Lyla Dejesus
Amish weddings are a celebration of the newlywed couple, with a focus on family and tradition. The Amish wedding season occurs after the harvest season, typically mid-week, and the ceremonies are less flashy and decorative than Western weddings. Amish brides do not wear white dresses or veils; instead, they wear new, handmade, calf-length dresses in colours like blue or purple, with white aprons and black prayer coverings. The groom wears a black suit and a white shirt, usually made by his mother or bride-to-be. Guests are expected to dress conservatively, with women wearing mid-calf length skirts and bonnets, and men wearing suits with hats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bride's attire | Amish brides wear ordinary 'Sunday clothing' on their wedding day. |
| The bride's dress is usually calf-length, plain-cut, with no lace or trim, and no flashy adornments. | |
| The bride chooses a favourite Amish colour for her dress, typically blue or purple, and a white apron. | |
| The bride wears a black prayer covering instead of a veil. | |
| Groom's attire | The groom wears a black suit and a white shirt, usually made by his mother or bride-to-be. |
| Timing | Amish weddings are held exclusively after the harvest season, typically mid-week. |
| Invitations | Couples are expected to hand-deliver invitations to their guests' homes. |
| Photography | No photographers are present at Amish weddings. |
| Food | The families prepare and cook a large meal for everyone who will attend the wedding. |
| Decorations | Amish weddings are less flashy and decorated than Western weddings. |
| Music and dance | There is no wedding dance. |
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What You'll Learn
- Amish brides wear new, calf-length dresses in dark colours, with white aprons and capes
- Amish grooms wear black suits and white shirts, usually handmade by their mother or bride-to-be
- Amish weddings are held after the harvest season, typically mid-week
- Amish wedding guests wear muted colours and fabrics, with dresses for women and suits or overcoats for men
- Amish wedding venues are decorated barns or sheds, with tables set up for a feast
Amish brides wear new, calf-length dresses in dark colours, with white aprons and capes
Amish weddings differ from typical Western weddings in several ways, including the attire of the bride. Amish brides do not wear extravagant white gowns. Instead, they wear new, calf-length dresses in dark colours, with white aprons and capes. The dress is typically made by the bride or her mother, and it is constructed from the same type of material as her everyday clothing. The bride chooses her favourite colour, and her attendants will wear the same colour as her. The apron is made from organdy, the same fabric as the prayer Kapp, and it is carefully packed away after the wedding, as the bride will be buried in it.
The cape is a triangular piece of fabric that goes from the waist, over the shoulders, and crosses in front. The apron is then placed over the bottom of the cape and belted around the waist. In some communities, brides wear black dresses with white capes and aprons, while in others, the bride chooses her dress colour and wears a white cape and apron. The cape and apron are typically the same colour as the dress.
The bride will also wear a black prayer covering on her head, rather than the white cap she wears daily. After the wedding, she will change to a white covering, which symbolises that she is married. The white covering is typically a bonnet, which is worn daily.
In addition to the attire, there are other unique aspects of Amish weddings. The couple hands delivers their invitations to their guests' homes instead of mailing them. The weddings are typically held mid-week, after the harvest season, and the bride's family cooks a large meal for all the guests, which can number up to 400 people. The wedding is followed by a "honeymoon" period where the couple visits the groom's family and receives wedding gifts.
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Amish grooms wear black suits and white shirts, usually handmade by their mother or bride-to-be
Amish weddings are a special experience with an intimate and meaningful celebration that truly reflects the importance of family and tradition in these communities. While they tend to be less flashy and decorated than Western weddings, with no photographers, dancing, or kissing at the altar, they are nevertheless a joyful occasion.
In terms of attire, the Amish bride will not wear a white gown as is typical in other weddings. Instead, she will wear ordinary 'Sunday clothing' in a favourite Amish colour of her choosing. She may buy something new for the occasion, but it will not be an extravagant wedding-specific gown. The bride will also wear a white organdy apron, which is what the prayer Kapp is made from, and a black prayer covering instead of a veil. The bride or her mother will make the bridal dress and the dresses of her attendants in matching colours. The groom, meanwhile, wears a black suit and a white shirt, usually handmade by his mother or bride-to-be. The groom and his attendants also wear black vests, black coats, and bow ties, as well as high-topped black shoes and black socks. The groom completes his outfit with a black hat with a brim no longer than 3 and a half inches.
Amish weddings are traditionally held on Tuesdays or Thursdays in the later fall, after the harvest season. They are usually held midweek and during the day, with a simple service for the couple in the morning. The bishop then speaks to them in private, offering advice and blessings for their future. The couple then proceeds outside to give their vows in front of the congregation. The rest of the day is spent in fellowship and socialising at the bride's family home, where meals are served. Two main meals—supper and dinner—are served to guests, with numbers ranging from 200 to 400 people. All food is homemade and grown, and the day before the wedding, the family begins cooking the large meal for everyone who will attend.
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Amish weddings are held after the harvest season, typically mid-week
Amish weddings are traditionally held on Tuesdays or Thursdays in the later autumn months, after the harvest season. The wedding season usually runs from late October to December, but weddings can be held as late as March. The timing of an Amish wedding is significant in their culture, and practicality has led to weddings being held throughout the year and on other days of the week to accommodate couples.
Amish weddings are a community affair, with a guest list ranging from 200 to 500 people, including relatives, friends, and coworkers. The ceremony is similar to a typical Amish worship service, presided over by the Bishop and ministers, and followed by a celebratory meal. The bride's attire is usually a new dress in her favourite Amish colour, typically purple or blue, and a white organdy apron. The attendants also wear the same colour and a Prayer Kapp. The groom usually wears a black suit and a white shirt, often handmade by his mother or bride-to-be. The men of the wedding party also sometimes wear matching shirts.
The meal is a significant part of the wedding day, with the community coming together to prepare and cook the food. The menu typically includes chicken and stuffing casserole, mashed potatoes, creamed celery, and other vegetables. The guests eat in shifts, with the newlyweds and their families eating first. The afternoon is filled with socialising, singing, and games, with volleyball being a popular activity.
In the lead-up to the wedding, the bride-to-be and her family plant extra food, especially celery, which is easily canned and makes a great dish for guests. The day before the wedding, the family starts cooking a large meal, and tables are set up, sometimes at a neighbour's place to accommodate the large number of guests.
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Amish wedding guests wear muted colours and fabrics, with dresses for women and suits or overcoats for men
Amish weddings are less flashy and decorated than Western weddings, with no photographers, dancing, or kissing at the altar. The focus is on family, community, and tradition. This extends to the dress code for guests, who are expected to wear muted colours and fabrics, with dresses for women and suits or overcoats for men.
For women, the dress code typically involves mid-calf length skirts or dresses with long-sleeved blouses or shirts underneath. Women's headwear is also important and usually takes the form of a bonnet or prayer cap, often made from black, navy blue, or purple fabric. This signifies a woman's commitment to her faith and humility. Women also wear either black or white ankle-length socks and solid colours, avoiding any printed fabric or patterns.
For men, clothing is generally made from natural, durable materials such as wool, cotton, or linen. Men usually wear a solid-coloured, long-sleeved shirt with a vest or jacket. They may also wear a suit coat or overcoat, depending on the weather and the occasion. Trousers are typically held up by suspenders, and men also wear hats, often wide-brimmed straw hats in the summer or felt hats in the winter.
It is important to note that Amish weddings are typically held after the harvest season, usually midweek, and the timing is flexible to accommodate multiple couples. The wedding ceremony is simple, with a focus on a sermon and a large feast for the guests.
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Amish wedding venues are decorated barns or sheds, with tables set up for a feast
Amish wedding venues are often decorated barns or sheds, with tables set up for a feast. The Amish wedding season occurs at the end of the year, after the harvest season, typically between late October and December, although in recent years weddings have been held as late as March.
The Amish community has a short wedding season, and couples usually plan their weddings around other couples. The weddings are usually held mid-week, on Tuesdays or Thursdays, to allow for ample preparation and clean-up time. The day before the wedding, the family starts cooking a large meal for all the guests. On the wedding day, a simple service is held in the morning, followed by a feast and fellowship.
The bride will wear a new dress, but it will not be an extravagant wedding gown. Instead, it will be a plain, calf-length dress with no lace or trim, made from a solid colour fabric. The bride chooses her favourite Amish colour, often blue or shades of purple, with a white apron and cape. She will also wear a black prayer covering instead of the white cap she wears daily. The bride's dress is typically made by herself or her mother, along with the dresses of her attendants, who will also wear the white apron and prayer cap. The groom will wear a black suit and a white shirt, usually made by his mother or bride-to-be.
The tables at the wedding venue are set up for the feast, with candy, nuts, salads, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, pie, cake, and pudding. The cooks arrive early in the morning to start preparing the food. The married women wear darker shades of colour, while the younger ladies wear pastel shades.
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Frequently asked questions
Amish brides typically wear a new, calf-length dress with no lace or trim, in colours such as blue or purple, and a white apron. The dress is often homemade and may become the bride's new Sunday church attire. The bride will also wear a black prayer covering.
Amish grooms typically wear a black suit and a white shirt, which is usually made by the groom's mother or bride-to-be.
Amish weddings are less flashy and decorated than Western weddings. Guests should wear ordinary 'Sunday clothing' and avoid bright or flashy clothing.
