View source for Wedding

{{short description|Ceremony where people are united in marriage}}
{{Other uses|Wedding (disambiguation)|The Wedding (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Nuptials|the essays|Nuptials (essays){{!}}''Nuptials'' (essays)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}}
{{multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| total_width       = 400
| image1            = Hindu wedding rituals b (cropped).jpg
| width1            = 1560
| height1           = 920
| caption1          = [[Kashmiris|Kashmiri]] [[Hindu wedding]] (India)
| image2            = Cérémonie jeloua.jpg
| width2            = 2560
| height2           = 1920
| caption2          = [[Muslim wedding]] (Tunisia)
| image3            = 9612jfWedding ceremonies in the Philippines 12.JPG
| caption3          = [[Roman Catholic]] [[white wedding]] (Philippines)
| width3            = 4608
| height3           = 3456
| image5            = Armenian_Wedding_at_Khor_Virap_(1).jpg
| caption5          = Armenian wedding
| width5            = 
| height5           = 
| image6            = |thumb|Wedding portraits
| caption6          = 
| width6            = 
| height6           = 1600
| align             = 
| direction         = 
| alt1              = 
| image7            = Indian Wedding Ceremony (591).jpg
| width7            = 
| caption7          = [[India]]n wedding ceremony
| image8            = 
| width8            = 
| caption8          = 
| image9            = Couple at a pre-wedding ceremony in Thailand.jpg
| width9            = 1400
| caption9          = Couple at a pre-wedding ceremony in [[Thailand]]
| image10           = Couple from a Belarus wedding.jpg
| width10           = 1400
| caption10         = Couple from a [[Belarus]] wedding
}}

A '''wedding''' is a [[ceremony]] in which two people are united in [[marriage]]. [[Wedding tradition]]s and customs vary greatly between [[culture]]s, [[ethnicity|ethnicities]], [[Race (human categorization)|races]], [[religion]]s, [[Religious denomination|denominations]], [[Country|countries]], [[social class]]es, and [[sexual orientation]]s. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of [[marriage vows]] by a couple; a presentation of a gift (e.g., an offering, rings, a symbolic item, flowers, money, or a dress); and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or [[Celebrant (Australia)|celebrant]]. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a [[wedding reception]]. Music, poetry, prayers, or readings from [[religious text]]s or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony, as well as [[Wedding superstitions|superstitious customs]].

{{Close Relationships}}

==Common elements across cultures==
{{See also|Wedding customs by country}}
[[File:Edmund Blair Leighton - The Wedding Register.jpg|thumb|Many cultures have adopted the traditional Western custom of a [[white wedding]], when a [[bride]] wears a white [[wedding dress]] and [[veil]]. Painting by [[Edmund Leighton]] (1853–1922).]]
[[File:Rådberg-Eikner Wedding group 2 2017.jpg|thumb|Wedding party at Stockholm's [[Lillienhoff Palace]] in Sweden in 2017]]

Some cultures have adopted the traditional Western custom of the [[white wedding]], in which a [[bride]] wears a white [[wedding dress]] and [[veil]]. This tradition was popularized through the marriage of [[Queen Victoria]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-brides-wear-white|title=Why Do Brides Wear White?|website=britannica.com|access-date=Sep 7, 2021|archive-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906175716/https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-brides-wear-white|url-status=live}}</ref> Some say Queen Victoria's choice of a white gown may have simply been a sign of extravagance, but may have also been influenced by the values she held which emphasized [[Chastity|sexual purity]].<ref name="Otnes 2003 p.31">Otnes, Cele & Pleck, Elizabeth (2003). ''Cinderella Dreams: the Allure of the Lavish Wedding'', p. 31. University of California Press, Berkeley.</ref>

The use of a wedding ring has long been part of religious weddings in Indian sub-continent, Europe and America, but the origin of the tradition is unclear. One possibility is the Roman belief in the [[vena amoris]], which was believed to be a blood vessel that ran from the fourth finger (ring finger) directly to the heart. Thus, when a couple wore rings on this finger, their hearts were connected. Historian Vicki Howard points out that the belief in the "ancient" quality of the practice is most likely a modern invention.<ref>Howard, Vicky (2006). ''Brides Inc.: American Weddings and the Business of Tradition'', p. 34. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia.</ref> In the United States, a groom's wedding band has not appeared until the early 20th century,<ref name="autogenerated61">Howard, Vicky (2006). ''Brides Inc.: American Weddings and the Business of Tradition'', p. 61. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia.</ref> while in Europe it has been part of the tradition since the ancient Romans, as witnessed by [[Gaius (jurist)|the jurist Gaius]].

{{anchor|Send off}}The exit from the wedding ceremony is also called the "send off" and often includes traditional practices; for instance, in Ethiopian weddings, newlyweds and the rest of the wedding party bow and kiss the elders' knees. In most of the [[Western world]],<ref name="XuChen2018">{{cite book |last1=Xu |first1=Guobin |title=Introduction to Western Culture |last2=Chen |first2=Yanhui |last3=Xu |first3=Lianhua |year=2018 |isbn=978-981-10-8152-1 |pages=163–187 |chapter=Western Folklore |doi=10.1007/978-981-10-8153-8_6}}</ref> as well as in countries such as [[India]]<ref name="Singh2013">{{cite web |author=B Singh |year=2013 |title=Marketing strategies of rice exporters |url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/41104/8/08_summary.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509165615/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/41104/8/08_summary.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=May 9, 2019}}</ref> and [[Malaysia]],<ref>{{cite journal |author=Abd. Razak Aziz, Awang Azaman Awang Pawi |date=2016-12-01 |title=Redefining Malay Food in the Post Malaysia's New Economic Policy (NEP) |url=https://fhtm.uitm.edu.my/images/jthca/Vol8Issue2/Chap-1.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts |volume=8 |issue=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509165615/https://fhtm.uitm.edu.my/images/jthca/Vol8Issue2/Chap-1.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=May 9, 2019}}</ref> the send off often includes the practice of throwing rice (a symbol of prosperity and fertility)<ref name=Singh2013/> or other seeds at the newlyweds. Despite popular belief, using uncooked rice for this purpose is not harmful to birds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/reactions/videos/2018/fact-or-fiction-uncooked-rice-is-bad-for-birds.html|title=Fact or Fiction: Uncooked Rice is Bad for Birds|website=[[American Chemical Society]]|date=2018-11-05|access-date=May 9, 2019|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509184114/https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/reactions/videos/2018/fact-or-fiction-uncooked-rice-is-bad-for-birds.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In several cultures, people [[Shoe tossing|toss shoes]] instead of rice.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Britain)|first=Folklore Society (Great|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rVgCAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA258|title=Publications|date=1895|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812234414/https://books.google.com/books?id=rVgCAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA258|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Mahnalan lava - häät.jpg|thumb|Wedding decorations at the Mahnala Stage (''Mahnalan lava'') in [[Hämeenkyrö]], [[Pirkanmaa]], [[Finland]] in July 2019]]
The wedding ceremony is often followed by a [[wedding reception]] or [[wedding breakfast]], in which the rituals may include speeches from a groom, best man, father of a bride and possibly a bride,<ref>[http://www.rhymingspeeches.com/bridespeech] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814003503/http://www.rhymingspeeches.com/bridespeech|date=August 14, 2012}}</ref> the newlyweds' [[First dance#Weddings|first dance]] as a couple, and the cutting of an elegant [[wedding cake]]. In recent years traditions have changed to include a father-daughter dance for a bride and her father, and sometimes also a mother-son dance for a groom and his mother.

==Locations==
In some countries there are restrictions on where a wedding may take place, for example before the [[Marriage Act 1994]], marriages in [[England and Wales]] could only take place in authorized religious buildings or civil [[Register office (United Kingdom)|register office]]s, but the Act extended the options available to allow weddings in other "approved premises".<ref>Haskey, J., [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9795979/ Marriages in 'approved premises' in England and Wales: the impact of the 1994 Marriage Act], ''Population Trends'', Autumn 1998, (93):38-52, abstract accessed 31 March 2023</ref> Cretney identified a wide range of venues which sought approval after the implementation of this legal change, including [[funeral home]]s, [[hotels]], [[stately home]]s, [[baseball field]]s, [[stadium|football ground]]s, [[basketball court]]s, [[beach]]es, a [[cemetery]]'s chapel, [[town hall]]s, [[museum]]s, [[performing arts center]]s, [[health club]]s, [[urban park]]s and former [[warship]]s. Related outdoor locations could also be approved for weddings after the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 were adopted.<ref>Jago, R., [https://lawsblog.london.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Family-Law-Location-Transcript.pdf Location, Location, Location: 'In the grounds as a wedding venue], University of London, accessed 31 March 2023</ref>

==Traditional wedding attire==
<!-- Keep this list in alphabetical order -->
* [[Dress code (Western)|Western dress code]]
** [[Wedding dress]] (or bridal gown), a special dress worn by a bride.
** [[File:Wedding veil.jpg|thumb|Traditional Western wedding [[veil]]]]Wedding [[veil]], popularized by Queen Victoria, was a long-held custom in which the 'purity' and 'innocence' of the bride could thwart evil spirits.
** [[Morning dress]], western daytime formal dress
** [[White tie]] ("evening dress" in the U.K; very formal evening attire)
** [[Black tie]] or Evening Suit ("dinner jacket" in the U.K; often referred to as a [[tuxedo]] in the U.S. and Canada; traditionally appropriate only for use after 6:00&nbsp;p.m.)
** [[Stroller (style)|Stroller]]
** [[Suit (clothing)|Lounge suit]]
** Non-traditional "tuxedo" variants (colored jackets/ties, "wedding suits")
* [[Ao dai]], traditional garments of Vietnam
* [[Barong tagalog]], an embroidered, formal men's garment of the Philippines
* [[Batik]] and [[Kebaya]], a garment worn by the [[Javanese people]] of Indonesia and also by the [[Ethnic Malays|Malay people]] of Malaysia
* [[Dashiki]], the traditional West African wedding attire
* [[Dhoti]], male garment in South India
* [[Hanbok]], the traditional garment of Korea
* [[Kilt]], male garment particular to [[Culture of Scotland|Scottish culture]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Kilts: tightly woven into Scots culture|url=http://heritage.scotsman.com/clans.cfm?id=41882005|newspaper=Scotsman|date=February 10, 2005|access-date=2007-04-16 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070202162115/http://heritage.scotsman.com/clans.cfm?id=41882005 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = February 2, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Scottish Kilt|url=http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/scotland-factfile/scottish-icons/|publisher=Visit Scotland|access-date=2007-04-16|archive-date=March 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319030531/http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/scotland-factfile/scottish-icons/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Scottish Culture and Heritage: The Kilt|url=http://www.scotsmart.com/info/culture/kilt.html|publisher=Scotsmart|access-date=2007-04-16|author=Jim Murdoch|archive-date=September 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014445/http://www.scotsmart.com/info/culture/kilt.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Kittel]], a white robe worn by the groom at an [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox Jewish]] wedding. A kittel is worn only under a [[chuppah]] and is removed before the reception.
* Qun Gua or Kua (裙褂 pinyin ''qún guà'', Cantonese ''kwàhn kwáa''), Chinese traditional [[formal wear]]. This can be in the form of a [[qipao]] or [[hanfu]].
* [[Ribbon work|Ribbon shirt]], often worn by [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] men on auspicious occasions, such as weddings. Another common custom is to wrap the bride and groom in a blanket.
* [[Sampot]], traditional dress in Cambodia
* [[Sari]]/[[Lehenga]], Indian popular and traditional dress in India
* [[Sherwani]], a long coat-like garment worn in South Asia
* [[Kimono#Shiromuku|Shiromuku Kimono]], a traditional wedding garment in Japan
* [[Shweshwe]], a female dress worn by [[Basotho]] women during special ceremonies. It has recently been adopted in men's attire as well.
* [[Tiara]], or wedding [[Crown (headgear)|crown]], worn by Syrian and Greek couples (which are called "τα στέφανα", which literally means "wreaths") and Scandinavian brides
* [[Topor (headgear)|Topor]], a type of conical headgear traditionally worn by grooms as part of a [[Bengali Hindu wedding]] ceremony

{{Clear}}<!-- DO NOT REMOVE THIS SEVERAL TIMES, PLEASE; IT IS FOR THOSE SCREENS WHERE THE GALLERY CRASHES WITHOUT THIS: -->
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Different wedding clothing around the world">
File:Art and culture.JPG|[[Khmer people|Khmer]] (Cambodian) wedding in traditional outfits
File:Narayangarh-52.JPG|A bride and a bridegroom in Nepal
File:Handfasting by Gordon.jpg|Neopagan [[Handfasting (Neopaganism)|handfasting]] ceremony
File:Coupla at Nikah.jpg|A [[Muslim]] couple in India at their wedding ceremony, also called a [[nikah]]
File:Fire rituals at a Hindu Wedding, Orissa India.jpg|Fire rituals at a [[Hindu wedding]] in India
File:Crowning in Syro-Malabar Nasrani Wedding by Mar Gregory Karotemprel.jpg|Crowning during a [[Nasrani wedding]] in the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]]
File:Shinto married couple.jpg|Japanese bride and bridegroom
File:Ստորին Հայքի հարսնազգեստ.jpg|Traditional [[Armenians|Armenian]] wedding dress
File:Parsi-marriage-1.jpg|A [[Parsi]] wedding
File:Assyrian wedding, Mechelen.jpg|[[Assyrian people|Assyrian]] bride and groom during a [[Assyrian weddings|wedding]] celebration
File:Hanfu Mariage01.jpg|Chinese traditional wedding attire, [[Zhou dynasty]] style
File:Burning Man 2013 Photo chapel, The wedding party! (9660390094).jpg|Wedding at [[Burning Man]]
File:Boda principios S XX.jpg|1935 wedding in Barcelona, Spain
File:Minangkabau wedding 2.jpg|[[Minangkabau marriage]] in Indonesia
File:Meiji-jingu wedding procession - P1000847.jpg|[[Marriage in Japan#Weddings in Japan|Japanese wedding]] at the [[Meiji Shrine]]
File:Groom, Bangladesh.jpg|Groom in the traditional dress of Bangladesh in a wedding ceremony
File:Sri lankan Bride and Groom1.jpg|[[Sri Lanka]]n Kandyan bride and groom
File:Armenian Wedding at Khor Virap (1).jpg|Armenian wedding at Khor Virap
File:Bauernhochzeit Jomala 1.jpg|Traditional wedding ceremony in [[Jomala]], [[Åland]]
File:Aadiwasi tribal marriage groom bride.jpg|Hindu marriage conducted in the [[Adivasi]] tribes, India
File:Marriage Ceremony in Rural Bangladesh.jpg|Attendees at a rural marriage ceremony in [[Mymensingh]], Bangladesh
File:A wedding in the forest.jpg|Wedding in Turkey
</gallery>

==Wedding music==
{{Main|Wedding music}}
{{listen|filename=Wagner_Bridal_Chorus.ogg|title=Bridal march|description=The [[Bridal Chorus]] from [[Richard Wagner]]'s opera [[Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]}}

===Western weddings===
[[Wedding music|Music]] played at Western weddings includes a [[Processional hymn|processional]] song (e.g., the [[Wedding March (Mendelssohn)|Wedding March]]) for walking down the aisle, either before or after the marriage service. An example of such use is reported in the 1878 [[wedding of Nora Robinson and Alexander Kirkman Finlay]].<ref name= QA1408>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30673943 |title=Marriage of Mr A.K. Finlay and Miss Robinson |newspaper=[[The Queanbeyan Age]] |location=NSW |date=August 14, 1878 |access-date=September 4, 2013 |page=1 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524034529/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/30673943 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The "[[Bridal Chorus]]" from ''[[Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'' by [[Richard Wagner]], commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride", is often used as the processional. Wagner is said to have been [[Antisemitism|anti-Semitic]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last=Cooke |first=Deryck V. |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/633925/Richard-Wagner |title=Richard Wagner &#124; German composer |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |access-date=2015-11-10 |archive-date=April 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406173629/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/633925/Richard-Wagner |url-status=live }}</ref> and as a result, the Bridal Chorus is normally not used at Jewish weddings.<ref>Pollack, Suzanne (September 25, 2015) [https://washingtonjewishweek.com/25376/no-wagner-for-you/wjw-guides/wonderful-weddings/ "No Wagner for You"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227011856/https://washingtonjewishweek.com/25376/no-wagner-for-you/wjw-guides/wonderful-weddings/ |date=December 27, 2019 }}, ''Washington Jewish Week''. Retrieved December 26, 2019.</ref> UK law forbids music with any religious connotations to be used in a civil ceremony.<ref>{{Citation | url = https://celebratewithmusic.co.uk/songs-you-cant-have-at-a-civil-ceremony/ | publisher = Wedding Music Designer (Simon Jordan) | type = article | title = Music Not Allowed at Civil Ceremonies | date = August 30, 2015 | contribution = England and Wales | access-date = July 16, 2018 | archive-date = October 15, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161015100811/http://celebratewithmusic.co.uk/songs-you-cant-have-at-a-civil-ceremony/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Johann Pachelbel]]'s [[Pachelbel's Canon|Canon in D]] is an alternative processional.<ref>{{cite book
 |last1        = Hassall
 |first1       = Jill
 |year         = 2012
 |title        = The Greatest Guide to Your Dream Wedding
 |url          = https://books.google.com/books?id=b1RqFtFx294C&q="Canon+in+D+by+Pachelbel"&pg=PA53
 |publisher    = Greatest Guides
 |page         = 53
 |access-date  = 2017-11-20
 |isbn         = 9781907906060
 |archive-date = May 24, 2022
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220524034552/https://books.google.com/books?id=b1RqFtFx294C&q=%22Canon+in+D+by+Pachelbel%22&pg=PA53
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> Other alternatives include various contemporary melodies, such as Bob Marley's [[One Love/People Get Ready|One Love]], which is sometimes performed by a steel drum band.<ref name="autogenerated61"/> The music used in modern weddings is usually left completely up to the bride and groom, and it is becoming increasingly popular for couples to add their own twist to the song they walk down the aisle to. Many brides and grooms use songs that hold special value for them.

In the United States, approximately 2 million people get married each year, and close to 70 million people attend a wedding and spend more than $100 on a gift.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tiffany |first=Kaitlyn |url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/3/1/18246428/wedtech-wedding-startups-zola-the-knot |title=Why is the wedding industry so hard to disrupt? |work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]] |date=2019-03-01 |access-date=2019-03-04 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305004111/https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/3/1/18246428/wedtech-wedding-startups-zola-the-knot |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United Kingdom, according to a survey, the average minimum amount spent on a wedding gift<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-21 |title=Wedding gift lists |url=https://fizzandgroove.com/wedding-gift-lists/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Fizz and Groove |language=en-GB |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118184658/https://fizzandgroove.com/wedding-gift-lists/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is £24.70, and the average maximum amount spent is £111.46. Eighty-five percent of people said that they were more likely to spend more money on a person if they had a good relationship with him or her.

==Customs associated with various religions and cultures==
===Christian customs===
{{Main|Christian views on marriage}}
{{Further|Marriage#Christianity}}
[[File:Catholic wedding.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|A couple exchange vows at the [[Altar#Christianity|altar]] during a ceremony in a [[Catholic Church]].]]
Most Christian churches give some form of blessing to a marriage, which is seen as a [[Christian views on marriage#Denominational beliefs and practice|sacred institution]] in some sense, although terminology and associated theological meanings vary widely from one denomination to another (e.g., "holy matrimony", "sacrament of marriage", "holy ordinance of marriage", or "holy union").

A celebration of Holy Matrimony typically includes mutual [[vow]]s or solemn promises of lifelong love and [[Monogamy|fidelity]] by the couple, and may include some sort of pledge by the community to support the couple's relationship. A ''church wedding'' is a ceremony held in a [[church (building)|church]] and presided over by a Christian [[pastor]]. Traditionally, Christian weddings occur in a church, as Christian marriage ideally begins where one started his or her faith journey. (Christians receive the [[sacrament]] of [[baptism]] in church in the presence of their [[Church (congregation)|congregation]].)<ref name="Dooley2016">{{cite book |last1=Dooley |first1=Sandra |title=A Guide to Catholic Weddings |date=20 June 2016 |publisher=Liturgy Training Publications |isbn=978-1-61833-134-2 |pages=29–30 |language=English}}</ref> Catholic Christian weddings must "take place in a church building", as holy matrimony is a sacrament; sacraments normatively occur in the presence of Christ in the house of God, and "members of the faith community [should be] present to witness the event and provide support and encouragement for those celebrating the sacrament."<ref name="Dooley2016"/> Bishops never grant permission "to those requesting to be married in a garden, on the beach, or some other place outside of the church" and a dispensation is only granted "in extraordinary circumstances (for example, if a bride or groom is ill or disabled and unable to come to the church)."<ref name="Dooley2016"/> Marriage in the church, for Christians, is seen as contributing to the fruit of the newlywed couple regularly attending church each [[Lord's Day]] and raising children in the faith.<ref name="Dooley2016"/>

Wedding ceremonies typically contain prayers and readings from the [[Holy Bible]] and reflect the church's teachings about the spiritual significance of marriage, as well as its purpose and obligations. The wedding service often includes the reception of [[Holy Communion]], especially in the context of [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] (as with Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.holyspiritchurch.com/weddingarr.htm |title=Wedding arrangements |date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=2015-11-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216084708/http://www.holyspiritchurch.com/weddingarr.htm |archive-date=December 16, 2008 }}</ref> In some traditional weddings of [[Western Christianity]] (especially Catholicism, Lutheranism and Anglicanism), a "[[care cloth]]" or "nuptial veil" (''velatio nuptialis'') "signifying a marriage yoke joining the bride and groom together" may be held over the kneeling couple during the nuptial blessing given by the priest.<ref name="Dipippo2019">{{cite web |last1=Dipippo |first1=Gregory |title=The Velatio Nuptialis: An Ancient (and Forgotten) Part of the Latin Marriage Rite |url=https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2019/02/the-velatio-nuptialis-ancient-and.html |publisher=Novus Motus Liturgicus |access-date=23 January 2022 |language=English |date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123034901/https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2019/02/the-velatio-nuptialis-ancient-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=[[Olavus Petri]] |title=The Evangelical Lutheran Church Manual of Olavus Petri: A Manual in Swedish, Including Baptism, Etc. |date=1929 |publisher=Lutheran Augustana Book Concern |language=English}}</ref><ref name="Hopkins1883">{{cite book |last1=Hopkins |first1=Samuel Miles |title=General Liturgy and Book of Common Prayer |date=1883 |publisher=A.S. Barnes |page=135 |language=English}}</ref><ref name="Monger2004">{{cite book |last1=Monger |first1=George |title=Marriage Customs of the World: From Henna to Honeymoons |date=2004 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-57607-987-4 |page=53 |language=English}}</ref><ref name="Warner2013">{{cite book |last1=Warner |first1=Diane |title=Diane Warner's Complete Guide to a Traditional Wedding: Time-Tested Toasts, Vows, Ceremonies & Etiquette: Everything You Need to Create Your Perfect Day |date=25 November 2013 |publisher=[[Red Wheel]] |isbn=978-1-60163-494-8 |language=English}}</ref>

Pre-marital counseling may be recommended or required for an engaged couple.<ref name="BOW1964">{{cite book|title=The Book of Worship for Church and Home: With Orders of Worship, Services for the Administration of the Sacraments and Other Aids to Worship According to the Usages of the Methodist Church|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ckw6vgAACAAJ|access-date=March 25, 2017|year=1964|publisher=Methodist Publishing House|language=en|pages=32|archive-date=June 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612125930/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ckw6vgAACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> In some Christian countries or denominations, a [[Engagement#Christianity|betrothal rite]], as well as the reading of [[banns of marriage]] may also be required before the wedding date.<ref name="Tucker2011">{{cite book|last=Tucker|first=Karen B. Westerfield|title=American Methodist Worship|date=April 27, 2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en |isbn=9780190454203|page=188}}</ref>

[[File:Second marriage of S.M.I. D. Pedro I.jpg|thumb|Emperor [[Pedro I of Brazil]] and [[Amélie of Leuchtenberg]] married in a Roman Catholic ceremony in the [[Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro|Imperial Chapel]] in Rio de Janeiro on October 16, 1829.]]
In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], Holy Matrimony is considered to be one of [[Sacraments of the Catholic Church|the seven sacraments]], in this case, one that the spouses bestow upon each other in front of a priest and members of the community as witnesses. As with all sacraments, it is seen as having been instituted by Jesus himself (see [[Gospel of Matthew]] 19:1–2, [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] §1614–1615). The [[Second Vatican Council]]'s ''[[Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy]]'' noted that there can be a place for appropriate "customs and ceremonies" to be incorporated into a Catholic marriage service.<ref>Second Vatican Council, [https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html ''Sacrosanctum Concilium''], paragraph 77, published on 4 December 1963, accessed on 15 July 2025, reflecting the [[Council of Trent]]'s Statement on Doctrine Touching the Sacrament of Matrimony, 1563, {{cite wikisource|title=Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent/Session XXIV/Sacrament of Matrimony|wslink=Canons_and_Decrees_of_the_Council_of_Trent/Session_XXIV/Sacrament_of_Matrimony|at=Canon XI}}</ref>

In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], it is one of the [[Sacred mysteries|Mysteries]] and is seen as an ordination and a martyrdom. The Christian wedding ceremony of [[Saint Thomas Christians]], an ethnoreligious group of Christians in India, incorporates elements from local [[India]]n traditions. [[Protestantism|Protestant]] weddings may be elaborate (as with Lutheranism and Anglicanism) or simple (as with Baptists). For example, in the [[United Methodist Church]], the Service of Christian Marriage (Rite I) includes the elements found in a typical [[Lord's Day|Sunday]] service, such as hymns, prayers, and readings from the Bible, as well as other elements unique to a wedding, including taking [[marriage vows]] and an optional exchange of [[wedding ring]]s, as well as a special [[benediction]] for the couple.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/a-service-of-christian-marriage-i|title=A Service of Christian Marriage|year=1992|publisher=[[Discipleship Ministries]]|language=en|access-date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195557/https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/a-service-of-christian-marriage-i|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Holy Communion]] may be part of the wedding service in liturgical Protestant churches (e.g., [[Lutheran Church|Lutheran]], [[Anglican Church|Anglican]], or [[Methodism|Methodist]]), but is rarely, if ever, found in weddings of other [[low-church]] Protestant denominations (e.g., [[Baptist]]s).

A [[Quaker wedding]] ceremony in a [[Quakers|Friends]] meeting is similar to any other [[meeting for worship]], and therefore often very different from the experience expected by non-Friends.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Alternative Wedding Book |date=1995 |publisher=Wood Lake Publishing Inc. |isbn=978-1-55145-081-0 |page=40 |language=English}}</ref>

In some Western countries, a separate and secular [[civil marriage|civil wedding ceremony]] is required for recognition by the state, while in other Western countries, couples must merely obtain a [[marriage license]] from a local government authority and can be married by Christian or other [[clergy]] authorized by law to do so.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, same-sex couples have been allowed to marry civilly in many countries, and some Christian churches in those countries allow religious marriages of same-sex couples, though some forbid it.  See the article [[Same-sex marriage]].

===Hindu customs===
{{Main|Hindu wedding}}

[[File:Rajput wedding riding3.jpg|thumb|Bridegroom arrives on horseback at a [[Rajput]] wedding.]]
Hindu ceremonies are usually conducted totally or at least partially in [[Sanskrit]], the language of the [[Hindu texts|Hindu scriptures]]. The wedding celebrations may last for several days and they can be extremely diverse, depending upon the region, denomination, and community. [[Mehendi]] ceremony is a traditional ritual in Hindu weddings, where [[Henna]] application takes place on the bride's hands and legs, before the wedding. On the wedding day, the bride and the bridegroom garland each other in front of the guests. Most guests witness only this short ceremony and then socialize, have food, and leave. The religious part (if applicable) comes hours later, witnessed by close friends and relatives. In cases where a religious ceremony is present, a [[Brahmin]] (Hindu priest) arranges a sacred ''[[yajna]]'' (fire-sacrifice), and the sacred fire ([[Agni]]) is considered the prime witness (''[[Sakshi (Witness)|sākshī]]'') of the marriage. He chants [[mantra]]s from the [[Vedas]] and subsidiary texts while the couple is seated before the fire. The most important step is ''[[saptapadi]]'' or ''saat phere'', wherein the bride and the groom, hand-in-hand, encircle the sacred fire seven times, each circle representing a matrimonial vow. Then the groom marks the bride's hair parting with [[vermilion]] (''[[sindoor]]'') and puts a gold necklace (''[[mangalsutra]]'') around her neck. Or a yellow thread applied with turmeric is knotted around the bride's neck 3 times at marriage. The first knot represents her obedience and respect to her husband, the second one to his parents and the third represents her respect to God. Several other rituals may precede or follow these afore-mentioned rites. Then the bride formally departs from her blood-relatives to join the groom's family.

===Jewish customs===
[[File:MinhagYerushalayim3909.JPG|thumb|Jewish wedding]]
{{Main|Jewish wedding|Jewish views on marriage}}
A traditional Jewish wedding usually follows this format:<ref name="Aish">{{cite web|url=http://www.aish.com/literacy/lifecycle/Guide_to_the_Jewish_Wedding.asp|title=Guide to the Jewish Wedding|access-date=2008-07-03|archive-date=September 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904035438/http://www.aish.com/literacy/lifecycle/Guide_to_the_Jewish_Wedding.asp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="My Jewish Learning">{{cite web|url=http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Life_Events/Weddings/Liturgy_Ritual_and_Custom/Nissuin.shtml|title=Nissuin: The Second of the Two Ceremonies|access-date=2008-07-03|archive-date=November 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111023938/http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Life_Events/Weddings/Liturgy_Ritual_and_Custom/Nissuin.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Understanding the Jewish Wedding">{{cite web |url=http://www.rebgoldie.com/Wedding.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070921063911/http://www.rebgoldie.com/Wedding.htm |archive-date=September 21, 2007|title=Understanding the Jewish Wedding |access-date=2008-07-03}}</ref><ref name="The Knot">{{cite web|url=http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-ceremony/articles/jewish-wedding-ceremony-rituals.aspx|title=Ceremony: Jewish Wedding Rituals|work=theknot.com |access-date=2008-07-03|archive-date=February 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204083541/http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-ceremony/articles/jewish-wedding-ceremony-rituals.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jewish Art">{{cite web|url=http://www.jhom.com/lifecycle/marriage/art.htm|title=Marriage in Jewish Art|access-date=2008-07-03|archive-date=October 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011144215/http://www.jhom.com/lifecycle/marriage/art.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Before the ceremony, the couple formalize a written [[ketubah]] (marriage contract), specifying the obligations of husband to the wife and contingencies in case of divorce. The ketubah is signed by two witnesses and later read under the [[chuppah]] (wedding canopy).
* The couple is married under the chuppah signifying their new home together. The chuppah can be made from a piece of cloth or other material attached to four poles, or a giant [[tallit]] (prayer shawl) held over the couple by four family members or friends.
* The wedding couple is accompanied by both sets of parents and they join the wedding couple under the chuppah.
** In some Orthodox Jewish weddings, the bride is accompanied to the chuppah by both mothers, and the groom is accompanied to the chuppah by both fathers.
* Seven blessings are recited, blessing the bride and groom and their new home.
* The couple sip a glass of wine from a Kiddush cup.
* The groom will smash a wine glass with his right foot, ostensibly in remembrance of the destruction of the [[Second Temple]]. The shattered cup also symbolizes the 'broken' world, and the lifelong process of finding the pieces and putting them back together.
** In Reform Jewish weddings, the bride and groom can smash the wine glass together.
* At some weddings, the couple may declare that each is sanctified to the other, repeat other vows and exchange rings.
** In Orthodox Jewish weddings, the bride does not speak under the chuppah and only she receives a ring. The groom recites "Harei at mekudeshet li k'dat Moshe V'Yisrael"- "behold you are [thus] sanctified to me by the [[Torah|law of Moses]] and Israel" as he places the ring on the bride's right index finger. The bride's silence and acceptance of the ring signify her agreement to the marriage. This part of the ceremony is called [[Nashim|kiddushin]]. The groom's giving an object of value to the bride is necessary for the wedding to be valid.
** In more egalitarian weddings, the bride responds verbally, often giving the groom a ring in return. A common response is "ani l'dodi, v'dodi li" (I am my beloved's, my beloved is mine)
* In some Orthodox weddings, the groom then says:
:''"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.''
:''May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth.''
:''If I do not remember you,''
:''if I do not consider Jerusalem in my highest joy."''
* The ceremony ends with the groom breaking a glass underfoot.
* The couple spend their first moments as husband and wife in seclusion (apart from the wedding guests, and with no other person present). This ''cheder yichud'' – "the room of seclusion (or 'oneness')" [[Halakha|halachically]] strengthens the marriage bond since Orthodox Jews are forbidden to be secluded with an unrelated person of the opposite sex.
* The ceremony is followed by a ''[[seudat mitzvah]]'', the wedding meal, as well as music and dancing.
* At the conclusion of the wedding meal, ''[[Birkat Hamazon]]'' (Grace After Meals) is recited, as well as the seven wedding blessings.

In more observant communities, the couple will celebrate for seven more days, called the ''[[Sheva Brachot]]'' (seven blessings) during which the seven wedding blessings are recited at every large gathering during this time.

=== Islamic customs ===
{{Main|Marriage in Islam|Islamic marital practices}}

[[File:Djerba Henné et Harkous.JPG|thumb|Henna on the hands of a bride in Tunisia]]
A wedding is typically a happy time for families to celebrate. In the [[Middle East]], there are colorful, cultural variations from place to place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://islam.about.com/od/marriage/a/worldweddings.htm|title=Islamic Wedding Party Customs|last=Dodge|first=Christine Huda|work=About.com Religion & Spirituality |publisher=About.com|access-date=June 8, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514200138/http://islam.about.com/od/marriage/a/worldweddings.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two male witnesses who are the members of the family in most cases are required for Nikah. According to the [[Quran]], in a married [[Muslim]] couple, both husband and wife act as each other's protector and comforter and therefore only meant "for each other".

All Muslim marriages have to be declared publicly and are never to be undertaken in secret. For many Muslims, it is the ceremony that counts as the actual wedding alongside a confirmation of that wedding in a registry office according to ''[[fiqh]]''. In Islam a wedding is also viewed as [[Islamic marriage contract|a legal contract]] particularly in Islamic jurisprudences. However, most Muslim cultures separate both the institutions of the mosque and marriage; no religious official is necessary, but very often an [[Imam]] presides and performs the ceremony, he may deliver a short sermon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ritesrituals/weddings_1.shtml |title=Religions – Islam: Weddings |publisher=BBC |access-date=2015-11-10 |archive-date=December 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212163343/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ritesrituals/weddings_1.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Celebrations may differ from country to country depending on their culture but the main ceremony is followed by a [[Walima]] (the marriage banquet).

In Islam, [[polygyny]] is allowed with certain religious restrictions. Despite that, an overwhelming majority of Muslims traditionally practice [[monogamy]].

It is forbidden in [[Islam]] for parents or anyone else: to [[Forced marriage|force, coerce, or trick]] either man or woman into a marriage that is contrary to the individual will of any one of the couples. It is also necessary for all marriages to commence with the best of intentions.

===Chinese customs===
[[File:Traditional Chinese wedding ceremony.jpg|thumb|In traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies, the bride arrives in a ''[[litter (vehicle)|jiao]]'']]
At [[Chinese marriage|traditional Chinese weddings]], the [[tea ceremony]] is the equivalent of an exchange of vows at a Western wedding ceremony. This ritual is still practiced widely among rural Chinese; however, young people in larger cities, as well as in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, tend to practice a combination of Western style of marriage together with the tea ceremony.

When the bride leaves her home with the groom to his house, a "Good Luck Woman" will hold a red umbrella over her head, meaning, "Raise the bark, spread the leaves." This "Good Luck Woman" should be someone who is blessed with a good marriage, healthy children, and husband and living parents. Other relatives will scatter rice, red beans, and green beans in front of her. The red umbrella protects the bride from evil spirits, and the rice and beans are to attract the attention of the gold chicken.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siu |first1=Tyrone |title=Chicken ceremony rooted in ancient rites |url=https://widerimage.reuters.com/story/chicken-ceremony-rooted-in-ancient-rites |access-date=July 8, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708133927/https://widerimage.reuters.com/story/chicken-ceremony-rooted-in-ancient-rites |url-status=live }}</ref>

The newlyweds kneel in front of parents presenting tea. A Good Luck Woman making the tea says auspicious phrases to bless the newlyweds and their families. The newlyweds also present tea to each other, raising the tea cups high to show respect before presenting the tea to each other.

The attendants receiving the tea usually give the bride gifts such as jewelry or a [[red envelope]].

The tea ceremony is an official ritual to introduce the newlyweds to each other's family, and a way for newlyweds to show respect and appreciation to their parents. The newlyweds kneel in front of their parents, serving tea to both sides of parents, as well as elder close relatives. Parents give their words of blessing and gifts to the newlyweds.

=== Welsh customs ===
Prior to the 19th century, first recorded in the 13th century in the [[Book of Aneirin]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.library.wales/discover-learn/digital-exhibitions/manuscripts/the-middle-ages/book-of-aneirin | title=Book of Aneirin - National Library of Wales }}</ref> a custom known as a 'Neithior' or 'Neithor' was observed by the [[Welsh people|Welsh]], it consisted of a great feast being held the following Sunday after the Wedding at the bride's parental home, the guests would pay for the meals and entertainments so that the new couple could afford a new home.<ref>The Transactions of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion: Session 1903-1904 by Cymmrodorion Society, London (1905) [Page 56] - https://archive.org/details/transactions01cymmuoft/page/56/mode/2up</ref>

=== Humanist weddings ===
While many wedding traditions and rituals have origins in religions and are still performed by religious leaders, some marriage traditions are cultural and predate the prevalent religions in those regions. Non-religious people will often want to have a wedding that is secular (not religious) in content. In order to meet this demand, secular ceremonies carried out by [[humanist celebrant]]s first developed in the 19th century. [[Humanists UK]] members pioneered humanist weddings in the 1890s, and its weddings continue to be popular with couples across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, [[Humanist Society Scotland]] (HSS) has carried out secular ceremonies in the country since the 1980s. These have been legally recognized since 2005,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.humanism-scotland.org.uk/content/hss_history/ |title=Humanist Society Scotland &#124; Celebrate the one life we have |publisher=Humanism-scotland.org.uk |date=August 28, 2015 |access-date=2015-11-10 |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230092916/http://www.humanism-scotland.org.uk/content/hss_history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and became more numerous than church weddings in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-33146226|title=Scottish humanists to overtake Kirk weddings|work=[[BBC Scotland]]|access-date=31 May 2017|date=18 June 2015|archive-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115155459/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-33146226|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.humanism.scot/what-we-do/news/more-than-4200-humanist-weddings-took-place-in-scotland-last-year/|title=More than 4200 Humanist weddings took place in Scotland last year|date=August 2016|access-date=31 May 2017|work=[[Humanist Society Scotland]]|first=Steven|last=Brocklehurst|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001075657/https://www.humanism.scot/what-we-do/news/more-than-4200-humanist-weddings-took-place-in-scotland-last-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> Humanist weddings vary in their content, but tend to include a combination of elements from traditional and modern weddings with an emphasis on the couple's values and their unique love story.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a Humanist wedding ceremony? |url=https://www.ceremonieswithrachael.com/humanistweddingceremony |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Ceremonies with Rachael |language=en-US}}</ref>

Humanist wedding ceremonies are carried out in a variety of countries like the U.S., Canada and recently Brazil, having legal status in only a few of these countries. Humanist celebrants are able to perform valid civil marriages and civil partnerships in the Republic of Ireland. Secular weddings are becoming more popular in Ireland due to a declining influence of the Catholic Church.<ref>{{cite news |last=Walsh |first=Fionnuala |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/less-than-half-of-irish-weddings-are-catholic-qmw687xkg |title=Less than half of Irish weddings are Catholic |work=[[The Times]] |date=2019-04-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418171526/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/less-than-half-of-irish-weddings-are-catholic-qmw687xkg |archive-date=2019-04-18 |access-date=2019-05-22 }}</ref> Since 2015, Irish humanists have conducted more weddings than the [[Church of Ireland]].<ref name=NIlegal>{{cite web|url=https://humanism.org.uk/2017/06/09/success-couple-win-challenge-to-lack-of-legal-recognition-of-humanist-marriages-in-northern-ireland/|title=Success! Couple win challenge to lack of legal recognition of humanist marriages in Northern Ireland|work=Humanists UK|access-date=9 June 2017|date=9 June 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115162506/https://humanism.org.uk/2017/06/09/success-couple-win-challenge-to-lack-of-legal-recognition-of-humanist-marriages-in-northern-ireland/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Image:Mixed-couple.jpg|thumb|right|220px|upright|A 2004 California wedding between a Filipina bride and a Nigerian groom.]]

==Types==
There are many ways to categorize weddings, such as by the size or cultural traditions.  A wedding may fall into several categories, such as a destination microwedding, or a civil elopement.

===White wedding===
[[File:"...Лучшее, конечно, впереди!" "... The best, of course, ahead!" ) (3527495977).jpg|thumb|White wedding in Ukraine]]
{{Main|White wedding}}
A white wedding is a term for a traditional formal or semi-formal Western wedding. This term refers to the color of the wedding dress, which became popular after Queen Victoria wore a pure white gown when she married [[Albert, Prince Consort|Prince Albert]] and many were quick to copy her choice.<ref name=":2" /> At the time, the color white symbolized both extravagance and virginal purity to many and had become the color for use by young women being formally presented to the royal court.<ref name="Otnes 2003 p.31"/> White weddings often take place in a place of worship, such as a [[Church (building)|church]], [[synagogue]], [[mosque]], or other place of worship.

===Civil wedding===
A civil wedding is a ceremony presided over by a local [[civil authority]], such as an elected or appointed judge, [[Justice of the peace]] or the mayor of a locality. Civil wedding ceremonies may use references to God or a [[deity]] (except in U.K law where readings and music are also restricted), but generally no references to a particular religion or [[religious denomination|denomination]].

Civil weddings allow partners of different faiths to marry without one partner converting to the other partner's religion.

They can be either elaborate or simple. Many civil wedding ceremonies take place in local town or city halls, courthouses in judges' chambers, in attorneys offices, in the mayor's office, or in the governor's office.

The relevance of civil weddings varies greatly from country to country. Some countries do not provide any form of civil wedding at all (Israel and many Islamic countries), while in others it is the only legally recognized form of marriage (most countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and The Pacific). In this case civil weddings are typically either a mandatory prerequisite for any religious ceremony or religious weddings have no legal significance at all. See [[Civil marriage#Civil marriage in the world currently|Civil marriage]].<ref>for details. Gavira, Juan. [http://www.juangavira.com/mariajo-y-manu-salto-de-la-novia/ "Characteristics of a Spanish wedding"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303142912/http://www.juangavira.com/mariajo-y-manu-salto-de-la-novia/ |date=March 3, 2016 }}. Juangavira.com</ref>

===Destination wedding===
{{redirect|Destination wedding|the film|Destination Wedding}}
Not to be confused with an elopement, a ''destination wedding'' is one in which a wedding is hosted, often in a vacation-like setting, at a location to which most of the invited guests must travel and often stay for several days. This type of ceremony could be held on a beach, in a metropolitan resort, a hotel, a banquet hall, a mountain, or at the home of a geographically distant friend or relative. During the recession of 2009, destination weddings continued to see growth compared to traditional weddings, as the typically smaller size results in lower costs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Parsons |first=Claudia |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-economy-weddings-idUSTRE54B70020090512 |title=Destination weddings see growth despite recession |work=Reuters |date=May 12, 2009 |access-date=2015-11-10 |archive-date=November 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123133659/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-economy-weddings-idUSTRE54B70020090512 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some of the most popular European destinations for weddings include [[Lake Como]] in Italy, [[Santorini]] in Greece, [[Paris]] in France, and [[Tuscany]] in Italy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=Top European wedding destinations for Americans |url=https://www.traveldailymedia.com/top-european-wedding-destinations-for-americans/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Travel Daily Media}}</ref>

Destination weddings are prohibited in certain denominations of Christianity, such as the [[Catholic Church]], which teach that [[Christian views on marriage|Christian marriages]] should take place in the presence of God at [[church (building)|church]], where Christians began their journey of faith in the [[sacrament]] of [[baptism]].<ref name="Dooley2016"/>

In [[United Kingdom|the United Kingdom]], a variation known as ''home-country destination weddings'' refers to weddings celebrated within the couple’s country of residence that are planned to replicate the atmosphere, aesthetics, and symbolic qualities of international destination weddings. These events typically involve travel within the country to culturally or scenically significant locations and are structured to provide an immersive, multi-day experience without crossing national borders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home-Country Destination Weddings: The UK Trend of Escaping Without Leaving |url=https://yourweddingphotographer.uk/home-country-destination-weddings-uk/ |access-date=9 April 2025 |website=yourweddingphotographer.uk}}</ref>

===Double wedding===
A double wedding is a double ceremony where two [[Engagement|affianced]] couples rendezvous for two simultaneous or consecutive weddings. Typically, a fiancé with a sibling or cousin who is also engaged, or four close friends in which both couples within the friendship are engaged might plan a double wedding where both couples legally marry.

===Elopement===
[[Elopement (marriage)|Elopement]] is the act of getting married, often unexpectedly, without inviting guests to the wedding. In some cases, a small group of family or friends may be present, while in others, the engaged couple may marry without the consent or knowledge of parents or others. While the couple may or may not be widely known to be engaged prior to the elopement, the wedding itself is generally a surprise to those who are later informed of its occurrence.

===Handfasting===
A handfasting is an old pagan custom, dating back to the time of the ancient [[Celts]]. A handfasting was originally more like an engagement period, where two people would declare a binding union between themselves for a year and a day. The original handfasting was a trial marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.handfastings.org/abouthandfastings.htm |title=About Handfastings |publisher=Handfastings.org |access-date=2015-11-10 |archive-date=February 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216212240/http://www.handfastings.org/abouthandfastings.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Highland or Scottish wedding===
[[Image:Scotland Wedding.jpg|thumb|The groom and one other in the wedding party wear a [[kilt]] with [[Argyll jacket]] and long tie.]]
A Highland or Scottish wedding has the groom, with some or all of the groom's men wear a [[kilt]]. The bride may wear a sash or other tartan clothing. The Scottish [[basket sword]] is used for any [[Saber Arch]].

===Mass wedding===
A [[Collective wedding|collective or mass wedding]] is a single ceremony where numerous couples are married simultaneously.

===Microwedding===
A '''microwedding''' or '''minimony''' is defined by the small number of friends and family members present.  The number of guests is usually understood to be no more than 10 or 15 people including family members,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Goldfarb|first=Anna|date=2017-10-12|title=What to Know About Having a Microwedding|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/smarter-living/what-to-know-about-having-a-microwedding.html|access-date=2021-01-17|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524034521/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/smarter-living/what-to-know-about-having-a-microwedding.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although some sources will use this label for a small wedding with up to 50 guests.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mackey|first=Jaimie|date=15 April 2020|title=What Is a Micro Wedding and Should You Have One?|url=https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-throw-a-microwedding|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Brides|language=en|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119134838/https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-throw-a-microwedding|url-status=live}}</ref>  Compared to an elopement or a civil wedding with no guests, a microwedding is planned and announced in advance and may incorporate whatever traditions and activities the family wants to maintain, such as a wedding cake,<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-08-23 |title=Cake Decorating Courses: Mastering the Art of Edible Elegance |url=https://decormastery.com/cake-decorating-courses/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Decor Mastery |language=en-GB}}</ref> photographs, or religious ceremonies.<ref name=":1" />  Although the cost per guest may be higher, the overall cost of a microwedding is usually significantly less than a large wedding.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Midland|first=Cary|date=8 October 2018|title=What's a Micro Wedding, and Why Are They Becoming So Popular?|url=https://www.marthastewart.com/7872656/micro-wedding-trend-explained|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Martha Stewart|language=EN|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212202632/https://www.marthastewart.com/7872656/micro-wedding-trend-explained|url-status=live}}</ref>

Microweddings gained attention during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] as a way to have a wedding event in compliance with public health restrictions.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Velez|first=Mandy|date=2020-07-06|title=COVID-19 Didn't Kill Weddings. But It May Change Them Forever.|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/covid-19-didnt-kill-weddings-but-it-may-change-them-forever|access-date=2021-01-17|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301082517/https://www.thedailybeast.com/covid-19-didnt-kill-weddings-but-it-may-change-them-forever|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Rello|first=Gabriella|date=13 July 2020|title=How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now|url=https://www.marthastewart.com/7946922/tips-planning-micro-wedding-coronavirus-covid-19-jennifer-larsen-photography|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Martha Stewart|language=EN|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119122555/https://www.marthastewart.com/7946922/tips-planning-micro-wedding-coronavirus-covid-19-jennifer-larsen-photography|url-status=live}}</ref>  After pandemic restrictions were lifted, they remained popular, with couples particularly appreciating their significantly lower costs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gerber |first=Marisa |date=21 June 2023 |title=How to throw a wedding for less than the cost of an iPhone—the minimony craze |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-06-21/wedding-couples-choosing-affordable-minimony-elopement}}</ref>

===Military wedding===
A military wedding is a ceremony conducted in a military chapel and may involve a [[saber arch]]. In most military weddings one or both of the people getting married will wear a [[Full dress uniform|military dress uniform]] in lieu of civilian formal wear. Some retired military personnel who marry after their service has ended may opt for a military wedding.

=== Peasant wedding ===
A peasant wedding is a Dutch [[carnival in the Netherlands|carnival]] custom.

Not everywhere in [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]] and [[North Brabant|Brabant]] is a ''boerenbruiloft'' (peasant's wedding) part of the carnival. Especially in the northern and central part of Limburg and eastern part of North Brabant is the ''boerenbruiloft'' very often held during the carnival and is an important part of the carnival culture. Each carnival association has its own tradition concerning choosing the spouse for a wedding. Often the bride and groom are chosen by the council of eleven or by the couple that was married the year before. It is not necessary that the newlyweds are a couple in real life. It is also not necessary that the bride and groom are single. Both the bride and groom, however, should be in love during the carnival and they need to transfer their love to all the people who celebrate their wedding along with them. The highlight of the festival of the peasant wedding is the wedding and feast of the ''onecht'' (not-marriage) of the bride and groom. There are many aspects that can be found in a real-life marriage. First the [[engagement]] will be announced just as if it would be an official marriage. And both the families should learn to know each other very well in organizing the party and the ceremony, like a normal wedding. The two families prepare a piece of entertainment for the wedding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://houseplantation.com/wedding-day-invitation-styles-and-designs-a-vintage-approach/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121010938/http://houseplantation.com/wedding-day-invitation-styles-and-designs-a-vintage-approach/ |archive-date = 21 January 2016 |title=Wedding Day Invitation Styles and Designs – A Vintage Approach |date=December 10, 2015 |publisher=Houseplantation | access-date=2016-08-26}}</ref> And just like a real wedding, a [[Wedding reception|reception]] and a feast is organized where guests are asked to wear appropriate clothing. The bride and groom will often dress in wedding clothing from before 1940. The bride, for example, will often wear a [[poffer]], which is a traditional Brabantian headdress.<ref name="Vastelaovendinlimburg.nl">{{cite web |url=http://www.vastelaovendinlimburg.nl/2013/02/01/boerenbruiloft-hoezo-in-het-onecht-verbonden/ |title=Boerenbruiloft: hoezo in het 'onecht' verbonden? &#124; Vastelaovend en Carnaval in Limburg |publisher=Vastelaovendinlimburg.nl |date=April 8, 2013 |access-date=2013-10-29 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194137/http://www.vastelaovendinlimburg.nl/2013/02/01/boerenbruiloft-hoezo-in-het-onecht-verbonden/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Same-sex wedding===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage}}
A same-sex wedding is a wedding between two people of the same sex.

===Sequel wedding===
A [[sequel wedding]] is a large-scale wedding ceremony occurring some time after a couple's legal nuptials, which are typically much smaller. Sequel weddings are generally meant to celebrate a couple's union among many guests who were unable to attend the initial wedding or elopement.

===Shotgun wedding===
A [[shotgun wedding]] is a wedding in which the groom is reluctant to marry the bride but is strongly encouraged to do so to avoid family, social or legal repercussions. In many cases, the bride is pregnant before the wedding and the family of the bride, most commonly her father, insists that the groom marry the bride before the pregnancy becomes obvious.

===Vow renewal wedding===
A [[wedding vow renewal ceremony|wedding vow renewal]] is a ceremony in which a married couple renews or reaffirms their wedding vows. Typically, this ceremony is held to commemorate a milestone wedding anniversary. It may also be held to recreate the marriage ceremony in the presence of family and friends, especially in the case of an earlier [[Elopement (marriage)|elopement]].

===Weekend wedding===
A weekend wedding is a wedding in which couples and their guests celebrate over the course of an entire weekend. Special activities, such as spa treatments and golf tournaments may be scheduled into the wedding itinerary. Lodging usually is at the same facility as the wedding and couples often host a Sunday brunch for the weekend's finale.

=== Black wedding ===
[[Black wedding|A black wedding]], also known as "shvartse khasene" in Yiddish, or a plague wedding, referred to as "mageyfe khasene" in Yiddish, is a Jewish tradition where a wedding takes place in times of crisis, particularly during epidemics. In this custom, the bride and groom, often impoverished orphans, beggars, or individuals with disabilities, are united in marriage as a means to fend off diseases.<ref name="TimesIsrael">{{cite news |last1=Ben-David |first1=Lenny |title=Married at the First Sight — of a Plague |url=https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/married-at-the-first-sight-of-a-plague/ |accessdate=13 October 2020 |work=Times of Israel |quote=To this end, communities would conduct weddings of two orphans at the grave sites. The Jews pledged to support the orphans, and in return, they hoped the souls of the deceased would reward their efforts and intercede to block the evil decree.}}</ref><ref name="APlanet">{{cite web |last1=Patowary |first1=Kaushik |title=Black Weddings: Marrying in The Time of Cholera |url=https://www.amusingplanet.com/2020/05/black-weddings-marrying-in-time-of.html |accessdate=13 October 2020 |website=Amusing Planet}}</ref>

==Wedding ceremony participants==
[[File:Hochzeit Prinzessin Feodora RjL und Herzog Adolf Friedrich zu Mecklenburg, Gera 1917.jpg|thumb|Formal family picture of a royal wedding]]
[[File:Waiting for the bride 3 (5642465187).jpg|thumbnail|Waiting for the bride. From left: priest, groom and ushers in New Zealand wearing Scottish kilts]]
[[Image:Wedding of Francis Joseph Woods (1891-1972) and Marguerite Jensen (1892-1986) on 12 September 1917 in Chicago, Illinois.jpg|thumb|A wedding party in 1918]]

Wedding ceremony participants also referred to as the wedding party, are the people that participate directly in the wedding ceremony itself.

Depending on the location, religion, and style of the wedding, this group may include only the individual people that are marrying, or it may include one or more ''brides'', ''grooms'' (or ''bridegrooms''), ''persons of honor'',  ''bridespersons'', ''best persons'', ''groomsmen'', ''flower girls'',  ''pages'', and ''ring bearers''.

A "bride's party" consists of those chosen to participate from her family or friends, while a "groom's party" consists of those from his family or friends.
* [[Bride]]: A woman about to be married.
* [[Bridegroom]] or groom: A man about to be married.
* [[Marriage officiant]]: The person who officiates at the wedding, validating the wedding from a legal and/or religious standpoint. This person may be a civil celebrant, judge, [[justice of the peace]], or a member of the [[clergy]]. In [[Marriage in Hinduism|Hindu marriages]], the marriage officiant is called a pandit or Brahmin.<ref>{{Britannica |id=77093 |title=Brahman}}</ref>
* Best Man, Woman, or Person: The chief assistant to a groom at a wedding, typically a sibling, cousin, or friend of special significance in his life. Often holds the wedding rings until their exchange.
* Mothers of a Bride or Groom
* Fathers of a Bride or Groom
* [[Bridesmaid#Maid of honor|Maid, Matron, Man, or Person of Honor]]: the title and position held by a bride's chief attendant, typically her closest friend or sibling.
* [[Bridesmaid]]s: the female attendants to a bride. Males in this role may be called honor attendants or sometimes [[bridesman|bridesmen]].
* {{anchor|groom's honor attendant}}[[Groomsman|Groomsmen]] or Ushers: The attendants, usually male, to a bridegroom in a wedding ceremony.  Female attendants, such as a sister of the groom, are typically called honor attendants or sometimes groomswomen or groomsmaids.
*
* [[Page boy (wedding attendant)|Pages]]: Young attendants may carry a bride's train. In a formal wedding, the ring bearer is a special page that carries the rings down the aisle. The coin bearer is a similar page that marches on the wedding aisle to bring the [[wedding coins]].
* [[Flower girl]]s: In some traditions, one or more children carry bouquets or drop flower petals in front of a bride in the wedding procession.

==Wedding industry==
The global wedding industry was worth $300 billion as of 2016. The [[Wedding industry in the United States|United States wedding industry]] alone was estimated to be worth $60 billion as of the same year. In the United States, the wedding industry employs over one million people throughout 600,000 businesses and grows 2% each year. The industry has undergone a transition due to the increased use of technology. [[Personal wedding website|Bridal websites]], blogs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wedding Blogs- Inspiration Ideas Themes Planning and much more |url=https://blissfulplans.com/blogs/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> and social media accounts have driven spending up and created new trends and traditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-douglas/part-1-the-past-present-f_b_9294420.html|title = Part 1: The Past, Present and Future of the Wedding Industry|website = [[HuffPost]]|date = February 24, 2016|access-date = October 14, 2016|archive-date = December 13, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161213144636/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-douglas/part-1-the-past-present-f_b_9294420.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

{{As of|2013}}, the average cost of a wedding in the US was $29,858 (${{Inflation|index=US|value=14399|start_year=2016|r=-2|fmt=c}} in current dollars). Extravagant spending on weddings is associated with [[Financial distress|debt stress]] and short-lived marriages that end in divorce.<ref name=":0">{{Cite report |url=https://www.csus.edu/faculty/m/fred.molitor/docs/wedding%20expenses%20and%20marriage%20duration1.pdf |title='A Diamond is Forever' and Other Fairy Tales: The Relationship between Wedding Expenses and Marriage Duration |last1=Francis-Tan |first1=Andrew |last2=Mialon |first2=Hugo M. |date=2014-09-15 |doi=10.2139/ssrn.2501480 |location=Rochester, NY |language=en |ssrn=2501480 |s2cid=44741655 |issn=1556-5068 }}</ref>  Couples who spent less than US$10,000 on all wedding-related expenses, who went on a [[honeymoon]] trip, and who had a relatively large number of guests in attendance, were the least likely to divorce.<ref name=":0" />  (The cost of the honeymoon itself had no effect.<ref name=":0" />) Couples who start their marriage in debt are more likely to have fights early on their marriage which can lead to divorce.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Patch |first=Emma |date=January 2023 |title=Plan a Wedding You Can Afford |pages=1 |work=Kiplinger's Personal Finance |url=https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-to-save-money/wedding-planning-on-a-budget |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> The best way to avoid disagreement is to have open communication with families and plan based on means.<ref name=":3" />  Even if the wedding goes well and the couple is happy to be married, the stress of putting on the event can lead to post-wedding [[anxiety]] or [[Depression (mood)|depression]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sloat |first=Sarah |date=2024-07-11 |title=Post-wedding anxiety is 'really common'. Here's how to cope |url=https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/article/2024/jul/11/post-wedding-anxiety-coping |access-date=2024-07-12 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

A ''wedding tax'' is the concept of goods or services being purchased for a wedding being more expensive when compared to other events such as a family reunion or anniversary.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Emily |title=You know what your wedding doesn't need? Doughnut walls. |url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/23379160/wedding-costs-scams-trends-marriage-planners-prices |website=Vox |access-date=1 July 2023 |date= Oct 6, 2022}}</ref> It is also known as a ''wedding markup''.<ref name="Wong">{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Kristin |title=How to Avoid "Wedding Markup" When Planning Your Big Day |url=https://lifehacker.com/how-to-avoid-wedding-markup-when-planning-your-big-da-1765547778 |website=Lifehacker |access-date=1 July 2023 |date=March 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2016, an article published by ''[[Consumer Reports]]'' identified that 28% of secret shoppers who queried vendors would be charged a wedding markup.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stranger |first1=Tobie |title=Get More Wedding for Your Money |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/weddings/get-more-wedding-for-your-money/ |website=Consumer Reports |access-date=1 July 2023 |date= April 26, 2016 }}</ref> Vendors may charge more because they perceive wedding clients as more demanding or willing to spend more.<ref name="Wong"/> Weddings can also be more time- and labour-intensive events for the vendor (e.g., lengthy planning discussions or ongoing touch-ups for makeup), require additional [[liability insurance]] or different materials (e.g., products that can keep the bride's hair in place during many hours of activity).<ref name="Sugar">{{Cite web |last=Sugar |first=Rachel |date=2017-06-08 |title=The Wedding Tax Is Totally Real Except When It Isn't |url=https://www.racked.com/2017/6/8/15730320/wedding-expensive-tax-why |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Racked |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Suknanan |first=Jasmin |date=9 February 2024 |title=Is there really such a thing as a "wedding tax"? Here's how you can save a little money for your big day |url=https://www.cnbc.com/select/wedding-tax-why-are-weddings-so-expensive/ |work=[[CNBC]] |department=Money}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brusie |first=Chaunie |date=2023-09-13 |title=What is a 'wedding tax,' and should couples lie to avoid it?: 'The wedding industry is out of their mind' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/wedding-tax-couples-lie-avoid-201548215.html |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=In the Know at Yahoo Life |language=en-US}}</ref> Wedding clients may also receive a markup simply because they are more likely to pay compared to other consumers.<ref name="Sugar"/> Clients are also less likely to understand what a baseline price for these products are given that they are not commonplace purchases.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=YxEa_SpL_Fs|title=Why are weddings so damn expensive?|website=YouTube|publisher=Vox|time=1:18-1:52}}</ref>

== By country ==
{{Globalize section|date=June 2024|Vietnam}}
{{Main|Wedding customs by country}}

=== Vietnam ===
{{Main|Traditional Vietnamese wedding}}
[[File:Cố_bộ_trưởng_Nguyễn_Văn_Huyên_và_vợ.jpg|thumb|298x298px|Wedding of professor [[Nguyễn Văn Huyên]] and Ms. Vi Kim Ngọc in 1936. The bride was wearing [[áo nhật bình]], the groom was wearing [[áo ngũ thân]] and they used [[khăn vấn]] on their head.]]
In the past, the [[Vietnamese people|Vietnamese]] called this ceremony the "bride-fetching ceremony".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-05-12 |title=Lễ tục tiêu biểu của đám cưới Việt Nam |url=https://scov.gov.vn/ban-sac-van-hoa/tu-dien-van-hoa/le-tuc-tieu-bieu-cua-dam-cuoi-viet-nam.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=scov.gov.vn |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-05-12 |title=Phong tục tập quán cưới hỏi Việt Nam xưa và nay |url=https://hoiluatgia.laichau.gov.vn/phap-luat-voi-doi-song/Cau-chuyen-phap-luat/Phong-tuc-tap-quan-cuoi-hoi-Viet-Nam-xua-va-nay-14.html#:~:text=L%E1%BB%85%20th%C3%A2n%20nghinh%20(t%E1%BB%A9c%20l%E1%BB%85,%C4%91%E1%BA%BFn%20%C4%91%E1%BB%83%20r%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Bc%20d%C3%A2u%20v%E1%BB%81.&text=Khi%20nh%C3%A0%20trai%20xin%20c%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Bi,%C4%91%E1%BB%93%20l%E1%BB%85%20g%C3%AC%2C%20bao%20nhi%C3%AAu. |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=scov.gov.vn |language=vi}}</ref> Nowadays, it is commonly referred to as the "wedding ceremony" or "nuptial ceremony".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Văn hoá Cưới |url=http://beta.baolamdong.vn/vhnt/201301/van-hoa-cuoi-2443889/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=beta.baolamdong.vn |language=vi-VN }}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-28 |title=Nét đẹp trong đám cưới hiện đại mang hương vị truyền thống - Bánh Bảo Minh |url=https://banhbaominh.com/net-dep-trong-dam-cuoi-hien-dai-mang-huong-vi-truyen-thong/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=banhbaominh.com |language=vi}}</ref> It is a celebration to honor the happiness of the bride, groom, and their two families.<ref>{{Cite web |last=thanhnien.vn |date=2023-08-14 |title=Ngày hạnh phúc của chú rể ngồi xe lăn bán vé số |url=https://thanhnien.vn/ngay-hanh-phuc-cua-chu-re-ngoi-xe-lan-ban-ve-so-18523081401373503.htm |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=thanhnien.vn |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nghi thức cưới xưa và nay |url=http://baoapbac.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/201704/nghi-thuc-cuoi-xua-va-nay-732272/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Báo Ấp Bắc |language=vi}}</ref> This ceremony is also considered important in some societies and is usually only held after the couple has obtained a marriage certificate from the government.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cần thống nhất việc gửi bản án, quyết định ly hôn đã có hiệu lực pháp luật cho cơ quan đã đăng ký kết hôn |url=https://tapchitoaan.vn/can-thong-nhat-viec-gui-ban-an-quyet-dinh-ly-hon-da-co-hieu-luc-phap-luat-cho-co-quan-da-dang-ky-ket-hon8253.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=tapchitoaan.vn |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Giấy xác nhận tình trạng hôn nhân phải ghi rõ mục đích sử dụng |url=https://kiengiang.gov.vn/trang/TinTuc/80/23124/Giay-xac-nhan-tinh-trang-hon-nhan-phai-ghi-ro-muc-dich-su-dung.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |language=vi}}</ref> Vietnamese weddings often require choosing an auspicious date for the ceremony and the bride's arrival at the groom's house.<ref>{{Cite web |last=triển |first=Báo Dân tộc và Phát |date=2023-06-22 |title=Đậm nét mẫu hệ trong lễ hỏi chồng của người Ê Đê |url=https://baodantoc.vn/news-1687335218650.htm |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Báo Dân tộc và Phát triển |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lễ cưới hỏi của người Dao đỏ |url=https://dangcongsan.vn/van-hoa-vung-sau-vung-xa-bien-gioi-hai-dao-vung-dan-toc-thieu-so/tu-truyen-thong-toi-hien-dai/le-cuoi-hoi-cua-nguoi-dao-do-636845.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=dangcongsan.vn |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Wedding customs by country]]
* [[White wedding]]
* [[Wedding dress]]
* [[Wedding reception]]
* [[Wedding cake]]
* [[Elopement]]
* [[Collective wedding]]
* [[Black wedding]]
* [[Relationship science]]
* [[Interethnic marriage]]
* [[Interracial marriage]]
* [[Interfaith marriage]]
* [[Interdenominational marriage]]
* [[Inter-caste marriage]]
* [[Transnational marriage]]
* [[Gay marriage]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Wedding ceremonies}}
{{Wikivoyage|Wedding travel}}
* {{Wiktionary-inline}}

{{wedding}}
{{Interpersonal relationships footer}}
{{Indian wedding}}
{{Types of marriages|state=autocollapse}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Wedding| ]]
[[Category:Anthropology]]