on the photography stuff, most of the time true :D i seen a lot of them now done before or after the wedding day, less stress, usually does not change the grooms feelings about it. With few exceptions i know, mostly because of love for photography.

On the gifts. I think the idea of gifts some years ago was (at least here) to buy stuff the new couple will need in their new house. So closest relatives were giving stuff like TV, washing machine... But then there were some plates, fans and mixers starting to do rounds on weddings. you just needed to keep track who gave you what so you don't give it back 😂

And as times changed, couples living together before the wedding, people already having stuff for the house, not getting married if you don't have everything, it transitioned to one thing they need for sure, Money.