Topics


Because the Western Wedding originates from a ceremony celebrating the transfer of a woman from her father's household to her husband's, there are many patriarchal and sexist elements throughout it that feminists have objections to. Here are some of the major issues regarding weddings that various feminist writers and thinkers have considered and struggled with:

White wedding dress The White Dress
  • Does white still symbolize female virginity and purity?
  • Should the wedding focus so much attention on
    one-half of the couple?
Wedding accessories Accessories
  • Does wearing a veil symbolize repression and submission?
  • Are rings an outward sign of control (especially if
    only the woman wears one)?
  • Do flowers still function as fertility symbols?
Father escorting daughter Ceremony
  • Is a father or other man escorting the woman
    down the aisle too patriachal?
  • Do today's vows support gender equality
    or reinforce stereotypical roles?
Bouquet toss Reception
  • Does the bouquet toss reinforce an
    anti-single/anti-spinster message?
  • Is the garter toss a sexually degrading practice
    that should be abolished?
  • Are only men making toasts and speeches?
Invitations Invitations
  • Is it possible to address invitations in a way
    other than Mr. & Mrs. John Doe?
  • Does the language imply the daughter is being given away?
Woman in picture frame Photography
  • How are the stereotypes of femininity and masculinity reinforced through wedding poses?
  • Does the checklist of standard shots contribute to the continuing dominance of the traditional white wedding?
Map of Europe The Western Wedding
  • What are the origins of the wedding which
    now dominates U.S. culture?
Name sticker Changing Names
  • Why do women still take their spouse's name?