The Wedding Of: Unraveling The Significance Of This Union

A wedding is a ceremony or celebration where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions vary across cultures, religions, and countries, but most ceremonies involve an exchange of vows and rings, and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure. The ceremony is often followed by festivities, including music, food and drink, and a first dance.

Wedding ceremony

A wedding ceremony is a marriage ceremony, usually accompanied by festivities, uniting two people in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary across cultures, religions, and countries, but there are some common elements.

The Wedding Processional

The processional is the first part of the wedding ceremony. This is when members of the immediate family and wedding party walk down the aisle and take their places. The order of the processional can vary, but it typically starts with the groom, best man, groomsmen, and bridesmaids, followed by the flower girl and ring bearer. The bride is usually the last to make her entrance, escorted by her father.

Opening Remarks and Introduction

Once everyone is in place, the officiant welcomes the guests and thanks them for witnessing the ceremony. They may also share a brief recounting of the couple's love story or some thoughts on marriage.

Readings and Vows

The officiant may then invite guests to share readings, poems, or verses. The couple then exchanges vows, which can be personalised or traditional. This is often the most emotional part of the ceremony.

Ring Exchange

After the vows, the couple exchanges wedding rings, which is not a legal requirement but is a common tradition. The officiant hands the rings to the couple, who place them on each other's fingers.

Pronouncement and First Kiss

The officiant then officially announces the couple as newlyweds and gives them permission to kiss.

Optional Address, Prayer, Reading, and/or Song

At religious ceremonies, there may be a talk from a member of the clergy, bible readings, and prayers. In non-religious ceremonies, this is often when another reading is done.

Signing of the Register

The final step to legalise the marriage is signing the marriage license, which is done by the couple and two witnesses.

Closing Remarks and Recessional

The officiant speaks some closing remarks, offering congratulations and well wishes. The couple then walks back up the aisle to music, either being showered with confetti or exiting to an awaiting vehicle.

Wedding customs

Norway: Brides Wear Crowns to Deflect Evil Spirits

Norwegian brides wear an ornate crown made of silver and gold, adorned with small charms. The tinkling sound produced by the movement of the crown is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Mexico: Wedding Lasso

During the wedding ceremony, a "lazo" or lasso made of rosary beads and flowers is draped over the couple's shoulders in the shape of a figure eight. This symbolises their union and the infinity symbol represents their hope for a long-lasting marriage.

Armenia: Balance Bread

Armenian newlyweds balance lavash flatbread on their shoulders when entering the wedding reception, usually held at the groom's house. They break a plate for good luck and are given lavash and honey by the groom's mother. Eating spoonfuls of honey symbolises happiness, and the bread is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Congo: No Smiling on the Wedding Day

In Congolese weddings, the couple must refrain from smiling throughout the entire wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception. Smiling is considered a sign of not taking marriage seriously.

China: Bow and Arrow

In this unique Chinese wedding custom, the groom shoots his bride with a bow and a headless arrow several times. He then collects the arrows and breaks them during the ceremony to ensure their everlasting love.

Greece: Shaving the Groom

Taking the term "groomsman" literally, the Greek groom's best man becomes his barber on the wedding day. After getting a fresh shave, the groom's new mother-in-law feeds him honey and almonds.

Germany: Polterabend and Sawing a Log

The night before the wedding, guests throw piles of porcelain dishes on the ground, and the couple cleans them up together, symbolising their ability to work as a team. Another German tradition involves the couple sawing a log together, representing their ability to overcome challenges in married life.

Japan: Sake-Drinking Ceremony

In this ancient Japanese wedding tradition, the bride, groom, and their parents sip sake three times from three different-sized cups. This ceremony, called "san san kudo", symbolises sealing the bond between the families and freeing the couple from flaws like hatred, passion, and ignorance.

Sweden: Flower Crowns

Swedish brides wear a flower crown or headdress made of myrtle leaves on their wedding day. This flower headpiece, which dates back to ancient times, represents the bride's innocence and is worn instead of a traditional tiara or veil.

Spain: The Bride in Black

In Spain, Catholic brides may choose to wear black silk dresses instead of the typical white gown. The black dress symbolises the bride's devotion and commitment to her husband "until death do us part."

These examples only scratch the surface of the diverse and fascinating wedding customs found around the world, each with its own unique rituals and symbolism.

Wedding attire

Dress Code

The dress code for a wedding is usually specified in the invitation, but if it is not, it is advisable to clarify with the couple or other guests. The dress code can range from formal to semi-formal or casual, and it is important to adhere to the specified dress code out of respect for the couple and the occasion.

Colour Palette

It is generally considered inappropriate to wear white to a wedding, as this is typically the colour of the bride's dress. It is also advisable to avoid wearing black, as it is associated with mourning. It is essential to consider the colour palette of the wedding and avoid wearing colours that may clash with the wedding party. In some cultures, specific colours are associated with weddings and should be avoided by guests, such as red in Western cultures.

Cultural and Religious Traditions

Cultural and religious traditions play a significant role in wedding attire. For example, in Indian weddings, women often wear sarees or lehengas, while men wear kurtas or sherwanis. In Western weddings, the dress code may be more flexible, with women wearing dresses or pantsuits and men wearing suits or tuxedos.

Season and Venue

The season and venue of the wedding also influence the attire. For example, a summer wedding may call for lighter and more breathable fabrics, while a winter wedding may require warmer clothing. A beach wedding may have a more relaxed dress code compared to a formal church wedding.

Accessories

Accessories can elevate a wedding outfit and make it more elegant. Jewellery, shoes, and handbags can be chosen to complement the outfit and the overall theme of the wedding. It is important not to over-accessorize, as this may take away from the overall look.

Examples of Wedding Attire

• Saree: A traditional Indian garment that is elegant and comfortable. It can be draped in various styles and paired with a matching blouse and jewellery.
• Lehenga: A skirt and blouse ensemble that is often embellished with embroidery or sequins. It is a popular choice for Indian weddings and can be styled in many ways.
• Midi or sundress: A midi dress is a versatile option for a summer wedding, while a sundress is perfect for a more casual affair.
• Formal gown: For a black-tie wedding, a formal gown is appropriate. This can be a floor-length dress with elegant details such as lace or beading.

And here are some examples for men:

• Kurta: A traditional Indian outfit that is comfortable and elegant. It can be paired with loose-fitting pants and a waistcoat or jacket.
• Tuxedo: A classic choice for a black-tie wedding, a tuxedo is a formal option that exudes sophistication.
• Suit: For a semi-formal or formal wedding, a well-fitted suit is a safe choice. It can be styled with a tie or bow tie and dress shoes.

Wedding reception

A wedding reception is a celebration that typically follows a wedding ceremony. It is an opportunity for guests to offer their congratulations to the newly married couple. Wedding receptions have evolved over the years, but they have always been a time for guests to eat, drink, socialise and be entertained.

History of Wedding Receptions

The wedding reception started as a celebratory meal hosted by the parents of the bride, usually at their home. This was an opportunity for the couple to receive society, friends and family, hence the name "reception". The couple would greet each guest as they entered, via a receiving line.

Traditions vary by society, religion and region, but most cultures have some form of reception, ranging from 30 minutes to multiple days. In Western culture, the standard wedding reception is a five-hour party, including a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and rituals like cake-cutting and speeches.

There are no requirements for a wedding reception, other than to provide a festive atmosphere. This usually means music, dancing and a meal, but it can also include carnival games, a jazz trio, or a food truck.

A wedding reception usually immediately follows the wedding ceremony, but this is not a requirement. Some couples may choose to have a morning ceremony and an evening reception, or they may elope and celebrate with friends and family at a later date.

Wedding anniversary

A wedding anniversary is the annual commemoration of a couple's marriage. There are traditional gifts associated with each year of marriage, with the materials that these gifts are made from getting more robust with each passing year, symbolising the strength of the marriage.

The traditional gifts for the first few years of marriage are:

• First anniversary: Paper, symbolising a clean sheet as you start your life together.
• Second anniversary: Cotton, representing how a couple's lives intertwine and how they must be flexible and strong.
• Third anniversary: Leather, symbolising shelter and security.
• Fourth anniversary: Fruit and flowers symbolising how a relationship will bear fruit and flourish.

After the first few years, the traditional gifts are given at five-year intervals. These include:

• Fifth anniversary: Wood, representing strength, wisdom and deep roots.
• Tenth anniversary: Tin, symbolising preservation and protection.
• Fifteenth anniversary: Crystal, representing the investment and sacrifice made by the couple.
• Twentieth anniversary: China, symbolising the fragile nature of love.
• Twenty-fifth anniversary: Silver, symbolising the value of marriage.
• Thirtieth anniversary: Pearl, representing the hidden beauty in the relationship.
• Fortieth anniversary: Ruby, symbolising love and passion.
• Forty-fifth anniversary: Sapphire, representing the shining example of a long-term relationship.
• Fiftieth anniversary: Gold, symbolising prosperity, wisdom and strength.
• Fifty-fifth anniversary: Emerald, symbolising true love.
• Sixtieth anniversary: Diamond, symbolising strength and affection.
• Sixty-fifth anniversary: Sapphire, symbolising loyalty, integrity and inner peace.
• Seventieth anniversary: Platinum, a rare metal symbolising the rarity of reaching 70 years of marriage.
• Seventy-fifth anniversary: Diamond, representing the strength and eternity of love.

Frequently asked questions