What's the point of a wedding? My friend and I were having a discussion recently and the topic of weddings came up. I honestly can't even remember how it came about, but my friend ended up saying that she felt that the point of having a wedding ceremony & reception was so that the families could meet, mingle and get to know each other. I said that I didn't think that was true but that it was more for the couple to commemorate their journey together. It's their special day, after all! I realize that family and friends will be there, too, but the focus isn't on that. Or is it? The more I've thought about this, the more I have to wonder...what really is the point of a wedding? Is it truly for the families to be together and to get to know each other? Or is it more for the couple? Obviously I haven't spent much time googling this issue to find out what the actual history of wedding days is, but I was curious as to what you thought the point of a wedding ceremony & reception was! For those of you who are married, when you were planning your wedding, WHY were you choosing to do what you did for your wedding? What were your thoughts behind it all? Was it anywhere in your mind about the families coming together and getting to know each other, or was it more about you and your husband?
I realize that some of you may be rolling your eyes and thinking, "Oh, good grief, Jen!" but I am kind of curious about your thoughts and ideas. Sometimes I find that I really haven't ever put much thought into the reasoning for the way that some traditions/things are done and why people choose to do what they do. Wedding ceremonies, I believe, may just be one of those things!! :)
PS: I in NO way intend to offend anyone with this post, nor do I claim to state any type of opinion on weddings. That's not the point. The point is about what YOU think the history of weddings was/is and how it's evolved through today and how it's motivated you to do what you did and/or why you think what you do about it. That's it. :)
10 comments:
For US, our wedding day was to celebrate the beginning of OUR new life together, and share in that joy with our family and friends.
If you asked Ben, he'd say: weddings are for getting gifts! :)
if i could do it over again...we'd elope. weddings are just a big money trap. spend tons of money for two hours and it's done. our wedding photos are still in a box and we've been married almost 9 years. it was a nice wedding...but to remember it i'd have to watch the video. all i can remember is wanting to run down that aisle and right out of the building...who wants a reception!? ha!
shannon
The purpose of the wedding reception is for the couple to receive society (i.e. family/friends) for the first time as a couple. It is to thank those who came to witness the ceremony. It's about hospitality--hence, the food and drinks.
I think for many people today it's about holding on to some sort of tradition associated with weddings.
Historically, many weddings didn't have a reception--depends on time period and where in the world.
well fur the ol woodtick and his woodtickette we done it fur all the presents and cards wif cash.
You know my feelings on this one since you read my blog - mostly clueless. But, interestingly enough, I was reading in Genesis lately about Isaac and Rebekah getting married, and I don't believe an official wedding ceremony is mentioned. I think the point of a wedding is to declare before God and man your commitment and intentions.
In our family a wedding is about the blessed sacrament of matrimony. Weddings are about committing to one person, for the rest of your life, in front of God. Your family and friends are there to witness this commitment and to remind you of your commitment later in life when you need it most.
Megan
Now, I'm all about the partying! Some of my best memories are wedding receptions, including my own. It's a great way to celebrate a joyous occasion. I am thankful for the celebrations in life.
VERY interesting! In all my born days, I have never heard of a wedding and reception being about the families getting to know one another! But that's a very nice perk! :o)
We only had eight people at our wedding, but the reception was to celebrate with our family and friends.
We only had us and the two people that stood up with us at our wedding, then 2 months later we had a reception with both families and friends. Would I do it that way again? No! I have always felt like I missed sharing that special day with my parents and his, along with all the rest of the family and friends. But in all honesty, the declaration before God is the most important part of it all.
Thanks Jen for making us all think about this.
Great discussion question Jen! Made me think about it.
My feelings are a little mixed. I know that our culture in the US has taken "the day" over the top. But I think there's still some merit to having the ceremony and gathering with friends and family to witness.
Now how all that pans out will depend on the general make-up of the couples families and interests. No two relationships are the same, so why should weddings be?
Interesting question...Monte and I wanted a very simple, meaningful ceremony. It was beautiful and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I think the ceremony is mostly for the couple, and the reception for others. During our ceremony, before we said our vows, we passed a microphone around and each one shared a piece of advice. I will always treasure that part of the ceremony! -megs
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