Interconnectionist weddings typically take place outside and somewhat follow the Hindi and Muslim traditions in the sense it is common practice to invite everyone you've ever had a connection with as individuals and as a couple, and it can last for several days. The importance of a mass invitation like this is because Interconnectionists view weddings not as a unification between themselves, but their families, friends, and everyone else they've interacted with. By having everyone their at their wedding, at the point the marriage takes place everyone is seen as being united. This act holds such high importance, and of course may not always be easy, which is why the lengthy schedule is dedicated to making this unification as painless, easy and fun as possible.
Below is a quick guide into what each day holds for the couple-to-wed, though there is a "Detailed Wedding Guide for Interconnectionist Weddings" offered among our online courses which is directed towards not only the couple-to-wed, but to anyone else who will be part of the wedding whether as a guest or in the wedding party itself.
Day 1: The Pre-Mixer. Everyone who is part of the immediate wedding party (family, best men, bridesmaid, etc.) will come together to socialize, meet, dine, and play games. This is typically a low-key all-day affair starting with having breakfast together. For couples who are under the assumption seeing the other person before the wedding is bad luck, then that night following the pre-mixer couple-to-wed will then go their separate ways that night and won't reunite again until the actual wedding ceremony. However, the fellowship does not encourage this practice; instead, if following under "true" Interconnectionist fashion, the couple will stay together nearly right up until the wedding to show the unification process unless an activity states otherwise
Day 2: Relaxation, Purification, and Beautification. This should not be a stressful day for the couple-to-wed. They will spend it with both guests and people within their wedding party (i.e. bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.). During this day any or all of the following tasks can be accomplished for this day including but not limited to bathing, mud masks, spa days, fasting, nail painting, hair dying, getting a new tattoo or henna, buying new clothes, makeovers, etc.
Day 3: The Mini-Reception. This is the most complex part of the wedding, and for these reasons a breakdown of the typical schedule has been provided below-
- Wedding Party Breakfast. This is for the wedding party only; i.e. bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, best man, etc. No other guests or family members (unless they are part of the wedding party) will attend the breakfast. Not even the couple-to-wed. The couple themselves will sit alone to eat, spending this time in solitary to reflect, relax, and meditate
- The Gifting Shower. The partners will come back together surrounded by all wedding attendants (friends, family, and wedding party) to receive wedding gifts
- The Great Mixer. The partners (via separate locations) will have dinner with anyone and everyone attending their wedding (guests, bridal party, family, etc.). The moment is often rife with music, songs, roasting-oriented jokes, wedding toasts, and more. This is different than a rehearsal dinner as the couple-to-wed is not together as the Great Mixers for the partners may occur in completely different locations
- The Send Off. This is a short and simple ceremony only meant to be completed if either partner being married will move out of their family home (see "The Send-Off Ceremony" in our list of Rites, Rituals and Ceremonies)
- Late Night Celebration. This typically occurs around nightfall when the couple-to-wed will be surrounded by the members of their own wedding party for this portion of the day to have a massive party among themselves (think a co-ed bachelor or bachelorette party)
Day 4: The Formal Wedding. Perhaps it may go without saying, but this is the day the couple-to-wed gets married and is all about the wedding itself. The activities and festivities of this day are entirely driven, directed, and decided upon by the couple-to-wed
Other important notes: If there is a running and active local sanctuary, the wedding can be held there free of charge to the couple [1]. Typical Interconnectionist weddings follow a mix between Celtic, Pagan, and Hindu styles, with renaissance-style fashion for everyone, whether they are attending guests or part of the wedding-party-proper. The officiant is typically the presiding minister of their local sanctuary, unless the ones being married choose differently [2]. In addition, the presiding minister can also provide wedding planning services at a heavily reduced cost [3]. Upon the officiation process of the marriage the presiding minister will provide the "gifts of marriage" to the couple: a "wedding tree" to plant into the ground, a poem about partner unification, and a marriage book for the couple to write in their trials, adventures, lessons they've learned together, and more.
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[1] Does NOT include extraneous expenses such as catering, DJ's, cakes, additional decor, etc.
[2] Chosen officiant MUST be ordained for the marriage to be legally binding/recognized by the state
[3] Cost rates are set by the praeminister and apply not only to the praeminister but to all local Interconnectionist minsters, as well
[3] Cost rates are set by the praeminister and apply not only to the praeminister but to all local Interconnectionist minsters, as well
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