1. Jumping the Broom
This tradition, rooted in African American and some European wedding customs, symbolizes the couple’s transition into married life, according to Ariana LaBarrie from Brides. The act of jumping over the broom represents sweeping away the past and leaping into a new future together. Many couples who include this ritual feel a strong connection to their heritage and appreciate its deeper significance. While not as common in mainstream American weddings, it remains a meaningful moment for those who embrace it.
Jumping the broom is often incorporated into the ceremony with music, dancing, or heartfelt words from the officiant. Some couples even personalize their brooms with decorations, engraving, or ribbons to make them a keepsake. Though it may seem unfamiliar to many outside the U.S., this tradition has a rich history and continues to be cherished in modern weddings. It serves as both a cultural tribute and a joyful, symbolic act of unity.
2. The Money Dance
The money dance is a playful and practical tradition where wedding guests pin cash onto the bride and groom in exchange for a dance, as Chapelle Johnson from The Knot shares. This practice, which has roots in various cultures, is a way for loved ones to contribute financially to the couple’s new life together. While it might seem unusual to those unfamiliar with it, the money dance is meant to be a fun, interactive way to celebrate. Guests enjoy the opportunity to share a special dance while also helping the newlyweds start their journey.
Different regions have variations of this tradition, with some using baskets, satin purses, or even envelopes instead of pinning cash. Regardless of the method, the dance is often accompanied by lively music and laughter, making it a highlight of the reception. In an era where wedding costs are high, many couples appreciate this gesture of goodwill. Though some may view it as unconventional, the money dance remains a cherished part of many American weddings.
3. The Cake Smash
While cutting the wedding cake is a widely recognized tradition, many American couples take it a step further by playfully smashing cake into each other’s faces, according to The Guardian. What started as a spontaneous moment has become a staple of many receptions, often resulting in laughter and hilarious photos. Some couples embrace the mess, while others opt for a more subtle cake-feeding approach. Either way, it’s a lighthearted tradition that adds an element of fun to the formalities of a wedding.
Despite its popularity, not everyone is a fan of the cake smash, with some brides and grooms preferring to keep things elegant. However, for those who partake, it’s seen as a symbol of the couple’s playful relationship and willingness to let loose. Guests often cheer as the couple smears frosting and crumbs on each other, creating a moment of pure joy. Though some cultures might find it odd, it’s one of those American wedding quirks that’s here to stay.
4. The Bridal Shower
Bridal showers, which date back to the 19th century, are a pre-wedding gathering where the bride is showered with gifts and well-wishes. Originally, they served as a way to support brides who lacked a dowry, ensuring they had essential household items for married life, according to Jaimie Mackey from Brides. Today, they’ve evolved into a fun celebration with games, food, and heartfelt moments shared among friends and family. Many brides see this as an opportunity to connect with loved ones before the big day.
Unlike in many cultures where wedding gifts are presented only at the ceremony, Americans embrace this additional event dedicated to the bride. Themed showers, from tea parties to tropical getaways, have become increasingly popular, adding a modern twist to the tradition. While some outsiders may view it as excessive, for many American brides, a bridal shower is a cherished experience. It’s one more way to celebrate love and new beginnings.
5. A Unity Ceremony
Many American weddings incorporate a unity ceremony to symbolize the blending of two lives. These can take various forms, from lighting a single candle to mixing colored sand, each carrying a deep symbolic meaning. The unity ritual often takes place during the wedding ceremony, offering an intimate and personal touch. It serves as a visual representation of the couple’s commitment and the joining of their families.
While lighting candles and pouring sand are common, some couples get creative with tree planting, wine blending, or even tying ropes. This aspect of the ceremony allows for personalization, making it unique to each couple. Though unfamiliar to many outside the U.S., the unity ceremony has grown in popularity due to its heartfelt significance. Whether simple or elaborate, it creates a lasting memory for the couple and their guests.
6. Breaking the Glass
A well-known tradition in Jewish weddings, breaking the glass symbolizes the fragility of relationships and the beginning of a new life together. At the end of the ceremony, the groom (and sometimes the bride) steps on a glass wrapped in cloth, shattering it as guests cheer, “Mazel Tov!” It’s a moment that marks the transition from singlehood to marriage and reminds the couple to cherish their bond. While this practice is deeply rooted in Jewish culture, it has also been embraced by interfaith and multicultural weddings.
The origins of the glass-breaking tradition are widely debated, but its significance remains powerful. Some believe it represents the destruction of the ancient temple in Jerusalem, while others see it as a reminder that love, like glass, must be handled with care. The dramatic sound of the glass breaking often surprises those unfamiliar with it, making it one of the more intriguing wedding customs in America. Regardless of interpretation, it remains a meaningful and celebratory moment.
7. The First Look
Traditionally, couples avoided seeing each other before the ceremony, believing it would bring bad luck. However, the “first look” trend flips this idea, allowing the bride and groom to share an intimate moment before walking down the aisle. Many couples appreciate this opportunity to calm their nerves and soak in the significance of the day. It also allows photographers to capture heartfelt, private reactions before the crowd’s eyes are on them.
While some still prefer the surprise of seeing each other at the altar, first looks have become a cherished alternative. It’s a modern twist that offers a break from wedding-day chaos and provides a moment of genuine connection. For those unfamiliar with this practice, it may seem strange to see the couple together before the ceremony. However, many American couples value the intimacy it brings, making it a staple in contemporary weddings.
8. The Garter Toss
The garter toss is a playful moment where the groom removes the bride’s garter and tosses it to the single men at the reception. The tradition dates back centuries when guests believed possessing a piece of the bride’s clothing would bring good luck. Today, it’s a lighthearted event, often accompanied by laughter and a bit of friendly competition. Some couples have even modernized the practice, opting for less suggestive alternatives.
While it remains popular, some brides choose to skip it, finding it outdated or uncomfortable. For those who do participate, it adds an element of fun and tradition to the reception. Like the bouquet toss, it’s meant to predict who will be the next to marry. Though some cultures might find it unusual, it’s an enduring feature of many American weddings.
9. Wearing Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue
This old English rhyme guides brides to wear specific items symbolizing luck and prosperity. “Something old” represents continuity, “something new” optimism, “something borrowed” support from loved ones, and “something blue” symbolizes fidelity. Many brides carefully select meaningful items, incorporating family heirlooms or sentimental gifts. It’s a tradition that connects past and future, adding emotional depth to the wedding day.
Though this superstition-based custom may seem unusual to outsiders, it’s deeply ingrained in American wedding culture. Some brides even turn it into a fun challenge, searching for creative ways to fulfill each category. This tradition allows for personalization, making it both meaningful and enjoyable. While not a necessity, many brides feel it brings a special touch of magic to their wedding day.
10. The Honeymoon Registry
Instead of traditional wedding gifts, many American couples opt for a honeymoon registry, allowing guests to contribute to their travel experiences. Since many couples already live together before marriage and own household essentials, this modern alternative makes practical sense. Guests can fund specific parts of the honeymoon, such as a romantic dinner, an adventurous excursion, or even airfare and accommodations. It shifts the focus from material goods to creating unforgettable experiences.
While this idea may seem odd to those accustomed to traditional wedding gift-giving, it reflects a cultural shift toward valuing experiences over possessions. Some guests love the opportunity to contribute to meaningful memories, while others feel uncomfortable gifting cash. However, honeymoon registries continue to grow in popularity as couples prioritize travel and shared adventures. It’s a unique way to blend modern practicality with wedding tradition.
11. The Bouquet Toss
A lively and competitive tradition, the bouquet toss sees the bride tossing her bouquet to a group of single women at the reception. The belief is that whoever catches it will be the next to get married. While some guests eagerly participate, others shy away from the spotlight, making it one of the more divisive wedding customs. Regardless, it remains a high-energy moment filled with laughter and excitement.
In recent years, some brides have modernized this tradition by offering the bouquet to a special guest, such as a grandmother or a close friend. Others skip it altogether, believing it reinforces outdated ideas about marriage. Yet, for many, it’s a fun and harmless way to engage the crowd and keep the celebration lively. Even guests unfamiliar with the tradition quickly catch on and enjoy the spectacle.
12. Leaving the Reception
At the end of the wedding, American couples often make a grand exit, sometimes running through a tunnel of sparklers, confetti, or even flower petals. It’s a symbolic send-off, marking the start of their new life together while giving guests one last moment to celebrate. Whether they depart in a vintage car, on a motorcycle, or in a classic limo, the farewell is meant to be as memorable as the rest of the night. Many photographers capture these magical final moments, making for stunning wedding album photos.
This tradition is less common in many other countries, where receptions simply wind down naturally. However, Americans love a big finish, and the wedding send-off provides the perfect dramatic conclusion. Some couples opt for eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable confetti or bubbles, keeping the celebration fun yet sustainable. No matter the method, the idea is to leave on a high note, surrounded by the love and cheers of family and friends.
13. Personalized Wedding Vows
While many cultures stick to traditional vows, American couples often choose to write their own, making their ceremony more intimate and personal. Instead of reciting generic phrases, they share heartfelt promises tailored to their relationship. This adds a deeply emotional element to the wedding, often leaving guests (and the couple) in tears. It’s a way for the bride and groom to express their love in their own words.
For some, the idea of writing and reading personal vows can be daunting, but it creates an unforgettable moment. Many couples see this as an opportunity to reflect on their journey together and their hopes for the future. Though some stick to religious or traditional vows, the trend of personalized vows continues to grow. Guests from other cultures might find this level of emotional openness surprising, but it adds a touching, modern twist to the ceremony.
14. Wedding Party Proposals
In the U.S., it’s become common for brides and grooms to “propose” to their bridesmaids and groomsmen with creative gifts or special gestures. Instead of simply asking a friend to be part of the wedding, couples go the extra mile with personalized cards, small gifts, or even elaborate surprises. This trend adds excitement to the wedding planning process and makes the wedding party feel truly special. It also builds anticipation leading up to the big day.
While this practice is relatively new, it reflects the American emphasis on making every aspect of the wedding experience fun and meaningful. Some bridal party proposals involve customized gifts like engraved flasks, jewelry, or mini champagne bottles. Others are more casual, but the thought behind them remains the same—making friends feel valued. For those unfamiliar with the tradition, it might seem excessive, but in the U.S., it’s all about adding personal touches to the journey.
15. The Rehearsal Dinner
The night before the wedding, many American couples host a rehearsal dinner for close family and the wedding party. Originally, this was a practical event to run through the ceremony logistics, but it has evolved into a celebratory gathering filled with heartfelt speeches and toasts. It’s a chance for the couple to express gratitude to their loved ones and kick off the wedding festivities. The dinner is often more intimate than the reception, allowing for meaningful moments before the big day.
In some cultures, pre-wedding events are rare, making the rehearsal dinner a uniquely American tradition. Some families keep it simple with a casual meal, while others turn it into an extravagant event. Either way, it helps set the tone for the wedding and strengthens the bond between the couple and their closest supporters. For many, it’s one of the most cherished parts of the wedding experience, filled with love, laughter, and anticipation.
