MaryK, when I was first married and first attending traditional Jewish events, I was surprised at a.) how long they went on, and b.) how no one was actually expected to attend the entire event. It seemed like everything had a long religious service beforehand that people might or might not come for, followed by the main event. People wandered in and out, little kids ran around, and it was all very different from the traditions I'd grown up with (Catholic: get there on time, sit down, be quiet, stay put until the end.)
Many years later, I attended a traditional Hindu wedding and was surprised by the same things: it went on for hours -- days, actually, though that part was mainly for family -- people wandered in and out, and little kids ran around.
I think Dashrashi described it just right.
What are you wearing?
