Redesign of marital rituals in Turkey in parallel with consumption culture

Consumption is a phenomenon existing since the ancient times but the new consumption concept introduced by the capitalism in the fordist era is used as means of communication beyond the objective of meeting fundamental needs; thus, it is attributed hedonistic, ostentatious and symbolic meanings. It surrounds individuals with meta, directs them to new sets of objects for various reasons and this pursuit never ends. The transition and new phenomenon experienced in Turkey and the World particularly after 1980 have increased the effects of Consumption Culture on under-developed countries. Consumer culture, which is one of the most important elements of capitalism, also had reflections in the organization of marital rituals with the effect of mass communication tools and globalization, as is the case with every other aspect of life. The present study analyses redesign of marital rituals in Turkey with the effect of the international cultural elements through mass communication means, and adoption and spreading of the new ceremonies within the society. Wedding magazines published in Turkey in 2016 have been screened and popular event organizers appearing in these magazines have been interviewed within the scope of the study. It has been concluded that the redesign of marital rituals and emergence of the new derivatives are results of the interaction with the Consumption Culture.