July 17, 2007
It’s wedding season, and I seem to have misplaced my orange vest and camouflage hat. Granted, I am new to the post-college-rush-to-the-altar-game, but I really wasn’t prepared for the jungle that pre-weddings have become as I proclaim myself sort of a … single traditionalist.
I received my “Save the Date” magnet in the mail, a tiny grayscale picture of the doting couple with the date 7-7-07 printed below. With a date like that (in which I thought my odds would be better spent on a bar stool in front of a slot machine) how could I forget? Besides, I didn’t really want to think about their wedding every time I went for the mocha chocolate chip ice cream.
This was followed by the VIP Web site access devoted to “Our Wedding” highlighting everything there is to know about the big event. This weird sect of social networks is part useful (for guests and the bride) and part bragging rights (for guests and the bride). Themed to the couple’s favorite colors and displaying their picture, they set up what is essentially a 411 homepage for the wedding, at the cost of an 85 character web address. Useful, but I can see how these trendy sites would be the end of the road for snoopy bridesmaids and bitter, uninvited friends. And where are the groomsmen in all of this?
At this point I have to be honest; I bailed on the bridal shower. Assuming it fell in step with today’s shabby chic celebrations, I can only imagine it resembled a page of Real Simple magazine.
The bachelorette party (if I can even call it that) can be a real shocker. It appears as though combo bachelor and bachelorette parties in wild destinations are “in” — embarrassing your gal (or guy) pal on their last night as a single free entity is “out.” Usually, after a three day-binge on their own territory, the soon-to-be bride and groom reunited with all their closest friends for a final bash. You may know a couple who has hosted this type of rendezvous in Vegas or on a tropical island. Either way, my body, mind and soul were not prepared for the recovery needed after a non-stop weekend. Even with the Sunday brunch.
What gets me the most are the wedding registries. Since when did iced tea makers, shoe racks and illuminated makeup mirrors make their way on to the list? I was looking for Francis First silver patterns, Tiffany wine glasses and fine table linens. Call me old fashioned, but this is your wedding — that $20 napkin ring set will be there next year, and in fabulous new spring hues.
Playing devil's advocate to myself (and knowing these are young married couples), I can recognize the absurdity of eating mac and cheese off Faberge china. However, I also value the commemoration that traditional Fostoria would provide to the sanctity of marriage. But, as I seem to hear every bridesmaid (never a bride) mutter, it’s not my wedding (or life for that fact).
Now in the height of the season, and still guest +1, I am looking forward to a redeeming fall evening wedding that will hopefully put the “tradition” back in wedding.
Comments
lostinthe70s (anonymous) says...
Weddings have sure changed a lot since I got married in barefeet with flowers in my hair in the backyard. I did have a great bachelorette party at the local pub which would have given any party in Vegas a run for its money.
July 17, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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