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Wedding facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A wedding is the ceremony in which two people become married. It is usually between a man (the bridegroom) and a woman (the bride). In some places, same-sex weddings are legal. It is common for the couple involved in the wedding to exchange vows and to give each other rings. Weddings are held in religious buildings or other sites such gardens or the home of the bride's parents.

Wedding customs in western societies

Queen Victoria Albert 1854
Queen Victoria was the first to wear a white wedding dress

Ceremony

A traditional wedding ceremony in the western world usually consists of the couple exchanging vows before a government official such as a justice of the peace or a clergyperson such as a priest, minister, or pastor. Nuns are not permitted to perform marriages. Rings are exchanged between the married couple, following which they kiss.

Site

Traditionally, the bride's church, synagogue or other religious centre, or the home of her parents is the site of her wedding. Non-traditional couples choose various and unusual sites. Some couples have married while snorkeling or skydiving. Rich couples sometimes choose "destination weddings". These couples pay for guests to attend their wedding at a romantic "destination" such as a Caribbean island.

Dress

The bride usually wears a white dress. She sometimes wears a thin piece of white cloth on her head called a veil, or a wreath of flowers, or a tiara, or other headdress. The groom lifts the veil before or after the vows are taken. The groom is usually dressed in formal attire.

Honeymoon

After the wedding, the newlyweds usually take a trip, which is called a honeymoon.

Brides maids

The brides maids are people that walk down the aisle before the bride and her father. They often wear a dress the same colour as the bride's dress and they have a little flower bouquet like the bride.

Bridal shower

The bridal shower is similar to the bachelor party but it is for the women.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Boda para niños

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Wedding Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.