6 American Popular Wedding Traditions You Need to Know

Wedding traditions in the US are very diverse. Because of the size and diversity of America, there is no one “normal” or “right” method to be married. The origins, faiths, nationalities, cultures, lives, and tastes of the partners influence the traditions in different ways. Across the nation, you may find couples that follow long-standing customs or invent their own as they go along, giving weddings their unique touch.

Still, the majority of American couples follow a few time-honored customs. For instance, the first dance and the wedding cake continue to feel like standard elements of most nuptials. Most wedding rituals still include a processional, and most banquets conclude with a stylish farewell for the newlyweds.

Here are six of the most common wedding traditions in America.

Wedding traditions style wedding white dress

Many girls dream of their wedding dress long before they find the love of their lives, and it’s often white. After all, one of the most popular American customs is the white wedding dress or gown. Nearly every American bride wears it throughout the wedding ceremony and/or reception.

In reality, England is where the custom originated. In the middle of the 1800s, Queen Victoria had a lavish, extremely public wedding and wore a white dress made of British silk and lace. Its long satin train required 12 attendants to escort her down the aisle. Brides have been donning white since the gown captivated the public’s attention. Women nowadays have added their unique spin to their outfits by donning off-white or by including a bright accent or item.

Wedding Traditions style the wedding party

Many couples, irrespective of their culture or religion, have bridesmaids and groomsmen during their wedding. A bridal party is present at the great majority of wedding ceremonies today. They are seen during the processional when the couple is being married and during the reception. They play a crucial role in organizing wedding-related occasions including bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Nowadays, couples are free to select the members of their wedding party. They can decide whether to stand next to their closest friend or their first cousin as they exchange vows. But things haven’t always been like that. Out of the total of 10 witnesses that were necessary by law during the time of the Ancient Romans, the idea of a bridesmaid was born. These witnesses had nothing to do with the bride—they weren’t even necessarily connected to her. To confuse evil spirits and prevent them from attacking the happy marriage, women would stand close to the bride, all dressed similarly and in the same hue.

Wedding traditions style the processional

Most wedding ceremonies in America begin with a processional, during which the bridal party makes its way down the aisle. The procession always begins with the officiant, then the wedding party, the flower girls, and the ring bearers. Last is the couple and their parents. While both parents do the honors in more contemporary weddings, the bride’s father traditionally leads her down the aisle in more traditional weddings. Another custom that originated in England was the wedding of Queen Victoria’s eldest child.

Wedding traditions wedding style the first dance

The first dance is frequently one of the most eagerly anticipated moments at weddings. The newlyweds enter the dance floor and make their official marriage entrance. While others wow the crowd with a planned routine to exciting music, others do a romantic slow dance. This custom originated in Europe. The person with the highest rank or social position would start the celebration with the first dance during opulent balls that noblemen threw in the 1700s. The newlyweds now get that accolade.

wedding traditions style The wedding cake

The wedding cake is frequently the focal point of the evening during wedding celebrations. Cutting it is one of the wedding celebrations in addition to being elegantly exhibited during the reception. With the custom of two individuals sharing a slice of the wedding cake, which might occasionally result in cake on the other person’s face, wedding cakes play a significant role in wedding celebrations. Many couples today still choose the traditional wedding cake or make one from macarons or cupcakes.

To represent fertility and good fortune, visitors would crumble a little barley cake or a wheat scone over the bride’s head in ancient Rome. Another variation of the ritual was used by revelers in the Middle Ages. The pair would have to share a kiss over a tall stack of cookies and scones that would be made. They would be lucky if they were successful and the tower didn’t collapse.

Throwing rice for the newlyweds

In American weddings, it is customary to offer the newlyweds a dazzling and joyous goodbye. In the past, as the couple got into their car—which was decked with newlywed signs—to leave, visitors would throw rice at them. Nowadays, guests send off the newlyweds by blowing bubbles, waving fireworks, tossing dried lavender, or ringing bells instead of throwing rice since it is far too messy and potentially dangerous.

The ancient Romans are also responsible for this wedding custom. Wheat was hurled as a symbol of fertility. Later, people would throw rice to ward off evil spirits and represent wealth.

While wedding traditions vary from culture to culture, there are certain traditions that are common to most weddings, no matter what country or state you’re from. Some of these can be funny, while others are a little bit more somber. Do you find the above wedding traditions interesting? Follow us for more different wedding traditions around the world.