Invited to a wedding in the United States? Expect a short ceremony in a church, a courthouse or outdoors, followed by a reception with toasts, the cutting of the cake and a first dance. Customs vary widely with the couple’s faith and heritage.
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Follow the dress code on the invitation, such as “black tie” or “cocktail”. Leave white to the bride.
A gift from the couple’s registry, ideally sent to their address beforehand, or a card with a cheque or cash.
Ceremony of 20 to 60 minutes; the reception often lasts four or five hours.
Congratulations!: the simple, warm wish for the couple
Reply by the date on the RSVP card or wedding website. Bring a guest only if “and guest” or their name is on the invitation.
Invitations usually arrive one to two months before the wedding, often after a “save the date” card. Accepting or declining promptly is the main thing expected of a guest. Most couples set up a gift registry, a list of household items or experiences at one or more shops or websites. Giving a gift is technically optional, but nearly all guests do, and it is considered thoughtful to have it delivered to the couple’s address rather than carrying it to the wedding.
A wedding can take place almost anywhere, but churches, courthouses and outdoor venues are common. The ceremony follows the couple’s religious practice or none at all, and the legal part can take less than ten minutes, though music, readings and speeches often extend it. Many couples have a wedding party of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Brides usually wear white or a light colour. Guests may throw confetti, petals or bubbles as the couple leave, and some couples greet every guest in a receiving line.
The reception may be a cocktail party or a full dinner. The best man or maid of honour usually gives a toast, often with Champagne, and others may follow. The couple cut the wedding cake together, then share a first dance, sometimes followed by dances with parents. Some receptions include a bouquet toss. Weddings within many communities add their own traditions, from religious rites to particular music, food and dress, so customs vary a great deal from one wedding to the next.
Some American weddings welcome families with younger children and others are adults-only; the names on the invitation tell you who is invited. If younger family members are coming, plan for a long day and bring something quiet for the ceremony and speeches.
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If a colleague invites you, a gift from their registry is the usual choice. Colleagues often club together for one larger registry gift.
No. A registry is a guide, not an obligation, and a card with a cheque or cash is also common.
It means you may bring one companion of your choice. If it is not there, the invitation is for you alone.
The ceremony is often under an hour, and the reception commonly runs for four or five hours.
