When you peek into the main auditorium of your church, guests have arrived and singing fills the air. Your maid of honor helps you doublecheck your stylish white dress, matching veil and chapel-length train one last time. Your hair style is perfect. The bridal processional plays as your father escorts you down the aisle on a white runner. Ahead, resplendent in a tuxedo, is your husband-to-be.
The minister conducts the service as it is always done in your faith. You exchange vows, light a unity candle and slide on your wedding rings. Then you share that first, unforgettable kiss as a married couple.
The photographer has kept in the background throughout the ceremony, but now comes to the forefront as he poses a seemingly endless number of pictures that will fill your wedding album with a cornucopia of picture memories.
The food at your wedding reception is served buffet style. There are toasts to the two of you. Your first dance, which you have carefully rehearsed, rocks the reception. In no time, everyone is dancing and before you know it, the two of you are headed for your honeymoon.
While every bride has her own traditional wedding ideas, the above covers the most common ingredients for your wedding ceremony and reception. Other aspects related to a traditional wedding in America are covered below.
Before The Wedding
In many cases, an engagement ring is given when the man proposes. Traditional activities leading up to the nuptials may include an engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor party and rehearsal dinner. Gifts may be given to the bridal party, parents of the bridge & groom, and to each other.
Wedding Ceremony
There are many other ideas to make your traditional wedding everything you hope it to be. The additions of a maid of honor and best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen, or a ring bearer and flower girl can add the finishing touches that you are looking for to make your wedding complete. Flowers can also complete the image you seek. Bridesmaids wear bouquets. Groom, ushers, fathers and other close male family members have boutonnieres. Mothers and close female family members have corsages. Pews may be decorated with flowers. Programs may be handed out.
Wedding Reception
Usually the wedding reception is themed with centerpieces, other flowers and party decorations. A table is set up for any gifting that may occur. Music may be played by a professional DJ.
The bride may wear a garter that is removed by the groom, who throws it into a crowd of eligible men. The bride throws her bouquet to into a crowd of eligible women. Will the man and woman who catch them be the next to wed?
Along with the delicious buffet food, there is a three-tired wedding cake with a beautiful bride and groom – or an image of the bride and groom – on top. Everyone also has cookies and is presented with favors to take home with them. There may be an open bar, free beer, or no alcohol served.
Vintage Wedding
Find a country inn or an historic site for your Vintage Wedding, which could be the most traditional wedding reception you put together. Flowers will include roses, baby's breath & potpourri. There will be lace, of course. Everyone will eat by candlelight (hint: you'll need a lot of candles) while violins or harps play. And you get wear pearls!
Wedding Planning
You've thought about traditional wedding ideas for a long time. You'll want to plan it a year in advance, if you can, with our Wedding How–To Checklist.
Wedding Budget
You'll want to get a handle on your expenses with our Wedding Budget Tool.
