《闲话英伦》－看过皇室大婚，来听英国婚俗

To get married/to have a wedding – to tie the knot/to walk down the aisle/to get hitched

Traditional ceremony - Held in a church or another religious building with a priest

Civil ceremony - Held in a governmentoffice/hotel etc. with a registrar

People at the wedding - bride and groom – who else plays a role?

Ushers help organise everyone

Maid/Matron of Honour – close friend or relative of the bride

Bridesmaid – help the bride

Best man – the best friend of the groom/looks after the rings

The Father of the Bride – he has to ‘give away the bride’ by walking her down the aisle

Theceremony

The groom will wait until the bride has walked the aisle before turning around - Bad luck to see the bride before theceremony

The priest/the registrar will read out the service

You probably recognise a lot of the words from films and TV shows

They are written in an older form ofEnglish - “does anyone know of any lawful impediment..?”

The couple say their vows and exchange rings – what do they say during this?

Legally need to say the following (there are several versions – this is the traditional)

“I do solemnly declare, that I know not ofany lawful impediment why I (your name) may not be joined in matrimony to (yourpartner's full name).”

“I call upon these persons, here present,to witness that I (your full name) do take thee (your partner's full name) tobe my lawful wedded wife/husband.”

Traditional vow – I take you as my husband/wife for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish til death do us part.

Proclaimed husband and wife – “I now proclaim you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Sign the wedding certificate with witnesses– in the UK, it’s all on the same day and becomes legal after the ceremony

Afterthe wedding

Leave the venue - Photos and people throw confetti or rice for good luck over the couple

Throw the Bouquet – unmarried women would try to catch the bouquet – who does will be the first to marry

Reception

Dinner and the Toasts and the Speeches (Groom/Father of the Bride/the Best Man) after dinner

Cutting the cake - Disco/Music/Dancing –Party - Bride and groom have the first dance (lasts until late)