WHAT IS TRADITINAL AMERICAN WEDDING?
Most wedding ceremonies in America begin with a processional, during which the bridal party makes its way down the aisle. The procession always begins with the officiant, then the wedding party, the flower girls, and the ring bearers. Last are the couple and their parents.
There is no "regular" or "right" method to be married in America because it is a huge, diverse country. The partners' ancestry, religion, ethnicity, culture, way of life, and preferences all affect the traditions that are followed. In every state in the union, you can find couples that follow long-standing customs or invent their own as they go along to customize weddings.
HERE ARE SIX OF THE MOST POPULAR AMERICAN WEDDING TRADITIONS.
WHITE WEDDING DRESS
Many girls dream of their wedding dress long before they find the love of their lives, and it's typically white. After all, Blum notes, one of the most prevalent American traditions is the white wedding dress or gown. Almost every American bride wears it throughout the wedding ceremony and/or reception.
In reality, England is where the custom originated. Queen Victoria donned a white dress made of British silk and lace for a lavish, highly publicized wedding in the middle of the nineteenth century. The gown's long satin train required 12 attendants to help the bride down the aisle, and it captured the public's attention. Since then, brides have been wearing white. Women today have added their own unique spin to their outfits by donning off-white or by including a bright accent or item.
THE WEDDING PARTY
Many couples, irrespective of their culture or religion, have bridesmaids and groomsmen during their wedding. Today, a bridal party is present at the vast majority of wedding ceremonies, according to Blum. They play a crucial role in organizing wedding-related festivities including bachelor and bachelorette parties. "They can be seen during the processional, standing on the sides of the couple throughout the ceremony, and at a reception."
Couples today have the option to select the members of their wedding party. They are free to decide whether they want their best friend or their first cousin to stand by them while they exchange vows. It hasn't always been that that, though. According to Blum, the idea of a bridesmaid was born out of the total of 10 witnesses that were necessary under Roman law. Women would stand next to the bride, all dressed similarly and in the same color, in order to confuse evil spirits and deter them from attacking the happy marriage. These witnesses were not necessarily linked to or even associated with the bride.
THE WEDDING PROCESSIONAL
The wedding party walks down the aisle at the start of the ceremony, which is a tradition in most American weddings. Typically, the procession goes as follows: the officiant comes first, then the wedding party, flower girls, and ring bearers. The couple's parents come last. While both parents do the honors in more modern ceremonies, the bride's father traditionally walks her down the aisle. During the wedding of Queen Victoria's oldest child, this practice was also established in England.
THE FIRST DANCE
One of
the most eagerly awaited moments at many weddings is the first dance. The newlyweds enter the dance floor and do their first dance as a married couple. While some people slow dance romantically, others wow the audience with a coordinated routine set to upbeat music. This custom comes from Europe. In the 1700s, noblemen would host expensive balls, and the party would begin with the first dance by the guest of honor, or the person of the highest rank or social status. The honor is now given to newlyweds.
THE WEDDING CAKE
The wedding cake, according to Blum, is frequently the main attraction at wedding parties. Not only is it gorgeously presented at the reception, but cutting it is also a part of the wedding festivities. "Wedding cakes are such a significant part of one's wedding celebration, with the tradition of two people feeding one other a bite, occasionally resulting in smushed cake on the other's face," she continues. The classic wedding cake is still a popular choice for many modern couples, or they make their own using macarons or cupcakes.
THROWING RICE FOR THE NEWLYWEDS
In American weddings, it is customary to give the newlyweds a dazzling and joyous goodbye. In the past, as the couple got into their car—which was decked with newlywed signs—to leave, visitors would throw rice at them. Nowadays, guests send off the newlyweds by blowing bubbles, waving fireworks, tossing dried lavender, or ringing bells instead of throwing rice because it is far too messy and potentially dangerous.
According to Blum, the Romans are also responsible for this wedding custom. In later times, people tossed rice to ward off evil spirits and denote prosperity in place of the "wheat, which represented fertility."
Still, the majority of American couples still follow a few time-honored customs. For instance, the first dance and the wedding cake continue to feel like standard elements of most nuptials. Most wedding rituals still include a processional, and most banquets conclude with a stylish farewell for the newlyweds.
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