Some Modern Types Of Wedding Ceremonies
May 20th, 2008
Whilst there are many interpretations of a wedding, generally speaking they are still a religious or legal union between two individuals. Our concept of a marriage has seen many adjustments over the last few years. Whatever the background and history to marriage, it is still a legal union between two people; until the marriage certificate is signed by the bride, groom and witnesses, the ceremony is not finalized. The names bridegroom and bride extend around the world; after the ceremony they become a wife and a husband, respectively.
Religious Wedding Services
Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Traditionally the church is the most popular venue, where the ceremony is presided over by a Christian priest. The traditional white wedding as we know it is really only a service that is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and some other Commonwealth countries.
Multiple Services
A different type of wedding occasion often more difficult to arrange is where two couples are married simultaneously. This type of ceremony is often organized by a person that has a sibling that wants to get married at the same time.
Marriages in Another Country
Marriages in foreign countries are called destination weddings where guests can arrive either just before the ceremony or actually travel with the couple; it doesn’t matter exactly where you travel to, whether it is in Egypt or just to Las Vegas it will still be considered a destination wedding.
Themed Weekend Weddings
Whilst it is quite normal for the Irish to have three day weddings, more couples are taking the hint and having theirs over a weekend which gives them more time to enjoy the occasion. To cater for this expanding market a number of companies can arrange special themed occasions that incorporate anything from golf to surfing. For many people that have outdoor interests this can be a lot of fun and the guests can stay for the entire weekend with them to extend the occasion and have a lot more fun.
Ceremonies Online
Still in the early stages of evolution is the internet wedding where the couple is married online; planning is made easy however, with online guides that list reliable and friendly vendors. This can prove a useful tool where relatives and friends from around the world can see an online wedding take place in real time without actually being there!
Marriages without Religious Representation
Despite the term civil wedding, most services that take place outside of a Church, wherever that may be, are civil weddings which have to be carried out by appointed or elected judges, mayors or a justice of the peace. Religion doesn’t normally play a part in these ceremonies because they are purely a legal requirement. Many civil ceremonies take place in local town or city halls or courthouses in judge’s chambers.
The information here is to help give people who live primarily in the Western world, a better comprehension of just what a wedding really is. But in reality, when you take in to consideration that there are many foreign types of wedding ceremonies, you’ll understand we hardly scratched the surface here.


