In the west, wedding banquets are usually held after the wedding. This tradition of catering after marriage can be seen in most cultures in the world, but the content is quite different.
In most western countries, after eating a very rich meal (traditionally paid by the bride's family), people attending the wedding will give a blessing speech. Traditionally, speakers include the father of the bride, the best man (usually telling jokes about the couple), and finally the groom. At modern American wedding banquets, the speakers are usually the chief groomsman and bridesmaid.
After greeting, the couple will begin their first dance, which is usually called "Bridal Dance". Most of the music played at modern weddings is romantic pop music. Newcomers rarely dance waltzes, but dance in different styles according to the music played.
There may be some special patterns at the wedding reception. For example, after the first dance, the groom will escort the bride to her father and let them dance.
After these special dances, the guests will be invited to dance together. The banquet will be held in mutual toasts and celebrations until the new people get on the car decorated by their friends and leave.
Marriage traditions vary greatly between different cultures, even in different parts of the same country. Here are some different traditions:
☆ Money dance or dollar dance: Guests will pay a small amount of money to dance with the bride or groom. In some cultures, money is nailed to a special apron worn by the bride. In some cultures, friends take money, and sometimes they give each guest a small glass of wine when they pay. This tradition is common in the midwest of the United States, but it is considered tacky in other areas.
☆ Throw out the bride's bouquet and garter: The bride throws the bouquet at all the single women present behind, and whoever receives the bouquet is considered to be the next person to get married. The groom will take off the bride's garter on the spot (usually to entertain guests) and throw it at all single men. Whoever receives the garter will be considered as the next person to get married. Sometimes, the man who receives the garter must put the garter on the woman who receives the bouquet. Sometimes garters are sold by lottery, not lost. In some parts of the United States, this kind of behavior will be considered tacky.