Weddings are meant to be happy occasions, recognising the love a couple has for one another and a time for optimism about your future. But many weddings are a ridiculous waste of money. They turn people into caricatures of themselves. And many weddings are not happy. Many weddings turn into a confinement, or they are ended by people who aren’t brave enough to admit there’s an issue.
The Wedding People explores relationships and our expectations through the very specific setting of the novel.
Still reeling from the betrayal of her husband having an affair with a friend during lockdown, Phoebe decides she’s had enough. Determined to end her life she books herself for one night into a luxury hotel.
Unfortunately the whole hotel has been booked for a week to celebrate the wedding of Lyla and Gary. Lyla is horrified when Phoebe reveals her plan and, for no other reason than Phoebe has been honest with her, she books the room for the week and asks Phoebe to become part of the wedding group. 
It took a while to get into the book. Our bride to be is, in many ways, awful. As the novel progresses we see a softer side to her. Phoebe is a woman being made anew, taking steps to learn who she is and what makes her happy.
From start to finish it was evident that many of the relationships in the book were not good ones. But then we are shown some aspects we’re not expecting and there are glimmers of hope.
A tough read in many ways, and not for anyone who’s having doubts about their relationship!