Books to Read About Weddings and Marriage
19 Books to Read About Weddings and Marriage
Weddings and marriage are timeless themes that have inspired countless authors to delve into stories of love, commitment, and everything in between. There’s a reason why we call it the “big day!” Whether you're planning your own nuptials, reflecting on the institution of marriage, or simply captivated by tales of romance, there's a book out there that speaks to every facet of this universal human experience. From heartfelt memoirs to sweeping romances and insightful guides, here are some captivating reads that celebrate the beauty and complexity of weddings and marriage.
"An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Explores the impact of a wrongful incarceration on a marriage, touching on themes of love, loyalty, and resilience.
Why Readers Like It: Readers appreciate its emotional depth, complex characters, and the exploration of how external forces can strain and reshape marital bonds.
"How to Be Married: What I Learned from Real Women on Five Continents About Surviving My First (Really Hard) Year of Marriage" by Jo Piazza
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: A non-fiction exploration of marriage through interviews with women from different cultures, offering insights and advice.
Why Readers Like It: Readers find it informative, relatable, and insightful, providing a global perspective on the challenges and joys of marriage.
"The Wedding Date" by Jasmine Guillory
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Follows the romance between a spontaneous wedding date turned fake boyfriend and a successful doctor.
Why Readers Like It: Readers enjoy its witty dialogue, diverse representation, and the exploration of modern dating and relationship dynamics.
"Marriage Vacation" by Pauline Turner Brooks (fictional book from TV series "Younger")
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Chronicles a woman's journey of self-discovery during a break from her marriage.
Why Readers Like It: Fans of the TV series appreciate its escapism, relatable themes of self-renewal within marriage, and the blend of drama and humor.
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Focuses on the life of a fictional Hollywood icon, exploring her marriages and relationships.
Why Readers Like It: Readers are drawn to its glamorous setting, complex characters, and the exploration of love, ambition, and the sacrifices made in relationships.
"The Wedding Dress" by Rachel Hauck
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Tells the stories of several women across different eras, all connected by a magical wedding dress.
Why Readers Like It: Readers enjoy its blend of romance, history, and the symbolism of the wedding dress as a thread through generations of women.
"The Wedding" by Nicholas Sparks
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Explores the challenges faced by a couple as they plan their daughter's wedding, reflecting on their own marriage.
Why Readers Like It: Sparks' fans appreciate its tender portrayal of love, family dynamics, and the emotional resonance of lifelong commitments.
"The Marriage Plot" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Explores the romantic entanglements of three college friends as they navigate love, literature, and life post-graduation.
Why Readers Like It: Fans appreciate its intellectual depth, exploration of relationships, and the complexities of modern love and marriage.
"The Wedding Date Disaster" by Avery Flynn
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: A contemporary romance about a wedding date turned real relationship amidst comedic mishaps.
Why Readers Like It: Readers enjoy its humor, steamy romance, and the journey of two characters discovering unexpected love in the chaos of a wedding weekend.
"The Wedding Shop" by Rachel Hauck
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Dual timelines explore the lives of women connected by a bridal boutique and its impact on their relationships.
Why Readers Like It: Its blend of romance, mystery, and the enduring symbol of the wedding dress resonates with readers looking for heartfelt stories and historical intrigue.
"Committed: A Love Story" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Gilbert's personal exploration of marriage, delving into cultural perceptions, history, and personal experience.
Why Readers Like It: Readers appreciate its honest reflections, cultural insights, and Gilbert's engaging narrative style as she navigates the complexities of commitment.
"The Wedding Date" by Zara Stoneley
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: A humorous tale about a wedding where everything goes wrong, leading to unexpected romantic connections.
Why Readers Like It: Its lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and twist-filled storyline make it a favorite for readers seeking feel-good romance with a dose of chaos.
"The Perfect Couple" by Elin Hilderbrand
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Set during a glamorous Nantucket wedding weekend, it explores the secrets and dynamics of relationships within a wealthy family.
Why Readers Like It: Readers enjoy its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and the blend of mystery and romance amidst the backdrop of a high-stakes wedding celebration.
"The Wedding" by Dorothy West
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Explores race, class, and societal expectations through the lens of a wedding in 1950s Martha's Vineyard.
Why Readers Like It: Its historical perspective, rich characterization, and exploration of the challenges faced by African-American families make it a poignant and memorable read.
"The Bride Quartet" series by Nora Roberts
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Follows four friends who run a wedding planning business together, exploring their personal and professional lives.
Why Readers Like It: Fans of romance appreciate its strong friendships, satisfying romances, and detailed portrayal of the wedding industry, combined with Roberts' signature storytelling.
"The Wedding Date" by Cara Connelly
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: A contemporary romance where a fake wedding date leads to unexpected feelings and complications.
Why Readers Like It: Its engaging characters, romantic tension, and the exploration of what happens when a pretend relationship starts to feel all too real resonate with fans of modern love stories.
"The Royal We" by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: A fictionalized take on the romance between a British prince and an American commoner, exploring the pressures of royal marriage.
Why Readers Like It: Readers enjoy its royal intrigue, engaging characters, and the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the challenges and sacrifices of marrying into royalty.
"Love and Other Words" by Christina Lauren
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Alternates between past and present, exploring a woman's journey through love, loss, and the rediscovery of a childhood friend.
Why Readers Like It: Its poignant storytelling, relatable characters, and exploration of the complexities of relationships make it a compelling read for fans of emotional contemporary fiction.
"The Wedding Party" by Jasmine Guillory
Relation to Weddings/Marriage: Follows the romantic entanglements of two characters who initially dislike each other but are forced to work together in their friends' wedding party.
Why Readers Like It: Readers appreciate its humor, chemistry between the characters, and the exploration of love and relationships amidst the backdrop of wedding preparations.
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on weddings and marriage, ranging from contemporary romances to historical dramas and insightful non-fiction. They resonate with readers seeking stories of love, commitment, and the complexities of relationships in various settings and circumstances.