Franklin Dean
A traditional wedding is a beautiful way to honour the past and embrace the beauty of tried-and-true elements for such a momentous occasion. It is a day that focuses on the marrying couple's heritage, fusing culture and a party atmosphere to ring in a new marriage. From the grand setting of a church or luxury hotel to the intricate details of the wedding dress, a traditional wedding is a celebration of love, culture and unity.
A traditional wedding ceremony usually follows a specific order, including the processional, opening speeches, officiant address, exchange of vows and rings, and the iconic you may now kiss the bride moment. The reception that follows is a time for guests to share a meal, offer speeches and toasts, and witness the newlyweds' first dance.
From the colour palette to the cake, every detail of a traditional wedding is carefully chosen to reflect the couple's heritage and culture. Whether it's the elegant white and soft pink colour scheme or the five-tiered cake adorned with glitz and glamour, each element contributes to the overall atmosphere and style of the celebration.
A traditional wedding is also an opportunity for couples to incorporate DIY elements, whether through traditional offerings or bomboniere. It is a day filled with love, joy and the coming together of two families, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Venue | Church, beach, museum, garden, resort, luxury hotel, place of worship |
| Guests | Large guest list |
| Decor | White, chandeliers, glitz and glamour, tall centrepieces |
| Flowers | Neat, one-colour bouquets and flower arrangements, roses |
| Dress code | Formal, black tie, semi-formal, cocktail |
| Bride's dress | Cinderella style, ivory or white, floor-length veil |
| Groom's attire | Tuxedo, black suit |
| Seating | Strict seating plan |
| Catering | Seated catering, buffet-style, alternate plate drop |
| Cake | Tiered, white icing, floral or beading-inspired details |
| Favours | Five sugared almonds in a silk pouch |
| Music | Traditional bridal march, cultural songs, DJ |
| Transport | Stretch limousines |
What You'll Learn
The wedding ceremony and reception
The Wedding Ceremony
A traditional wedding ceremony is held in a grand setting, such as a church or a luxury hotel. The ceremony is often religious and filled with traditional rituals and readings. The processional is the first part of the ceremony, where the wedding party walks down the aisle. This is usually the officiant, followed by the wedding party, flower girls, and ring bearers. In traditional ceremonies, the bride is last to walk down the aisle, escorted by her father, symbolising her being given away. In modern ceremonies, both parents may escort the bride.
Once everyone is in place, the officiant will welcome the guests and may share a brief history of the couple. There may be readings, which are often Biblical passages if the couple is religious. The officiant will then address the couple directly, sharing words on the responsibilities of marriage, before the couple exchanges their vows and rings. The couple then seals their marriage with a kiss. In some religious weddings, there may be a unity candle-lighting ceremony, or a ritual using ropes or silk to tie the couple together.
The Wedding Reception
The wedding reception is a time for guests, the bridal party, and the newlyweds to celebrate their union before the couple leaves for their honeymoon. It usually includes a meal, speeches, and dancing. The reception venue is often a ballroom or hall, providing ample space for traditional dances and rituals. The bridal party sits at a raised 'top table', which may be on a stage, and there are round tables for the guests. The reception is also where the couple cuts their wedding cake.
The Wedding Cake
The wedding cake is usually iced with multiple tiers, getting smaller towards the top. It is traditionally white, with gentle floral or beading-inspired details. The cake-cutting ceremony is an important tradition, symbolising the sharing of the cake with loved ones.
Wedding Favours
At the end of the wedding, it is customary to send guests home with a small gift, such as a pouch of sugared almonds, to express gratitude and thanks for their attendance.
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The wedding attire
The Bride's Attire:
The bride's dress is typically a white or ivory gown, which has been a popular choice since Queen Victoria's wedding in the mid-1800s. The dress is often floor-length and may include a dramatic, full skirt, also known as a "princess" style. A long veil, preferably floor-length, adds extra drama to the look. The bride usually carries a bouquet, which traditionally consists of soft, delicate florals such as roses, lilies, or peonies. In ancient times, brides carried garlic, dill, and other herbs to ward off evil spirits, but today, the bouquet is chosen to match the wedding colour palette.
The Groom's Attire:
The groom typically wears a tuxedo or a crisp black suit, though a smart, tailored suit in another colour can also work. His outfit is complemented by the groomsmen, whose suits may be slightly less expensive but should still fit the overall wedding style.
The Bridal Party Attire:
The bridesmaids usually wear uniform dresses, either in soft colours like lilac or blush, or in more royal shades like royal blue to match the extravagance of the wedding. The groomsmen's suits should complement the bridesmaids' dresses. The flower girl and ring bearer have matching outfits that also fit the adult attendants' attire.
Guests' Attire:
Traditional weddings tend to have a formal dress code, with guests expected to dress in their finest attire. This information is usually specified on the invitations.
In conclusion, the wedding attire for a traditional wedding is an important aspect of the celebration, with the bride and groom dressing up lavishly, and the bridal party and guests following suit to create a cohesive and elegant look.
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The wedding cake
The tradition of the wedding cake dates back to ancient Rome, where guests would crumble a barley cake or wheat scone over the bride's head to symbolise fertility and good fortune. In medieval times, this tradition evolved into a game where the couple would kiss over a stack of cookies and scones. If they succeeded without the tower falling, it was believed they would have good luck.
Today, the wedding cake is still an important part of the wedding celebration. The cake-cutting ceremony, where the couple feed each other a bite, is a much-anticipated ritual. While some couples stick to the traditional cake, others opt for cupcakes or macarons.
The top tier of the wedding cake is often saved and frozen to be enjoyed later at their child's christening or on their first anniversary.
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The wedding favours
Wedding favours are small gifts given to the guests as a token of appreciation for their attendance and well-wishes. They are a way to express love and gratitude towards guests and are usually distributed at the end of the wedding.
Traditional wedding favours are often kept simple, such as a pouch filled with five almonds, with each almond representing a wish for the newlyweds: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. This tradition stems from the 16th century, when the European aristocracy would gift guests a "bomboniere", a small trinket box made of precious materials and filled with candy or sugar cubes. As sugar became more affordable, sugar-coated almonds became a popular choice.
Today, there are many creative options for wedding favours that reflect the couple's personality and theme of the wedding. Some modern ideas include:
- Personalised favours: Customised gifts such as engraved keychains, monogrammed candles, or embroidered handkerchiefs add a unique touch.
- Edible treats: Macarons, chocolates, or small jars of honey with customised labels can be a delightful treat for guests to enjoy after the wedding.
- Practical items: Items like bottle stoppers, compact mirrors, or plant seeds can be both useful and memorable.
- Charitable donations: Some couples choose to make a donation to a charity in lieu of favours, often selecting an organisation that holds a special meaning for them.
- Cultural favours: Incorporating cultural elements, such as traditional sweets or symbolic items, can add a unique touch that represents the couple's heritage.
When planning wedding favours, it is essential to consider factors such as budget, the number of guests, and the overall theme or style of the wedding. Personalisation and presentation can also enhance the impact of the favours, making them a thoughtful memento for guests to cherish.
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The wedding vows
- Introduction and Welcome: The officiant, who is often a religious figure, begins the ceremony by welcoming the guests and expressing gratitude for their attendance. They may also share thoughts on marriage or recount the couple's love story.
- Readings: In religious ceremonies, Biblical passages or revered texts are read out. In non-religious weddings, couples may opt for meaningful quotes, poems, or passages from novels.
- Officiant Addresses the Couple: The officiant speaks directly to the couple, sharing the responsibilities and weight of marriage. This is when you'll likely hear phrases like "for better or for worse."
- Exchange of Vows: This is the emotional heart of the ceremony. Couples may choose to write their own unique vows or use pre-written traditional phrasing. The vows are a representation of their love and devotion, as well as their commitment to serve and uplift each other.
- Exchange of Rings: Rings are a traditional symbol of marriage in American weddings. During this part of the ceremony, partners exchange rings and may choose to include a few words about what the ring symbolises to them.
- Kiss: After the vows and ring exchange, the couple seals their marriage with a kiss.
- Unity Ritual: Some couples include a unity ritual, such as lighting a unity candle or performing a handfasting ritual, to symbolise their new union.
- Final Prayer or Blessing: In religious ceremonies, a final prayer is offered, followed by a blessing for the couple.
- Pronouncement: Finally, the officiant announces the couple as married, and they are introduced for the first time as a wedded couple.
While the structure and specific elements of the wedding vows may vary, the exchange of vows is a universal feature of traditional weddings, allowing couples to express their love and make a lifelong commitment to each other.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional weddings often include a grand setting, such as a church or luxury hotel, with a large guest list. The focus is usually on the couple's heritage, fusing culture and a party atmosphere. The wedding ceremony is typically held at a place of worship and is followed by a reception at a separate location.
The bride typically wears an ivory or white dress, often with intricate details, while the groom wears a smart, tailored suit. The bridal party may wear matching outfits, and there is usually a dress code specified on the invitations.
Traditional weddings often feature clean, luxurious decor with an emphasis on the colour white. Large chandeliers, glitz, and glamour are common, with tall centrepieces on each table. Floral installations or flower walls are also popular.
Traditional wedding receptions often include a sit-down meal, speeches, toasts, the first dance as a married couple, and plenty of time for greeting guests and dancing. Cutting the wedding cake is also a highlight.
