{"id":14468,"date":"2025-01-14T14:37:26","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T19:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/?p=14468"},"modified":"2025-01-14T14:37:44","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T19:37:44","slug":"ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing","title":{"rendered":"Ottawa Wedding Traditions Worth Knowing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every country has its unique culture and traditions, and wedding customs are no exception. It\u2019s fascinating to explore how Canada and Ottawa, in particular, celebrate weddings. <a href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/uk\/\">I Ottawa<\/a> invites you to discover some intriguing and surprising wedding traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a718944d61ea\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a718944d61ea\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Money_Dance\" >Money Dance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Best_Friend_as_the_Host\" >Best Friend as the Host<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Pre-Wedding_Fundraising_Party\" >Pre-Wedding Fundraising Party<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Trousseau_Tea\" >Trousseau Tea<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#The_Wedding_Train\" >The Wedding Train<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Wedding_Circle\" >Wedding Circle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Canadian_Engagements\" >Canadian Engagements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Ottawa_Couples_Whats_Unique\" >Ottawa Couples: What\u2019s Unique<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Timeless_Traditions_Classic_Ottawa_Weddings\" >Timeless Traditions: Classic Ottawa Weddings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Popular_Wedding_Traditions_and_Their_Origins\" >Popular Wedding Traditions and Their Origins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-ottawa-wedding-traditions-worth-knowing\/#Duration_of_Ottawa_Weddings\" >Duration of Ottawa Weddings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Money_Dance\"><\/span>Money Dance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most unique traditions, the money dance is a highlight of Franco-Canadian ceremonies. Older and unmarried siblings perform a traditional dance wearing quirky, brightly coloured socks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As they dance, guests throw money at them. At the end of the performance, the collected money is gifted to the newlyweds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102022\/ad_4nxefstcvo-ksdd2sg26uueb1ghonwn854qbiqpfqoxz-k_pbasfraeedsey2mgxvf8nvpismlhq_cgx3xfm_cqyn4lzwa9b2nzv1iuxl8gkty3j6btpf7ripfgyfyo933r7mh7f-uwkey39atsggtftnnqiuq3xgmqsr2.png\" width=\"602\" height=\"360\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Friend_as_the_Host\"><\/span>Best Friend as the Host<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A well-known Canadian custom involves the couple asking a close friend to act as the host for their wedding. What does this entail? This friend becomes an integral part of the wedding festivities, taking on responsibilities related to logistics, planning, and coordination, often months in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The host typically compiles jokes and witty remarks to keep the event lively. Sometimes, two friends\u2014one for the bride and one for the groom\u2014share hosting duties, alternating throughout the event. Many Canadians agree that having a friend as a host adds a personal and charming touch to the celebration. It\u2019s also common for the hosting pair to form a closer bond, potentially leading to another wedding in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102021\/ad_4nxf3rtglfn71a35fqi-7unhsuecs3xlioumjo8rb7sfzgvrhurie3r58gohtab3aox0nzwafgtj7r9zdf3rbc59f8xngyvneqmbdb_8aqkdwdsbpztupp9bxfujlk0inolx8hfrdegkey39atsggtftnnqiuq3xgmqsr2.png\" width=\"602\" height=\"401\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pre-Wedding_Fundraising_Party\"><\/span>Pre-Wedding Fundraising Party<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This pre-wedding tradition aims to help the couple raise funds for their big day. In Ontario, these events are often called &#8220;Stag and Doe&#8221; parties, while in Manitoba, they are known as &#8220;socials.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guests purchase tickets to enjoy a lively atmosphere, games, entertainment, delicious food, and drinks. Auctions are also a popular addition to raise extra funds. Interestingly, these events are open to anyone, even those who may not be invited to the wedding itself. It\u2019s a wonderful way to support the couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trousseau_Tea\"><\/span>Trousseau Tea<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An old tradition, the trousseau tea is hosted by the bride\u2019s mother and features a lunch or dinner with invited guests. During the event, attendees get to see the bride\u2019s dress, jewellery, and trousseau. In Western Canada, it\u2019s customary to serve cakes and other sweets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This tradition reflects Canadian politeness, including those not invited to the wedding but who still wish to offer their congratulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102020\/ad_4nxd27hnjqyabttfshn8m0u9bjlzqvizc4tnkfspzhrkstizmhwjpstvqjhrsy8elqy0wllnnfscuxigzgydziswtxr0qriwm2k6ti4vmujkervs6mcuy1tmv5yoehmzzidpnhehhkey39atsggtftnnqiuq3xgmqsr2.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Wedding_Train\"><\/span>The Wedding Train<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This charming tradition involves the bride and groom meeting at the bride\u2019s parents\u2019 house before boarding a train together. Friends and family create a festive atmosphere with cheers, honking, and well-wishes, making it a memorable experience for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wedding_Circle\"><\/span>Wedding Circle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At some weddings, guests take turns dancing with the bride. Each dance requires a donation, often a dollar or more. The money collected is used to help pay for the wedding or fund the honeymoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An alternative to the wedding circle is the &#8220;shoe dance,&#8221; where guests stuff money into the bride\u2019s shoes while dancing. A modern variation replaces shoes with a white drawstring bag, offering a more practical way to collect contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Canadian_Engagements\"><\/span>Canadian Engagements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over 80% of Canadian couples choose a specific date for their engagement, with December being the most popular month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One traditional custom involves asking the bride\u2019s parents for permission. In Ottawa, many couples adhere to this practice before proposing, unlike European couples, who often make the decision together before informing their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawa_Couples_Whats_Unique\"><\/span>Ottawa Couples: What\u2019s Unique<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some notable trends among Ottawa couples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More than 76% of Canadian couples live together before marriage. In contrast, countries like Brazil and Mexico report much lower rates, around 35%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Religious weddings, typically held in chapels, are becoming less common in Canada, with only 34% of couples opting for them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signing a marriage licence during the ceremony, accompanied by music, is a Canadian custom that solidifies the union.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Canadian couples spend an average of 14 months planning their wedding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large celebrations are popular, with an average guest count of 150.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choosing a wedding date can be challenging due to unpredictable weather, with September being the most favoured month in Ottawa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timeless_Traditions_Classic_Ottawa_Weddings\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102018\/ad_4nxckuv_yqibtreuzspl1wjx9mlbgoqcymwog5vcwyiehb_2tiabu0ycfd3vuvxv4ztqcumwu9dg__ohyz4qdp8t1orucqg9hj2ymecvctukepdqqsqyrdf3borblutpbff4b8bd-4akey39atsggtftnnqiuq3xgmqsr2.png\" width=\"602\" height=\"401\"><br>Timeless Traditions: Classic Ottawa Weddings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While some brides opt for bold styles, most stick to the classic white dress. Over 85% of couples uphold the tradition of a first dance. Another staple is the honeymoon, a time-honoured part of the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Craft beer is a favourite among Ottawa residents and is often served alongside cocktails, speeches, and dancing after the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Wedding_Traditions_and_Their_Origins\"><\/span>Popular Wedding Traditions and Their Origins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#8220;Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue&#8221;: This saying originates from an old American rhyme. &#8220;Old&#8221; symbolises the past, &#8220;new&#8221; represents a happy future, &#8220;borrowed&#8221; signifies blessings from happily married friends, and &#8220;blue&#8221; stands for fidelity and love.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Matching Bridesmaids\u2019 Dresses: A Roman tradition where matching dresses were thought to confuse evil spirits. While outdated today, it remains a charming custom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Veil: Originating in Ancient Rome, the veil was believed to protect brides from evil spirits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ring on the Fourth Finger: The belief that the fourth finger is connected to the &#8220;vein of love&#8221; gave rise to this custom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Throwing Rice: Symbolising fertility and prosperity, rice is often replaced with dried lavender buds or biodegradable confetti in modern weddings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102017\/ad_4nxexvwmfvyfgj5bhesi95l-bvjnijccmezvvnjzspzpwfctudvimtkdiy8dya0wfsmhm4tclqxjv6k1rf-l1wrxjp2ywlndi594blhfmpr0tfttihqif_245egpmug-dgna6-j05key39atsggtftnnqiuq3xgmqsr2.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Duration_of_Ottawa_Weddings\"><\/span>Duration of Ottawa Weddings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Canadian weddings tend to last longer than American ones, often continuing until 2:00 AM, compared to the typical 11:00 PM end time in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some traditions have stood the test of time, while others have faded. Whether old or new, Ottawa weddings offer a glimpse into the city\u2019s rich culture and are a celebration of love and unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re ever invited to a wedding in Ottawa, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festivities and experience the joy of this beautiful celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102016\/ad_4nxdzxopojtix3jlhgy6btaqi8wc4q0frnkofelmur0abflfjy8jzkxtvwyse2_znuc3zi98mrumx4igg9rguxcsw0q6lvneg8ejig-45d5a-iaenobzdfbrtl5xpj5gaoiaapngbngkey39atsggtftnnqiuq3xgmqsr2.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every country has its unique culture and traditions, and wedding customs are no exception. It\u2019s fascinating to explore how Canada and Ottawa, in particular, celebrate weddings. I Ottawa invites you to discover some intriguing and surprising wedding traditions. Money Dance One of the most unique traditions, the money dance is a highlight of Franco-Canadian ceremonies. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":526,"featured_media":13026,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4818],"tags":[7694,7699,7697,7692,7693,7701,7698,7704,7696,7695,7691,7703,7702,7705,7700,7690],"moimportance":[501,1042,656,31,35],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[85],"class_list":["post-14468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cultural","tag-chai-trusseau","tag-money-dance","tag-vein-of-love","tag-canadian-engagement","tag-canadian-wedding","tag-canadian-wedding-traditions","tag-classic-weddings-in-ottawa","tag-couples-in-ottawa","tag-festive-train","tag-friend-host","tag-origins-of-popular-wedding-traditions","tag-wedding-circle","tag-wedding-fundraiser","tag-wedding-length-in-ottawa","tag-wedding-traditions-you-didnt-know-about","tag-weddings-in-ottawa","moimportance-recommended","moimportance-stories","moimportance-trending","moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","motype-eternal","moformat-list-short"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/526"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14468"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14468\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14487,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14468\/revisions\/14487"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13026"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14468"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=14468"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=14468"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=14468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}