EXISTIMATIO: In spring a young (wo)man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love

Do little girls in other countries talk about their weddings from the time they're five years old? I think it a learned behavior, and am willing to bet that wee lassies in the Amazonian rainforest don't plan their nuptials from the time they can speak. Then again, perhaps they do. I'm certain there there's a sociological study out there comparing and contrasting the inception of matrimonial obession throughout different cultures. If not, someone should obviously write one.

I'm constantly talking about weddings these days--in part because two of my closest friends are tying the knot this summer. Weddings have always casually worked their way into confabs with the girls: 'Oh, I can't decide who will be my bridesmaids,' we'll say (that being an indicator of who is closest to us at the moment. If a friend grows distant, chances are they won't be making into the imaginary wedding party). Although my matrimonial prospects are zero, I've already decided what kind of dress I want, who I want to perform the ceremony, and what music I'd like played. One of my friends even has a fake profile at TheKnot.com so that she can look at dresses without turning up in any registry searches. Just in case, you know, her boyfriend looks up her name or something. Yup. You've gotta think about these eventualities. Our poor future husbands don't have a chance.

This summer is proving to be a blockbuster year. In 2004 I attended six weddings, but two of them were as people's dates. This year I've been invited to five, and am a bridesmaid in two. I've only once been a bridesmaid, when I was a 19-yr-old sophomore, and it proved a memorable experience. (Let's just say the groom works for Ernest & Julio Gallo and leave it at that.) The line-up for this year is:

My cousin Amanda, 28 May, Chicago. This should be an eventful family wedding, with the ceremony performed by my aunt (via internet certification) in a Gothic chapel at the University of Chicago. I'm especially excited about the reception, which is taking place on a cruise boat on the Chicago River!
My college friends Carrie & Richy, 10 June, Champaign, IL. My first wedding at Allerton, a traditional (and beautiful) venue for U of I grads. I'm looking forward to some time spent with family and friends in Chambana. Also, I introduced the bride & groom our freshman year of college.
My friend Megan, 24 June, Minneapolis, MN. One of the top two weddings this summer, since it's my best friend, I'm the Maid of Honor, and all of our high school friends will be in attendance. I'm flying up three days early to help out (and throw the bachelorette party). It's going to be a blast, and I couldn't be happier for them.
My second cousin Matt, 5 August, Witch Lake, MI. As Matt is literally getting married on Witch Lake, on his family's island, I won't be attending the small ceremony. I will, however, be joining 200 or so Yoopers for the pig roast the next day. I'm honored Matt invited my family, and have been looking forward to the pig roast for a year.
My friend Rebecca, 16 September, McHenry, IL. Rounding out the wedding season, I get to be a bridesmaid for one of my college roommates. Since our other old roomie and I flew to Portland to help her pick out a dress, I know it's going to be lovely. Also, all of our theatre friends from college will be there hamming it up at the reception.

With three weddings in the next five weeks, I may just be weddinged out by the time July rolls around. Luckily, I have a month off, and will be ready for the next round. The best part about all these weddings is how vastly different they all will be. I know: that's the point, but it's still refreshing.

Now, to stock up on some waterproof mascara...