Weddings are the most important affair in every family. Different religions have different ways of celebrating this occasion. Many religions and cultures flourish in our country. The Christian community is minor in population but has its influence on the Indian culture. Christian wedding signifies the union of men and wife. Christian weddings are not very elaborate. They are simple and sober but are as lively as any other Indian wedding.

Christian weddings are organized in the church. The most important element of the Christian wedding is the public declaration of the wedding. Wedding banns or notices are read in each church for three consecutive Sundays. This is a way of inquiring about the bride and groom to avoid any complications in future. People are requested to report to the parish priest any matter that may cause problems. If no objection is registered during this period the priest from the girl’s church sends a no objection certificate, along with the girl’s birth certificate and a copy of the last Bann to the priest of the boy’s church. Only after this confirmation the wedding preparation starts.

The wedding rituals are divided in present, post and wedding day rituals. Bridal shower is one of the most important pre-wedding rituals in Christian weddings. It is a party organized by the bride’s female friends. It is organized at the bride’s house and is filled with fun and joy. The bride offers gifts to her bridesmaids and serves them a pink cake. The speciality of this cake is that it has a hidden thimble in it. It is believed the girl who receives this thimble is the next to get married.

At the groom’s place a bachelor’s party is organized. This is a wild party and celebrates his last day of bachelorhood. Raising a toss is must. In some places, the bride and the groom are applied turmeric and sandalwood paste. In states like Goa, coconut paste is applied instead of turmeric. This is called the Ross ceremony.

All the wedding ceremonies take place in the church. The groom reaches the church first and waits for the bride. The groom sends a car for the bride. It is a part of the ritual. The bride arrives at the church armed with her father. She is beautifully dressed in a flowing pearl white gown with a veil covering her face and a bouquet of flowers in her hand. She receives a warm welcome from the groom with a kiss on her cheek and bouquet of flowers. The groom then held her hand and they both then head towards the altar. They are followed by the flower girls, bridesmaid and the groom’s best man.

The priest then welcomes the couple and offers them best wishes. The wedding mass begins with the hymns and readings from the Bible. The couple and some members of the family read the Bible readings. The priest then delivers the Homily that explains the sanctity of marriage. The priest then asks the couple their consent for the marriage.

The next important ritual is blessings and exchanging of wedding rings. The priest blesses the rings and couple exchanges them with each. The couple exchange vows with each other and the priest declares them man and wife. This signifies their eternal union. The couple is offered the Holy Communion and in the presence of two witnesses the couple signs the register. Blessings are showed on the couple. Then they walk through the aisle arm in arm.

A grand reception party is organized for the newly wedded couple. The couple cut the cake and feed each other. The reception is mostly celebrated with dance and dinner party. In many function a live band performs and everybody dances to the tune of the band.