Are Weddings All About the Bride?

In my opinion, the statement 'are weddings all about the bride' is spot-on. This is something that many women don't fully understand. In contrast, very few men grow up dreaming of the day they will get married, fantasizing about their attire, or the color scheme of the bridesmaids' dresses. On the other hand, many women are steeped in the fantasy of marriage from a young age, leading to unrealistic expectations. While it's understandable that women often feel this way, the reality of marriage is more about partnership and commitment.

Marriage as a Contract

It frustrates me when I see ordinary people, who can barely afford it, spending thousands of dollars on a single day. If people, including men, put more effort into the marriage itself rather than just the wedding, there would be far fewer divorces. If you ask me what marriage is, I would say that it's a shared life, which can be hard work. Marriage is a contract, but today, many people strive to break that contract much too easily. This phenomenon is partly fueled by the instant gratification society, which is heavily influenced by celebrities rather than the experiences of the average people from past generations.

Historical Context

Long ago, weddings were more about two families celebrating a business deal. The wedding itself wasn't primarily about the couple getting married. The veil used to hide the bride's tears or any perceived ugliness to prevent the groom from backing out. The train symbolized a method of catching the bride if she attempted to run away. The presence of bridesmaids was meant to advertise other single daughters and nieces.

Current Focus on the Bride

While it's true that many aspects of the wedding are centered around the bride, it's also important to recognize that the groom and the couple come first. The bride's excitement, joy, and nervousness are mirrored in the groom, who is usually equally excited about the wedding. The primary purpose of the wedding is to celebrate the union of these two individuals and to bring joy to their families. The wedding is also a celebration of new beginnings, where families welcome a new addition into their fold.

Father-First Myth

Some believe that weddings are primarily for the bride’s mother, especially during the preparation and gift-giving phases. However, the bride's mother has a significant role as she prepares for the special day. The focus is indeed primarily on the bride, but it's not just about her being the center of attention for a day. It's also about the bride's excitement and anticipation, as she plans to be a queen for a day in a magnificent white dress, with all eyes on her.

Beyond the Bride

While it's true that the wedding process can often be centered on the bride, it's crucial to remember that the wedding is about the couple and their families. The wedding is about two people uniting and committing to a lifelong partnership. Both families unite to celebrate this new family member and to welcome them into their home. It's about family, love, and the promise of a shared future.

No, weddings are not all about the bride but there are some brides who think it is. The wedding is about the couple, the groom counts as much as the bride, if not more. They are equally excited, happy, and nervous about the wedding. It’s about family and celebration, not just the individual.

The reality of marriage often involves sharing your life with someone and the challenges that come with it. While the wedding may be a magical and memorable day, the essence of marriage is much deeper and more complex than the festivities of that one day.