Despite the gloomy statistics of divorce, marriage continues to represent a significant cultural and social tradition. It also provides an important commentary on how the wedding act itself signifies a rite of passage for women.
The centrality of the wedding in a woman’s life is evidenced by narratives on both romantic love and the act of marriage in film, television, literature, romance novels and magazines. This is further reflected in the proliferation of wedding magazines, bridal shops and bridal paraphernalia.
The mass production of these cultural artifacts further points to the commercial success of the white wedding narrative. A narrative that continues to be consumed, produced and re-produced in whole or in part by women throughout the country. This series explores the culture, ephemera and mania of the wedding in Australia.