Wedding

A wedding is the ceremony in which two people become married. It is usually between a man (the bridegroom) and a woman (the bride). In some places, same-sex weddings are legal. It is common for the couple involved in the wedding to exchange vows and to give each other rings. Weddings are held in religious buildings or other sites such gardens or the home of the bride's parents.

Wedding customs in western societies

Queen Victoria was the first to wear a white wedding dress

Pre-wedding customs

In the few days or weeks before a wedding, the bride will attend a "bridal shower" held in a friend's home. She receives gifts for and advice about married life. The groom will attend a "bachelor party" with his groomsmen. This event marks his last night as a bachelor. The party is usually held in a restaurant or club. There may be drinking and merriment. A dinner is sometimes held for the parents of the couple. A dinner for all the members of the wedding party is usually held the night before the wedding.

Ceremony

A traditional wedding ceremony in the western world usually consists of the couple exchanging vows before a government official such as a justice of the peace or a clergy person such as a priest, minister, or pastor. Nuns are not permitted to perform marriages. Rings are exchanged between the married couple, following which they kiss.

Site

Traditionally, the bride's church or the home of her parents is the site of her wedding. Non-traditional couples choose various and unusual sites. Some couples have married while snorkeling or skydiving. Rich couples sometimes choose "destination weddings". These couples pay for guests to attend their wedding at a romantic "destination" such as a Caribbean island.

Reception

Cutting the cake

There is often a party or banquet after the wedding called a reception. During the reception, the couple greet friends and family, cut a cake, and have the first dance together. The bride's garter is usually tossed to the groomsmen. The bride's bouquet is tossed to the bridesmaids. The couple depart the reception site in a car that is sometimes decorated with balloons, signs ("Just Married!"), old shoes or tin cans tied to the rear bumper.

Dress

The bride usually wears a white dress. She sometimes wears a thin piece of white cloth on her head called a veil, or a wreath of flowers, or a tiara, or other headdress. The groom lifts the veil before or after the vows are taken. The groom is usually dressed in formal attire.

Honeymoon

After the wedding, the newlyweds usually take a trip, which is called a honeymoon. [[Category:Ceremonies