36 couples in Sweden are hoping to get married in their cars during a "gathering of auto enthusiasts". Despite the presence of neon signs and the music of Elvis, this is actually a sanctioned religious service – the Church of Sweden is organizing the event. In fact, the Elvis songs will be sung by a priest.
It may sound like a big goof, but the stated reason is actually an interesting one. Swedish priest Jerker Asterlund, who is organizing the motorcade nuptials, told Reuters, "Weddings are getting more and more commercialized and that is not something we have any interest in. We would like to make things simpler and more down to earth when people take the plunge and get married. This is not just for fun, but also a way for the Church of Sweden to show we can take part in celebration and happiness and not just in crisis and catastrophes."
Can you imagine if a church in the U.S. did something like this? Massive outcry, methinks. (If anyone knows of a comparable event in the Yoo-Ess-Ay, let me know.)
While I agree that weddings have gotten overblown to the point of silliness, I have to admit that I enjoyed my own wedding, which wasn't THAT extravagant, but was far from subdued. We've talked about the idea of too-big wedding ceremonies before; there was this item recently about bridesmaids refusing to pony up for an expensive dress they'll only wear once.
Do you think weddings have become too big? And how does getting hitched in a Volvo sound?
image: backtothefifties.co.uk
(note: the site the image comes from does not appear to offer weddings in cars)
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