Protestant
Protestant Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Unitarian and Baptist weddings usually include one or more of the following traditions: The bride wears a white wedding gown and veil and carries a bouquet; the groom wears a suit or tux. It is traditional to have bridesmaids and groomsmen, a flower girl and a ring bearer. Other elements include an invocation; the giving away of the bride, the exchange of vows, the ring ceremony; the singing of solos or hymns; prayers; the pronouncement of marriage; and the kiss, which seals the nuptial union. The reception is held in the church hall, a nearby hotel, private residence or club, and regardless of whether brunch, dinner, or simple refreshments are served, one nearly always finds the traditional tiered wedding cake, as well as a groom's cake in some parts of the country. The bride traditionally dances with her new husband first, then with her father. The bride tosses her bouquet to the eligible single girls, and the one who catches it is said to be the next to marry. Rice, or more recently, birdseed or flower petals, are tossed at the newlyweds as they depart, and they often make a dramatic getaway in a decorated car.
Protestant -- Anglican
Similar in some ways to a Catholic ceremony, the Anglican wedding may include the following traditions: the white bridal gown and veil; the bridal bouquet; the giving away of the bride -- although many brides are opting to walk themselves down the aisle; a male or female officiating priest; the exchange of vows; a ring ceremony; a nuptial mass; and the taking of communion. While some ceremonies are still held in Elizabethan english, most couples today favor contemporary language. The reception is held either in the church hall, a private residence or hotel, and incorporates the classic tiered wedding cake and refreshments found at other Protestant wedding celebrations.
Protestant -- Assembly of God
In the Assembly of God church, a Pentecostal denomination, there are many traditions found in other Protestant faiths, such as the giving away of the bride by her father (depending upon her wishes), the exchange of vows, music and solos, a ring ceremony, and a nuptial kiss. A pastor presides over the ceremony, and serves the bride and groom communion. There is often a unity candle ceremony in which one of the bride's family members lights a candle, while one of the groom's family members lights another. Just before they are pronounced man and wife, the bride and groom take the lighted candles and together, light a solitary candle in the middle, blowing the other two out. The reception is held in the church hall or in a private residence, however, neither dancing nor alcohol -- even champagne toasts -- are encouraged at any Pentecostal wedding celebration.
Protestant -- Episcopal
Protestant Episcopal wedding traditions include the lighting of a unity candle; the singing of solos; the giving away of the bride by her father; and the blessing of, and exchange of wedding rings. A popular recessional is Mendlessohn's "Wedding March." A receiving line is formed, and guests throw rice at the departing newlyweds. Speeches and toasts are given at the reception banquet, and the bride and groom cut the first piece of wedding cake, which they feed to each other. Other traditions include the groom tossing the bride's garter to single men, and the bride tossing her bouquet to single women
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