The Citizen, 1988-02-10, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1988.
Wedding traditions differ from culture to culture
Every culture has its wedding
traditions intended to symbolize
the good things marriage means to
a couple; happiness, commitment,
sharing. Such customs offer a
couple the opportunity to person
alize their celebration, perhaps
even with traditions of their
ancestors. Following are some
ideas from Bride’s magazine.
Africa - Some tribes still perform
the ancient rite of binding the
bride’s and groom’s wrists togeth
er with plaited grass. Show your
new ties by exchanging matching
woven bracelets before you walk
back up the aisle together as
huband and wife.
Bermuda - Even today, islanders
top off their wedding cakes with
tiny tree saplings. Plant your little
tree in a place where you can watch
it grow along with your marriage.
China - Red, the colour of love
and joy in China, is the favourite
choice for the bride's dress and
accessories. Tuck a red rosebud in
your husband's lapel or wrap
bridesmaid’s gifts and wedding
favours in red.
Czechoslovakia - Country brides
wear wreaths of rosemary woven
for them on their wedding eve.
Include a sprig in your bouquet to
symbolize wisdom, love and loyal
ty.
England - The village bride and
her wedding party used to walk
togethertothe church, led by a
small girl strewing blossoms along
the road. Walk to your reception
site if it’s nearby. Ifyou have young
friends or relatives or are you ng
parents marrying again, let the
children head the parade.
France - Couples drink the
reception toast from an engraved
two-handled cup, the coupe de
marriage, which is passed on to
future generations. You might
engrave a silver cup with your
initials and then use it not only for
the champagne toast at your
reception but also for all future
special occasions.
Germany - Both bride and groom
hold candles trimmed with flowers
and ribbons. A late afternoon or
evening wedding is perfect for
saying vows by candlelight. And
youcansaveoneofthetapersto
relight for a romantic first anniver
sary dinner.
Ind ia - To ward off evil, the
grooms’ brother sprinkles flower
petals on the bridal couple at the
end of the ceremony. Afteryour
ceremony is over, have a special
relative or friend hand a single
flower to every guest.
Ireland - The traditional wedd
ing cake of the Emerald Isle is a
heavy, rich fruitcake with golden
raisins, ground almonds, cherries
and spice. In true Irish spirit, lace
your reception cake with brandy or
bourbon.
Russia - Wedding guests not
only give presents - they receive
them, as well. Favour your guests
withtiny picture frames, bud vases
or instant photos of themselves.
Scotland - Traditionally, a bride
groom purchased a silver “wedd
ing spune," engraved with the
couple’s initialsand wedding date,
to give to his bride. You and your
groom might buy something spe
cial to commemorate the day.
Spain-Incertain regions, the
brideworeablack silk mantilla and
orange blossoms in her hair. The
groom wore a tucked shirt hand-
embroidered by thebride. Try a
lacy white mantilla for your
headpiece and give your groom a
formal shirt on which you’ve
embroidered his initials on the
cuff.
Wales - The bride gives her
attendants cuttings of myrtle from
her bouquet. Tell your brides
maids that if their plants bloom,
they’ll soon wed.
Italy - For centuries wedding
guests have tossed confetti -
sugared almonds - at the couple to
symbolize the sweet and bitter in
life. Decorate reception tables with
Be creative
with crystal
Crystal gifts are ideal for
innovative surprises. For instance,
your salad bowl can hold more than
a salad. It can be a centerpiece, a
punch bowl or it can hold a
spaghetti dish for a romantic
“festa italiana”. Or treat your
guests to a delightful shrimp
cocktail served in your crystal
compote.
Make dessert magic by using
your stem ware to serve fruits or
creamy delights. Turn ashtrays
into soap holders, and display
flowers in your water pitcher. With
crystal, your imagination has no
end.
pretty boxes or bags brimming
with almonds.
Japan - Bridal couples take nine
sips of sake, becoming husband
and wife after the first. The two of
wine cup then ask your parents to
exchange sips, too.
Mexico - Reception guests gath
er around the couple in a heart-
shaped ring. Your friends and
whirl through your first dance
together as husband and wife.
Poland - Guests customarily
have pinned money on the bride to
“buy” a dance. Collect your pin
While the flowing white wedding gown has become part of our North American wedding tradition, various
cultures around the world have their own bridal traditions.
Why cope with the city's hustle and bustle
when we can offer you personalized
service at LETTEAU’S?
Our experienced staff will help you choose
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Step through our Bridal Salon
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the bride, her attendants and the mothers
of the bride and groom.
Our special during February until March 15th
SAVE 10% ON ALL DRESSES BOOKED
AND ALL ALTERATIONS ARE FREE
fatten,
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For your convenience Rene has a
I BRIDAL REGISTRY
Gifts &
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Turnberry St., BRUSSELS, Ont. 887-9731
Letteau’s Bridal Boutique
_ Open Tuesday to Saturday 392-6821
1 eeswater Phone for appointment 392-8133