# Conflicted Bliss Questioning marriage through awful wedding imagery. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Mar 14, 2012, updated Mar 27, 2012 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/questioning-marriage ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 3 ## What is the Conflicted Bliss trend? **Conflicted Bliss:** It is estimated that up to 50 percent of U.S. marriages will end in divorce. This eye-opening figure is likely to make any bride second-guess her decision to tie the knot, and many photographers are furthering the doubt by creating images focused on less-than-blissful wedding scenes. These disturbing captures effectively use emotion to secure viewer attention, alluding to a darker side of a traditionally happy occasion. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 3 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 15 to Aug 5, 2011 - Published: Mar 14, 2012 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism) ## Audience - Gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Conflicted Bliss trend ### Dark Wedding Imagery Photographers are creating images focused on less-than-blissful wedding scenes, showing the more sinister and eerie aspects of weddings. ### Alternative Bridal Aesthetics Bridal designers are experimenting with less traditional styles, incorporating elements of fetishism and casual wear and exploring new ways to portray brides in an unkempt and unconventional light. ### Emotional Honesty Consumers appreciate honest portrayals of emotions, even during typically joyous events, and are drawn to content that reflects the full spectrum of human experience. ## What the Conflicted Bliss trend means for industry ### For Wedding Photography Photographers and artists can explore new ways to capture weddings that showcase the range of human emotions and experiences beyond the traditional happy moments. ### For Bridal Fashion Designers and stylists can take inspiration from alternative aesthetics and unconventional materials to create bridal designs that cater to a wider range of tastes and preferences. ### For Advertising and Marketing Brands and marketers can tap into consumers' desire for emotional honesty and authenticity in their advertising, showcasing real people and real emotions instead of glossy, idealized versions of events. ## Trend signals for Conflicted Bliss Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 83%, activity 85%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 83% - Activity: 85% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Conflicted Bliss trend 3 featured examples from Jun 15 to Aug 5, 2011. - [Woeful Wedding Captures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocco-ancora-photography): These Rocco Ancora Photos Show the Dark Side of Couple's Big Day (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The rise of non-traditional and emotional wedding photography presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for photographers to redefine the industry. - [Withering Wedding Woe Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhang-jingna-august-2011-singaporebrides): Zhang Jingna August 2011 SingaporeBrides Spread is Gripping & Ghostly (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: This shoot presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in fashion photography by exploring darkly ethereal aesthetics and creating captivating visual experiences. - [Unkempt Bridal Captures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morsian-karkuteilla-by-jessie-laitinen): Morsian Karkuteilla by Jessie Laitinen Features Lazy Lace Styles (Category: Fashion) Implication: The casual bridal fashion trend disrupts the traditional bridal wear industry, providing an opportunity for fashion companies to offer unconventional and affordable options for br… ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)