Back in the day, you used to want to hurry the marriage through so you could, among other things, jump in the sack and bump uglies for the first time. 
For some couples, albeit a smaller population of them nowadays, this is still the case and that's very sweet.
While I'm in Team Try-Before-You-Buy, I respect Team Celibate and whatever it is that they're trying to achieve: religious belief, anticipation, "testing" the other person and so on. Each to their own, and all that. (Surveys do seem to back up the fact that the longer you wait, the stronger the marriage...)
But there's a third team, one that doesn't get as much recognition but whose support is gaining and who I am rather intrigued by.
Let's call them Team Hold Out. Also known as "secondary virginity".
I've noticed a trend with some couples, many of whom have had long-term relationships that involved sex, suddenly deciding to go sex-free in the lead-up to the wedding.
Now I'm not talking about spending the night before the wedding apart (and that, I think, is a rather sweet tradition) but those who decide that for a set period - say two weeks, a month, even six months or their entire engagement! - forgo fornication.
Why? You may ask. I don't know. Taking a tip from 40 Days and 40 Nights maybe? (Link potentially NSFW, depending on where you work, of course.)
I sure as hell don't plan on doing that and I think I've done my dash considering we're in a long, looong distance relationship and sex-on-tap isn't an option. Ahem.
However, I AM interested to hear from people who have done or are considering doing this belated celibacy thing.
Theories I've heard include that it gives you, as a couple, a chance to connect on a "deeper" level, or without the "distraction" of physical intercourse.
And I kind of get that - for couples who are blinded by the bonking. But jeez, if you haven't "connected" yet, what makes you think marrying this person is a good idea? 
Other people say that it increases the anticipation for wedding night sex (which, by the way, I think deserves a whole other blog post, and I'll get to that) but seriously, I see a few flaws in that also.
First, those weeks up to your wedding are probably going to be stressful. I'm not sure if altering your normal routine (and by that I include having sexy time with your love) is seen to be the smartest move. It is one thing if you're both "saving yourselves" full stop till after the wedding as you've never done it together; neither of you will know what you're missing.
But if you had a healthy sex life leading up to the self-imposed ban, and then you go to drought mode, something's got to give. Surely? Or do you just get used to it?
Second, all the reports I've read have been about how torturous that time is for both of those involved. How the bickering and fighting increased and how it hasn't actually helped them achieve their goal of becoming closer by refusing to, er... get close.
And third, I really, really don't like the thought of girls doing it "for the LOLZ". I mean, I don't believe sex should ever be used as a tool to get what you want - so by saying you won't until they put a ring on it is... icky. It's supposed to be a consensual, awesome, loving thing, not a reward for good behaviour or "obeying". Unless you're into that, and umm, that's clearly spelt out and agreed to by both parties.
Did you or do you plan to abstain ahead of your wedding? How did it work out? Did you achieve your goal? How long could you last "going without"?
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I'll put in one for Team Celibate - my husband and I had a strong relationship without sex pre-marriage and after twenty years we've a very strong and loving marriage. No sex before marriage didn't hurt us.
I am an avocate of personal choice - but how can the wedding night be special when you already know what going to happen...its nothing new or different. Been there done that - brought the teeshirt...
I only hope that the first time a couple has sex together they do it in a meaningful way and don't just tumble into bed (or wherever) courtesy of Lindauer and Speights.
My husband and I took a couple of weeks out ahead of the wedding. I think it just made the wedding night a bit more special. I know it's a bit of a token effort but I would recommend it. It really is up to the individuals tho
I realised where I was going wrong in life after sleeping with every girlfriend and woman i could, found Christianity which brought sanity, and abstained from fornication with my wife to be. We've both been very blessed in 8 years of wedded bliss with a wonderful son who was gifted to us from our honeymoon pregnancy!
People need to stop putting sex on a pedestal. Sure be responsible and safe, but society gives too much importance to a basic human function.
I waited, I waited, I waited hoping the right guy would come along, because I believed the first time should be special and not as Tracy said to due to Lindauer and Speights. I was 31 before I had sex, with someone who would be that forever someone and all I can say is that the sex wasn't great -in fact based on my experience not sure what all the fuss is about and he wasn't. I am now single, with a beautiful daughter (the only positive out of a bad situation).
Hi there, I've never considered in anyway stopping having sex for a certain period of time before my wedding (I am planning to put a ring on it) but after reading this article the idea comes as an interesting attitude and an enhancement for the night after the wedding. I will definitely have a talk about it with my gf :)
Although my wife and I weren't virgins we didn't have sex till our wedding night! Was so worth it :)
My fiancé and I have been together for four years. I have discussed with him prenuptial celibacy, as I would like to stay apart for a week. My reasoning is that if we miss each other, seeing each their for the first time in a week at the alter, looking gorgeous and eager to see each other, may heighten our excitement for our wedding day, and also our new life as one entity. My decision doesn't seem to be about celibacy, celibacy just comes with being apart. I believe being apart for a brief time will make the heart fonder. Whether we explore this option or not depends on how organized we are at the time, but I would like to think that with his blessing, we will go through with a week apart Pre-wedding day. I'm not so much Team Hold Out, definitely Team Try Before You Buy, maybe just a tad Team Hopeless Romantic.
I got drunk on my wedding night, partying with my new wife and best mates, and wasn't capable of sex even if I'd wanted it. That meant I went one whole night without it.
Why cant people wait these days?