Traditional

This is the "white wedding" most Americans think of when they consider what a wedding is like. Usually there are bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girls, ring bearers and so forth. The wedding may take place in a church or outside. The ceremony can be Christian or secular (non-religious).

This kind of wedding requires a rehearsal so the members of the wedding party know where to go, when they are to do it, and what other duties they might have during the ceremony itself.

Common wedding customs include the unity candle lighting, the ring exchange, presentation of tokens (such as an embroidered handkerchief) to the mothers, the giving of wedding favors, and the throwing of rice (or confetti, rose petals or blowing of bubbles) as the couple leaves the church.

At the reception there are usually toasts made, a cake cutting, dancing (if the religion allows it), a bouquet toss and sometimes a garter toss.