November 14, 2009

• The changes in wedding protocol over the past decade continues to astonish me.

  I've mentioned before the lack of sleeves on wedding dresses.  Strapless is ubiquitous.

  When growing up, the only black worn at a wedding was by men, in either suits or tuxedos.  No woman would dream of wearing black to a wedding, as it was a funeral color.

  Now, of course, black-and-white weddings are common, and the bridesmaids at the wedding I volunteered at today wore short, black, strapless gowns.

  As did a significant proportion of the female guests.  One after another they showed up in dresses similar to the bridesmaids.  Some of the dresses weren't black, naturally, but almost all were strapless and short.  The church tends to be chilly . . . how do they stand it?  Don't they freeze in the Fort Worth air-conditioning?

  Today brought an entirely new wrinkle:  the "first look" photo.  Teresa, the wedding director for this particular wedding, said it began to appear about six months ago.  The idea is that instead of the groom seeing his bride in her bridal raiment when she comes down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony, they first see each other a couple of hours prior to it....just them in the sanctuary along with the photographer.  I must say it makes it easier for everyone, as it puts an end to the whole "keep the bride away from the groom!" concern.  Most of the photographs of the bridal party were taken this afternoon before the wedding, cutting down on the number of pictures to be shot afterward. 

  Black dresses on attendants and guests, and now the bride and groom see each other well before the ceremony starts.  How things have changed! 

  • 10:28 pm
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