A Comprehensive Literature Review: What Makes a Wedding Memorable?

This report presents a literature review exploring the factors that contribute to a memorable wedding. It begins by defining the wedding concept and analyzing the UK wedding industry, including average costs, changing attitudes towards marriage, and the rise in divorce rates. The report examines various wedding types, including religious ceremonies (Church of England, Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic, and Jewish weddings), civil weddings in the UK, and same-sex weddings. It then delves into the elements of a memorable event, such as invitations, venues, lighting, and décor, and seating arrangements. Finally, the report identifies gaps in the existing literature, providing a comprehensive overview of the key elements of a memorable wedding.

Running head: WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
What makes a wedding memorable?
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

1WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
Table of Contents
Chapter 2: Literature Review...........................................................................................................2
2.0 Introduction of the chapter:...................................................................................................2
2.1 Explaining the wedding concept:...........................................................................................2
2.2 Reviewing the wedding industry:..........................................................................................3
2.3 Examining the different types of wedding:...........................................................................4
Religious wedding ceremonies:...............................................................................................4
Civil Weddings in the UK:......................................................................................................6
Same Sex Weddings:...............................................................................................................6
2.4 Exploring the elements of a memorable event:.....................................................................7
2.5 Literature gap:........................................................................................................................9
References:....................................................................................................................................10

2WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.0 Introduction of the chapter:
The chapter introduces the concept of themed weddings. In addition, it also analyses the
wedding industry in UK. The analysis may cover the different types of wedding that exist.
Additionally, this may also examine the potentiality of the wedding industry along with the
challenges that wedding planner firms face normally. At last, the chapter also explores the
elements of a memorable wedding event.
2.1 Explaining the wedding concept:
Wedding as a rule symbolizes the result of sentimental love, and are a show of a genuine
lifetime responsibility and commitment. Moreover, weddings stamp the start of marriage.
Subsequently, a wedding is a transitional experience for two people who need to make their
relationship lawfully settled according to the law and for everybody around them. According to
Carter and Duncan (2017), a wedding is; a firmly bound, normally happening, openly
celebrated and broadly reported occasion. On a more profound depiction, a wedding is the
indication of a few's feelings, and along these lines, a kind of shopper conduct and the internal
procedure of feeling about the item. The feelings of the couple lead them to design a wedding
and afterward make the wedding important. The socio-social setting too impacts the couple to
have a wedding. In this way, both the impact of feelings and of the social setting may lead
purchasers towards themed wedding bundles (Carter and Duncan 2017).
The general purposes for a marriage have so far been discussed; however, there are
several other purposes for which marriage is performed in UK. Those few reasons could be
understood in the light of few scholarly articles. According to Berrington, Perelli-Harris and

3WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
Trevena (2015), the concept of marriage is now different. There have been radical changes since
the 1970s. Couples are living together for few years without marrying each other. They can be
said as being prompted to do so as the cost of ownership in UK has gone up. A single earning
person is not capable to afford the ownership. This is why the authors Berrington, Perelli-
Harris and Trevena (2015) have indicated towards the fact that couples are now delaying their
marriage for few reasons like aspirations to attain higher education, rising housing costs and the
economic uncertainty. On the other hand, they are agreeing to live together for few years just for
the sake to survive and attain the housing ownership. Ribar (2015) have argued the fact
presented by Berrington, Perelli-Harris and Trevena (2015) and said that it is partially correct
as couple are not living together just to find the solution to housing ownership but there are other
reasons also. They are living together, so that, they could understand each other and if it goes
well for the years to come then it would mean as if they both good understanding which is
essential for a successful marriage.
2.2 Reviewing the wedding industry:
Average wedding cost:
The average wedding cost as suggested by approximately 24% couples is equal to
£15,000 (Thompson and Thompson 2018).
The wedding industry in UK is not the same as it is understood from a general concept of
wedding. According to Carter and Duncan (2017), at the social level, a large population of the
United Kingdom see a very little or perhaps no difference between living together and being
married. Such behavioural changes are largely due to the changed attitudes which the UK
population now has. The authors Carter and Duncan (2017) have further indicated that such

4WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
trend is causing marriage to delay. The cultural shift can also be observed in the rising divorce
cases in the UK. This is in the opinion of Heath, McGhee and Trevena (2015) is happening
because a large population of couples are trying to realize whether they both are comfortable and
bearable to each other. They are not anymore carrying the cultural beliefs which give values to
sustaining a marriage for the sake of traditions. Couples seem to have reduced aspirations for
making the compromises, so that, relation could last the longer. They probably seem to have
diverted from such thoughts and are much in favour of observing their compatibility with each
other. As opined by Perelli-Harris et al. (2014), marriage is now being delayed for several
reasons that also include observing to each other for a longer period of time by living together.
This is not just a shifting of culture but, as viewed from Sánchez Gassen and Perelli-Harris
(2015), it is helping divorce cases to grow. Nevertheless, the divorce cases have now gone up in
the United Kingdom. In addition to the fact, most of the marriages are now happening post the
birth of kids.
2.3 Examining the different types of wedding:
Religious wedding ceremonies:
Church of England-
As of late, it has turned out to be significantly more adaptable for couples wishing to wed
outside of their church area. One may need to attend various Sundays if their folks or
grandparents don't have a specific association with the congregation they’re sensing to wed in
(Ciren et al. 2016). Most relational unions will expect banns to be called for three sequential
Sundays promptly before the wedding to fulfil the goal to wed. In the event that there isn't

5WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
sufficient time for this, one can acquire a typical permit, which they may likewise require if one
of them isn't English or lives outside Britain (Ciren et al. 2016).
Church of Scotland-
There is no private necessity for relational unions in Scotland; however, notice of
marriage must be given no less than 15 days earlier, to the Superintendent Registrar in whose
locale the marriage is to happen. Dissimilar to the Congregation of Britain or Ribs, Church of
Scotland and Scottish law enable couples to be hitched any place, religious or not, giving the
function which is led by a priest or pastor, minister or cleric (Young 2017).
A Roman Catholic Wedding-
At least, one of the couples should give verification of their sanctification and affirmation
declarations to marry in a Catholic church. These should be introduced to the cleric no less than a
half year in advance and also couples should go to marriage arrangement related talks for a
month and a half before the big day. Dissimilar to the Anglican Church, couples wanting to be
hitched in the Roman Catholic Church should pull out and acquire a marriage permit from the
Common Experts (Pande 2014).
Jewish Weddings-
A Jewish wedding satisfies a religious and common reason; however, couples will
require one application for both their local register office and for the local authorities. The
marriage can be performed in any building and whenever of day however can't happen on a
Saturday (the Sabbath). Sarah and Jan praised a common function and a Jewish gift at Bijou's
Notley Monastery (Fishman 2015).

6WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
Civil Weddings in the UK:
Approved venues and Registry Office-
In the UK, a common marriage can be performed in any building that has been endorsed
for that reason. To be eligible to lawfully wed in a registry office or an affirmed venue, couples
must both pull out face to face to their nearby director enlistment centre 28 days prior to their
wedding (D'Aoust 2014). This is then legitimate for one year, after which, they should pull out
once more. It costs roughly £35 each to pull out (Browne and Nash 2015). It is necessary to
contact the registry office nearest to the desire venue for wedding. Enlistment centre charges will
be paid specifically to the registrar's office and not their wedding venue (Browne and Nash
2015).
Same Sex Weddings:
Same Sex Marriage-
As of March 2014, same-sex couples are lawfully qualified for wed in the UK. The
procedure is precisely the same with respect to heterosexual couples and they are conceded
identical rights as every wedded couple in England & Wales (D'Aoust 2014). However, in the
opinion of Jowett (2014), same sex marriage still has many protestors who do not support such
marriage.
Same Sex Partnership-
Same-sex couples are qualified to legitimately enrol their relationship as a common
union. This will give their relationship a lawful acknowledgment; include the lawful rights and
obligations. Likewise with a common marriage, they should pull out of their expectation to wed

7WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
face to face at their nearby enlist office 28 days prior to their wedding (Thomson 2016).
However, as argued by Stavrova and Fetchenhauer (2015), this is not a kind of marriage that is
commonly being known as the union of couples but, this is just the two same-sex partner living
together in the same home.
Converting Civil Partnership into a Wedding-
Since the adjustment in law, numerous couples have chosen to change over their civil
partnership into a marriage. The change itself is an exceptionally basic process involving one
meeting with the superintendent registrar, in any case, couples can select to hold a function at the
register office or in an approved venue of the decision (Browne and Nash 2015).
2.4 Exploring the elements of a memorable event:
Following is the list of elements that could make wedding a memorable event:
Sending Beautiful Invitations-
According to Carter and Duncan (2017), wedding solicitations are the main marker of
what sort of gathering couples will be facilitating, so it is advisable not to miss the chance to
inform the relatives and the friends. An alternative that mirrors couple’s particular style is an
extraordinary method to tell loved ones what to expect.
Choose an Incredible Venue-
Regardless of whether one is getting married at a far-flung goal or right in the place
where one grew up, choosing a scene that fits one’s wedding style and can oblige the greater part
of their plans is critical. In the opinion of Duncan (2015), if one is hoping to have an ultra-
current bash, a romantic renovated barn is presumably not the scene for them.

8WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
Indulge on Incredible Lighting-
Lighting is a critical piece of any gathering; however wedding ceremony is something
where photography will be a major piece of the procedures. Regardless of whether it's for one’s
ceremony or reception, it's justified to invest on lighting as this will add further reasons for
photography.
Short Gap between the Reception and the Ceremony-
While one may have the chance to get the better cost for an early ceremony time and a
later reception, it's best to keep the time between the occasions sufficiently short, so that, visitors
won't be left pondering what to do. As opined by Stoilova et al. (2014), obviously, there are
conditions when this simply isn't conceivable. If that is the situation, it's decent to design a
smaller than normal gathering for visitors, offering little bites and drinks, or arrange a gathering
trip, similar to a nearby wine tasting or museum visit.
Decorate with Surprising Décor-
It should not surprise anyone that there are incalculable ways one can enhance their
reception venue, yet running with the not as much as expected picks will make their occasion
genuinely sparkle. Without a doubt, twinkle lights and lamps are excellent.
Innovative reception seating-
A well laid-out seating plan is a significant part of any wedding; however, selecting
innovative seating format will make the evening an unforgettable experience. Long banquet-style
tables appear attractive and, if planned appropriately, make way for effortless conversation
between guests.

9WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
2.5 Literature gap:
There are few evident gaps in the literature review as few authors have at one side
described the essential elements of wedding that are being used in the United Kingdom;
however, on the other side, some have found marriage as a near to dying fact in the United
Kingdom. At one point Carter and Duncan (2017) have identified wedding as a onetime
occasion that couples plan in advance to make it remembered for ever. On contrary to the fact,
Perelli-Harris et al. (2014) have felt it wiser to go on the other side of the topic. The authors
have rather identified a shift in culture of marriage. The authors have found that marriage in the
UK is now being delayed by couple, so that, they could live together and understand each other.
At one place Duncan (2015) is indicating towards a fact which is related to how to make
wedding a memorable event. However, on the other side, Carter and Duncan (2017) have
found a large population in the UK as finding no difference between living together and being
married.

10WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
References:
Berrington, A., Perelli-Harris, B. and Trevena, P., 2015. Commitment and the changing sequence
of cohabitation, childbearing, and marriage: Insights from qualitative research in the
UK. Demographic Research, 33, pp.320-330.
Browne, K. and Nash, C., 2015. Opposing same-sex marriage by supporting civil
partnerships. From civil partnership to same-sex marriage: Interdisciplinary reflections, pp.61-
78.
Carter, J. and Duncan, S., 2017. Wedding paradoxes: individualized conformity and the ‘perfect
day’. The Sociological Review, 65(1), pp.3-20.
Carter, J. and Duncan, S., 2017. Wedding paradoxes: individualized conformity and the ‘perfect
day’. The Sociological Review, 65(1), pp.3-20.
Ciren, C.M., Liang, D.D., Luo, X.F., Xia, Y.X., Yan, X. and Yang, Y.G., 2016. From arranged
marriage to autonomous marriage: marriage liberalization in India, Ancient Rome, United
Kingdom and China. International journal of humanities and social science, 6(1), pp.114-120.
D'Aoust, A.M., 2014. Love as project of (im) mobility: Love, sovereignty and governmentality
in marriage migration management practices. Global Society, 28(3), pp.317-335.
Duncan, S., 2015. Women's agency in living apart together: Constraint, strategy and
vulnerability. The Sociological Review, 63(3), pp.589-607.
Fishman, S.B. ed., 2015. Love, marriage, and Jewish families: Paradoxes of a social revolution.
Brandeis University Press.

11WHAT MAKES A WEDDING MEMORABLE
Heath, S., McGhee, D.E.R.E.K. and Trevena, P.A.U.L.I.N.A., 2015. Continuity Versus
Innovation: Young Polish Migrants and Practices of “Doing Family” in the Context of Achieving
Independence in the UK. Studia Migracyjne–Przegl? d Polonijny, 3(157), pp.139-156.
Jowett, A., 2014. ‘But if you legalise same-sex marriage…’: Arguments against marriage
equality in the British press. Feminism & Psychology, 24(1), pp.37-55.
Pande, R., 2014. Geographies of marriage and migration: Arranged marriages and South Asians
in Britain. Geography Compass, 8(2), pp.75-86.
Perelli-Harris, B., Mynarska, M., Berghammer, C., Berrington, A., Evans, A., Isupova, O.,
Keizer, R., Klärner, A., Lappegard, T. and Vignoli, D., 2014. Towards a deeper understanding of
cohabitation: insights from focus group research across Europe and Australia. Demographic
Research, 31(34), pp.1043-1078.
Ribar, D.C., 2015. Why marriage matters for child wellbeing. The Future of Children, 25(2),
pp.11-27.
Sánchez Gassen, N. and Perelli-Harris, B., 2015. The increase in cohabitation and the role of
union status in family policies: A comparison of 12 European countries. Journal of European
Social Policy, 25(4), pp.431-449.
Singh, K., 2016. A wedding party, something old, something new: The history of the formation
of the British-Sikh regiments. HumaNetten, (36), pp.57-80.
Stavrova, O. and Fetchenhauer, D., 2015. Married and cohabiting parents’ well-being: The
effects of a cultural normative context across countries. Journal of Social and Personal
Relationships, 32(5), pp.601-632.