Lately the weddings I have been aware of seem to have become extravaganzas, lasting at least two days, often in a vacation destination, with expensive bridal gowns, lavish food and long bridal registries of desired gifts. In 1973 when I married the trend was the opposite. We had the simplest possible ceremonies, frequently outdoors, with flowery dresses, potluck food and much dancing and merriment on site after the vows. One thing was still in operation–the bridal registry.
Traditionally (and apparently still judging from the website The Knot) a woman (now both parties) went to a department store and chose a china, crystal and silver pattern she desired as gifts. In 1973, china, crystal and silver were considered bourgeois, but I still needed to pick a pattern to satisfy the older generation. I chose, still by Lenox of the fancy china lists, a stoneware pictured above. This was very unconventional, a real statement that we were not following in the materialistic footsteps of our parents, but were practical and thrifty. The nature theme of the pattern also reflected the “back to nature” spirit of the time.
Very few pieces from that time remain, a couple of cups just the right size for a scoop of ice cream are in my cupboard. I smile when I see them, remembering who I was then and what I thought I would treasure in the future. But tastes change, as did mine, and more choices will be featured in the next posts.
Saved By Words 
I love delicate and pretty china cups and teapots, Elilzabeth. I have inherited from my hubby’s grandmother, my own mother and my aunt. The are all lovely, with gold edging and flowers. Hmmm, I am very decadent and not plain and down to earth at all.
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You are forgiven since you inherited it all! And with a house full of boys and men, you deserve your china and your doll collection.
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What you chose looks sturdy! We had a simple homestyle wedding back in the early 80’s and I don’t remember having a registry, nor picking out ‘china.’ I’ve had several sets of dishes over the years but still like Corelle the best for daily use! 🙂
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It was very sturdy, just not very elegant. I wonder when the wedding extravaganza practice took hold.
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I honestly don’t understand sinking so much money into a wedding. On the other hand I wouldn’t mind too much if I was invited to a wedding in Hawaii! No such luck yet! 🙂
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But I am amazed that kids expect we will pay to fly to a wedding. Here it would be Jamaica, but you get the idea.
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We call it a ‘Wedding List’. The last two times I got married, we decided not to have one. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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We didn’t have one for my present marriage either.
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Last time I got married we decided not to tell anyone. In our sixties, it didn’t affect anyone but us and my kids would be joining us for Christmas at the end of the week anyway. Why drag them away from work earlier and encourage them to spend even more money on presents?
My husband was nervous.
While I was basting the turkey he said, ‘Tell them now so we know how many we’re catering for’.
Needless to say they were delighted.
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I got my grandmother’s wedding China and sadly seldom use it…thanksgiving and christmas
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My grandmother’s china will show up in a later blog post.
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I look forward to it
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I love elegant bone china…..
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We still have some wedding gifts until now, china bowls, drinking glasses and Noritake plates mostly but l already brought out the sets of Aderia glasses for daily use.
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I look forward to seeing how your tastes have changed over the years. : – )
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