Wedding kiss

It is a Western wedding custom for a newly married couple to exchange a kiss at the conclusion of their wedding ceremony. Some Christians hold the belief that the kiss symbolizes the exchange of souls between the bride and the groom, fulfilling the scripture that “the two shall become one flesh.” However, some trace the tradition to an ancient Roman tradition, whereby the exchange of a kiss signified the completion of a contract.

Although the kiss is not a formal requirement of the ceremony, most regard the gesture as a joyful start of the marriage. The most traditional way guests entice the new couple to kiss is by clinking their glasses. An ancient Christian tradition explains that the clinking sound scares the devil away and the couple kisses in his absence. Another tradition is to ring bells placed at the tables by the wedding party. A ring of the bell signals the bride and groom to kiss. Today, most people uphold these traditions as a fun excuse to get the couple to smooch. [Kissing Traditions from Wikipedia]

After the initial kiss as husband and wife, wedding guests can't seem to get enough of this traditional display of affection.  Ways to encourage the newlyweds to kiss during the reception include:

1.  Tapping silverware on stemware:  Lightly tap a spoon or fork (knives tend to break the glasses too easily) on a water glass for a tinkling sound.  Any guest may start this at any time during the reception and the bride and groom kiss each time.

2.  Clinking of Glasses:  Glasses clinked together in harmony in mock toasts is another way to encourage matrimonial kissing during the reception dinner.

3.  Code Word: Usually a written word placed on the guest tables (with simple instructions) where the entire table must get up and sing a song with the word "love" or "kiss" or "forever", etc. in it.

4.  Kissing Bells:  Small tinkle bells placed on each guest table to be rung throughout the dinner/reception whenever the guests wish to see another kiss by the happy couple

5.  Wedding Kiss Shakers:  Can be made or bought specifically for the reception like these cute ideas from "Project Wedding" .

6.  Marriage Advice:  An already married person may stand up and offer one piece of marital advice to the couple in exchange for a kiss.

7.  Copycat Kissing:  The bride and groom must copy the kiss by another two people, who kiss first at their table.

8.  Balloons:  Helium balloons tied loosely to the backs of chairs can be released one at a time, inspiring a kiss. 



Disclaimer:  Village Realty accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided for any vendors suggested or recommended.  OBX Wedding Blog is for informational purposes only.  Village Realty has no direct association with any vendors mentioned in articles or posts.  Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.