Due to Bucknell’s northern culture, there is less of the phrase “ring before spring” passed around. However, the subtle hints from society to couple up are still prevalent. Television hits, including TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings, are still some of the most viewed shows, acquiring millions of loyal followers. In a world where the average wedding is thirty thousand dollars, a huge industry that represents “the best day of your life” and prioritizes attending a school that claims to have a huge coupling reputation, it’s a topic that’s extremely relevant, even if it’s not at the top of most Bucknellian’s minds.
This pressure only increases over time, particularly for women. Celebrities including Chelsea Handler, Charlize Theron and Kristen Davis have received criticism for their decision to not get hitched. Diane Keaton spoke out about the issue, stating, “I don’t think that because I’m not married it’s made my life any less. That old maid myth is garbage.” A female Bucknell senior agrees, stating, “I don’t really think about it too much, though I love watching bridal shows – it’s a guilty pleasure thing.” She deduces that the pressure from family is stronger. “Family gatherings are always a tough time, though most people I know around my age aren’t even close to walking down the aisle.” Despite the images presented on Facebook, in reality, the average age to meet a spouse is 27.
At the same time, there is also difficulty for women on the other side. From a Refinery29 reader, “I got married when I was just 22. Contrary to what cynical New Yorkers might think, there are still some small towns in Kentucky where crazy kids in love do that… everyone from your best friends to the customers you wait on during your Tuesday night server gig will tell you: ‘You’re too young,’ ‘You’re missing out,’ ‘You’re making a mistake,’ or ‘It won’t work out.’”
Sitting down with Bucknell junior Madison Cooney, she explained “the most challenging thing overall has been planning a wedding so far in advance and so far away. When it comes to the wedding and moving after, there certain things I can and can’t plan.” (Cooney is planning for a June 2018 wedding and plans to pursue grad school after graduation). When asked about the most difficult aspect of getting married young, she explained “surprisingly not students, but judgment from professors. Because I am getting married and applying to jobs that are pretty close by, professors will ask me what happens when I get done with school and I’ve only been able to say that I plan on getting married to my boyfriend of over three years. I’ve had several professors respond telling me that I should be doing more with my life.”
In conclusion, it seems that both sides of getting married come with their own challenges and benefits, bringing reality to the phrase “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”