The word bride is one of many terms that refer to a woman who’s engaged or getting married. A bride is usually accompanied by her wedding party, and sometimes by her parents or close friends. The purpose of a wedding is to mark the start of a new life with someone you love. A wedding can be anything you want it to be, but it should always reflect the promise of a lifetime of commitment.
Weddings can be extremely expensive, and they often include an elaborate celebration. Some couples choose to save the money they would spend on a lavish event, and invest it in a down payment on a home or toward paying down their student loans. Others simply choose to have a ceremony without a reception. This allows them to save money, but they still get the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends who want to support them.
Regardless of how you’ve chosen to have your wedding, your officiant should offer an introduction before you and your partner begin your vows. This may be a short recounting of your love story or words about what marriage means to you. Some ceremonies also include a selection of readings from different faith traditions.
Once you’ve recited your vows, it’s time to exchange rings! This is a moment that can be very emotional, especially for the bride. Your ring symbolizes your eternal bond with your spouse. It’s important to remember that your ring is the mark of your marriage, and that you should treat it with care and respect.
After exchanging rings, your officiant will probably tell you to kiss each other. This is a great time to reaffirm your commitment to each other, and it’s fun to have a photo opportunity as well.
The final step is to walk down the aisle together and greet your guests as a married couple. Some brides like to be accompanied by their father or another family member, while others prefer to be alone. If you’re having a religious ceremony, you will typically end the ceremony by kneeling and receiving Communion, or the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
In Hindu and Jain ceremonies, you might exchange garlands in front of your parents or other loved ones. This is a sign of welcoming each other into your families. In Hindu weddings, you’ll also perform an Agni Poojan, where a sacred fire is lit. The bride and groom will throw fistfuls of rice into the flames as offerings to the gods.
If you’re having a Jewish wedding, your ceremony will take place under a beautiful four-poled canopy structure called the chuppah. You’ll recite your vows together, and you may be accompanied by your parents or choose to stand alone. Some Jews follow an old custom and circle the bride seven times, which is meant to symbolize the creation of a wall of protection. Other brides and grooms just circle each other, which can represent a more equal division of roles in the marriage.