Weddings

Weddings in the UK are now high on the list of life’s major expenses at an average of £30,000. Wedding fairs, websites, planners, outfitters and event services populate the wedding industry and ensure each couple is aware of the latest trends. It is not uncommon to see wedding photos proudly displayed in couples’ homes, especially as they were probably quite expensive.

The ceremony takes place either in a church, registry office or other authorised venue such as a hotel. At least one or two traditions are usually observed, though this is the couple’s choice. These include:-

• a long white bridal dress, ballgown-style, copied from royal weddings
• the assistance of bridesmaids, pages and a ‘best man’
• the bride’s father escorting her down the aisle
• the bride stands on the left
• a hand-held bridal bouquet, thrown back among the eligible female guests on the couple’s departure for their honeymoon
• the bride wearing “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” to signify ties to family, friends, new life and faithfulness
• not seeing each other before the wedding ceremony, a relic of arranged marriages
• guests throwing confetti, now banned in some venues due to the mess
• a tiered cake, also copied from the royals

(Image: pxhere.com)