The Speechy team love helping couples around the world make their wedding speeches memorable, and we’ve certainly picked up a surprise tradition or two along the way (as well as a whopping five stars and rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot).
Far from a one-size-fits-all approach, Canadian weddings are varied, interesting, and importantly, loads of fun. Celebrating diversity is high on Canadians couples’ agendas and incorporating the most important traditions from the newlyweds’ family backgrounds makes for a culturally rich experience.
Here’s how to make the most of your country’s traditions.
Outside Bride
One thing about Canada is its sheer size. Like, it’s vast. The different provinces offer stunning outdoor backdrops, with scenic coastlines, sprawling prairies, glittering lakes, awesome mountains and endless forests. So it’s fair to say Canadians are spoilt for choice when it comes to venue.
What’s more, as long as there’s a justice of the peace present, you can tie the knot anywhere you want, so courthouse weddings are a thing of the past and cool backyard weddings are increasingly popular.
Cheeky Nibbles
Poutine is an eastern-Canadian delicacy that’s perfect for couples planning on partying until the small hours. Keeping guests fed is definitely high on the wedmin priorities, and this dish is affordable and fun.
There’s not much more satisfying than poutine’s classic combo of cheese curds, fries and gravy after a day and night of celebrations.
The Speeches
It’ll come as no surprise that our favourite Canadian tradition is centred on the speeches, and this one is really lovely.
Before making their toast, some newlyweds choose to speak about another couple who have influenced their marriage or been a big part of their lives when they needed them. It might be offering their congratulations to another couple who’ve just completed their first year of marriage, anyone who helped the newlyweds through a difficult patch, or it could be the inspiring story of someone from the family who’ve enjoyed a long and happy marriage.
We love this element of sharing knowledge and support. Crucially, this tradition lends itself to some great opportunities for finding humour and sharing some laughs too.
The Silly Sock Dance
Yes, really. In Quebec and other French-speaking parts of Canada, the bride and groom’s unmarried siblings can be asked to perform a dance at the reception while wearing ridiculous, brightly coloured, knitted socks. Well, obviously!
Guests can show their approval of the dancing display by throwing money at the siblings, which is then donated to the bride and groom. Suddenly it all makes sense!
This custom’s not going to be for everyone, so why not honour it with a modern twist – present the groomsmen with personalised socks – perhaps with the groom’s face printed on them. The silly dancing will just happen …
Eco-Weddings
There’s growing concern in Canada surrounding climate change and it’s fair to say the wedding industry isn’t known for its eco-friendly credentials. 2021 weddings look set to be more climate-conscious, from favours, to outfits and venues.
We at Speechy are all for reducing the negative impact of weddings on the environment. Check out our blog on how to say ‘I do’ to each other and the planet.
