Western Wedding
A Western wedding typically consists of a ceremony followed by a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.
The event usually includes an honor attendant for each member of the couple, along with bridesmaids and groomsmen, all of whom are adults, and occasionally features a flower girl and ring bearer, who are young children. These individuals often wear coordinated or similar attire.
Western wedding Ceremony
Typically, the bride wears a large white dress and veil, carries a bouquet, and is escorted by a parent, while the groom wears a suit or tuxedo.
Happily Ever After
Locations
The ceremony and reception can take place at separate venues or the same location. The ceremony is often held in a designated area at the reception site, set up with chairs arranged on either side of an aisle, with the officiant positioned at the front.
Ceremony Setup
The bridal party, consisting of individuals standing beside each member of the couple, is dressed in coordinated attire. Guests are seated on opposite sides of the aisle, and music plays as the bridal party processes down the aisle, with a different piece of music for the bride's entrance.
During the ceremony, the officiant leads the proceedings, the couple exchanges vows, and they place wedding rings on each other. The couple then exits together down the aisle to a concluding piece of music.
Cocktail Hour
Guests are provided with beverages and appetizers while mingling. This period is also traditionally used for formal photographs with the couple, bridal party, and family members.
Dinner
The meal is typically served as either a buffet or a sit-down dinner. Toasts are made by selected individuals, including the best man and maid of honor, towards the end of the meal.
Post-Dinner Activities
The evening includes the cutting of the wedding cake, the tossing of the bouquet and garter, and the couple's first dance, followed by open dancing for all guests.