Weddings Toronto

Toronto is among the most diverse cities in the world and so it stands to reason that ethnic or bi racial weddings are abundant. Cultures throughout the world have developed time-honored traditions that symbolize the ever-lasting love and commitment of marriage. Here are some traditional customs that are different in process but similar in uniting two people together.

Jewish

Steeped in decades old tradition, the Jewish wedding celebration usually begins one week prior to the day of the ceremony, and is filled with numerous family celebrations. Traditionally, the bride and groom do not see each other during this period.

On the day of the wedding, the ‘veiling’ of the bride signals the beginning of the ceremony, which takes place under a cloth canopy-like structure called a chuppah. After the nuptials, the bride circles the groom seven times and comes to rest at his right-hand side. The breaking of the glass signifies the end of the ceremony, after which, the couple is escorted to a private room to spend a few minutes alone.

Chinese

Traditions leading up to a Chinese wedding include the exchanging of gifts between families, the ‘setting of the bridal bed,’ and the decorating of the bridal house. Since red symbolizes prosperity and love, it is the traditional colour of the bride’s dress and many of the decorations on the wedding day.

At the ceremony, the couple drinks wine and honey, and are joined together with red string. The bride and groom participate in the tea ceremony to show respect for their families. A wedding banquet, often with a nine course meal, is held after the ceremony to celebrate the couple’s union.

East Indian

A cleansing ceremony takes place before the wedding, after which the bride is painted with henna patterns. Traditionally initials were buried within these patterns to help the bride and groom of an arranged marriage break the ice on their wedding night. Today, many brides still adorn themselves with henna patterns as a form of decoration.

On her wedding day, the East Indian bride wears a sari made from fine fabrics and adorned with elaborate embroidery. The groom traditionally chooses from sherwanis, jodhpuri suits, or kurta pyjamas. The actual wedding ceremony depends greatly on which region of India the families are from, but they are typically joyful and lively celebrations.

Greek Orthodox

The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony has two parts, the Service of Betrothal, and the Sacrament of Marriage. The Service of Betrothal includes the exchanging of rings which have been blessed by the priest. The Koumbara (best man) exchanges the rings three times between the bride and groom to symbolize the strength of the couple before it is placed on the bride and groom’s third fingers.

During the Sacrament of Marriage, the couple’s hands are joined, and they are crowned with the stefana. This is followed by religious readings and the consumption of wine. The couple is then walked around an altar three times to represent their everlasting journey. The stefana is then removed and the couple declared married.

American Indian

While Native American wedding ceremonies vary according to tribal customs, they do tend to carry a common premise. Natural themes relating to the Great Spirit and the earth are usually incorporated into the ceremony, and drums provide most of the music.

The bride typically wears a long dress decorated with beading and fringing. It usually contains colours representing north, south, east, and west. Specific customs included in the American Indian wedding may include the Blanket Ceremony, the Basket Ceremony, and the Fire ceremony depending on the tribe.

Hispanic

Traditionally, Hispanic weddings are deeply spiritual, take place in a Roman Catholic Church, and involve a full mass. The bride and groom and their attendants stand or kneel at the Church’s alter. Prayers are said for the couple as they begin their life together.

During the ceremony, the bride is ‘given away’ by her father to the groom. In turn, the groom presents his bride with thirteen gold coins to show her that he will be able to support her financially.

Toronto Wedding Guide