Why everyone’s talking about... Sologamy

Want to marry someone who really understands you, who’ll never cheat on you, and never argue? Then why not tie the knot with… yourself? That’s sologamy. But are people really self-marrying?

Yes! Ever since at least 1993, when an American woman – and it is almost exclusively women who do this – called Linda Baker staged her oneperson ‘wedding’. She had seven bridesmaids, 75 guests… and no groom. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex And The City character Carrie Bradshaw married herself after becoming annoyed that single people get no special occasions to celebrate themselves. Brazilian lingerie model Cris Galera, below, became the latest sologamy bride, sharing pictures of her ceremony last month with 175,000 Instagram fans.

Ah, so it’s just narcissistic attention-seeking!

Mostly. But Brighton sologamist Sophie Tanner insists: ‘Self-weddings are not an indulgent fanfare of selfies. Sologamy is committing to truly love yourself.’ It’s about encouraging a sense of selfworth to feel secure and content on your own.

What’s the form?

Same as a normal wedding, but you can do it anywhere and the person officiating needs no credentials. A website called IMarriedMe.com sells a ‘create your own ceremony’ kit, including a self-wedding ring, vows and daily affirmation cards. And a Japanese travel agency offers a solo wedding package including gown, bouquet and hairstyle, hotel stay and photos.

What if you later find someone else you really want to be with?

With no legal status, sologamists don’t have to divorce themselves, so no awkward ‘it’s not me, it’s me’ break-up conversations. In other words, you can have your self-wedding cake and eat it.