Dating & Weddings in America American Society & Culture

Dating For some couples, they “fall in love at first sight” and become boyfriend and girlfriend almost immediately. Many couples, however, remain friends for a long time before they become boyfriend or girlfriend. We say, a boy and a girl “are boyfriend and girlfriend” or “are dating” or “are going out” or “are together.” All of these let us know that they are boyfriend and girlfriend.

What do couples do on dates? Every couple is different. Some become boyfriend and girlfriend because they share a common interest like music or a sport, so they do this kind of thing often. Some common date ideas are: going bowling or skating, watching a movie, going to a restaurant to eat a snack or meal, attending a concert, or spending time outdoors.

Getting Engaged Couples can be together anytime from a few months to a few years before they get engaged. Sometimes the boyfriend will ask the girl’s father for his blessing; sometimes he doesn’t. He will buy an expensive ring for the girl and will usually surprise her with a memorable evening when he proposes, or asks her to marry him. Truthaboutdiamonds.com

Engagement Engagement can also last from a few months to a few years. For couples who are serious about getting married, this period is generally 6 months to 1 year. This is a fun and happy time. They will usually have a party and take photos together to remember this special time. This is also a busy time as the couple makes plans for their wedding, honeymoon, and life after marriage. Sheknows.com

Wedding Gifts The couple usually choose one or two department stores that they like and go there to register. At the store, the couple is given a small machine that looks something like a gun. They use this machine to select which items from the store they’d like people to buy for them. Later, their friends and family go to the store and choose something(s) from the list to buy. Weddingstar.com

The Wedding Weddings are big events, and every couple wants their wedding to be different. Some people have small weddings, some have big weddings. Some get married indoors; others get married outdoors. Each couple chooses their own music, food, style, clothing, and flowers. Couples and their families spend thousands of dollars on “the big day.” Doesthedressfit.com

The Wedding When we talk about weddings, there are generally two parts that happen on the same day and must be planned for: the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception. Bigsurweddings.com

Who Takes Part? The bride and groom each choose one to five of their closest friends to help with wedding preparations or just to support them on their special day. The bride’s friends are called bridesmaids; the groom’s friends are called groomsmen. The closest bridesmaid can be called the “Maid of Honor,” and the closest groomsman is called “the Best Man.” Gobella.com

Additionally, the mothers, fathers, and grandparents of the bride and groom have a place of honor. The couple chooses a close friend or someone with a license to perform a wedding ceremony to make it official. The couple also chooses someone to provide music, a photographer, and someone to make the food for the reception. Finally, they invite any friends, extended family, and co-workers they are close to or feel obligated to invite. Englishwine.co.uk

The Ceremony Here are some parts of the ceremony: Bridesmaids & bride enter Father of the bride “gives her away” Sometimes some singing or prayer Ceremony officiator speaks for minutes (something about love, marriage, etc.) Exchanging vows Exchanging rings “And I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The Kiss Leave down the aisle Budgetweddings.info

Wedding Vows I, ____, take you, ____, to be my lawful wedded (husband/wife), to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. Perfectweddingzone.com

The Reception The reception immediately follows the wedding ceremony. This is a time to visit briefly with friends, family, and anyone else invited to the wedding. It often includes appetizers or dinner, and sometimes includes dancing. Dancing: first dance as husband and wife, bride dances with her father, everyone dances Toasting: Maid of Honor and Best Man make short speeches and make a toast to the bride and groom Cutting the Cake: The bride and groom cut the cake and feed the first piece to each other before the guests are served cake. The reception often lasts between 2 and 8 hours depending on the entertainment, time of day, and preferences of those involved.

Leaving the Wedding & Honeymoon At the end of the reception, the bride and groom run through the crowd as the crowd cheers and throws something at them (eg. uncooked rice, rose petals, etc.) They get into their car, which has often been decorated by their friends just for fun. Instructables.com

Leaving the Wedding & Honeymoon After months of planning, trying to achieve the perfect day and satisfy the desires of family members and friends, the bride and groom celebrate their marriage by going on a honeymoon. They usually leave for the honeymoon within a day of their wedding. Often 1-2 weeks. When money is a concern, some couples prefer a shorter, more luxurious holiday, while others prefer a longer, simpler one. Generally, the couple is expected to pay for their own honeymoon. Mywedding.com

Paying the Price… The parents of the bride are usually responsible for paying for the wedding ceremony and reception. On average, US couples spend $25,631 for their wedding. However, the majority of couples spend between $19,223 and $32,039. This does not include a honeymoon. $25,631 x 6.5= about RMB Dexknows.com

Paying the Price… Why so expensive? Weddings are expensive because businesses know that many people consider this to be the most important day of their lives so far. Couples want this to be a day to remember, so they are willing to pay a high price for a beautiful day. Here are just a few of the things they need to pay for: Wedding dress: Cannot be rented; must be bought Other wedding clothes: shoes, jewelry, veil Hairstyles & makeup The groom’s clothes Musicians & band for ceremony & reception Flowers & decorations Invitations Gifts for everyone involved Wedding rings Wedding photography & videography Wedding planner/ coordinator Transportation Ceremony & reception locations Reception food Hotel rooms for traveling guests