An examination of the changing social and cultural significance of the wedding in Britain. The book focuses upon a number of issues including the commercialization of the event, the dynamics of heterosexual partnerships and the influence of romance.

An examination of the changing social and cultural significance of the wedding in Britain. The book focuses upon a number of issues including the commercialization of the event, the dynamics of heterosexual partnerships and the influence of romance. The commercial wedding is further explored in relation to broader socio-structural transformations and the modernization of marriage law. The book draws upon the experiences of marrying couples as well as media evidence.

List of Figures and Tables - Acknowledgements - Introduction: Consumerism, Romance and the Wedding Experience - Romancing the Consumer: The Romantic Ethic and Beyond - 'Superbrides': Wedding Industries and Consumer Cultures - Wedding Preparations: The Significance of Consumption - The Wedding Fantasy: Consuming Emotions on the Big Day - A Never Ending Story? The Aftermath of Wedding Consumption - Conclusions - Appendix A: A Summary of How the Research was Conducted - Appendix B: Couple Profiles and Wedding Details - Bibliography - Index