Rafah Prep Girls “C’’ School

“Weddings in different countries”

The project of the ISA

Done by /students in Grade 8

March 2014

Before the Wedding in Britain

Marriage is usually initiated by a proposal of marriage, simply called "a proposal"

A man who is engaged to be married is called his partner's fiancé; a woman similarly engaged is called her partner's fiancée.

The PeopleIn addition to the bride and groom, traditional weddings involve a lot more people. Typically, these positions are filled by close friends of the bride and groom

The Wedding Ceremony

A bride's wedding day is often marked as "the happiest day of her life", but in all honesty it's often a very stressful experience as there are lots of conventions surrounding the whole thing and you can get caught up in family rows, and trying to please everyone.

During the ceremony the bride and groom make their marriage vows.

After the vows have been spoken the couple exchange rings.

Nice Day for a White Wedding

In the past Wednesday was considered the most auspicious day to get married, as shown in this old rhyme, which seems to favour the first half of the week.

The ClothingThe Western custom of a bride wearing a white wedding dress, came to symbolize purity

The receptionAfter the ceremony there is usually a reception at which the married couple, the couple's parents, the best man and the wedding entourage greet each of the guests. At such events it is traditional to eat and drink - a lot.

It is considered lucky for the couple to cut the cake together. It symbolizes them working together during their marriage. A tier is usually stored, and eaten by the couple at their first wedding anniversary, or at the christening of their first child. The cake can be frozen and if the top tier of the cake is fruitcake, it can be stored for a long time, because it's so full of sugar (and often alcohol) that it's very well preserved.

British Wedding Traditions

The happy couple toast each other. (This has nothing to do with sliced bread.)

The newlyweds have the first dance.

The couple cut the cake together, this symbolizes their first meal as husband and wife

The bride may throw her bouquet to the assembled group of all unmarried women in attendance, with folklore suggesting the person who catches it will be the next to wed.

It is usual for the couple to go away on holiday together. This is called the honeymoon.

The Cost of Getting Married in the UK

In 2004 the average wedding in the UK cost £16,000, and prices have risen

Holland

A lovely old Dutch custom holds that before the wedding day, guests would visit the bride's house where they would eat bruid suikas, a traditional sweetmeat. The door of the bride's house was painted green, and wedding guests scattered flowers all around it before the couple left for town hall to be married in a civil ceremony. After the ceremony, the bride and groom would sit under a canopy of fragrant evergreens (signifying everlasting love) where they received warm wishes and wedding gifts from friends.

Ten Greek Wedding TraditionsEach culture has its own traditions. Whether it's making holiday decorations or planning a wedding, each culture has a unique way of doing things. This is especially true with people who have a Greek heritage. While similar in ways to some cultures, there are a number of differences in Greek wedding traditions. What are some of the more popular Greek wedding traditions?

Dowry. Although the idea of a dowry may seem obsolete to some people, it is still a Greek tradition. The mother of the bride usually spends years collecting a variety of things from sheets to towels and other household items for her daughter's marriage

Engagement. The potential groom will meet with the bride's parents and ask for their daughter's hand in marriage.

Wedding Date. Couples are not allowed to marry on certain dates during the year. These days are most of the country's Christian observances such as Lent and the Christmas holidays.

Rings. The engagement rings, which also serve as the wedding rings, are traditionally blessed twice. When the couple becomes officially engaged, the priest blesses the rings and the couple will wear the rings on their left hand until the wedding. At the wedding ceremony, the priest once again blesses the rings at which time the bride and groom switches the rings to the right hand.

Crowns. the bride and groom are adorned with crowns that are connected by a single strand of ribbon. This signifies the union of the couple as well as indicates the pair's "rule" over their household.

Spanish wedding traditions have long been a staple in Western European culture. Although they may have slightly changed over the years, some wedding traditions are still practiced today. If a person is attending a Spanish wedding, what are some traditions he or she should expect to see?

Orange BlossomsAlthough more brides are using a combination of rose garlands and/or white flowers in their wedding ceremonies, the orange blossom still remains a favorite decoration.

CoinsOne Spanish tradition that has survived is the presentation of thirteen coins from the groom to the bride. The coins, usually presented in a special bag, box or tray, symbolize the groom's commitment to his new bride and his vow to support her.

Bridal EscortThe role of the bride's father during his daughter's wedding is to insure the groom does not see the bride until the wedding. He then escorts the bride to the church and to the ceremony. There is also a tradition for the groom. He is expected to walk down the aisle with this mother.

Bridal GownIn recent years, Spanish brides have increasingly opted to wear white silk dresses during the wedding ceremony. A truly traditional Spanish bride's wedding gown will be quite different. Although the gown may be made of silk, the color of the dress and the accompanying lace veil will be black. The bride will also take time to embroider a shirt for the groom to wear during the ceremony.

CeremonyA Spanish custom that is still upheld today is the time of day that the wedding ceremony takes place. The majority of weddings take place in the early evening hours.

Wedding Rings As with most cultures, the wedding rings are a significant part of the ceremony as well as a symbol of the union between the bride and groom. Although some people may be accustomed to wearing wedding rings on the ring finger of the left hand, Spanish wedding traditions are different. The bride and groom wear wedding rings on the right hand.

Festivities A Spanish wedding reception is filled with festivities. It is not uncommon to have a Mariachi band and/or lively Latin or Spanish music playing. Dancing is also expected. The Sequidillas Manchegas is the traditional dance performed during the reception.

FoodThe use of a groom's cake may be gaining popularity, but there are older traditions used during the wedding reception. Wedding cookies flavored with almond and different spices are a favorite delicacy. A meal of seafood and/or the native dish paella is not uncommon to see at a Spanish wedding reception. Local wines and sangria are also popular. The wedding cake is usually filled with a variety of local fruits and almonds.

Party FavorsThe bride and groom usually give their guests a variety of different party favors. Men attending the festivities can expect celebratory cigars during the event. The bride, on the other hand, not only tosses her bouquet but will give small pins to be worn upside down by unmarried ladies during the festivities. The Spanish tradition believes if the pin is lost during the reception; the lady who loses it will be the next in line to marry.