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CUSTOMS,
TOASTS AND IDEAS
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Chinese
Chinese culture emphasizes customs and traditions – it’s very important to
marry on an auspicious day, and if possible, even at an auspicious hour.
The bride may wear a western-style wedding gown, and then change into an
eastern-style gown of red brocade or satin richly embroidered in gold thread
and sequins for the wedding banquet.
At the wedding reception, a nine-course meal that can last up to three hours
is very popular!
Frequently, a family member (uncle, cousin, brother, etc.) will act as a “
Master of Ceremonies” and perform family introductions, toasts, comedy
sketches and sometimes a re-enactment of how the couple met.
Toast: Ganbei! (Dry your cup!)
French
Back in the “olden” times, marriages were arranged to further political
alliances and strengthen families with closer ties to the aristocracy. Early
French wedding customs included the happy couple raising a glass of wine
from two different vineyards, taking a sip, then pouring the two wines into
a single glass, and sipping from that, signifying a co-mingling of family
ties. Leave it to the French to make wine a big part of the wedding
ceremony!
Salutations from the best man
Toast: Sante! (Health!)
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