A traditional American wedding includes the wedding ceremony and a wedding reception that usually features speeches, dancing, a meal and time to spend with guests. They can be held in churches, at beaches, museums, gardens, resorts or any number of places.
The flow of events for traditional American weddings generally follows the same order, but there is room for customization in the speeches, vows and ceremonial portions.
- The Processional
This is when the bridal party and bride walk down the aisle to initiate the wedding ceremony. It begins with the mother of the bride, then the groom, the best man, the bridesmaid pairs, and the flower girl and ring bearer.
Traditionally, the final act of the processional is for the bride to walk down the aisle with her father, symbolizing her being given away.
2. Opening Speeches
With everyone staged, the officiant will open the ceremony, typically welcoming guests and thanking them for attending.
3. Reflection
This portion may include the officiant's thoughts and reflections on marriage or a brief history of the couple to start their special day.
It's common in American weddings for the bride and groom to select readings for their ceremony. These may be Biblical passages if the party is religious or other revered texts. They will be read to the congregation just after the officiant speaks on marriage.
4. Officiant Address
Now, the officiant will address the couple directly. At this point, they will share with them the responsibilities and weight of marriage. This is the part where you’ll likely hear the “For better or for worse” marriage address.
5. Vow Exchange
Exchanging vows is an important tradition in American weddings. Many couples choose to craft their vows to communicate their love for and devotion to their partner in a way that’s unique to them, while others choose pre-written vows.
Wedding vows are believed to represent the more personal aspects of commitment, and this time is often used to express the unique ways in which partners will choose to serve and uplift each other throughout their marriage.
6. Rings
Traditionally, rings are the way that Americans symbolize marriage. During the proposal stage, one partner offers a ring to the other to ask them for their hand in marriage. This ring is then used during the wedding ceremony and is sometimes soldered to an additional wedding band. Both parties bestow their respective rings upon the hand of the other during this time.
7. You May Now Kiss the Bride
After exchanging rings, the officiant announces that the couple can kiss, signifying their union.
8. Chosen Rituals
Rituals during a wedding ceremony are mutually decided by the bride, groom and other family members. It may be selected from a family tradition or be a uniquely personal experience.
In some religious weddings, the ritual may be a candle-lighting ceremony where the two parties light a unity candle to affirm their union.
Other weddings may opt for a bonding ritual, using ropes or silk to tie the bride and groom in literal matrimony. Sometimes, the newlyweds pass a wine glass between the two of them, signifying that they now share in each other's cup of life.
The United States is somewhat unique in that the population is incredibly diverse, and many people retain cultural and religious customs from previous generations. Culture-specific practices are frequently incorporated into more “traditional” American wedding practices.
9. Final Speech
After leading the ceremony, the officiant takes the stage for one last time. The couple has said their vows, are wearing their new rings and are ready to be officially united in marriage.
10. I Now Pronounce You…
Finally, the officiant announces the couple as married.
Post Ceremony
After the official wedding ceremony, there are a few more common elements in most American weddings. These are opportunities for the guests, bride, groom and wedding parties to celebrate the new union before the couple leaves for their honeymoon. These typically include:
- Reception Party: A gathering for guests and the wedding party to share a last meal before the honeymoon.
- The First Dance: The newlyweds have their first dance, typically at the reception party. They're the only ones allowed on the floor at this time.
- Parental Dance: In some American weddings, there will be a special dance for the bride and her father or the groom and his mother.
- Speeches: Friends of the bride and groom give speeches, sharing fond memories of the couple as their relationship blossomed.
Host Your Next Wedding Event at CrystalView in Fairfax, VA
Do you need a luxury space to host your wedding? CrystalView in Fairfax, VA is the way to go. We work with vetted vendors and event planners to help you manage your event from start to finish. You can count on quality customer service and top-notch amenities for your wedding. For a tour of our venues, contact us online.
