Planning a wedding is no easy feat, especially when incorporating Canadian traditions into the mix.
From ceremonies to receptions and traditional attire, there are so many ways that couples can honor their roots while celebrating their big day.
We’ve got everything you need to know about Canadian wedding traditions – we’ve compiled some of our favorite Canadian wedding standards for your planning pleasure.
So let’s explore these Canadian wedding traditions right now.
Canadian Wedding Traditions
Pre-Wedding Traditions
1. Proposing
In Canada, it is traditional to ask the parents of the person being proposed to for their consent before proposing.
This is seen as a sign of respect and is often accompanied by an exchange of gifts.
In many places, proposing in front of family members and friends is also popular.
Furthermore, it is common for a man to get down on one knee when proposing.
2. Celebrations Before The Wedding
Canadian couples often have a bachelor and bachelorette party before the wedding.
These parties allow couples to celebrate with friends, family, and colleagues one last time before they tie the knot.
Bachelor parties often involve games, drinks, laughter, and other activities, while bachelorette parties focus on relaxation and pampering.
Reception Traditions
At Canadian wedding receptions, couples often participate in traditional activities such as a first dance, bouquet toss, and cake cutting.
The first dance is a romantic moment between the newlyweds where they share their first dance as husband and wife.
This special moment can be shared with any music the couple chooses to express their love for one another.
It is also common for family members or close friends to join in on the fun.
3. The Venue
Canadian weddings are typically held at venues such as banquet halls, churches, outdoor gardens and gazebos, beachside resorts, and private homes.
Depending on the size of the wedding and the couple’s preferences, some couples opt for a smaller, more intimate ceremony at home or in their backyard.
Popular large-scale wedding locations for Canadians include castles, vineyards, golf courses, and country clubs.
4. Attire
Canadian brides generally opt for a white, off-white, or cream dress with a veil.
Grooms often wear black suits with white shirt and tie.
Additionally, the bride and groom may choose to accessorize their outfits with something special such as a corsage or boutonniere for the groom or jewelry and a wedding shawl for the bride.
5. Canadian Wedding Traditions
Canadian weddings usually include a variety of traditions from different cultures.
Some of the most popular traditions at Canadian weddings include something borrowed, something blue, cake cutting, first dances, unity candles, bouquets and garter tosses, and speeches by family members or close friends.
Additionally, many Canadians opt to have a “lucky loonie” hidden in one of their shoes on their wedding day for good luck.
Cutting the cake is a fun tradition where the couple cuts into their wedding cake together with a special knife or sword.
This ritual symbolizes two people coming together as one and serves as an exciting way for guests to celebrate this union.
After cutting into their cake, it is customary for both partners to feed each other a piece before sharing slices with all of their loved ones present at the reception.
6. Music and Dancing
Many Canadian weddings have a special first dance for the newly married couple.
The couple typically selects a romantic song to dance to, and their family and friends observe and share in the joyous moment.
After the first dance, other guests are invited to join in on the dance floor.
Most Canadian weddings play traditional music selections such as the bridal entrance, the cutting of the cake, and the last dance.
Couples may also play popular songs from genres such as jazz or country.
A DJ or live band can also be hired to provide energetic music for guests to enjoy throughout the wedding reception.
7. Food and Drink
At a Canadian wedding, foods such as hors d’oeuvres, salads, main entrees, side dishes and desserts are commonly served.
There is usually an assortment of dishes served. Popular dishes at a Canadian wedding include the traditional roast beef, turkey or salmon.
In addition, some couples serve themed dishes such as ethnic food like Italian, Korean or Chinese cuisine.
Other favorite wedding dishes may include salads, side dishes, and desserts like cookies, cakes or cupcakes.
Popular drinks include wine and champagne. Some couples also provide cocktails or signature drinks for their special day.
8. Canadian Wedding Superstitions
There are some Canadian wedding superstitions to take note of.
It is believed that if the bride wears a shoe with a penny on her wedding day for good luck, she will be blessed with wealth and prosperity.
It is also thought bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding day.
Additionally, some believe that ringing bells will ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the couple.
Post-Wedding Traditions
9. Gift-giving
This is an important part of any wedding celebration.
Couples in Canada have a variety of traditions to choose from when it comes to gifting their guests.
Charitable donations are becoming increasingly popular as couples ask guests to donate money to charities instead of buying them physical gifts.
This allows the couple and their families to give back while providing a meaningful way for friends and family members to contribute to the couple’s special day.
More often, though, a typical gift to give at a Canadian wedding is something that is meaningful to the couple.
Common gifts include household items like kitchenware, wine glasses, vases or cookbooks.
Families and friends may also choose to give the couple customized items like photos of special moments, artwork or a personalized keepsake box.
Money is also an acceptable and appreciated gift for a Canadian wedding.
Group Gifting is another option.
Group gifting options such as honeymoon funds or group experiences like cooking classes or spa days allow friends and family members to contribute towards larger items that both partners can enjoy after they tie the knot.
Honeymoon funds are especially popular among couples who don’t need household items but would instead use those resources towards creating lasting memories together during their honeymoon trip abroad.
Group experiences like cooking classes offer unique ways for couples to celebrate together before tying the knot, plus there is always food involved which makes everything better.
10. The Honeymoon
Canadian newlyweds typically take a honeymoon after the wedding.
Popular honeymoon destinations include cities within Canada such as Montreal and Vancouver or international locations like Hawaii, Mexico, or Europe.
Honeymoons are a romantic getaway for couples to celebrate their union and spend quality time together before starting married life.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different Canadian wedding traditions that you can incorporate into your special day.
From the ceremony to the reception and even cultural and gift-giving traditions, there is something for everyone.
Whether you want to keep it traditional or add a unique twist, these Canadian wedding traditions will help make your big day one to remember.
No matter what type of celebration you choose, incorporating some of these timeless customs will ensure that your wedding is truly representative of Canada’s rich culture and heritage.
