Marriage

Marriages in Yzel are often love relationships, but there are still those who do so for social mobility or economic purposes. Family members being present is the most important part of the ceremony as witnesses to the union. Polygamy is generally frowned upon and sleeping around before marriage is alright for men and women. However, after marriage, a person is expected to be faithful to whoever they marry. Cheating is often fined. However, due to the hierarchy in place, women are fined at much higher rates than men.

History

The marriage ceremony's original foundations are rooted in Tekel. However, as the years have gone on, many have become separated from their religious roots and are practiced even by those who do not ascribe to the religion.

Execution

Both the bride and groom do not see one another for one week before the ceremony. This is to make their hearts yearn for one another so that when they finally do see each other again, they are full of joy.
A proposal is usually from the man to the woman and will do so with a pearl he has fished out of the sea himself. Sailing is very important in Yzelian culture and presenting a potential suitor with a gift from there is meant to show that the spouse can provide for them. The most romantic of possible proposals is the Black Proposal. 
Black is the preferred color of dress and decoration for the wedding, with accents of red, and pink. Each colors has a specific meaning. Black= stability, red = loyalty, and pink = romance. Family and friends of both the bride and groom are responsible for choosing the outfits for each one.
During the ceremony, the bride and groom walk in together and never let go of one another's hands until the presiding magistrate officially pronounces them as a couple. The symbol of marriage exchanged at the ceremony is an earring that each person fastens to their partner's ear.
Sashes worn by the couple are tied together after the fastening of the rings. As each sash is also attached to the wearer's body, this symbolizes their union.

Components and tools

The outfits worn by the participants, along with the earrings given, are the most important tools of the ritual. 
As stated above, black is the main color for all participants, with accents of other colors added throughout. 
For women, the top is generally heavily embroidered and jeweled. It is composed of one long strip of fabric that is wrapped around the torso, with the remaining train thrown over the left shoulder. A long skirt is worn on the bottom, composed of two layers, a shorter skirt that reaches the knees and a longer one beneath that goes to the floor. Depending on the wealth of the individual, there many also be a train included over the shorter skirt. Shoes are flat and composed of soft cloth. 
Men will often wear firmly pressed tunics with a high collar. Brocade and jewels are seen in men as well as women. Their pants tend to be long and either fitted or billowing depending on personal preference. They will also wear a sash over their right shoulder as a mirror to the women's garment. 
Both members of couple will wear many jewels, particularly in the form of necklaces and anklets. Poorer families tend to have only a few pieces, while the wealthy will layer as many as is tastefully possible on each member of the couple. Often friends and family members will donate their own pieces or purchase more as gifts. 
If two members of the same sex are to be married, they will decide who will wear the sash over which shoulder prior to the marriage ceremony.

Participants

While witnesses are encouraged, only the magistrate, the Tekel priest (optional), and the couple are necessary for the ceremony. Participants can choose whether or not they want a priest or priestess present. Royal weddings always have one to solidify the marriage's status as sanctioned by the gods even though the monarchy is not considered inherently connected to them.

Observance

Most marriages take place during the spring. This is due to the ancient belief that magic is renewed during the spring months and that this new magic will bless the marriage. However, in more modern times, couples have chosen dates that are either personal to them or convenient for the guests they wish to invite.