Sign of the Something

[futurerelics]

Last weekend, i reunited with family members i hadn’t seen in a decade or so to celebrate the wedding of my cousin Ashley, who is now one-half of Mr. and Mrs. Brandon S. (I tried very hard not to visibly shudder each time this label was announced). Amongst the issue of my grandparents and their siblings, my clan of six is the only cluster to

Comments

[devonbree]

Those times have been a long time coming. I've been watching young single women avoid catching bouquets for fifteen years now. To say nothing of young men who practically step backward away from a tossed garter, where that tradition still exists.

There are, of course, exceptions. One of my prized possessions is a photograph of my future wife stretching across a lot of reluctant young women in an effort to catch a bouquet. She practically bursts out of the photograph to do it, there's so much obvious enthusiasm.

[futurerelics]

We had a garter toss too, though i was not really paying attention to the reactions of those who were supposed to be catching it.

The thing is, between the world of opportunities available and the incredibly high divorce rates, it doesn't surprise me at all that the collective response is to view marriage with some trepidation.

[lilskatingal]

hahah that cracked me up. i think i start going to classmate weddings soon ... time to get good at recoiling.

[futurerelics]

Where on this planet can you be found at the moment? I've been following your travel blog. It is, um, less than informative.

Also, once you return to Baltimore, where will you be receiving mail? I found a card that must be redirected to your possession.

[evil_fizz]

I have been at weddings where single women sort of stared at the bouquet lying on the group. (Also comical: the bouquet getting stuck in the chandelier.)

However, by far the best was the wedding where the bride spent most of her time trying not to throttle her brother's girlfriend. When she turned around to see said girlfriend clutching the bouquet, her entire face twisted into agony and then immediately smoothed out into a Stepford wife grin. The transition was priceless.

I've not yet decided if I'm tossing the bouquet (garter is out of the question), but it's not all that likely.

P.S. I made them write it into our DJ contract that I would not be Mrs. Tom and that it would constitute a material breach if they did.

[futurerelics]

You know, it may be worth three years of law school just to be able to appropriately draft such a contract.

And really, i don't mind this particular tradition. I mean, i'm not going to go diving for the bouquet, and i don't feel compelled to participate without external prodding, but it's not inherentl offensive. There are others that i find to be more cringe worthy.

One element that i did enjoy? Instead of clinking glasses to make the bride and groom kiss, those who wished such a spectacle had to sing a song with the words "love" or "bliss." Not as many displays, but more opportunities to laugh at the crowd.

[evil_fizz]

I actually find the glass clinking to be cringe inducing. I have to resist the urge to yell "They are not your monkeys or something! Stop trying to break your wine glass and drink your damn wine."

So now I have to ask: what do you find cringe worthy?

[thomasirvin]

I've often thought that if I had a DJ at my wedding I'd make it a material breach if s/he played anything by Journey. Or the Chicken Dance.

[agirlnamedlucky]

I haven't even attended any of the weddings I've been invited to lately. Does this make me a bad person?

[futurerelics]

I don't think they're contagious, but perhaps it's safer to keep your distance just as a precaution.

And it doesn't make you a bad person. Just anti-social :-P (which isn't really how i'd describe you at all. I promise, i know anti-social).

[thomasirvin]

I know a ton of women who have zero interest in marriage. (In fact, I've dated a lot of 'em.)