do you marry your husband?I think not but fear this is taking pedantry to new levels.

[hatwoman]

"She married her husband." Surely this is wrong? But I think I have to let it go, don't I...sigh.

My old neighbour. Of course yes.

My old husband. My old man. My old mother. Hmmmm.

You lot should all come and join in the w*nkers' chat thread. You'd fit in very well there. It's called 'spa angst' at the moment. Sweeeedes is current Wanker of the Week, but I feel sure that some of you could give her a run for her money.

oh what a lovely thread. nearly as good as my cows one. I'm a happy bunny.

Ooh, I am glad this thread exists! I was given a lovely hand-made invitation to my cousin's marriage.

It makes my teeth ache.

Oooh, now reading that, I'm thinking on. Do you think that there is anything in the idea that the 'marriage' refers simply to the service, the act of joining the couple in matrimony, while the 'wedding' refers to the whole shebang, champagne, photos, finger buffet, embarrassing dancing and fight with the in-laws? So, you witness a marriage rather than a wedding, don't you? Perhaps?

Hmm. No, I don't think so. I think you can witness the marriage ceremony, but the marriage itself is between the couple.

If you're a legal witness the you witness the marriage of 2 people. I think it even says so in the legally bits 'witnesses to the marriage' or something. At least it does when you apply for a special licence from the CofE.

Marriage refers to the ceremony, but technically so does wedding - it's just that wedding has been expanded to include the whole shebang, reception and all!

Confusingly marriage, as well as referring to the joining, also refers to the continuing state of matrimony. It refers to the bond which was created at the marriage ceremony. That's why when you say someone's marriage is in trouble you mean the bond between the two people is in trouble.