Elegance is something one is either born with or one learns over the years, but it cannot be taught in a 24-minute video. In fact several "elegant" touches recommended in this guide to elegant weddings would be considered unutterably vulgar by many traditionalists. Gaucheries include marrying in a non-denominational chapel, using oversized microphones so that Cousin Tiffany can belt out a love song and play to the cheap seats, using pre-recorded music in the ceremony, lighting a unity candle, and announcing the bride and groom at the end in order to get a big cheer. In addition, the video goes into tortuous detail about, for instance, how to hold hands: "As the couple exchanges rings, we recommend that the recipient's left hand be held by the giver's left hand. After the recipient's right hand cups their left hand, the hands are angled so guests can see the ring exchange. Let the recipient then slide his or her ring past the knuckle, then the bride and groom resume holding all four hands." Since no one in the pews (or in this case, folding chairs) can see what's going on anyway, this is surely for the benefit of photographers and videographers. Curiously, the tape does not give any advice at all concerning these expensive and usually very distracting adjuncts of a contemporary wedding. Not recommended. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)
Secrets of an Elegant Wedding
(1999) 24 min. $19.95. Aisle B. There Productions (dist. by Tapeworm Video). PPR. Color cover. Vol. 15, Issue 5
Secrets of an Elegant Wedding
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.