You have finally decided to get married. And now you’re at the beginning planning stages. Do a bit of research, and you’ll find many sources claiming that the nude wedding is one of the cheapest ways to say “I do.” Obviously, the cost of attire makes up a huge chunk of wedding costs. But aside from the quirky (and penny-pinching) qualities a nude wedding has, there are several legitimate reasons why couples opt to recite their vows sans clothing. According to a 2008 article on AZCentral.com, more couples are opting to tie the knot in the nude.
Additionally, these kinds of ceremonies are increasing in popularity amongst nudist organizations. In fact, a few years ago an organization called the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) made note of receiving more than two dozen nude wedding invitations. The craze has extended to the cruise circuit, with many people exchanging nude vows on the high seas.
“Nude recreation is entering the mainstream,” claims the public relations coordinator of AANR. She punctuates the statement by revealing that the nude recreation industry has more than tripled (to $440 million as of 2008) since the early 90s.
Why do people have nude weddings?
People engaging in nude weddings don’t do so merely for shock value. Unlike hopping over to the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas to get hitched, those who opt for this atypical ceremony have several suitable reasons for ditching the tux and gown. In addition to saving tons of money on expensive attire, couples are free to concentrate on the actual ceremony instead of all the trappings involved.
The nude wedding has also become something of a spiritual phenomenon, in which the parties involved feel a deeper spiritual to God and each other. Standing naked before God underscores their spiritual beliefs; in the eyes of these people, marrying in the nude is as natural as childbirth.
Should I consider a nude wedding?
There are lots of questions that you should ask yourselves while considering whether or not this kind of ceremony is right for you. For instance, will only you and your betrothed share the nude experience? Or will guests have the option of being clothed? Will the minister him/herself be nude? If you are in fact having 2nd, 3rd, or even 7th thoughts about the subject, understand that guests you invite will have just as many reservations. Nudity makes people uncomfortable. So, it’s imperative that you consider all the details beforehand. All in all, if a nude wedding is right for you, be prepared to share your special day without some of your close loved ones. The Nude Wedding simply isn’t for everyone.
But there is nothing written in stone that requires couples to invite guests in the first place. In which case, you and your loved one might care to indulge your wilder side by sharing vows in an environment like Jamaica’s Hedonism Resort. Known as one of the world’s biggest “adult” playgrounds, this resort has become a trendy place to tie the knot in the nude. In 2003, twenty-nine couples were married in a mass wedding ceremony taking place at the vacation spot’s nude beach. Many debate that these ceremonies skew the focus away from their true meaning, concentrating too heavily on the weddings’ kitschy quality. Because every couple is different, you will need to evaluate how “seriously” you’re willing to take your special day.
What things should we consider if we plan a nude wedding?
It would be helpful if you’re at least a little familiar with the way naturist environments work. Visit a naturist or clothing-optional beach before deciding to make concrete wedding plans. This may seem like an elementary piece of advice. But you would be surprised by the “free-spirited” people who suddenly find themselves rattled by the idea of being observed in the nude by others.
Also, if there are children in the family, you will need to take exceptional care in the planning process. Nudist colonies respect families who share the experience with their children. But you may opt for an adults-only ceremony, while having a more “covered-up” reception that is kid-friendly.
If you and your honey decide that getting married in your Birthday Suits is the way to go, be diligent in your research of nudist environments. Speak honestly with your officiating party about any concerns you have regarding the ceremony itself. Some couples are comfortable with sharing their nudity with God, a person of the cloth, and each other—but not with other parties. In this case, you may choose a super-private ceremony, and enjoy a relaxed reception with loved ones. No matter which nude option you choose, take the time to ensure that your big day is not overshadowed by the mere idea of being naked; you’ll have plenty of time for nudity on the honeymoon!
SOURCES:
www.azcentral.com
www.livingwatersspa.com
Reference:
- www.azcentral.com/ent/pop/articles/0220nudistwedding0220.html
- www.livingwatersspa.com/nude_wedding.htm
- www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20030215/news/news1.html
