As they walk down the aisle before Election Day, the couple is hoping their politically divided guests can reach out to overcome their differences.
as fall weddings become more popularBrides and grooms across the country are worried their dream day will be ruined by families feuding over America’s vote on November 5.
To minimize any potential arguments, some couples are making changes to their wedding celebrations by banning alcohol and putting up “no politics” signs at the reception.
Illinois residents Katie Newell and Eliza Gallinger, both 24, are tying the knot on Election Day — and planning accordingly.
he told both the new York Times The date was one of the limited number of days that all their loved ones could attend and the venue could accommodate them.
Although they were worried that family members would be anxiously checking the news during the wedding, or that people would be barred from voting at their wedding, their biggest concern was a potential head-butt.
“I think there will be people on both sides, but I don’t think anyone will cause any crazy trouble,” Newell optimistically told The Times.
Their solution was to not serve alcohol.
“We thought it might be a good idea not to have liquid truth running through people’s veins on Election Day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Boston couple Dana Skidas, 31, and George Panagopoulos, 37, are saying “I do” two weeks after Election Day, but they’re still worried some of their guests won’t be in the mood to celebrate.
“We have a pretty politically diverse guest list, so my biggest concern is that no matter what the election is, there will be some people at our wedding who won’t be celebrating,” Skadas said, regarding political violence. Expressing apprehension after the election results.
However, he hopes their joyous reunion will divert people’s attention away from politics for at least a few hours.
But some marriage experts warn that efforts to ban political talk may be futile.
“If Election Day is within a week, it may be impossible,” explained Atlanta marriage therapist Landis Badger.
“Sometimes, especially in a large group, asking people not to do something means you’re reminding people of that thing.”
California-based wedding etiquette expert Jules Martinez Hurst recommends alternative language, such as, “There is a lot going on in the world right now, but we would like our wedding to be about what really matters – love and togetherness.”
