What Is a Traditional American Wedding Ceremony?
When planning a wedding in the United States, many couples choose to follow specific wedding traditions. While many traditions have been passed down over generations and through different cultures, a traditional American wedding ceremony features several important qualities.
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Size
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As explained by WordWeddingTraditions.com, the traditional American wedding is an elaborate affair. American weddings often take several months to plan and feature a large guest list.
Venue
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A traditional American wedding is held at a religious venue, where the ensuing wedding ceremony has a religious overtone. A religious leader typically presides over the ceremony.
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Vows
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During the wedding ceremony, an American bride and groom exchange vows with one another. Whether the couple chooses to write their own vows or use standard vows, the words traditionally express their love, commitment and promises to one another.
Objections
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Before allowing the couple to exchange wedding rings, the wedding officiant asks the wedding guests whether anyone objects to the marriage. In a traditional American wedding ceremony, none of the guests will object.
Kiss
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The American bride and groom seal their marriage with a kiss. At this point in the wedding ceremony, the wedding guests applaud and congratulate the newly married couple.
Gifts
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The World Wedding Traditions website acknowledges that “gifts are an important part of the U.S. wedding tradition.” Most wedding guests provide the newlyweds with monetary or other gifts that the couple will use to establish their new life and home together.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding ring ceremony hands image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
