Half a century ago just about every wedding took place in a church. At that time very different customs prevailed. Few lived together out of wedlock. The term " illegitimate child " was almost as derogatory as " bastard " - and the churches were held in far higher esteem that is the case today.
How far things have changed show in the figures. So far this year there have been 27,350 marriages - and 18,192 were either conducted by a celebrant or held in a registry office.
The churches must shoulder some of the blame for this trend. Some priests tended to be dictatorial when it came to music and style, and the church format tended to be old and stuffy compared with an outdoor wedding held in a place of natural beauty.
Another factor was cost. Many moons ago it was the custom for the best man to hand the officiating priest an " envelope " after the ceremony. That contained whatever fee the husband could afford - and if the marriage involved a rich family - the priest would be smiling broadly.
Now that priest operates from a fixed scale of charges. There are no " negotiations " !
It is a case of " take it or leave it " !
Celebrants are more understanding, although a wedding in a registry office also has a scale of fees, ranging from $ 320 to $ 420.
The trend away from church weddings looks likely to continue - but then the view of marriage has also made great changes.
There was a time when it was " till death do us part " - and draconian laws made sure that once so trapped escape was near impossible.
Today, marriage can be a temporary or permanent union. Perhaps that is why couples often choose light and colourful surroundings rather than the heavy, frowning solemnity of a church.
In some cases, a repetitive event in their lives !
No comments:
Post a Comment