Marriage is the union of a man and a woman to be spouses, between whom a conjugal bond is established. It is a legal commitment that constitutes a stable framework for raising children. Therefore, weddings represent important occasions for those who wish to make such a union.
The United States is among the countries with the highest percentage of marriages. So weddings have become very popular, and although they are joyous occasions, they are considered religious events that require dignity. Now, how are they celebrated and how much does it usually cost in the United States? In this post, you will know this and much more.
How Weddings Are Held in the United States
Over the years weddings have undergone small changes in the way they are celebrated or some accessories have even been added. Therefore, it remains the most special occasion for those who take the important step of marriage.
Usually, the bride is dressed in white with an elegant bouquet in hand. For his part, the groom is decked out in a neutral-colored suit (black, dark blue, etc.). Both go to the place they have chosen to carry out the ceremony, which can be in the church, a beautiful garden, or even the beach. However, the number of attendees is usually limited to the couple’s closest family and friends.
It is important to mention that during the ceremony, the legal action is carried out before a judge or official authorized by law with the presence of witnesses. Finally, the married couple heads to the reception to celebrate their union at a wedding banquet previously organized with their loved ones.
What is the average price of a wedding in the US?
Organizing a wedding is a task that is usually done well in advance. In this way, you can calculate the costs involved and see if it fits your pocket. However, the amount of money invested in a wedding will depend on the tastes, the number of guests, and the economic and social conditions of each person.
Now, in the United States the average price of a wedding ranges from $ 25,000 to $ 30,000, this means that if the celebration is given in style, the budget amount will be much higher. However, it is possible to have a beautiful, simple wedding at a lower cost if you take into account what is important. In any case, it is necessary to make good calculations together with realistic planning taking into account the entire protocol.
How wedding protocol tends to be in the United States
Although wedding traditions indeed vary from one place to another, in the United States the way of doing it does not differ much from most. Once the groom receives the expected “yes” from the bride, the wedding preparations begin taking care of the smallest detail. Next, you will know what protocol to follow.
Before the wedding
- The first thing is to prepare the invitations. These can be done by hand or printed for a more professional and elegant look.
- Those who receive an invitation to the ceremony feel compelled to make a gift for the married couple, although it is an optional and personal matter.
- Before the big day, the gifts are sent to the bride’s house, which will then be taken to the place where the newlyweds will live. Therefore, it is not to the reception that the gifts are brought.
During the wedding
- The place that is chosen for the ceremony is the decision of the couple. It can be outdoors or in an enclosed area such as a church or court.
- As for the ceremony, this is usually quite short (about 10 minutes approximately)
- At the end of it, while the couple is going out, rice or birdseed is thrown, as it is believed that this is a symbol of fertility
At the wedding reception
- The time to go to the reception can be right after the ceremony or hours after it. In this way, time will be given for the final touches
- Upon arriving at the reception, the bride and groom are greeted by all the guests in a festive atmosphere, where meals and snacks are served
- Usually the bridesmaids and the men who accompany the groom organize a toast in which they include their good wishes for the newlyweds. Later, dances with wedding music are performed
- It is common for the bride to be in a back position to throw the bouquet of flowers to a group of single women. For his part, the groom throws the garter his wife is wearing to a group of single men.
- As the end of the party approaches, it’s time to cut the cake. The married couple take a knife together and make the first cuts of said cake.
- Later, the newlyweds go to their reserved place to spend the honeymoon for a few days.