Brides Say "I Don't" To Pre-Wedding Traditions But "I Do" To One Last Fling Before The Ring

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The start of the summer season traditionally symbolizes the start of wedding season, and this Saturday, June 14th is expected to be the most popular date to get married so far this year. According to the registry at David's Bridal, 26,370 couples are expected to walk down the aisle on this day.

"While the summer may be considered a traditional time to get married, our recent 'What's On Brides' Minds' survey showed that there are several other traditions that our modern bride is willing to abandon," said Charly Rok, Vice President of Public Relations at David's Bridal. "But even more risque was learning that many brides and brides-to-be have a dirty little secret – who they would want for one last fling before tying the knot."

Looking for something to talk about while seated with strangers at the next wedding you attend?  Below are some fun stats from David's Bridal's "What's On Brides' Minds" survey that are sure to be conversation starters:  

First comes real estate, then comes marriage?
Back in the day, there was a perceived order on how a couple should start their lives together.  A big white wedding, setting up a home together and THEN having a baby.  But times have changed. Although it may make our grandparents cringe, the modern bride believes it is okay to do things a bit "out of order."

• When asked what they thought was acceptable before marriage, brides proved they were less than traditional with 93 percent saying things that were once thought of as being taboo are now okay.
  • Living Single: A whopping 82 percent said living together before saying "I do" was totally fine.
  • Real Estate Partners: If you are living together, what about buying a home? Not a problem before tying the knot according to 56 percent of women.
  • Banking Buddies: Having a joint checking account prior to marching down the aisle is supported by 45 percent of brides.
  • Consummation Appreciation: 72 percent said having sex before marriage is acceptable.
  • Newborn Before Nuptials: 38 percent of respondents supported the idea of baby carriages before marriage.

Name Recognition
But fear not – the modern bride has not abandoned all traditions; most brides are saying "I do" to taking their husbands' names.

• 71 percent of brides have or will be taking their partner's last name after the wedding, and another 17 percent will hyphenate her name.

A girl may dream about her wedding, but it's the fantasies that are more fun!  According to the David's Bridal "What's On Brides' Minds" survey, brides and brides-to-be can have a bit of a scandalous side…

Final Rendezvous Before "I Do"
Before she walks down the aisle, would the bride have one last romantic fling before the ring? According to the survey, many would if they could!

• So who would they want to canoodle with? 44 percent of survey respondents said they would love a chance to be with their celebrity crush, while 17 percent admitted to wanting one last fling with their ex! Even more shocking…5 percent of women (GASP!) would pick the best man for their last hurrah!

A Celeb Toast with the Most
Let's be honest – the best man's speech can make or break the wedding reception. One bad toast can set the mood for the rest of the night, so why not ensure a speech that has everyone in stitches?  If they had their pick, brides would love a celebrity funny man to deliver the big toast, with the most requested best men as follows:

• Comedy vet Will Ferrell got the most love with 34 percent of the vote!
• Coming in a close second, seasoned award show host Neil Patrick Harris snagged 26 percent of the votes.
• Rounding out the list were "sexiest man alive" Adam Levine* with 20 percent, "Tonight Show" leading man Jimmy Fallon with 15 percent and movie heartthrob Chris Pine with 5 percent.

(*remember, 5 percent of women would want their last fling with the Best Man.  Hmmm…)

Love on the Dance Floor
Okay single ladies - rumor has it that the best place to meet someone is at a wedding, so if you are still looking for "the one," RSVP "yes" this summer. Attending someone's nuptials might be a more effective way to couple up than online dating. Maybe the next invitation will be for you "plus guest!"

• A majority of respondents (52%) said they had guests "hook up" at their wedding. Love is in the air!

For more information on David's Bridal and the brand's wedding resources, visit www.davidsbridal.com.

About David's Bridal:
With more than 60 years of experience dressing women of all ages for life's special occasions, David's Bridal understands the importance of providing brides-to-be with a vast selection of exquisitely crafted bridal gowns and bridal party dresses. Known for outstanding value, fashionable designs and the ease of one-stop shopping, nearly 60% of all brides in the US choose to shop at one of more than 300 David's Bridal stores located across the US, Canada, UK and Puerto Rico. Working with a knowledgeable bridal consultant, a customer can enjoy trying on a wide selection of gowns and dresses in her size with the added convenience that most styles are available to take home the same day.  To learn more about David's Bridal, visit www.davidsbridal.com and connect on social media through Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE David's Bridal