He was Almost Absorbed by the System

Chapter Forty Two - The Wedding

Weddings within the sectors tended to differ a little from sector to sector, but there were some traditions that only varied between levels. 

A Grounder wedding were as colourful as a festival, with mothers saving lengths of new cloth from the moment their daughters are born until their engagements, where the chest of cloth would be sent to the dressmaker to be transformed into a confection of colour, lace, tulle and embellishments.  Big, bold and beautiful, were the only standard for the dress.  The men then wore black or navy suits that more or less fit, with a cravat, tie or waistcoat made from the left over materials of the brides dress, that they may match somewhat.

A couple were expected to invite many guests to the Halls and while gifts to the newlyweds were optional, bringing a pot or plate of food or homemade brew was not.  This could end in a disastrous array of similar dishes, were there not a competitive nature to the whole affair.  Most weddings tended to end up with the best dishes their guests could make along with colourful and sometimes weird concoctions and the parents of the couple usually only need to supply plain rice, bread or pasta.

What was more, as the Halls were only open for weddings twice a week (other days were allocated for neighbourhood meetings, festivals, markets and the like), couples would often be expected to share with up to two more couples.  But most Grounders were okay with this as the array of foods increased massively and it was always a good time to swap recipes.

The lower levels tended to opt for dresses of traditional styles and timeless colours in order that they might pass on their dress, whenever possible, to their eldest daughter or daughter-in-law on occasion.  Guest lists were kept small, usually with just close family and the largest home amongst them would open their doors for a nice meal provided by the couples parents.

The upper level weddings were a chance to show off in an exuberant manner.  The bride's dress would always be couture or a designed by a renowned Fashion designer.  The bride could not stand to wear a dress worn by anyone else, not her mother, not her friend and certainly not worn by whatever her name was, you know, the one with the awful taste in shoes.  Both bride and groom wore white, in the purest, cleanest sense of the word.  He would also wear a waistcoat and cravat in silver or gold.  The guest list would vary, some might try invite celebrities or well known personages.  All of the food and wines would be especially prepared for the day.  Gifts to the happy couple were a definite must, as were small gift bags (containing some high value trinkets) to be presented to each invited guests.  Uninvited individuals could only look on in envy.

The middle levels tended to vary, with some people opting for a lower key affair like a lower leveller, some seeking to appear more upper class, though their dresses tended to come from a shop. Traditional and modern designs that resembled those worn by a V.I.P. Bride were both popular, but colours tended to favour blush, pastel blue and cream. Men usually opted for a suit in a complementary colour and accessories to match his bride. Guest lists, gifts, foods, these all depended on the couples choices rather than any specific tradition.

Same sex couples likewise had a few rules; men wore matching suits and accessories, women wore dresses that mirrored that of their partner.

But sometimes rules were made to be broken.

Kez met Rush outside the Registration Office, panting heavily as he had almost been late arriving. Rush crosses his arms and frowned. "Cutting it fine," he said.

"Not my fault!" Kez complained and pushed open the doors in order that they could enter. They quickly took their places and waited for the ceremony to begin.

The guests all turned as one, there were not a huge number, just family and close friends. The two brides, looking adoringly at each other as they entered, naturally surprised many, as their wedding apparel was anything but traditional.

The first time Kez had realised that there was anything between them, was when he had walked in to Leilei's home to find Savannah straddling his best friend, tongue down her throat. He had taken a quick double take, then had left them to it. He might have offered condolences to North, had he not already been aware of the arrangement between them. Although the girls made their engagement official, Savannah had made sure the engagement was a short one, rather than the usual two years. She felt that it wasn't necessary to allow her mother time to get over the shock.

The little hellion in question had designed both their outfits, with Savannah wearing a white wedding dress, mostly made of lace, though the white flowers became bright orange ones at the hem of the dress and train. The buttons that traversed her back were also orange. Beside her stood Leilei wearing a feminine style suit, which was also white, with bright orange buttons fastening the jacket and creating two decorative lines at the top of her wide leg trousers. Beneath the jacket she wore a blouse made of the same white and orange lace as Savannah's dress. Neither girl wore a veil.

The girls began their vows as Rush slipped into his memories. Three months ago, he and Kez had secretly wed, inviting only Kez's parents, his own father and new family, North, Xavier, Leilei and Savannah. Anyone else would have been superfluous. In reality, Rush really wanted to show Kez off to the world, to tell everyone that Kez was his and untouchable as far as the rest were concerned. But in order to allow Kez a more peaceful time at university, they had decided to keep it small. Not that even this cautious approach could stop all rumours.

Savannah had also designed their suits; his was navy blue with cream pinstripes. He had worn a plain navy waistcoat and a cream shirt. Kez had taken his breath away in his cream suit with navy pinstripes, a perfect compliment to his own, but tailored for Kez's narrower frame. His shirt had been navy and designed specifically for him; the cream waistcoat had a layer of lace down it's back and trimming the front pockets. He had also decided to wear a plain cream veil over the ensemble, claiming watching the groom lift the veil of his bride had always been his favourite part about weddings.

Rush lovingly grasped his husband's hand, admiring the matt silver ring adorned by three small blue diamonds upon his left finger. The ring that he had failed to give him in their first life together. The ring he'd been unable to provide in the next.

"If there is anyone who knows of any reason that these to not be wed in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

"I object!" A sobbing voice cried out. All eyes focused upon said person. "You had the option of marrying Dante Night! Isn't that a good enough reason?"

"Mother! Enough!" Savannah wailed.

"Ah excuse me." A smart bride had asked a certain celebrity to sit beside the woman, should she speak out and try and ruin things. The woman turned to look at Rush and blushed beneath her self-caring tears. "I have a handkerchief you can use, if you need to." She grasped it gratefully, but didn't use it, instead wondering whether she could get her second favourite actor to sign it.

"Quick, while she's distracted!" Savannah whispered to the minister.

The rest of the wedding went without a hitch.