Weddings in the United States

Weddings in the United States

　In America, no matter where or how weddings¹ take place, they have some traditional customs. Before a wedding ceremony, the bride and the groom become engaged². And then they invite their neighbors, close friends and relatives to their wedding.

　The wedding itself usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes. The wedding party enters the church with the wedding music. The bride enters last with her father. The groom enters the church from a side door. When people get together, the bride and the groom exchange vows³. It is a tradition to say “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, till death do us part”. Following the vows, the couple exchange rings. They usually wear the wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand. It is an old custom.

　After the wedding ceremony there is often a party, called a “reception⁴”. It gives the wedding guests an opportunity to congratulate the newlyweds. And then the couple go on their honeymoon.

Notes:

1. wedding n. 婚礼 2. 意为：新娘和新郎订婚

3. vow n. 誓言 4. reception n. 喜宴