Whilst there are many interpretations of a wedding, generally speaking they are still a religious or legal union between two individuals; many changes have been made to the law surrounding a marriage in the last twenty years or so. Although the service may be quite lengthy and involved, it is not complete until the legal aspect is fulfilled; the marriage certificate must be signed at the end of the service for the law to legitimize the couple’s relationship. A woman taking part in the ceremony is called a bride, a man called a bridegroom; after the ceremony they become a wife and a husband, respectively.

Religious Wedding Ceremonies

Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Even in today’s climate, the traditional Church ceremony is still the most popular service. These ceremonies are usually referred to as white weddings and are considered formal or semi-formal in the United Kingdom, Ireland and United States, as well as some other Commonwealth countries.

Multiple Weddings

A rare type of marriage is where two separate couples decide to marry at the same time; ceremonies such as this are usually instigated by siblings who like the idea of a simultaneous marriage.

Getting Married in a Foreign 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.

Activity Weddings

A weekend wedding is where couples and their guests celebrate over the course of a weekend. Other occasions come under the term of either themed or special activity which usually takes place over a weekend period. For many people that have outdoor interests this can be a lot of fun and the guests can stay for the weekend with them to extend the occasion.

Online Marriages

Still in the early stages of evolution is the internet wedding where the couple is married online; there are even guides for information on how to go about an internet ceremony with information on people that can carry it out for you. Marriages that are broadcast live online are also referred to as online weddings.

City Hall Services

Elected and appointed officials can carry out a marriage ceremony which is usually called a civil wedding. 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. This brief article has tried to explain what a wedding as carried out in the Western world.