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Jewish Weddings

As per tradition, Jewish weddings are outdoor ceremonies, and a huppah (a wedding canopy) creates an intimate, sacred space. Huppahs can be constructed however you wish, as there really are no formal requirements or standards for its shape, size or appearance. The ceremony (kiddushin) takes place under the huppah, where it starts with greetings, a blessing over wine, and a drink taken by each the bride and the groom. Next the rings are exchanged. An ancient Aramaic phrase is recited by the groom as the wedding ring is placed on the bride's right index finger. In more unorthodox ceremonies, the bride might also place a ring on the groom’s index finger while reciting a like phrase or a biblical verse. After, the ketubah is read first in English, and then in Aramaic. Finally, the Seven Blessings, or sheva b'rachot, are given. Consisting of praise for God, prayer for peace in Jerusalem, and blessings for the bride and groom.

Italian Wedding Traditions

Italian weddings are full of superstition. The groom may carry a piece of iron in his jacket pocket, and the bride conceals her face with a veil to keep jealous spirits away. It is considered lucky to accidentally tear the veil. The bride may not wear any gold on the day of her wedding (with exception of the ring after the vows are exchanged) as this is considered unlucky. Italian weddings typically take place on a Sunday. Instead of rice, candy coated almonds are often thrown at the bride and groom.There are several traditions following an Italian wedding. A pair of white doves may be released to signify the couple's love for one another. The families and friends often bring baked goods, like cakes, pasties and treats to offer the newlyweds.

Catholic Weddings

Traditionally, the ceremony begins with a prayer by the priest. Biblical passages (which have been pre-approved) may then be read by family members of the bride and groom. It is not rare for the priest to also give a sermon about matrimony. The congregation stands while the couple exchanges vows, immediately followed by the priest blessing the rings before they are placed on each other’s hands. The bride and groom then make a pledge, vowing to accept the ring as a sign of their love, ending with, “...in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Protestant Weddings

A wedding official calls the guests to worship. The bride is then given away (usually by her father), which initiates the ceremony. The couple will exchange vows, followed by the exchange of rings. They may or may not light a unity candle. In this tradition, the bride and groom will each light a larger candle together with two smaller candles to signify their union as one. The ceremony is closer by a simple prayer or song, the couple is pronounced, “Man and Wife” and are granted permission to kiss. They then exit down the aisle together.

Military Weddings

In most instances, a chaplain performs the ceremony, but upon request and approval a religious official usually can be arranged. A lot of couples opt to walk down the aisle together under a saber arch. This is achieved by having two rows of officers line the aisle, raising their swords above them to create an arch for the couple to walk beneath. Often the last two officers will lower their swords and demand the couple kiss to pass through! There may or may not be requirements as to attire for participating military present. Military weddings on base are possible, but may have provisions on attendance by non-military participants.

Irish Weddings

In Irish heritage and tradition, a Claddagh ring is given from a mother to her daughter. Before marriage, the crown of the ring should point down the finger, towards the wrist. After marriage, the crown faces up the finger, towards the nail. The Claddagh will become the wedding ring.Toasts are very important and poetic in Irish tradition, and the men may play instruments like the reels, jigs, and hornpipes. While wearing kilts. Irish weddings are full of dancing. The term “honeymoon” stems from the tradition of giving the couple lots of mead, a fermented honey drink. Mead was thought to help with fertility.

Eastern Religion Weddings

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shinto, Confucianism, and Islam are all considered Eastern religions. It is not uncommon for the couple to carry out the wedding themselves. Using fire in an Indian wedding is considered mandatory. Seven vows are spoken before the bride and groom exchange seats under a “mandap” (a canopy with four pillars). The bride’s hands and feet are often adorned with brilliant henna tattoos. After blessings, a meal (usually vegetarian) is enjoyed. Asian weddings typically have no set order of practices to follow, only what is customary amongst their region or country.