1. The Wedding Project Weddings in the U.S.

2. COURTING Dating Practices Blind dates- Friends set two people who don’t know each other up on a date. Online dating- Using sites like match.com to find people with same interests. Speed Dating- Groups of people meet at one location and you spend a specified amount of time talking with each person. Group Dates- A group of single friends go out together to learn about each other. Parent Permission Is parent permission necessary for dating? – Depends on your age Is parental permission necessary for marriage? – In today’s society this is seen as more of an honorable gesture versus something that is required.

3. GOING TO THE CHAPEL In the United States generally the parents of the bride are responsible for paying for the wedding. It is customary for the father to walk his daughter down the aisle and give her away.

4. SAY YES TO THE DRESS!!! The Mermaid The A Line The Sheath The Empire Waist The Ball gown

5. Choosing the Dress http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/say-yes-to-the- dress/videos/videos-season-7.htm http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/say-yes-to-the- dress/videos/videos-season-7.htm

6. Groom’s Attire While the attire depends on the wedding style, the majority of Grooms will wear a tuxedo of some sort to the wedding. Unless you are at the beach

7. Wedding Party The wedding party will consist of at least 2 people. The Best Man and the Maid/Matron of Honor. The Bride and Groom may also choose to have more bridesmaids or groomsmen to stand with them. Other positions may also include: junior bridesmaids, ring bearers, and flower girls.

8. Traditions Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Silver Sixpence Inside Your Shoe.'

9. Rings “The Bling Bling!” Rings, because of its circular shape, symbolize eternity, endlessness… thus a never-ending marriage. Rings can be made of gold, platinum and other metals. Some are encrusted with jewels to signify the value of a couple’s love. Some couples have their names or messages engraved on the rings before the wedding.

10. The Veil The purpose of the bride wearing a veil dates back to when people believed evil spirits were around to try and ruin the wedding ceremony. The bride wore a veil to cover her face so evil spirits would not know she was the bride. Likewise, bridesmaid were made part of the ceremony to surround the bride, so evil spirits would be confused about who the actual bride was, and leave. Many couples today still honor these customs, but use the veil to hide the bride's face until it is first revealed to her groom.

11. Now that the wedding is over it’s time to PARTY!! Depending on the time of the wedding, couples have options for food that is served. According to “Weddings for a Living”, here are some options: Breakfast Brunch Luncheon Afternoon Tea Desserts only Dinner Buffet or Sit down Dinner

12. The Cake and the Topper

13. Reception Traditions Cutting of the cake- Some couples like to smash the cake in the other’s face. Garter Toss- All the Single Men Bouquet Toss- All the Single Ladies $$ Money Dance $$- Pay to dance with the Bride or the Groom. Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Dance

14. Gifts to Guests More commonly known as favors. Gifts can range from simple chocolates to more elaborate gifts.

15. Gifts Given to the Happy Couple Items given to the happy couple generally are things they would need to start a new home. If nothing else $$$Money Money Money$$$ is the easiest option.

16. Websites Used http://www.world-wedding- traditions.net/home/american-wedding http://www.world-wedding- traditions.net/home/american-wedding http://www.elitedresses.com/American_Wed ding_Customs_s/63.htm http://www.elitedresses.com/American_Wed ding_Customs_s/63.htm http://www.theknot.com/