There are many different wedding ceremonies that can be integrated into a reception. There are some wedding ceremonies that are expected in most receptions while others are usually reserved for a specific culture or family. Wedding ceremonies are sometimes purely superstition while others are customs handed down through centuries. These days, most practices are done for the fun of it and just because these are done during weddings.

Cake Ceremony

The cake cutting ceremony is one of the most enduring of wedding ceremonies. Newly weds then feed each other cake as well as give each other a drink of champagne or wine to wash it down. It is supposed to signify a shared life as they share a slice of their wedding cake.

Other wedding ceremonies that involve the wedding cake are pull-out favors or tokens for the unmarried or single women at the reception and the taking off of the cake top for safekeeping and posterity. Some cultures keep a piece of the wedding cake frozen for the couple’s first year anniversary. The cut cake is usually served to the guests as part of dessert.

Wedding Bell and Dove Ceremony

These wedding ceremonies are seldom done these days but these are supposed to be symbols of a blessed union. A wedding bell filled with two white doves, coins, small gifts candies and confetti is supposed to be like a piñata for the newlyweds. They pull on the strings attached to the opening of the wedding bell and tug it open.

Children are encouraged to gather as many favors they can and the white doves are caught and brought to the bride and groom. The bride and groom will hold a dove and they are supposed to make the doves kiss and then release them again.

Bouquet and Garter Toss Wedding Ceremonies

These wedding ceremonies are still widely practiced up to this day. It is said that the unmarried lady who catches the bride’s bouquet will marry soon. The bachelor who catches the garter, which is taken from the bride’s leg, will have to put it on the leg or thigh of the lady who caught the bouquet.

Wedding ceremonies are not actually essential to all weddings but they do add to the fun and party atmosphere of wedding receptions. These wedding ceremonies are also symbolic of traditions that have been passed down for generations although the true meanings have been forgotten and the wedding ceremonies are just part of the wedding.

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