Western wedding customs:
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 the greeting, the couple will begin their first dance, which is usually called "Bridal Waltz". 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.
☆ 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.
☆ Knocking on the glass: guests will knock on the glass (usually with a spoon) during the meal to attract everyone's attention, and then ask the couple to stand up and kiss. Sometimes couples prepare bells instead of knocking on glasses.