>>Sambos have wedding bands.

That was odd. Personally I don't know any sambos who wear rings who aren't engaged or married.

>>but I have seen that, unlike Americans, Swedes don't spend a fortune on their weddings.

As my american friend said after visiting my swedish friends wedding: "Your weddings are much more formal. I.e you have fewer guests but you have an toastmaster and everybody do the same things together. That gives you a feeling of togetherness." I think that many swedes want just that, a feeling of togetherness with all your close ones, which is impossible if you inivite 200 guests.

And yes, Sweden is VERY atheististic. Still marriage is a big and important thing for many, even if you don't promise God to stay true to each other you promise yourself and your loved one. Also laws and other things gets easier if you are married, especially if you have kids and one of you passes away... Practical things, I know but hey, that's a part of life too.

>>so many people don't believe in marriage, as it is linked to the church.
That is not true. The connection to the church is for many swedes of lesser importance, to us the church (the building) still is a holy place and gives the wedding the right feeling, otherwise many couples want to be wed outside in the nature. We love the nature you know.. ;-)

Swedish wedding are mainly around May (especially a sunday called Pingst, it's a christian thing I don't know what it means) and midsummer of course. But all summer are common.

Otherwise, when not talking weddings.. August is my prime time!!

Pozzo