Ron Paul Themed Wedding?

As I have been recovering from the craziness of 7/7/07 I have taken the time to read a little more than I often afford myself. And in the course of my reading yesterday I ran across an article about a couple who recently requested, in lieu of wedding gifts, donations to the Ron Paul Presidential campaign. At first I, like so many other people, laughed. It was so different that it took me off guard and I scoffed.

But as I thought about their request to theme their wedding in at least this one small way around the Ron Paul candidacy throughout the day I had to say, "Why Not?"

Why? A wedding celebration should be just that. A celebration of your commitment to each other.

Yours.

Not annonymous bride & groom number 8456-26a.

Your wedding celebration should reflect you - both of you. If you are really into politics, like this couple who support Ron Paul, there is no reason why your wedding shouldn't reflect that (though I would caution that when it comes to politics you might want to provide a less controversial option for your guests who can't or don't support your politics but want to support you. Have give them an option of feeding children in a third world country through an organization such as World Vision).

If you are outdoors people who spend more time skiing (water or snow) than in a ballroom, doesn't it make sense to hold a wedding celebration that reflects that love in some way?

Conversely, if you are one who has spent your entire life avoiding church and anything having to do with church, does it make sense to suddenly run to your local church and plan a traditional religious wedding? If your religious beliefs are a big part of your life or if you are truly interested in opening that door of your life as you begin this new chapter of your life, go ahead, but if not don't do it just because, 'that's how it's done.'

That's silly - and a waste of money.

The point is, make your wedding celebration uniquely yours with what you are into now.

Yes, there may come a day when you will look back and cringe. That couple asking for donations to Ron Paul's campaign might someday support another candidate, or decide that politics are not the answer they once thought they were - but who cares. They celebrated using who they are and that's what counts.

Remember, celebrating a wedding is all about celebrating with your group of friends - your human and unique group of friends. To do anything else is to set yourself up to ruin your own wedding.

Think of it this way. You wouldn't go into an icecream store and order vanilla because you might someday decide that you don't like chocolate with fudge and chocolate covered peanuts swirled with caramel would you? Of course not. You'd order the style that appeals to you at that season of your life.

If you are into snow and the winter season in general, have a winter wedding. You can always hop a plane toward the sun and sand later on.

Why would you do any less when you plan your wedding day?