The institution of marriage is recognized in every country’s law and every society’s culture. Every country celebrates the union of two souls as per their local practices, religious rituals and family traditions. Take for instance USA weddings, they are making waves throughout the world for their unique wedding traditions. From the “4S” to the cake cutting and the rice tossing, everything looks filmy but still makes sense.
In this article, we share some interesting facts about wedding customs and marriage traditions you’ll see in USA weddings. If you are also planning to take vows in this beautiful country, below is your “Big Day Prep List”.
“Something Old, Something New” Still Rhymes Well in a Modern USA Wedding
It is one of the most religiously followed wedding traditions in USA weddings by modern couples. They carry “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” on their wedding day. This age-old rhyme aims at keeping the newlyweds close to their respective family & friends. Isn’t it a wonderful way to receiving blessings & best wishes from everyone? For this custom, a bride can choose from her mother’s wedding dress, wedded sister’s veil, grandmother’s jewelry, etc. A groom may carry his grandfather’s pocket handkerchief, father’s wedding suit, or wedded brother’s bow/ necktie.
Modern Brides Draped in Traditional White
In traditional US weddings a bride wearing a white wedding dress is an extremely common yet breathtaking sight. But the tradition of white wasn’t always there. It became popular since the mid 19th century with a British royal wedding. Queen Victoria ditched the colors and opted for a white silk wedding gown for her wedding ceremony. However, the tide is again turning in favor of colors. Today, modern brides prefer warm and bright colors for their wedding dresses. Nevertheless, white remains classic and sizzling as always.
Traditional USA Wedding Ceremony
USA weddings are not just religious ceremonies but also civil occasions. Close relatives and friends from both sides attend a traditional religious wedding ceremony. The bride has her bridesmaids and the maid of honor by her side. Whereas the groom has his best man and an entire team of groomsmen. A typical American wedding processional includes wedding guests walking down the aisle in a definite order. Everyone takes their respective positions on both sides of the altar with the bride and her father joining last.
Married Couple’s First Dance & Wedding Cake Cutting
This particular event is the highlight of a USA wedding ceremony. The newlyweds are introduced as a married couple on the dance floor to perform their first romantic dance together among their family and friends. This tradition carries the influence of a European custom from the 18th century. Back then grand parties organized by noblemen were kickstarted by the guest of honor performing the first dance.
Since in a wedding ceremony, the new couple is the center of attraction, they have the honor of the first dance. A traditional American wedding ceremony is also incomplete without a wedding cake-cutting ritual which is a celebrated wedding festivity. The couple cuts the cake together as their first shared activity and offer each other a sweet bite. It represents the unwavering support to each other for the new chapter in their life.
Wedding Gifts for the Newly Weds
The newlyweds at USA weddings receive congratulatory wedding gifts from their close relatives and friends at their wedding reception. These gifts are prepared keeping in mind the new couple’s preferences in their marital life ahead. The couples may also be asked to pick the right gift for themselves to avoid unwanted or duplicate presents. Their family and friends would then buy the gifts for the couple later.
Sending Off the Bride
Another tradition you would find exciting in USA weddings is that of providing a splendid farewell to the new bride. In the olden days, guests would see the couple off by throwing rice grains at them. The thought behind was to ward off evil and to wish the newlyweds good luck.
However, modern ceremonies have evolved the idea by replacing the traditional rice toss with ringing bells, blowing bubbles etc. Tossing dried lavender petals or waving sparklers at the couple also feels unique.
Marriage Liberation in the United States
The Respect for Marriage Act legalizes same-sex and interracial marriages under the US law. The peer marriage culture is also gaining popularity in modern society. According to the law, both the partners are equally responsible towards their household in addition to sharing equal rights. This includes rights over parenting and financial earnings of either partner.
However, wedding statistics over the past decades have shown a decline in marriage rates and a rise in divorce rates. While many couples prefer cohabitating, love is increasingly becoming the driving factor for them to get married. The same goes for couples adopting same-sex marriages, remarriages and intermarriages.
Parting Words
US weddings are all about unbound happiness and limitless sparkle. So, grab your chance to look your best. Whether you’re a bride or a groom, add a splash of glitter to your wardrobe with our wedding jewelry.
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