What Wedding Ceremony Rituals & Traditions Do We Use Today?

Some wedding ceremony rituals & traditions are used so often that we expect them.  The ‘kiss’ is one of these traditions that we see in most ‘western culture’ weddings.  Consequently, we expect this ritual as a ‘must have’  wedding tradition.

Exchanging or giving of wedding rings is a popular ritual or tradition that is also a ‘must have’ in many wedding ceremonies.  Wedding rings are the traditional tokens or symbols of the loving vows made in the marriage contract.  However, it is up to the couple to exchange or give other some form of love token rather than rings.

But back to the ‘kiss’ and its significance.  What is its history?

The Kiss Wedding Ceremony Ritual

It is a common belief that the ritual and tradition of kissing sealed the marriage contract for a couple in Roman times. The Romans also used the act of kissing to ‘seal the deal’ in any legal contract!

As time went on, the ritual of ‘the kiss’ in the wedding ceremony took on a more romantic touch.  Some cultures regard the wedding kiss as the ‘first touch’ between husband and wife.

In modern times, the bride and groom may hold hands during the exchange of vows, so the kiss as the ‘first touch’ doesn’t really apply.  Today, the kiss ritual most often happens immediately following the pronouncement of the couple as husband and wife.  The kiss is still regarded as ‘sealing the union’ between the bride and groom in today’s wedding ceremonies.

Be creative with rituals!  Express your personality in your wedding ceremony.  As a Brisbane Marriage Celebrant, I am very happy to include the rituals and traditions of your choice in your wedding ceremony.  Check out the information about wedding ceremony rituals and traditions on the Rituals page of this website.