Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many traditions that take place after a wedding ceremony, from the couple's first kiss to the cutting of the cake. In some cultures, there are rituals that take place after the wedding day, such as the Melse in Ethiopia, which is hosted by the bride's family the day after the wedding. In Germany, couples receive a log and a saw after the wedding, which they must saw in half together to symbolise their ability to overcome obstacles in their marriage. In ancient times, the bride and groom would leave the wedding after the meal to go on their honeymoon, but this is now uncommon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding customs | Traditions vary depending on culture, religion, and history. |
| Wedding ceremony | Makes the union legal and official. |
| Traditions | Ring exchanges, flower garlands, symbolic rituals, prayers, readings, vows, and a kiss. |
| Wedding attire | The bride typically wears white. |
| Wedding party | Includes bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. |
| Wedding exit | The couple makes a grand exit while guests blow bubbles, throw confetti, or toss rice for luck. |
| Honeymoon | An opportunity for the couple to start their married life with a luxury holiday. |
| Wedding reception | A celebration with dancing and fun, where the couple makes a grand entrance. |
| Wedding cake | Tiered cake with the top tier saved for the couple's future child's christening. |
| Wedding flowers | Carried by the bride and wedding party, symbolizing virginity or warding off evil spirits. |
| Wedding date | Chosen for auspiciousness, season, or personal preference. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding speeches and toasts
Who gives a speech?
In the UK, the traditional order of wedding speeches is the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man, followed by any others, such as the bride, maid of honour, or other close relatives and friends. However, this is not set in stone and can be changed according to the couple's preferences. For example, the couple may wish to say a few brief words to kickstart the reception meal and thank the guests for coming.
Wedding speeches are traditionally given at the rehearsal dinner, the wedding reception, and sometimes during the ceremony as readings or blessings. At the wedding reception, the best man usually kicks off the speeches by giving a toast shortly after everyone is seated at their tables. The maid of honour typically speaks immediately after the best man, followed by the father of the bride and/or mother of the bride, who congratulate the newlyweds and give a toast.
A great wedding speech doesn't have to be perfect or eloquent; instead, it should evoke emotion and convey genuine happiness for the couple. A simple outline to follow is to start by introducing yourself and sharing how you know the couple, followed by a short anecdote or story, and ending with a sentimental wish for the couple. It is also customary to raise a toast at the end of the speech, where guests raise their glasses and drink to the newlyweds.
Examples of wedding toasts:
- "Here's to the past, for all that you've learned. Here's to the present, for all that you share. Here's to the future, for all that you've got to look forward to."
- "May these rich blessings be your due... A wealth of friendships, old and new, quiet nights and busy days, time for prayer and time for praise, some service rendered, some solace given, and gentle peace with God and heaven."
- "To my best friend and his beautiful bride: the new Mr and Mrs [Name]."
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The honeymoon
Today, the honeymoon is a time for the newlyweds to celebrate their marriage, deepen their connection, and create lasting memories. It is often a chance for the couple to take a luxurious trip to an exotic or romantic destination, sometimes to a far-flung location, and spend quality time together. The average duration of a honeymoon is about one week, though some couples opt for a "minimoon", a shorter trip of about two to three days to a nearby place.
The modern honeymoon is typically a personalised experience, with couples designing their ideal mix of relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, and learning. While some couples still depart right after their wedding, it is becoming more common to delay the honeymoon by a few days or even up to a year, allowing for a more relaxed approach to planning and packing, as well as providing something to look forward to after the wedding festivities.
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Wedding photography
Before the Wedding
First, ensure you have all the necessary equipment and that it is packed and ready to go. Check that your batteries are charged, and memory cards are packed. It is also essential to stay hydrated and energised throughout the day, so remember to pack some snacks and water. Dress professionally and appropriately for the event. It is also a good idea to review your contract, shot list, and timeline of the day.
During the Wedding
Remember that wedding photography is about capturing not just the moments but also the overall feeling and experience of the couple. It is easy to get stressed about missing the perfect shot, but staying focused and present will help you get the best results. Try to let go of some of the stress and remember that you are there to support the couple and their guests.
It is also important to understand lighting. Light has colour, hardness, angle, and intensity, and mastering these aspects will help you create better photographs. For indoor shots, natural light is often best, with the photographer positioned with their back to a window.
While it is essential to capture the key moments, such as the couple's first kiss, the exchange of rings, and the recessional, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different techniques and angles. Try to capture candid reactions from the couple and their guests during speeches and toasts. It is also okay to take a break during the dinner; you don't need to capture people eating.
After the Wedding
Traditionally, the newlyweds would change into "going away" outfits and leave before their guests to embark on their honeymoon. Nowadays, the couple usually stays for the entire reception, including the dancing and evening festivities. The honeymoon is often an opportunity for the couple to take a luxurious trip and spend quality time together.
Remember that every wedding is unique, and different cultures and religions incorporate their own elements into the ceremony and reception. Be prepared to adapt to the specific traditions and customs of the couple you are photographing.
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Wedding cake cutting ceremony
The wedding cake-cutting ceremony is a time-honoured tradition that dates back centuries. It is often one of the most memorable moments of the day and symbolises the couple's love and commitment to one another. It is usually done after dinner, to signal to guests that the reception is almost over.
The wedding cake itself is a beautiful centrepiece and a reminder of the couple's commitment to each other. It is also a delicious dessert with significant meaning. In ancient Rome, cakes were made with wheat, a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The tradition of wedding cakes originated in medieval England, where guests would bring smaller cakes to the wedding reception. The couple would stack these and attempt to kiss over the tower. If they were successful, it was a symbol of good luck, usually equated with being blessed with many children.
Today, the couple cuts the cake together, with one partner placing their hand over the other's while cutting the first slice. This symbolises their promise to support each other and reflects the first task they complete as a married couple. The couple is encouraged to cut from the bottom tier as a reminder of the relationship's longevity. It is also recommended to make a clean, straight cut, rather than a sawing motion, to prevent the cake from crumbling.
Some couples like to have their couple-centred tasks, like the bouquet toss and cake-cutting, back-to-back. It is also a good idea to schedule the cake-cutting ceremony earlier in the reception so that families with young children or elderly guests can leave early if needed.
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Wedding reception entertainment
Wedding receptions are a time-honoured tradition, where the newlyweds and their guests can let their hair down and celebrate the union. While weddings used to be shorter affairs, ending after the meal, today's receptions are a chance to create an unforgettable experience with unique entertainment.
Music and Dancing
A DJ or live band is a popular choice for wedding receptions and can be a simple yet effective way to keep the party going. A good DJ or band will be able to read the room and adapt their set to suit, keeping guests entertained and ensuring the dance floor stays full.
Magicians and Performers
For something a little different, consider hiring a magician to perform close-up magic tricks during the cocktail hour or between other activities. This can be a great icebreaker and conversation starter for guests. You could also hire other performers such as acrobats, contortionists, fire performers, or even a drag queen to officiate the ceremony.
Interactive Activities
Interactive activities are a great way to get guests of all ages involved. Lawn games such as cornhole, giant Jenga, or ring toss can be set up for guests to play during cocktail hour or between other activities. You could also set up a s'mores station by a bonfire, especially if your wedding is during the colder months. For a unique keepsake, hire a live wedding painter to capture the day on canvas, or set up a video or photo booth for guests to record their thoughts and wishes.
Food and Drink
Food and drink are an important part of any wedding reception. In addition to a meal, consider having interactive food services, such as an oyster bar or a local winery or distillery onsite for tastings. For a fun twist on beverage service, hire creative servers to pass out prosecco or set up a champagne wall.
Fireworks and More
End the night with a bang by organising a fireworks display—the more extravagant, the better! If fireworks aren't your style, you could organise a flash mob or surprise dance routine to wow your guests.
The key to successful wedding reception entertainment is to choose activities that reflect your interests and wedding theme. Whether you go for a simple DJ or an extravagant production, your guests are sure to have a memorable time.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding traditions vary across cultures, but some common practices include:
- Wedding reception or wedding breakfast, which may include speeches, the newlyweds' first dance, and the cutting of the cake.
- Photo sessions with family, the bridal party, and private couple portraits.
- The honeymoon, which originates from ancient European tribes where the bride and groom would go into hiding for 30 days, with a friend bringing a cup of honey wine each day.
Here are some unique post-wedding traditions from various cultures:
- In Germany, couples receive a large log and a saw. They work together to saw the log in half, symbolising their ability to overcome obstacles in their marriage.
- In Peru, single women at the wedding participate in a "cake pull" ritual, where they grab ribbons attached to a wedding cake. The person who pulls out a fake wedding ring charm is predicted to be the next to marry.
- In Romania, guests playfully "abduct" the bride before the wedding and demand a "ransom" from the groom, such as alcohol or a performance.
While some wedding traditions have been preserved, many couples put a modern spin on these customs:
- Instead of leaving early for their honeymoon, newlyweds nowadays typically stay for the entire reception to enjoy the dancing and festivities with their guests.
- In addition to the traditional first dance, contemporary weddings may include a father-daughter dance and a mother-son dance.
- Signature cocktails are often offered at wedding receptions, adding a unique twist to the traditional wedding bar.
