Weddings are often seen as a joyous occasion, full of love and celebration. However, the planning process leading up to the big day can be incredibly stressful.
While many couples are aware of traditional wedding etiquette rules, such as who pays for the flowers and who should be seated at the head table, there are many lesser-known rules that can catch them off guard. In fact, a recent survey found that 43% of couples said they were surprised by some of the etiquette expectations surrounding their wedding.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 surprising wedding etiquette rules that you need to know. From who stands where during the ceremony to the proper way to cut the cake, we’ll provide you with helpful resources and terminology to ensure your wedding day is full of love and happiness, without any unexpected surprises.
Whether you’re a bride or groom, wedding planner, or simply interested in the world of weddings, this article will be an informative guide to navigating the many rules and expectations of wedding etiquette.
Key Takeaways
- There are traditional wedding etiquette rules that many people may not be aware of.
- The groom traditionally pays for flowers, but modern brides may handle it.
- The mother of the bride should be the last guest to enter the church, and the bride traditionally stands to the left of the groom during the ceremony.
- The groom is responsible for buying thank you presents for bridesmaids, pageboys, best man, ushers, and mothers, while the bride should oversee the writing of thank you letters.
Traditional Expectations
The pre-existing knowledge reveals traditional wedding etiquette rules that have been practiced for generations. These include the groom’s responsibility for buying thank you presents for the bridesmaids, pageboys, best man, ushers, and mothers, while the bride should oversee the writing of thank you letters.
Another traditional expectation is the bride standing to the left of the groom during the ceremony, with the groom refraining from lifting the bride’s veil, which is usually done by the mother of the bride or chief bridesmaid.
In addition to these traditional expectations, wedding dress code and seating arrangements also play a significant role in wedding etiquette. Wedding dress code is often specified on the invitation, and guests are expected to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Seating arrangements are also carefully planned, with the bride’s parents usually seated on the left-hand side of the aisle and the groom’s parents on the right. These rules may seem rigid, but they help to maintain a sense of formality and structure that is often expected in a wedding ceremony.
Bride and Groom Positions
Traditionally, the positioning of the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony is an important aspect of wedding etiquette. The bride traditionally stands to the left of the groom during the ceremony. This is because in ancient times, the groom would need to keep his right hand free to fight off potential suitors who may try to kidnap the bride. The bride’s position to the left of the groom would ensure that his right hand was always free to defend her. Today, the positioning of the bride and groom serves as a symbol of the couple’s commitment to each other.
Another important aspect of wedding etiquette is the wedding ceremony seating arrangements. The bride’s family sits on the left-hand side of the church or ceremony space, while the groom’s family sits on the right-hand side. The bride’s mother is traditionally the last person to enter the ceremony space before the bride. The groom’s father and the bride’s mother sit in the front row, followed by the groom’s mother and the bride’s father in the second row.
The seating arrangement for the wedding party is also important. The best man and the groomsmen sit on the right-hand side of the ceremony space, while the maid of honor and the bridesmaids sit on the left-hand side. After the ceremony, the bride and groom dance together for the first time as a married couple, which is traditionally called the bride and groom dance.
In-Law Partners
When it comes to wedding ceremonies, one may have noticed that in-laws switch partners after the ceremony. This tradition is known as in-law seating arrangements and is rooted in the idea of pre-wedding family introductions.
The idea is that by switching partners, the families are able to get to know each other better and strengthen their relationships. It also symbolizes the joining of two families, as the newlyweds now have two sets of parents and siblings.
In-law seating arrangements may seem like a small detail, but they can have a significant impact on the wedding day experience. It allows for families to feel included and connected, as well as setting the tone for future family gatherings.
While it may not be a hard and fast rule, it is a tradition that is worth considering for those looking to create a meaningful and memorable wedding day.
Thank You Gifts
It is customary for the groom to purchase thank you gifts for the bridesmaids, pageboys, best man, ushers, and mothers as a gesture of appreciation for their participation in the wedding celebration. These gifts are typically given during the wedding reception or at a separate thank you gathering.
The thank you gifts do not have to be extravagant, but should be thoughtful and personalized for each individual. Some popular thank you gift ideas include personalized jewelry, monogrammed items, gift cards, and photo albums.
Etiquette for receiving thank you gifts includes expressing gratitude and acknowledging the effort and time put into the gift. It is important to send a thank you note within a few weeks of receiving the gift, expressing appreciation for the thoughtful gesture.
Additionally, it is customary to reciprocate the gesture by sending a thank you gift or card to the newlyweds. Overall, thank you gifts are a way to show appreciation and gratitude for the individuals who played a special role in the wedding celebration and should be given and received with genuine appreciation and gratitude.
Cake Cutting Tradition
The cutting of the wedding cake is a significant moment in the celebration, as it symbolizes the first task that the newlyweds perform together. According to tradition, the bride initiates the cut with her hand on the bottom tier while the groom places his hand over hers to help guide the slice. This symbolizes the couple’s commitment to working together and sharing responsibilities in their marriage.
However, some couples may choose to incorporate alternative cake cutting traditions that reflect their personalities or cultural backgrounds. For instance, some couples may use a special cake cutting knife that has been passed down through generations as a family heirloom. Others may choose to have a sword or a ceremonial knife to cut the cake, especially if they come from a military or royal background.
Whatever the choice, the cake cutting ceremony remains an essential part of the wedding celebration, marking the start of the couple’s journey together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the traditional expectations listed in the article?
The origin of traditional wedding etiquette rules can be traced back to cultural significance and historical practices. These customs have been passed down through generations and are upheld to honor the sanctity of marriage and the union of two families.
Are there any exceptions to the bride standing on the left of the groom during the ceremony?
In the wedding ceremony, the bride traditionally stands on the left of the groom. While there are no formal exceptions to this rule, some couples choose to switch positions or stand in the center to symbolize their equal partnership.
Why do in-laws switch partners after the ceremony?
In-laws switch partners after the wedding ceremony for cultural reasons. It symbolizes the merging of two families and the creation of new relationships. It also demonstrates respect and appreciation for the new family members.
Is there a specific type of gift that the groom should give to the bridesmaids, pageboys, best man, ushers, and mothers?
The groom is responsible for buying thank you gifts for bridesmaids, pageboys, best man, ushers, and mothers. These gifts, also known as Bridesmaid Gifts and Groomsmen Gifts, are a traditional way of expressing appreciation for their role in the wedding party. It is customary for the bride to oversee the writing of thank you notes to all members of the wedding party, including those who received gifts.
Is it necessary to keep the top tier of the wedding cake for the christening of the first child?
Keeping the top tier of the wedding cake for the christening of the first child is a traditional cake tradition. While it is not necessary, some couples choose to follow this custom as a sentimental reminder of their wedding day.
