Historically, brides were given away as collateral, either for dowry or money. Today, many brides look forward to the moment their father walks them down the aisle. The traditions of presenting the bride with a ring and exchanging it are the same in both cultures. However, traditions vary by country. A wedding is not a complete celebration without the bride’s father’s blessing. Below is a look at the ceremony and the tradition of giving away the bride’s bouquet.
Guests can participate in the ceremony in various ways, such as passing out programs and encouraging guests to sign their guest books. Of course, the most important role in any wedding is played by the officiant. The officiant can be a family member or close friend. While many weddings are solemnized by an officiant, some couples choose to hire a family member or friend who has ordained in a particular rite.
The traditional question for the bride is “Who supports this couple in their marriage?” The question can be playful, sentimental, or even serious. A traditional question will speak about the couple’s love for one another. The officiant will likely say something about marriage in general. A reading or a prayer will set the tone for the rest of the ceremony. A wedding vow is a legal contract between two people and should be written. But it can also be symbolic.
The father of the bride typically plays a smaller role in the run-up to the wedding. But he does have several duties on the day. Some families opt for a “first look” so that the bride and father can spend some time together before the wedding. Other roles involve walking the bride down the aisle or giving her away at the altar with the mother of the bride. Fathers of the bride also perform a father-daughter dance.
During the ceremony, the bride wears a white gown with a veil. The bride often wears a bouquet of flowers as well as a veil. The groom, however, may wear a garter. During the reception, he removes it. The bride’s garter, or “bride’s bouquet,” is considered a symbol of marriage and is removed by the groom. After the wedding, the ceremony ends, the bride and groom exchange their rings.
The officiant will offer an introduction and thoughts about marriage. He may also invite several readers to give a few words and introduce himself or herself. Depending on the couple, the wedding can include a simple reception or even take place in a private residence. Either way, the officiant will address the couple, talk about the responsibilities of marriage and the importance of a vow. The ceremony usually ends with a toast by the officiant.
The vows exchanged during the wedding ceremony should be personal and meaningful to both the bride and groom. The length of the vows is between one and two minutes, or between 100 and 200 words when read slowly. If you want to share your personal vows with your guests, practice reading them in front of a mirror. If you can’t make it on the wedding day, you can always read them later in private. Afterward, you can exchange informal vows at the rehearsal dinner.