Every country has its unique culture and traditions, and wedding customs are no exception. It’s 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. Older and unmarried siblings perform a traditional dance wearing quirky, brightly coloured socks.
As they dance, guests throw money at them. At the end of the performance, the collected money is gifted to the newlyweds.
Best Friend as the Host
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.
The host typically compiles jokes and witty remarks to keep the event lively. Sometimes, two friends—one for the bride and one for the groom—share 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’s also common for the hosting pair to form a closer bond, potentially leading to another wedding in the future.
Pre-Wedding Fundraising Party
This pre-wedding tradition aims to help the couple raise funds for their big day. In Ontario, these events are often called “Stag and Doe” parties, while in Manitoba, they are known as “socials.”
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’s a wonderful way to support the couple.
Trousseau Tea
An old tradition, the trousseau tea is hosted by the bride’s mother and features a lunch or dinner with invited guests. During the event, attendees get to see the bride’s dress, jewellery, and trousseau. In Western Canada, it’s customary to serve cakes and other sweets.
This tradition reflects Canadian politeness, including those not invited to the wedding but who still wish to offer their congratulations.
The Wedding Train
This charming tradition involves the bride and groom meeting at the bride’s parents’ 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.
Wedding Circle
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.
An alternative to the wedding circle is the “shoe dance,” where guests stuff money into the bride’s shoes while dancing. A modern variation replaces shoes with a white drawstring bag, offering a more practical way to collect contributions.
Canadian Engagements
Over 80% of Canadian couples choose a specific date for their engagement, with December being the most popular month.
One traditional custom involves asking the bride’s 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.
Ottawa Couples: What’s Unique
Here are some notable trends among Ottawa couples:
- More than 76% of Canadian couples live together before marriage. In contrast, countries like Brazil and Mexico report much lower rates, around 35%.
- Religious weddings, typically held in chapels, are becoming less common in Canada, with only 34% of couples opting for them.
- Signing a marriage licence during the ceremony, accompanied by music, is a Canadian custom that solidifies the union.
- Canadian couples spend an average of 14 months planning their wedding.
- Large celebrations are popular, with an average guest count of 150.
- Choosing a wedding date can be challenging due to unpredictable weather, with September being the most favoured month in Ottawa.
Timeless Traditions: Classic Ottawa Weddings
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.
Craft beer is a favourite among Ottawa residents and is often served alongside cocktails, speeches, and dancing after the ceremony.
Popular Wedding Traditions and Their Origins
- “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”: This saying originates from an old American rhyme. “Old” symbolises the past, “new” represents a happy future, “borrowed” signifies blessings from happily married friends, and “blue” stands for fidelity and love.
- Matching Bridesmaids’ Dresses: A Roman tradition where matching dresses were thought to confuse evil spirits. While outdated today, it remains a charming custom.
- Veil: Originating in Ancient Rome, the veil was believed to protect brides from evil spirits.
- Ring on the Fourth Finger: The belief that the fourth finger is connected to the “vein of love” gave rise to this custom.
- Throwing Rice: Symbolising fertility and prosperity, rice is often replaced with dried lavender buds or biodegradable confetti in modern weddings.
Duration of Ottawa Weddings
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.
Some traditions have stood the test of time, while others have faded. Whether old or new, Ottawa weddings offer a glimpse into the city’s rich culture and are a celebration of love and unity.
If you’re ever invited to a wedding in Ottawa, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festivities and experience the joy of this beautiful celebration.
