“You may kiss the bride.” We hear these words at the end of the marriage ceremony. It’s time for the wedding kiss. Should it be romantic, should it be long or short? What is wedding kiss etiquette? Or is there really such a thing? The question I have is why? Why do we even have a kissing custom? I thought it would be fun to look at this Western wedding custom and see why it is that married couples exchange a kiss at the end of their wedding ceremony. How did it start, and what does it mean?
Wedding kiss custom – What it means?
Like many wedding traditions and customs, the history behind the wedding kiss isn’t cut and dried. Originally, when the bride kissed the groom it was assumed it would be their first kiss. Plus, in ancient Rome, kissing was a legal bond. The practice sealed all contracts, and as we’ve talked about in earlier posts, marriage was considered a contract. Among Christians, it is suggested by some that the exchange of a wedding kiss symbolized the exchange of souls between the bride and groom which they thought fulfilled the Scripture that “the two shall become one flesh” (Mark 10:8). But today, the meaning of the wedding kiss most commonly represents the bride's and groom's love, devotion, and respect for each other.
When it comes to wedding kiss etiquette, I have to put my two cents in here. Don’t overthink it or it could end up being an unnatural, awkward kiss that leaves you feeling you wished you’d done it differently. Other than that, I’d have to say “know your audience.” Be considerate of those attending your wedding. And it’s a good idea to check with the venue where the wedding is taking place. Ask if they have any guidelines regarding the wedding kiss. Other than that, there isn’t a specific set of “rules” to dictate the length of your wedding kiss or any other aspect of the affectionate exchange.
Things to consider for your wedding kiss
Other than the kiss itself, there are a couple of things to consider associated with the kiss. Think about the lipstick you choose. Some brides like to wear a striking red for their wedding. It can look great in your wedding photographs, but it doesn’t look great if it happens to be smeared on your teeth, your husband’s collar, or other places where you don’t really want it. When choosing your wedding day lipstick red is fine if that's the look you're gong for but whatever color you choose find one that is long-wearing and fast drying. That way it should still look good after your kiss and even after you enjoy a meal at your wedding reception.
The bottom line when it comes to your wedding kiss itself is not to rush it, and don’t overthink it. Just let it be natural and it will highlight the love the two of you share and reveal the comfort you share your relationship.
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