Four years ago, Slate published a big fat special issue in celebration of wedding season, that wonderful time of year when you subsist largely on canapés and respectable chardonnay. This year, we decided to renew our vows with a somewhat smaller, tasteful affair. Monday and Tuesday, we’ll be publishing a bouquet of articles on some of the more pressing issues facing modern brides, grooms, and their guests. Elizabeth Weingarten looks into the strange phenomenon of the public proposal: Why do men think it’s a good idea, and is it ever? Jessica Grose defends the wedding workout, and tells of how she braved a fungus-infested gym to become a buff bride. And Troy Patterson offers best men, maids of honor, and kooky uncles sage advice for how to give a memorable—in a good way—toast. Here’s to that! Now put on your dancing shoes and enjoy.
“Pre-Marital Flex: In defense of the wedding workout,” by Jessica Grose. Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2011.
“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Worst Friend: The trouble with engagement rings,” by Meghan O’Rourke. Posted June 21, 2011.
“I Hate Your Wedding Website:What should be purely functional turns into a showcase for narcissism,” by Noreen Malone. Posted Tuesday, June 21, 2011.
“Shout It From the Rooftops! A brief history of the public marriage proposal,” by Elizabeth Weingarten. Posted Monday, June 20.
“How To Give a Wedding Toast: No need to mention coke-fueled orgies,” by Troy Patterson. Posted Monday, June 20.
