1. Western style weddings is, unfortunately too much show and ceremony and lacking in biblical content. In helping young couples prepare for their weddings I have often suggested that—instead of the groom standing at the front to receive the bride from his father-in-law to be—he begins by publicly thanking his parents for all that they have done for him and for their blessings in releasing him to begin a new life with his bride. Instead of asking "who gives this bride away?" why not ask "Do you [with a nod towards the groom's parents] and you [another nod towards the bride's parents] release these your children to begin a new life of their own?" Such public acknowledgement of the parents' blessing go a long way towards helping the newly wed establish their own priorities without excessive pressure from the parents.