A wedding is fraught with many rituals and traditions. All of them are very important and are carried out in order to protect the newlyweds’ family life from problems and to charge the relationship for prosperity and well-being. To perform all the rituals, you need to know how the parents greet the newlyweds after the registry office. This is a very beautiful and touching process.
Subtleties of the ritual
The meeting of the bride and groom may take place in different places, but the process is approximately the same, with the exception of some rules. This ritual has been carried out since ancient times and has changed slightly, but still the main stages remain unchanged.
So, what is the correct way to greet newlyweds?
- Initially, it is worth noting that the meeting is held by the groom's parents. It is believed that a girl ends up in a new family, becomes a part of her husband’s relatives, and they must bless them for further married life;
- Guests must form a conditional corridor, standing on both sides of the road. The young must pass through it. The first such corridor is made immediately next to the registry office. The newlyweds go out, and the guests shower them with candies, small coins and cereals. And since nothing stands still, rose petals, all kinds of sparkles and confetti were added to the objects with which the young people were showered. Such a trifle symbolizes wealth, love, and the appearance of healthy children. Guests should be warned not to throw change and candy too high, otherwise it may damage the bride’s hairstyle and generally give an unpleasant feeling. It should be sprinkled at the feet of the young;
- At the end of the corridor there should be the groom's parents, who are the main participants in this procedure. But nowadays, more and more often, parents are trying to be equal, so the bride and her husband are met by the parents of both parties;
- There must be a wedding shrine - a loaf. Since ancient times, this sweet pastry has been treated as something sacred. The groom's mother should be with the loaf of bread and greet the newlyweds. The loaf should be baked by a woman who is happily married;
- A traditional item at a wedding is a towel. There should be several of them, one for placing a loaf on it, the second for laying under the feet of the young. The towel is currently mostly bought in stores, but it would be right if a still unmarried girl embroidered it herself. It must be preserved throughout the entire married life;
- Parents must prepare icons with the help of which the young people will meet. It is better to ask the priest in advance which icon should be used to greet the newlyweds, but as a rule, these are icons with the holy face of the Kazan Mother of God and the Savior;
- Prepare new glasses that you have never drunk from. They are needed so that young people drink champagne or vodka;
- The tray and salt shaker must be silver.
Walk after the registry office
So, it’s done, you signed and became legal spouses. There are still 4 hours before the banquet, so how can you spend this time with benefit and pleasant memories? To prevent such a question from arising right after the marriage registration, we advise you to choose your route in advance, and we will be happy to help you with this.
Firstly, plan your route without deviating too much from the final goal of the trip - the banquet hall, and secondly, you should not take grandparents and small children on this walk. Send them to the restaurant (or wherever your banquet is being prepared). Thirdly, do not forget to take a professional photographer, it is to him that you will be especially grateful later for those photos where you are still fresh, full of strength and emotions, against the backdrop of wonderful landscapes. And the videographer will be able to make a wonderful romantic video about your holiday.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the positive and negative aspects of some places in Moscow and the Moscow region. And you can see the photo in the photo album.
Go!
Kisses Bridge
(opposite the theater "Udarnik")
According to established custom, the groom carries the bride in his arms to the other side of the bridge. A great place for celebrations and a small buffet. Great place for photo and video sessions!
Novodevichy Convent
(park from the embankment side)
Location: 5-7 minutes walk from Sportivnaya metro station. Location: between Plyushchikha and Pirogovka streets.
“+” There are very few weddings, it mainly consists of alleys, there is a gazebo, flower beds and a fountain.
“–” there is busy traffic on the adjacent roads, a lot of passers-by are in the way.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
(park near the temple and bridge)
Location: m. Kropotkinskaya
“+” is recommended for night walks - beautiful night lighting. In the park there are roses blooming without interruption from spring until late autumn. A beautiful bridge, and the temple itself.
“-” a lot of passers-by. No toilets
Central Botanical Garden
Location: Botanicheskaya st., d4
“+”Abundance of alleys, beautiful nature, there are ponds, very few people.
“–” Well, very long distances between “attractions”, lack of toilets. In winter, you can drown in the snow or get dirty; only the central alleys are cleaned.
Botanical Garden of Moscow State University
Location: Prospekt Mira, 26 (entrance directly through the blue-green glass building)
“+” Few weddings, pleasant nature, ponds, excellent views for shooting
“–” No parking, no toilets, they don’t let you in with alcohol, although they don’t search you.
Rostokinsky aqueduct
(park next to it)
Location: intersection of st. Dokukin and Mira Avenue
“+” only a park for walking and a beautiful bridge, it is recommended if you have very strict time restrictions, or you are passing nearby, then you can stop by for a couple of photos. Very few weddings.
“–” No toilets
Bagration Bridge
(for winter and bad weather)
Location: Krasnopresnenskaya embankment, next to Expo. A very good place for taking pictures in the rain or winter, a LIGHT room, in good weather you can also take pictures and there are beautiful flower beds next to it.
“–” Inside it’s interesting, but monotonous and all the plots are already hackneyed up and down. During the season there are a LOT of wedding people. And then it’s awkward to take pictures.
Red Square
(Okhotny Ryad, Alexandrovsky Garden)
One of the favorite “wedding” places. A versatile place for a walk. It is beautiful in summer, autumn, and even winter.
“+” flowers and balloons are sold, toilets are available, convenient access and parking, an excellent place for staged photographs.
“–” a large number of brides. You can no longer feel like a prom queen
Big Moskvoretsky Bridge
(located a few hundred meters from Red Square)
“+” This bridge offers an impressive view of the Kremlin, a good place for staged shots.
“–” a lot of frivolity.
Poklonnaya Gora
(Kutuzov Avenue)
A great place for a walk, especially in summer in sunny weather.
“+” there are all conditions for celebrating the occasion (presence of benches, music); the toilet is working; opportunity to ride horses; a great place for staged photos (lots of fountains); a huge space on which temples and a museum are located. Here you can release pigeons on the spot, “for free” (just be sure to buy photographs from the photographer who is “attached” to the pigeons!
“–” an insanely huge, simply gigantic influx of weddings. One of the most popular places in Moscow.
Sparrow Hills
(Observation deck)
One of the places frequently visited by newlyweds. You can come in a couple of minutes.
“+” local buffoons dance and sing for a fee; There is a cable car - a great opportunity for photographing brides.
“–” there are a lot of tourists, it is impossible for the bride to fit into the mobile toilets
Kolomenskoye Park
(Andropova Ave.)
Great place for a walk. Very beautiful.
“+” free entry, working toilet, functioning church; You can take a boat trip.
“–” Wedding processions crowd near the entrance, which is not very convenient for the newlyweds and for drivers. It's a long walk, alcohol is prohibited, and you might not even be allowed in with it.
Kuzminki Park
Location: St. Kuzminskaya, st. Ak. Scriabin. (entrance from Volgogradsky Prospekt).
“+” Bridges, architecture, there are bodies of water.
“–” From Ak. Scriabin is a lot of people, all kinds of garbage, tents, ugly buildings. All this must be carefully excluded from the frame.
In general, Kuzminki is a typically Russian estate, and not a European one, unlike Kuskovo. There are no straight bushes or alleys.
Lukino Estate
(Peredelkino)
Location: next to the Peredelkino platform
- Fence;
- Church of the Transfiguration;
- Figured pond;
- Linden alleys.
Kuskovo
(Ryazansky Ave.)
A great place for a walk at any time of the year.
“+” a wonderful park - a great place for staged shots; you can take pictures inside the palace; Convenient access and parking. Note: if the main purpose of the walk is photo/video shooting, then guests can be left outside the estate, as long as they are provided with snacks and champagne. In addition, young people and witnesses have free entry.
“–” Paid entrance, you need to take additional tickets for photo/video shooting, alcohol is not allowed. Very strict control, but sometimes how lucky you are, it depends on the mood of the guards. It happens that they let you in with alcohol, they only ask you not to get impudent and drink alcohol in the central alleys, sometimes they search you (probably depending on your mood, they ask you to show the contents of your bags, including from the photographer and videographer). A large number of weddings. Unfortunately, you can’t really take pictures inside the buildings; everything is tied with restrictive ropes, which are monitored by vigilant granny guards and don’t let anyone in.
Boring Garden
Location: Leninsky Prospekt, 30 Metro: Leninsky Prospekt, Oktyabrskaya metro station
"+" consists of three estates from the 18th century. Many architectural monuments are still preserved here, for example, the house of Count Orlov (1796), a house with a rotunda and a three-span arched bridge. Admission is free, and in winter there is the opportunity to ride a sleigh.
“–” benches are available only on the embankment.
Bridge near Central Park and Neskuchny Garden and Neskuchny Garden
(for winter and bad weather)
Location: Leninsky Prospekt, 30 Metro: Leninsky Prospekt, Oktyabrskaya
“+” You can shoot in the rain, it’s light indoors, in good weather you can shoot nearby - both on the bridge itself in the air and outside it: a wooden arch, there are stairs, you can go down to the Neskuchny Garden.
“–” the architecture is not very different from other bridges, if there are a lot of people, then everything is bad too...
Tsaritsyno Park
Location: near Tsaritsyno metro station.
“+” Various subjects are possible: arches, ponds, trees, palaces, alleys, bridges, etc., there are few weddings during the season.
“–” Quite far from the center and standard wedding venues, there are a lot of people and a lot of walking.
Bridge near Bolotnaya Square
Location: In the center, on Bolotnaya street.
“+” Not far from the city center, a standard place for carrying the bride across the bridge.
“–” Besides the transfer of the bride and a few shots on the bridge, there is practically nothing to shoot.
GUM
(for winter and bad weather)
“+” City center, beautiful architecture, several floors, convenient to run from floor to floor, fountain. You can negotiate with some boutiques and shoot in the surroundings of their props. It all depends on the creative approach of the photographer.
“–” Quite monotonous, there are almost no weddings, but there are a lot of people.
Hermitage Garden
Location: st. Karetny Ryad, 3 Metro: Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya
“+” Garden and park ensemble of the late 19th - early 20th centuries. Winter gardens, benches, a fountain, shady alleys with gazebos, squirrels, pheasants, pigeons, lanterns, flowers, cozy restaurants, a summer stage where famous performers perform. In winter, the Hermitage turns into an ice skating rink.
“–” Admission is paid if there are any events taking place on the territory.
Ostankino Estate
Location: VDNKh metro station, Alekseevskaya metro station.
“+” Beautiful views, ponds, architecture, park next to the estate.
“–” Entrance to the estate is paid; after rain, the museum park is supposed to dry out for a day - so you should go here with caution.
Alekseevsky Bridge
(for winter and bad weather)
Bridge connecting Frunzenskaya and Pushkinskaya embankments. Location: between Neskuchny Garden and Gorky Park.
“+” Closed glass bridge, heated - an indispensable place for a walk in winter, the opportunity to take off outerwear in winter.
“–” It’s very hot inside in the summer.
Izmailovsky Park
Location: Izmalovsky Park metro station, Izmailovskaya metro station, Shosse Entuziastov
“+” The main advantage is preserved birch groves, pine forests, ancient ponds. Architectural monuments of the 18th century have also been preserved in the park.
“–” Long distances, remoteness.
Vorontsovsky Park
Location: metro station New Cheryomushki
“+” This is a park with picturesque oak and birch alleys, which is located on the territory of the former possession of the boyar Voronets (XVI century). The buildings of the 18th century have been preserved there: the entrance gate with a guard tower, two service buildings, two outbuildings, the Trinity Church, as well as ponds. Free admission.
“–” Long distances, lack of toilets.
Catherine Park
Location: Suvorovskaya square, 2 m. Prospect Mira
“+” Architecture, alleys, pond.
“–” Unknown yet.
Manezhnaya Square
(for winter and bad weather)
Do you want to be the center of attention? Do you want to be the only bride on the walk? Manezhka is a great place for this.
“+” Few brides; great place if the weather is bad outside; you can always buy a snack if you run out of one; An indispensable walking destination for winter brides.
“–” High prices for food and souvenirs, many foreigners.
Lianozovsky Park
Location: st. Uglichskaya, 13, Altufyevo metro station, geographically not very far from the Botanical Garden.
“+” Beautiful gazebos, white bridge, flower beds, waterfall, pond. Guests can be left to enjoy the rides during the photo shoot.
“–” Only for walks in the warm season.
Trubetskoy estate in Khamovniki
(former Mandelstam garden)
Location: near the Frunzenskaya metro station, behind the MDM building.
“+” On the territory there is a pond, bridges, an orchard, a winter garden with a collection of flowers.
“–” You cannot drink alcohol or smoke in the park. The park's opening hours are limited; there are sanitary days. If you decide to go there for a wedding, it is better to go a few days earlier and make an agreement.
Kyiv Bridge
(for winter and bad weather)
Location: near Kyiv metro station. Connects the Rostov and Berezhkovskaya embankments.
“+” Covered bridge, you can hide from the rain in it, there are small benches on the bridge.
“–” Recommended for photo/video shooting only during rain.
Furniture Museum on Taganka
(for winter and bad weather)
Location: on Taganka
“+” A lot of interesting and varied subjects for photography, suitable for photography in bad weather
“–” Paid photo session, must be agreed in advance.
Beyond the Moscow Ring Road.
Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery
It is located 5–8 km from the Moscow Ring Road in the city of Dzerzhinsky.
It is very convenient if you live in one of the areas, for example Orekhovo or Borisovsky Ponds. Very beautiful!
“+” Many centuries-old trees, a huge number of ancient churches, chapels, a monastery wall. Flowerbeds, well-groomed lawns. A beautiful pond with ducks and a pair of white and a pair of black swans. The beauty is fabulous.
“–” Not found. There are 3 restaurants near the monastery. Beyond the Moscow Ring Road.
Ostafyevo Estate
This is the south of the capital, 8 km from the Moscow Ring Road. Near Moscow region. Landmark - South Butovo, Shcherbinka. By the way, the distance is closer than Arkhangelskoye.
“+” A single fixed paid entrance to the entire wedding; in 2008, a ticket cost 800 rubles without limiting guests. Suitable for a walk in late spring, summer or early autumn: lack of people, landscapes, colonnade - this place is worth a walk there.
“–” Distance from Moscow. Half of the estate is under restoration. There are a large number of weddings during the season; if you walk, you will have to cover quite some distances. Beyond the Moscow Ring Road.
Arkhangelskoe
(5th kilometer of Ilinskoe highway via Volokolamskoe highway or Moscow-Riga highway)
“+” A very colorful place for a walk. Want to get great shots? This is where you should go.
“–” Beyond the Moscow Ring Road.
Crocus City Mall
(for winter and bad weather)
Just outside the Moscow Ring Road, between Novorizhskoe and Volokolamsk highways.
“+” Great place for winter brides; beautiful interior for a photo shoot
“–” The driver is paid extra (for rented cars) for driving outside the Moscow Ring Road.
Serednikovo Estate
Located in the eastern part of Solnechnogorsk district; turn to Firsanovka from Leningradskoye Highway, before reaching Zelenograd.
PSIf you have any comments or additions about these walk places, do not hesitate to write your comments in the Reviews section. Future newlyweds will thank you!
Meeting young people in a restaurant
Usually, after the official registration of marriage, the newlyweds go to a wedding photo shoot, and the guests go to a restaurant. Guests and parents have time to prepare for the meeting of the newlyweds. In this ritual, the main role is occupied by the parents of the husband and wife, and the guests directly participate. The guests should form a corridor along which the new young family will walk, and in such a way that under no circumstances will anyone be behind them.
Walking down the corridor, the newlyweds are greeted by their parents. As it was said earlier, this should be done by the groom’s parents, but it is also allowed for the bride’s parents to be there. In fact, it’s even much simpler, because the ritual contains many small details and nuances that can be easily distributed among four people. The mother-in-law holds a tray on which there is a towel, a loaf of bread, salt, and glasses of champagne. The mother of the bride should hold the icons. The bride and groom must bow deeply to their parents.
The most interesting moment comes. Young people should try the loaf. It is believed that whoever bites or tears off a piece of loaf the most is the head of the family, but recently husband and wife each take the same piece so that there are no disagreements in the family. Then you should dip the pieces of loaf in salt and feed each other. Next, dad gives glasses to the newlyweds, they drink to the bottom, breaking them to smithereens. All actions of parents are aimed at improving the family and their well-being. After this ritual, the husband and wife enter the banquet hall, followed by the guests.
Newlyweds meeting at home
Sometimes, after official registration, the newlyweds are sent to their parents' home. The ceremony takes place exactly the same as if the event took place in a restaurant. But there is one distinctive point: after the meeting, the husband and wife enter the house, on the threshold of which lies a castle. The father must close this lock and throw away the keys.
It is recommended to make a video that will capture this entire ritual.
How to meet newlyweds after the registry office: some deviations from traditions
It is not always possible to fully perform these rituals. In such cases, a young family can receive blessings in another way.
Immediately upon leaving the registry office building, the newlyweds may be greeted with a loaf of bread or simply with champagne and sprinkled with various symbolic objects. Also at this moment, many couples like to release doves.
Also, due to life circumstances, a husband’s parents cannot always bless him with a young wife. Then the oldest relative in the family takes on this function. In addition, the groom’s godparents can also give a blessing to the young family.
In addition, not everyone knows how to welcome newlyweds after the registry office at home, if it is not a wedding banquet hall. And this is not surprising, because there can be a variety of rituals here. One of the traditions, for example, is seeing a young couple home, where, before entering the apartment or the house itself, the groom must carry his bride in his arms through a lock lying on the floor. After which, the eldest in the family closes this lock and throws away the key. This symbolizes the end of a man’s single life.
Following these customs, unfortunately, does not protect against problems in family life. However, creating a festive atmosphere at a wedding is impossible without them. And sincere wishes of love and happiness make this day even more special for the newlyweds.
Where and when should the groom's parents meet the newlyweds?
In those days when there were no such institutions as the registry office, the wedding ceremony was held in the church. And after the wedding, the groom’s parents met the newlyweds in their house, since it was customary that the young family would live in the husband’s house.
Today, the meeting of newlyweds after the registry office has become more common. This is due to the fact that not all young couples get married, and sometimes they postpone the wedding ceremony in the church to another day. The newlyweds are still greeted by the groom's parents; more precisely, the main role in holding this event belongs to the mother-in-law.
Another change that modernity has made to the ancient custom is that now parents meet the newlyweds at the entrance not to the groom’s house, but to a restaurant or any other establishment where such an important event is celebrated. After all, previously, weddings were always held at home, but now preference is increasingly given to restaurants, so going home just so as not to violate the ancient custom is not entirely reasonable.
How to celebrate a wedding day without a banquet: original ideas
The morning of the special day will be spent in the usual chores: dressing the bride in a wedding dress, the groom in a formal suit, the traditional ransom ceremony. But if you still decide to invite several guests to the wedding, organize a small buffet for them with sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and champagne.
It is advisable to start the marriage registration ceremony earlier, for example, at 10-11 o’clock. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the young couple should have their own fantastic photo shoot. Hiring a photographer and videographer will not cost much, but you will leave a memory of this day forever.
After such a long walk, the guests will already be hungry, so it would be appropriate to feed them at the groom’s home. If possible, prepare a feast for them in one of the cafes or restaurants in the park where the photo shoot is taking place.
After this, the invitees can solemnly escort the young couple on their honeymoon.
As an option, after the registry office - hold a small banquet, celebrating the wedding outdoors in tents, with barbecue. To celebrate the holiday in style, you will have to take care of setting up tents, organizing barbecues, and a buffet table, but in return you are guaranteed a lot of positive emotions!
How to organize a wedding without a banquet outdoors in a tent, watch the video:
An extremely romantic idea would be to celebrate a wedding in a historical castle or palace, organizing an outdoor buffet. Fresh air, greenery, and the chirping of birds will create a great holiday mood.
Well, for lovers of active recreation, we invite you to celebrate your wedding on board the ship. Unique seascapes, the whisper of waves, the salty smell of the sea will make your wedding extremely original.
What traditions exist for newlyweds to be welcomed by the groom's parents?
There is no single opinion on how to meet the groom's young parents, so everyone chooses the option that both families and their close relatives prefer. The main goal of this event is to bring prosperity to the newlyweds in their future lives.
One of the most common customs is the meeting of the bride and groom with bread and salt. Some parents prefer to greet their children with glasses filled with wine. There are also people who believe that the main attribute of a wedding is the wedding loaf, and it is this that the mother of the groom should hold in her hands when the newlyweds meet. Believing parents prefer to greet young people with icons.
An integral part of the wedding event called “meeting of the newlyweds” is the showering of the bride and groom with grain, sweets, rose petals or confetti. This ceremony is performed by the mother-in-law, sometimes guests join her.
How parents greet newlyweds from the registry office
At the threshold, the parents of the newlyweds meet their children with parting words and congratulations. Newlyweds should, according to tradition, bow three times to their parents at the waist. There should be nothing behind them, just an empty road. After the bride and groom walk through the “rain,” they must taste the loaf. The newly-made mother-in-law brings bread and salt on an elegant towel so that the bride and groom can taste the “salt of the earth” and “bread of the world.” Real experts in customs say that you should definitely bite and not break off, but you can also break off if the bride is afraid of ruining her makeup. It is believed that the one who bites (breaks off) the most will be the most important in the family. Breaking off a loaf, the newlyweds exchange pieces of it, after dipping them in salt, and then kiss. So, they symbolically annoyed each other for the last time, and after that they should have a life without quarrels. Nowadays it is fashionable to replace salt on a loaf with chocolate or sugar to make family life sweeter.
When the mother-in-law meets, she blesses the children with an icon, most often depicting the image of the Mother of God. The bride's father holds two new glasses on a tray, and the groom's father pours champagne or wine. Next, the young drink to the dregs for a strong family and throw the glasses over their left shoulder so that they break into pieces, for good luck. Previously, couples, before drinking, first baptized the drink in order to rid themselves of damage and the evil eye.
After all the customs have been observed, the newlyweds head to the festive banquet hall, followed by the invited guests. Sometimes at the beginning of the celebration, the bride and groom distribute pieces of loaf to the guests. They say that if the loaf is not eaten, then the house will be in need.
Meeting young people after the registry office is a tradition that symbolizes the formation of a new family, the transfer of family values and the connection between parents and young people. But whatever customs and traditions are at your wedding, the main thing is that this memorable day is filled with happiness and joy.
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What do parents need to prepare to welcome the newlyweds?
It is important for the groom’s parents to think in advance about what rituals they will perform when meeting their son and daughter-in-law, and to prepare all the necessary attributes for this. Moreover, it is better to do this in advance, so that at the most crucial moment it does not turn out that something is missing at hand.
So, first of all, think about what words you will use to greet your children. And if you are afraid of forgetting your speech, write it on a piece of paper. To carry out the rituals you will need icons, bread and salt or a loaf, two towels - one for the bread and the other for the feet of the newlyweds, two new glasses, champagne, as well as grain, candy or rose petals, which you will sprinkle on the newlyweds when entering the restaurant .
How newlyweds should behave when they meet the groom's parents
The newlyweds, approaching the groom's house or the entrance to the restaurant where their parents meet them, and stepping onto the towel laid out for them, must first bow to their parents three times and cross themselves (if they meet with an icon).
Next, if they are greeted with a loaf of bread or bread and salt, break off a piece of it and let each other taste it. At this stage, you can determine who will be the head of the new family - it depends on who broke off a piece of bread or loaf faster. If the spouses managed to do this at the same time, then you can be sure that there will be harmony and order in everything in their home.
After the parents serve the newlyweds glasses filled with champagne, they must mark them with the sign of the cross three times, which will protect them from possible troubles. Next, the bride and groom should sip a little champagne from the glasses, pour the rest behind their backs, and then break the glasses. After the meeting ceremony, the newlyweds can safely head to the hall to continue the celebration.
Words from the mother-in-law when the newlyweds meet
According to ancient traditions, the first words of congratulations to the newlyweds on the creation of a new family are pronounced by the mother of the groom. What exactly the first words of the mother-in-law at the wedding will be depends on her wishes. Someone prefers to learn poetry for this purpose, someone prepares a beautiful speech in prose, and someone pronounces the words that came to mind at the moment the newlyweds met, without preparing in advance.
It's up to you to decide what to do! However, it is worth noting that it is better to think in advance about what exactly you will say when the bride and groom meet, so as not to find yourself in an awkward position in front of the newlyweds and guests. Of course, learning poetry, firstly, is not something everyone can do, and secondly, due to excitement, you can easily forget the rhymed lines. Therefore, it is best to prepare a short congratulatory speech in prose.
The words of the mother-in-law at the wedding could be, for example, the following: “Our dear children! I would like to congratulate you on your marriage and wish that the union you have created will be strong and filled with happiness. Remain as beautiful and happy as you are today for many years of your family life!” After the first words, the ceremony of meeting the newlyweds will take place depending on the traditions chosen by the parents and newlyweds.
Traditional meeting of young parents
These traditions go back as far as the nineteenth century. Since then, baking loaves for newlyweds has been firmly rooted for many years. The loaf was baked from wheat or rye flour, and the top of the pie was decorated with images of doves. As you know, this is a symbol of love and fidelity. Another decoration was wheat ears - a symbol of wealth and fertility.
The girl's parents escorted the newlyweds from the house and gave parting words, and the father-in-laws with a loaf of bread met the newly-made husband and wife on the threshold of the house. With a loaf of bread, the young people were blessed for a long and carefree life, and a new daughter was welcomed into the house. Until the end of the celebration, the loaf was on the table, after which it was divided among the guests. A guest who received a piece of pie had to give something in return.
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Blessing of the newlyweds icons
All parents dream that their children’s marriage will be strong and long, so the most exciting moment in the wedding is the blessing. Believing families use icons to carry out this ritual.
In addition to the fact that the bride’s mother blesses her at home with the oldest icon before handing it over to her future husband, and the groom’s mother blesses her son before leaving the house, the newlyweds also meet with an icon or two (depending on the traditions in a particular locality) at the entrance in a restaurant.
Where can I get icons to bless newlyweds?
Where exactly to get the icons for blessing is decided in each family. You can use those with which the groom's parents got married or the oldest icons in the house, which, for example, she got from her mother, and she got from her mother or grandmother.
In addition, you can buy new icons; fortunately, today even special sets of them are sold, intended for blessing the newlyweds during the wedding. After the ceremony, the icons are placed next to the loaf, and at the end of the wedding, the newlyweds bring them into their home as a talisman.
Meeting the newlyweds with bread and salt
Many modern people do not know how to greet the groom's young parents with bread and salt, despite the fact that this ritual is quite ancient. After all, it has its roots back in the days when newlyweds lived in their husband’s house. With bread and salt, the mother-in-law welcomed her daughter-in-law into her house as a new tenant.
Nowadays, this custom has no practical significance, since most newlyweds live separately from their parents after the wedding, but nevertheless, many people like it, and they have every right to have their son and daughter-in-law meet in just such a way. “We welcome the newlyweds with bread and salt...” are the words said by the groom’s mother at the entrance to the house or any establishment where the wedding will be celebrated.
It is important not to forget that the bread is placed on the embroidered towel, and the salt is placed on top of the bread. Under no circumstances should the salt shaker be placed next to the bread, as this symbolizes poverty. And, of course, it is necessary to ensure that the salt does not spill, as this promises quarrels in a young family.
Meeting the newlyweds with a loaf of bread and glasses of wine
In some localities there is a custom to greet newlyweds with a loaf of bread and glasses filled with champagne. However, until the time comes for this ceremony, few people think about how to greet the groom’s young parents with a loaf of bread and champagne.
So, for this you need to prepare a silver tray, new glasses, champagne, two wedding towels and a loaf of bread. The groom's mother greets the newlyweds with a loaf of bread, which must be placed on the towel. And the father at this time holds a tray with glasses and champagne, symbolizing the sweetness of married life.
A second towel is laid in front of the parents, which the newlyweds step on as they approach their parents. A towel is laid under the feet of the young so that their path will be as beautiful, festive, bright and clean. The meeting of the newlyweds with a loaf of bread promises them a rich and happy future.
Sprinkling of the newlyweds by the groom's parents
After the marriage, meeting and blessing, the mother of the groom can also perform the sprinkling ceremony. For this purpose, our ancestors used a mixture of young grain (rice, millet, oats), coins and sweets. Such “rain” symbolized wealth, prosperity and sweet life.
Today, it is no less common to see the mother of the groom greeting the newlyweds and showering them with rose petals. They symbolize beauty and eternal love, which, of course, all newlyweds dream of. Even more modern parents use confetti to shower the bride and groom. This method is no less beautiful, and the same wishes for happiness and goodness are invested in this ritual.
Whatever method you choose, it is important not to forget about the practical side of this ritual. So, it is worth keeping in mind that if you are showered with grain, sweets and coins, it is better to sprinkle them under your feet, otherwise the joy from this custom may be eclipsed by getting grain in the eyes or ruining the bride’s hairstyle.
Now you know how young parents greet young people in different localities and families. All that remains is to choose the rituals that are most suitable for you. However, no matter which of them you prefer, the main thing is that they are carried out with all your heart and your children like them. And then the wedding will be fun and unforgettable!
Before planning the order of the wedding celebration, two families need to consult and find out under what scenario the wedding will take place . If the parents and newlyweds decide to adhere to Christian traditions, then the wedding ceremony of meeting the newlyweds after the wedding and wedding ceremony must take place with bread and salt.
What are the rules for greeting young people with a loaf of bread?
Wedding ceremony - meeting the newlyweds with a loaf
A person celebrates the most joyful and significant events in his life with his closest and dearest people. In this way we share our happiness and good fortune with our dear loved ones and friends. A wedding celebration combines several emotions:
- the joy of creating a new family;
- state of holiday;
- the beauty and originality of traditions and rituals inherent in the birth of the union of two loving hearts.
By observing the centuries-old customs of our ancestors , we thereby pay tribute to our rich history.
Honoring certain traditions, newlyweds must understand the deep meaning that the tradition conveys, the symbolism that can ensure the well-being of a young family .
In order for the ceremony to most accurately comply with the old canons and to be carried out correctly, it is necessary to consult with the clergyman of the temple where the wedding ceremony was held
A spiritual mentor will suggest many points:
- how to properly meet newlyweds after church and the registry office;
- what icons need to be held in your hands;
- what parting words should be said to the newlyweds.
The blessing of the newlyweds takes place on the threshold of the room where the festive feast will take place. Parents arrive there in advance, preparing to meet the newlyweds after a photo shoot and pleasure ride in cars. Guests also come a little earlier to meet the newlyweds and congratulate them on their legal marriage .
Pieces of loaf in the hands of the newlyweds
Both the parents of the groom and the parents of the bride can present bread and salt. The newlyweds may be , for example, in poetry or funny prose. Where else can you joke and laugh, rejoice and wish happiness from the heart, if not at a wedding. You can take advantage of this and set the tone for the entire celebration at the very beginning.
You, me, and you and I...at a wedding without a banquet
Any couple has the right to choose an intimate wedding without unnecessary pomp . The point here is not necessarily about money or the mature age of those entering into marriage - simply lovers want to celebrate the first significant event in their life together in a close circle.
Sometimes circumstances turn out this way, or the newlyweds themselves are inclined to hold the wedding without any guests.
- There is no financial opportunity to spend a lot of money on a big reception. However, this does not mean at all that such a significant day will pass through everyday life and will not be marked by anything. There are wonderful options that are suitable for such an occasion and will leave an unforgettable experience. And most importantly, a wedding without a banquet will not only save the budget, but will also allow you to do without a toastmaster.
- There is enough money, but I want to devote this significant day entirely to myself and my other half. And not to spoil your nerves because the courier did not deliver the flowers on time, an ugly stain appeared on the dress, more guests arrived at the celebration than originally planned, or, as quite often happens at weddings, a fight broke out between one of them .
- The newlyweds can’t wait to retire after the wedding ceremony and not see anyone else for the next month, or even two.
- Not everyone likes noisy celebrations with ambiguous jokes, hints, and an emphasis on the erotic, physical component of the wedding, which is observed almost everywhere, especially in competitions. Sometimes young people want to organize their wedding quietly and modestly, without pomp and without slippery witticisms.
Meeting the groom at the bride's house
As a rule, this ritual is preserved at many weddings, however, there are couples who do not want to conduct a bride price. If the ceremony is carried out, then this episode of the wedding can become one of the brightest moments of the holiday. After all, the bridesmaids and friends of the groom take part in it, and this is a competition between young people in resourcefulness , sparkling humor, and an element of the groom’s “struggle” for his beloved appears. In addition, the bride's parents meet the groom with bread and salt.
This beautiful ritual of wishing happiness to the newlyweds, prosperity and success in all endeavors is an important psychological aspect for newlyweds
The bride's friends prepare various competitions and jokes for the groom and his friends to create an original meeting. After passing all the tests, the groom wins a place next to his beloved , completing the wedding ritual. While waiting for her betrothed, a girl can decorate the room with balloons, flowers, candles and rose petals. This will create a romantic atmosphere and a special aura of tenderness and love.
The bride takes a bite of a loaf
What to do before the official wedding
First of all, the solemn day begins with the awakening of the bride and groom - each in their own apartment, or with their parents and other relatives. From the very morning, a witness should come to the groom, and a witness to the bride, to help get ready and not forget anything.
When everyone is already dressed and the images are finished, at a certain hour the groom goes to pick up his beloved. Traditionally, the bridesmaid and bridesmaids prepare the ransom. This is a very fun and interesting ritual, during which all young people gather.
The groom is not allowed to enter the bride's house. Numerous tasks and questions have been invented for him, the entire entrance is decorated with posters and balloons. A witness can conduct the ransom, but you can also hire a professional toastmaster.
Competitions should be interesting and funny, but you need to try not to put the groom in an awkward position, because today he is the hero of the day, he needs to be in front of everyone. The witness must ensure that he and the groom have enough money for the ransom. They will need to be exchanged first; there should be a lot of bills.
After passing numerous tests, the groom is finally able to see his bride. For an Orthodox union, it is very important to receive a blessing from parents. The moment when parents bless their children for marriage is very touching. This is one of the most beautiful wedding rituals.
The blessing takes place immediately after the ransom. The bride's parents are the first to bless the groom. In some cases, godparents may also be invited.
For this ritual you need to buy certain icons, which will become the main ones in the young family. They will protect the family hearth.
After this ceremony is completed, everyone present is offered a glass of champagne and you can safely go to the registry office. At the registry office, the marriage is officially registered, the young family receives its first common document - a marriage certificate.
Most guests come here. The invitation must indicate the name of the registry office and the address where it is located. It is not customary to say anything during the registrar's official speech. Everyone must remain quiet and remain calm.
Of course, this moment is very touching, which is why at almost every wedding someone cries. The ceremonial speech ends with affixing signatures in the registration book. After this, according to tradition, the groom can kiss the bride.
Afterwards, all the guests congratulate the young family, who have secured their relationship at the legislative level. The marriage process takes no more than 30 minutes. Now it is enough for only the bride and groom to come to the registry office. Even witnesses are not required.
How to greet newlyweds at the entrance to a restaurant?
If the celebration is planned to be celebrated not at home, but in a restaurant or cafe, then the scenario of the ceremony of welcoming the newlyweds changes in accordance with the location of the celebration. Meeting in a cafe is not much different from meeting at home or in front of a restaurant. The threshold of the room symbolizes the threshold to a new life called “family”.
Meeting guests in the banquet hall is one of the important moments of the wedding celebration. It is impossible to gather all the invitees at exactly six o'clock in the evening - some will come earlier, some later. To prevent guests from wandering around the restaurant halls, you should organize an aperitif table for them. It usually contains bottles of light alcohol and snacks on skewers. You can also familiarize guests with the building plan:
- show where the toilet is;
- smoking room;
- what to do with children;
- where to put gifts.
Meeting young people with ribbons at the doorstep
