Baha'i
Founded as a universal religion to spiritually unite the world, Baha'i weddings have no set rituals, yet encourage individuality in wedding ceremonies, traditional or otherwise. The bride usually wears a white wedding gown, and it is common to incorporate readings from Baha'i scripture or from other prophets during the ceremony, as well as poetry and music. The bride and groom give a simple public statement before two witnesses, promising to abide by the will of God.
Buddhist
The two principle Buddhist sects, Mahayana and Theravada, are mostly found in China, Tibet, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. Weddings are performed by a monk, and include an invocation of the deity through chanting; a food offering; a purification rite; and a binding ceremony. Monks may chant the Buddhist eightfold path while incense and candles are burned to purify the space. A long cotton thread is wound around the Buddha image or altar, then around all present. The monk cuts two pieces of thread, ties one around the groom's wrist, and the groom ties the other piece around the bride (monks may not touch women). In some cultures, each guest receives a piece of string to tie around his/her wrist. At Zen Buddhist weddings, an officiant dips a leaf into water, places three drops on the bride and groom's foreheads, then gently scrapes the water off with a dull knife to signify cleansing of the mind.
Catholic -- Eastern Orthodox
This sect broke from Roman Catholicism in the early eleventh century and has almost 250 million members today. Most live in Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Russia. The following customs distinguish these weddings from Roman Catholic weddings: the couple carries lighted candles to symbolize the Lord's light; is crowned during the ceremony; exchange rings at the beginning of the ceremony rather than at the end; shares a cup of wine; has their hands bound together; circles a table three times.
Catholic -- Roman Catholic
Marriage is a sacrament, an expression of Jesus Christ's grace and love. Non-Catholics are usually expected to convert, or to obtain special dispensation by the Church. Wedding ceremonies may take place within the Liturgy of the Eucharist during a nuptial Mass. Bride and groom are escorted to the altar by their parents. The priest begins with an opening prayer, an invocation to God. Family friends read passages from the Bible, which are often selected by the couple. The priest gives a homily, or sermon. Then vows and rings are exchanged. The Mass continues with communion and the couple usually receives the Eucharist first. In some ceremonies, the couple lights a unity candle to signify God's presence in their lives. Also, the bride may place a bouquet of flowers at the shrine of the Virgin Mary to ask for her blessing.
See More: Ceremony Ideas , Planning , Traditions