Christian or European way of marriage

Contrary to Indian traditions, Christian wedding is short and simple. Marriage ceremony is held in the church where priest has a significant role in performing the rituals. Dress code is important part of Christian wedding. The bride is dressed up in white gown with a crown having bunch of white flowers. A white veil is used to cover the bride’s head. She also holds a flower in her hand to offer to groom.

The groom is dressed up in mostly black suit. As soon as the bride arrives at the church, she is received and welcome by the groom. Then the bride and the groom walk hand-in-hand towards the church. Passage to the church is decorated. In the church, the priest announces the beginning of the ceremony. He chants the sacred hymns before the couple and afterwards reads out certain holy verses of Bible.

Wedding rings are exchanged between the couple. The wedding couple pledges in front of the gathering. The couple is blessed by the priest who wishes them a happy and peaceful married life. He declares the couple as husband and wife which is witnessed by the assembled guests. The guests also offer their best wishes to the newly wed. After the wedding rituals are over, the couple registers themselves and walks out of church with hand in hand.

Wedding cake has its own importance in Christian wedding ceremonies. Bride and groom jointly cut the cake. The newly wed couple feed each other with the cake they have cut. The guests too share the cake with them. Now the guests are requested to participate in the wedding reception. They are served with meals and other preparations at the reception.

The gathering of relatives and friends enjoy a dance at the reception. The newly weds also participate in the dance.

In all the communities all over the world, wedding rituals and traditional are performed. These traditions may or may not have some meaning but one thing about traditions cannot be ignored. And that is traditions and customs unites the generations together.