海外趣闻：西式婚礼怎样进行

现在的年轻人大多青睐西方式的婚礼，既浪漫又神圣。其实西式婚礼可不止是教堂誓词那么简单，这次我们就一起来看看西式的婚礼是怎样进行的。

订婚仪式：

It all begins with the engagement. Traditionally, a young man asks the father of his sweetheart for permission to marry her. If the father agrees, the man later propos es to her. Often he tries to surprise her by "popping the question" in a romantic w ay.

Sometimes the couple just decides together that the time is right to get married. T he man usually gives his fiancée a diamond ring as a symbol of their engagement. They may be engaged for weeks, months or even years. As the big day approaches, bridal showers and bachelor’s parties provide many useful gifts. Today many coupl es also receive counseling during engagement. This prepares them for the challenge s of married life.

婚礼进程：

At last it’s time for the wedding. Although most weddings follow long-held traditions, there’s still room for American individualism. For example, the usual place for a we dding is in a church. But some people get married outdoors in a scenic spot. A few even have the ceremony while skydiving or riding on horseback! The couple may i nvite hundreds of people or just a few close friends. They choose their own style o f colors, decorations and music during the ceremony. But some things rarely change. The bride usually wears a beautiful, long white wedding dress. She traditionally we ars "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue." The groom wears a formal suit or tuxedo. Several close friends participate in the cerem ony as attendants, including the best man and the maid of honor.

教堂仪式：

As the ceremony begins, the groom and his groomsmen stand with the minister, fa cing the audience. Music signals the entrance of the bridesmaids, followed by the b eautiful bride. Nervously, the young couple repeat their vows. Traditionally, they pro

mise to love each other "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness an d in health." But sometimes the couple has composed their own vows. They give e ach other a gold ring to symbolize their marriage commitment. Finally the minister announces the big moment: "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss th e bride!"

婚礼宴会：

At the wedding reception, the bride and groom greet their guests. Then they cut th e wedding cake and feed each other a bite. Guests mingle while enjoying cake, pu nch and other treats. (Usually at a reception a dinner is served)Later the bride thro ws her bouquet of flowers to a group of single girls. Tradition says that the one w ho catches the bouquet will be the next to marry. During the reception, playful frie nds "decorate" the couple’s car with tissue paper, tin cans and a "Just Married" sig n. When the reception is over, the newlyweds run to their "decorated" car and spe ed off. Many couples take a honeymoon, a one- to two-week vacation trip, to celeb rate their new marriage.

婚礼誓词：

[Groom’s name],take you [bride’s name],to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love.

I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

I will trust you and honor you.

I will laugh with you and cry with you.