2
Introduction
While sociologists and anthropologists have written voluminously on marriage, few have
considered the wedding rituals that bring a marriage into being. This omission is curious,
considering the importance of weddings in popular culture, such as film, television (especially
during sweeps week), advertising, and children’s toys; the existence of a multibillion dollar
wedding industry; and the popularity of the practice itself despite high rates of divorce in
American society. The white wedding, which gets its name from the centrality of the bride clad
in a white gown, is the dominant wedding ritual in the United States. White weddings are also
the dominant wedding ritual in Europe and are popular in some African and Asian societies as
well(Gillis, 1996). Though financial ability plays a key role in the type of wedding a couple has,
a decision to marry in the United States is often accompanied by the assumption a white wedding
will take place. The importance of the white wedding also can be seen by the many couples
willing to take on substantial financial debt to bring them to fruition.
White weddings are generally the culmination of a highly prescribed planning process
and social event filled year, which includes at least several of the following: engagement parties,
the selection of bridesmaids and groomsmen, wedding showers and bachelor/ette parties,
religious preparation, a rehearsal dinner, etc. Foremost in the planning process is the ritual
acquisition of highly symbolic, often sacred, commodities to be used in the wedding ceremony
itself and the procurement of a church or synagogue, reception hall, caterer and music
entertainment. The wedding commodities include: elaborate invitations; flowers for bouquets
and for church/synagogue and table decorations; photographs; programs; party favors; an
elaborate cake, and most importantly, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, and the white wedding dress
itself. Couples often include the formation of a gift registry (for china, crystal and other
household goods) and the planning of the honeymoon as central events. Etiquette books and
wedding planners by such dominant figures as Emily Post and Martha Stewart exist in abundance
to help prepare the perfect, and often proper, wedding.
Convention