It’s hard for many brides to imagine walking down the aisle without wearing the perfect white dress, but that tradition was actually not popularized until 1840, when Queen Victoria wore one during her wedding. 

For years since, it was unheard of for women to wear anything but white, but modern times are changing the fashion faux pas once again. Though Queen Victoria may have had a lavish affair on her big day, for the average couple the big day was a more modest event as far back as the 1960s, when parents hosted the reception. 

When planning a wedding, the couple and their families want to make the ceremony and reception a memorable celebration of love. In their attempt to do so, notable trends and traditions have emerged. And whoever is financing the event often spares no expense to make sure everything is exactly right — and people in some states spend a lot more on their big day than others.

Click here to see the 26 ways weddings have changed over the decades.