfection and never-ending love. The rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremony and symbolize the love, faithfulness and commitment of the marriage union.

The common element in a wedding is the assumption of spousal roles by the primary participants. The wedding is a special moment that marks the beginning of a new life together. Often, it is also a precursor to parenthood, marking the promise of a new family and a new generation. This moment is recognized with traditions, ceremonies and rituals including engagement and wedding ceremonies.

When it comes to planning a wedding, people often honor traditions, even if they do not fully understand their origin or meaning. Every culture cherishes its own wedding traditions and superstitions. Some of those are closely followed even by those who are normally not superstitious.

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