Wedding vs Marriage
Understanding the distinction between the terms wedding and marriage is crucial for their proper usage. Wedding and marriage are both nouns in the English language, with wedding originating from Old English “weddung” and marriage from Middle English.
What does Wedding mean?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a wedding is defined as “a marriage ceremony, especially considered as including the associated celebrations.” Essentially, a wedding is an event or ceremony that results in the union of a man and a woman as husband and wife. It is a public event that culminates in marriage.
What does Marriage mean?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines marriage as “the legally or formally recognized union of a man and a woman (or, in some jurisdictions, two people of the same sex) as partners in a relationship.” Marriage can be considered a binding act or a type of bondage. It is possible for the bond between a husband and wife to be broken in an unhappy or broken marriage. While a wedding is the event where a couple is pronounced as husband and wife, the couple truly becomes one through marriage. Some argue that a wedding is a part of marriage, as it is a special event that leads to marriage. Unlike weddings, marriages are private affairs within a home.
Key Takeaways
- A wedding is a ceremony, while marriage is a binding act or a type of bondage.
- Weddings are public events that declare a couple as married, while marriages are private affairs within a home.
- It is essential to use these terms properly and understand that they do not have the same meaning, despite their close relation.
