Classic Canadian Wedding Traditions

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Classic Canadian Wedding Traditions

As do many other countries, Canada has its fair share of cultural traditions when it comes to various aspects of living. Weddings are no exception in the Great White North. Canadian wedding traditions pull from the country’s English and French roots, resulting in fun, quirky ideas for your nuptials. From pre-ceremony hijinks to the marriage service and reception, let’s explore these traditions that are unique to Canada. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these into your own celebration.

Before the Wedding

When a couple decides to get married, the events often start before the special day. From engagement parties to bridal showers, it’s very common for the festivities to be held well in advance. Check out the following pre-ceremony Canadian customs:

  • Trousseau Tea: This older tradition is named for a term that refers to either a dowry, a bride’s outfit or a chest used to collect clothing for young single women in anticipation of marriage. The mother of the bride hosts a party or tea for casual acquaintances and friends who might not be otherwise invited to the marriage ceremony. The bride’s trousseau was put on display, while pastries, confections and other sweet treats were served. This very old practice is mostly obsolete but may be a great idea for the couple with a lot of friends.
  • Pre-Wedding Fundraiser for the Couple: This pre-celebration social is an opportunity for close friends and family to raise money to support an engaged couple. Names for this event vary across Canada, but some common terms include stag and doe, buck and doe, shag or wedding social. Invitations to this party are often extended to friends who might not be invited to the main event. Guests purchase entry tickets and pay small amounts of money to play games. Proceeds are usually donated to the couple to either pay for the wedding, honeymoon or other costs associated with starting life together.

On the Day Of Wedding

Most Canadian ceremonies will feature a processional involving the couple and members of the bridal party, but consider a procession of the couple and others to the wedding venue. A distinctively Quebecois tradition involves the groom and his loved ones meeting the bride at her residence. The couple then proceeds to the venue with the bride’s parents in a motorcade, wherein some cars are decorated for the wedding. On the way to the church, participants will honk their horns and tell passersby about the nuptials. These bystanders will shout good wishes in response. At the end of the parade, everyone enters the church or venue together.

At the “Afterparty”

Another popular French-Canadian custom takes place at the reception. Unmarried siblings of the bride and groom will perform a silly dance to a special song while wearing loud, colorful and sometimes ugly socks. Reception attendees respond by tossing money to be collected and donated to the newly married couple as a collective gift for starting their life together. Would-be dancers are encouraged to be as silly as possible. In parts of Manitoba, dancing trios perform a Ukrainian dance called the “butterfly” at the reception.

In lieu of presents, some receptions request that guests bring money to donate to the newlyweds. A succinct, discreet way of doing this is by stating “presentation only” on the wedding invitation. While long receptions aren’t strictly Canadian, many celebrations extend well into the early morning of the next day, long after the wedded couple has left the building.

Weddings are a great time to incorporate many customs and cultural elements. For engaged partners in Canada, there are old and current traditions that are worth considering for incorporation into the festivities. From pre- to post-wedding events, ponder these Canadian customs for a fun and memorable way to kick off this new phase of life.

Classic Canadian Wedding Traditions

As do many other countries, Canada has its fair share of cultural traditions when it comes to various aspects of living. Weddings are no exception in the Great White North. Canadian wedding traditions pull from the country’s English and French roots, resulting in fun, quirky ideas for your nuptials. From pre-ceremony hijinks to the marriage service and reception, let’s explore these traditions that are unique to Canada. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these into your own celebration.

Before the Wedding

When a couple decides to get married, the events often start before the special day. From engagement parties to bridal showers, it’s very common for the festivities to be held well in advance. Check out the following pre-ceremony Canadian customs:

  • Trousseau Tea: This older tradition is named for a term that refers to either a dowry, a bride’s outfit or a chest used to collect clothing for young single women in anticipation of marriage. The mother of the bride hosts a party or tea for casual acquaintances and friends who might not be otherwise invited to the marriage ceremony. The bride’s trousseau was put on display, while pastries, confections and other sweet treats were served. This very old practice is mostly obsolete but may be a great idea for the couple with a lot of friends.
  • Pre-Wedding Fundraiser for the Couple: This pre-celebration social is an opportunity for close friends and family to raise money to support an engaged couple. Names for this event vary across Canada, but some common terms include stag and doe, buck and doe, shag or wedding social. Invitations to this party are often extended to friends who might not be invited to the main event. Guests purchase entry tickets and pay small amounts of money to play games. Proceeds are usually donated to the couple to either pay for the wedding, honeymoon or other costs associated with starting life together.

On the Day Of Wedding

Most Canadian ceremonies will feature a processional involving the couple and members of the bridal party, but consider a procession of the couple and others to the wedding venue. A distinctively Quebecois tradition involves the groom and his loved ones meeting the bride at her residence. The couple then proceeds to the venue with the bride’s parents in a motorcade, wherein some cars are decorated for the wedding. On the way to the church, participants will honk their horns and tell passersby about the nuptials. These bystanders will shout good wishes in response. At the end of the parade, everyone enters the church or venue together.

At the “Afterparty”

Another popular French-Canadian custom takes place at the reception. Unmarried siblings of the bride and groom will perform a silly dance to a special song while wearing loud, colorful and sometimes ugly socks. Reception attendees respond by tossing money to be collected and donated to the newly married couple as a collective gift for starting their life together. Would-be dancers are encouraged to be as silly as possible. In parts of Manitoba, dancing trios perform a Ukrainian dance called the “butterfly” at the reception.

In lieu of presents, some receptions request that guests bring money to donate to the newlyweds. A succinct, discreet way of doing this is by stating “presentation only” on the wedding invitation. While long receptions aren’t strictly Canadian, many celebrations extend well into the early morning of the next day, long after the wedded couple has left the building.

Weddings are a great time to incorporate many customs and cultural elements. For engaged partners in Canada, there are old and current traditions that are worth considering for incorporation into the festivities. From pre- to post-wedding events, ponder these Canadian customs for a fun and memorable way to kick off this new phase of life.

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