Maltese weddings as a spectacle

Abstract

My research on Maltese weddings as a spectacle is based on seven middle class weddings whose dates range from 1990 to 2001. Middle class families in Malta are the ones who are neither rich nor poor, but earn their living through working. analysed these wedding videos and looked at the symbols, rituals and also the expenses involved in these weddings. I also looked at these weddings from a different angle, thus analyzing them as a spectacle. I also interviewed two photographers, a videographer, wedding planner, souvenir maker and visited two wedding venues (Corinthia Hotel and Palazzo Parisio). I checked prices and types of food available for wedding receptions, with about five caterers and visited the Wedding Fair, which was held from the 8th to the 11th of November 2001. Some other very useful information was the information I got from the National Office of Statistics and from some wedding websites on the Internet. The most interesting and relevant information is what I learnt from the interviews with the couples who also lent me their wedding videos. I also noted the spectacle in Maltese weddings from weddings I attended myself, and for which I was a participant observer.