Have you ever been to Christian weddings? There is nothing more dramatic, elegant and sophisticated like Christian weddings.Contrary to Hindu weddings, Christian weddings are simple, short and sweet; but full of surprises and fun in every way. The pristine white gown, the lovely bouquet, adorable little flower girls, men in full-suits and the hero and heroine of the forever episode, too! You can’t deny that there is a special charm to it all. Let us walk you through the beautiful rituals and functions that Christian weddings have.

PRE – WEDDING RITUALS

Engagement

This is when the couple’s parents host an intimate party to announce the wedding of their son and daughter. Family and friends are invited. It is also announced in their respective churches. This can happen in church or mandap or even in a bride’s house purely depending on their respective families.

Bridal Shower

When the engagement is official, a bridal shower is held for the bride where the female guests are invited. The bride is showered with gifts to help her start her new life as a married woman. She cuts a pink cake with a hidden gift in it. Traditionally, it is said that whoever gets the slice of cake with the hidden gift will be the next to marry.

Bachelorette Party

This event is optional; certain orthodox Christians won’t consider this event but some take this as an opportunity to spend their time with their friends and extended family members. Bachelor party is an event thrown for the groom by his male friends, celebrating his last days as a bachelor. This can be a wild party with alcohol, naughty antics and merriment. Bride has a bridal shower to celebrate with her friends.

The Haldi Ceremony

This Haldi ceremony happens in India. Similar to the Hindu Haldi ceremony, a haldaat takes place among North-Indian Christians where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom. Among South-Indian Christians, coconut oil is applied instead. Haldi is applied on the face; a shower with flowers will take place.

WEDDING RITUALS

Bridal Entrance

On the day of the wedding, the bride arrives at the venue in a car sent by the groom. She is received by the flower girls. Once inside, her father escorts her down the aisle and hands her over to the groom.

Groom Entrance

On the day of the wedding, the groom arrives at the venue before the bride and waits at the altar for her soon-to-be-wife. He is received by the bridesmen.

Exchange of Vows

The bride and groom will then exchange their promise through a beautiful vow. They can either read out the standard set of wedding vows by the church pastor or father or write their own vows. These are recited as a promise to each other. The ‘I do’: The ‘I do’: The priest then asks “Do you *groom * take *bride*, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to share your life openly, standing with her in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and love forever more?” He replies by saying “I do”. The same question is asked to the bride, to which she replies saying “I do”.The priest then pronounces them husband and wife and they share a kiss.

Bouquet Toss

After the wedding ceremony is over, the newlyweds will be blessed by elders, church priests and a photograph session will take place inside the church. And they come out as husband and wife. Here, the bride tosses her bouquet backwards at a crowd of unmarried women. It is said that whoever catches the bouquet will be the one to get married next.

Post-Wedding Function

Reception

After the wedding, a reception is held at a venue. The bride and groom perform their ‘first dance’ as husband and wife. They then cut a wedding cake. Toasts are raised and dinner follows. It is an occasion of fun, dancing and celebrating and creating a lot of memories on their big day

And, The Hello To Happily Ever After!

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