If your personality is more backyard than ballroom, you’re in good company this year. The New York Times says that casual food and a relaxed setting are the latest trend among couples who either don’t have the money for a fancier wedding—or just don’t want to look inappropriately lavish in this economy. Whatever the reason, an at-home, casual wedding is always appropriate, IMHO.
Those of us at Here Comes The Guide who are married did not have cookie-cutter weddings: Meredith and her husband had an intimate beach wedding (a.k.a elopement) in Half Moon Bay, Jolene wore a raspberry wedding gown, my husband and I served pizza—old school, unfancy pizza, and Sharon and her husband had their lively reception in a dojo where the black belts in attendance took turns throwing the groom.
I just learned that “at traditional Persian weddings, guests may grow alarmed when the bride twice doesn’t answer when asked if she will marry the bridegroom. (He doesn’t get the yes until he presents a gift, often of coins or jewelry.)” Thank you New York Times! The Times’ recent article “Different Rules for Different Cultures: Be Prepared” goes over a few of the cultural differences that might flummox wedding guests. What should you wear to an Indian wedding or Orthodox Jewish one? What kind of dancing is permissible at a Muslim wedding?
