Weddings… they just don’t make sense in my head. Not what they’re for, or the reasoning behind a couple wanting to make a lasting commitment in front of their nearest and dearest; of course I get that. What puzzles me is why one of the most personal day of someone’s life is dictated so much by faceless tradition?

Every individual is different, and more than that, every couple of is different. The union of two people should reflect who they are, what they consider important and what would make them most happy. Instead everything from the attire to be worn to the words that should be said at the ceremony are dictated in an almost fascist manner. More than that, the conduct and responsibilities of certain guests, the pre and post celebration traditions and even symbolic gestures, such as the exchanging of rings, are prescribed in such as way that many feel they have no other options.

This to me is madness. If, and when I get married, I will be having a ceremony that best befits me, my wife-to-be and the friends and family that are invited. It may contain elements of a traditional wedding, it may not. It probably won’t. But it will be a beautiful occasion, enjoyed by all and free of any peer-pressure to spend North of £25k and adding a few grey hairs in the process, just to please the great Gods of tradition.