Wedding Customs (1/3) - American Culture & English Vocabulary

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I'm glad. :) I didn't realize how broad the topic would be when I started this lesson! I hope you have the patience to watch all three parts. I tried to be thorough, though in any culture there will be variations. Thank you again for the positive words.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hello everyone! Since making this video, I've had more fun just watching wedding videos on KZbin. Some of the funniest and most romantic ones can be found when you type in "marriage proposal flash mob." My favorites so far are the one at IKEA and the one with Matt and Ginny called "The Best Marriage Proposal Ever." You'll understand how important the proposal is in the U.S. :) Enjoy!

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I'm glad my videos are a part of your studies, but I'd also recommend listening to a variety of videos, from news reports to documentaries. TV shows may help, too. Use captions and transcripts when possible and when needed. I have some Study Tips on my website. You might also like the site esl-lab (.com). Good luck!

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Best wishes to you, Alexis! Part 3 will be ready soon, perhaps early tomorrow. :)

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hello everyone! I'm sorry I had to reload this one. Two small typos needed to be corrected. Thanks for your understanding. Enjoy and please go on to Part 2 when you're ready! Warm regards to all!

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I'm happy you and others are enjoying this new playlist. I'll try not to choose such broad topics again, but for this lesson I decided to describe the whole process of getting married, as I understand it. You can use the exercises on my website to review once you finish the third part. Regards!

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Ha ha. Just know that my answer was and still is yes. :) Thanks for the support. Part 3 will be up very soon.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I suppose I should let a Russian answer that. From what I've seen, heard, and experienced, there aren't as many grand proposals in Russia as there are here in the U.S. Here people make all kinds of plans, from the funny to the romantic. Look online for homemade videos. Here's a great one: Flash Mob Marriage Proposal at IKEA Sunrise.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Yes, use the playlist. Parts 2 and 3 are uploaded. Enjoy!

[@MuhammadEgypt]

That's exactly the famous phrase that's common in Egypt for asking a girl's hand. We even used to hear it in Egyptian movies. The father of the groom is usually the one who says it to the father of the bride-to-be. Mothers can say it to to each other instead by saying (We want...(bride's name) for ...(groom's name).

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Yes, different dialects and accents can be heard in the U.S. If you're studying or working in the U.S., it would be expected that you'd use U.S. spelling, though.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Oh yes. For some, it's exciting and romantic. For others, it's a great alternative to a big wedding when you don't want to deal with disapproving parents. It's also a way to spare your families too many expenses.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you for sharing that. By the way, I placed a comment on Part 1 about searching for marriage proposals. One popular one on KZbin reminded me that some (but not many, I think) observe the old custom of asking the father of the bride-to-be for permission to ask his daughter to marry him. He asks, "May I have your daughter's hand in marriage?"

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Yes, I think in many cultures there is a tradition for the parents to be involved, either to grant permission or simply to become acquainted. However, my feeling is that today in the U.S. most marriage proposals are between the two in question. It's a romantic event and everything is directed to the bride-to-be. Parents aren't the focus. Then again, all families are different. I'm sure there are some in the U.S. who wouldn't dream of not having their parents involved.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I felt it was best to address that in a vocabulary lesson. I tried to stay away from idioms and just give the standard phrasing. :)

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hello. Please look at my English Vocabulary playlist. You might like a few of those lessons with topics like love, romance, and marriage. Regards!

[@MAminGental]

It is a very good lesson. I've learnt about wedding and the US traditions. Thank you Jennifer

[@n0thingisforever]

this video's very useful ! I'm not only learn about English but also about cultures, I hope you'll make more videos like that ! Thanks u so much !

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Wow. Isn't that interesting? I wonder why one family must traditionally cover the cost. As I explained, it's the tradition here for the bride's family to cover the costs of the ceremony and reception, but I think it's also becoming common for the families to share this burden. When possible, the couple pays for things themselves, to spare their parents.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

If the bride wishes, she could ask another person to give her away. She could also choose to walk down the aisle by herself.

[@helenwilliam6678]

almost a few days ago,i foud this website perchance,i felt i am very lucky to find the new continent...i am a fresher in learning english,thanking u for providing us these useful videos featuring the english course!

[@MuhammadEgypt]

You didn't mention the expression 'to pop the question'.

[@MuhammadEgypt]

In Egypt, the bride's family usually pays if for the engagement party (if existed). On weddings, it's usually the groom who pays for it.

[@stephieop]

Y la parte 2 de 3, será posible conseguirla? Gracias por su ayuda.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

That sounds fair. Is the engagement party large?

[@ANDYTOXZ]

your videos are very useful..so many thanks

[@victoriasun6386]

Nice video I went to my mothers friends sons wedding a long time ago and it was so beautiful I still remember it to this day thanks for the video

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I'm happy you have those memories! Weddings can be very beautiful. :)

[@shahjahanshaju7044]

Thanks jennifer for your wonderful lesson.its help a lot.

[@aracnido1972]

Excellent Jennifer!!!!

[@helenwilliam6678]

now i almost must thumb through this website everyday...thank u .....

[@AlexisRafael]

(No problem) I love your videos, I learn a lot from them, Thanks a lot. Alexis, Sorocaba.

[@MuhammadEgypt]

So, what's the tradition in Russia about proposing, Jennifer?

[@MuhammadEgypt]

What if the bride's father is dead or not available? Should there be someone to step in his shoes and give the bride away? I think it only happens at churches, doesn't it?

[@hopeblamires3017]

What about the phrase,"Happily ever after?"

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Many want to marry and live happily ever after. We associate that phrase with fairy tales.

[@anhcool213]

Thank you. I recommend you increase your voice volume.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

This is one of my older videos. Thank you for watching.

[@librasjuan]

May I use British writing and accent in U.S.?

[@golakh1986]

hi, i hv a planing for going to overseas for job. and i had facing so many interview from out side. i am getting problem in listening from outsider. so please suggest me for developing the same.i have already download your 65 class. your classes are so helpful for me......

[@zizirua]

thanks u so much! ur video are so useful for me! Thanks :))

[@hectorortiz3000]

Thank you teacher

[@simpleDTV]

Thanks for your lecture. ^^

[@MuhammadEgypt]

umm..Engagement parties being big or small depends on the budget of the family and the mutual agreement between the two families. Some people may prefer to throw it at the girl's house in the presence of a small number of the two families.

[@jackwang499]

Hi,Jennifer,I like English language notes very much.I have a question after watching this video.Should the participants of weeding party bring something like gift or money to the family who throw the party?

[@Englishwithjennifer]

As invited guests, you should bring a wedding gift or have one sent to the couple by mail. In the U.S., couples often register at their favorite stores, so you can see what items they'd like to have for their new home. It's also all right to offer money or a gift certificate. This is usually from older relatives. Gifts are not given to the families or parents of the bride and groom. I hope that helps. Regards!

[@razannasri8022]

Thank you very much :)

[@Элизабетфеникс-ю6п]

thank you ♥ ..

[@MuhammadEgypt]

In this day and age I've never thought American lovers would do such thing as eloping. I thought it only existed in developing countries.

[@khanmedia8945]

thankkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkssssssssssssssss your great techer

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You are very welcome, Alif.

[@setarehsalehi2953]

hi would u pease send all of u talking in this movies same to text to me?

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Do you mean the captions?

[@MegaApatchi]

Hello dear teacher.This video was so cool.Please make a video about to fall in love with someone and how we can talk about it.Thanks for your kind and beautiful smile.

[@Willvuinhon]

In VietNam, the groom's family will pay all fee for the wedding, it's our custom

[@victorhe7200]

Do you think it's ridiculous, the bride family pays and gives away her daughter? I can't stand by that as a man. Anyway, thank you for sharing your video, and your teaching is very easy to understand.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Victor He Thank you for studying with me, Victor. Yes, the concept of practically selling off one's daughter is not one I can support. However, in today's society, American families see the wedding as a union of two people who are equal in all respects. Some parents, especially fathers, look for a man who is worthy of his daughter! :)

[@Msspmex2012]

Yeah weddings are beautiful but they can be very expensive. In Mexico we have very similar traditions like the man going down in one knee, the diamond ring, the white dress, the father walking the daughter down the aisle, etc. Who do U think copy from who? LOL Have U ever thought telling your husband: "You maybe russian but Im american, I want my diamond ring" Hahahaha Its never too late Jeni ;) By the way how long U been married? Im a single lady, but I do would like to get marry in near future :D

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I think a diamond ring would bother me. I don't like to wear rings for very long. :) I've been married for quite some time. To say how long would reveal my old age!

[@Msspmex2012]

Hahaja dont say my old age Jen, U look so young and pretty :) I dont like revealing my age either, cuz here in Mex when a woman reaches a certain age, and if she still single, some people is like: why are U not married yet? Why are U so piky? Some others even worry about you, cuz they think U are gonna end up being an old maid. And the're not bad people, their worry is like an honest worry. They really have the concern that U will end up all alone. Am I explaning myself? One day somebody told me: "U only have 8 years left to have children" I wasnt offended by her comment, cuz I know is not true, I mean how can she knows, she cant see the future. And I know she didnt say that in a bad way, but still is very inapropiate thing to say. I dont know how is it in the US, (probably is the same, right?), but here if a woman is single and reaches a certain age (30+), and if she reveal her age, shes exposing herself to a lot of annoying comments. I have a friend whos 36 and single, and she doesnt hide her age. I admire her for that. So I thought this age thing was mostly a single lady issue. Now I guess is a woman issue, single and married, mexican and american. Problaly is world wide women issue. Lol

[@Englishwithjennifer]

We shouldn't be ashamed of our age or our life choices. It's our life, right? But I don't like to announce my age to everyone. It's something I'd rather not call attention to. :) Best wishes to you, Marcela. Be happy!

[@Msspmex2012]

Yeah I agree we shouldnt be ashamed of our age. In fact, Im very grateful and happy for every year that God has giving me. Have a great weekend Jeni! God bless U :D

[@merewetherful]

I doubt most woman would want to be married if they had to wear a diamond gold band ring - yuck! Obviously inaccurate information. However, most of the other stuff in the video was interesting.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't wear a diamond ring, but that was our choice and I'm fine without diamonds. I'm not a diamond kind of gal. :) But plenty of other women in the U.S. are. A small diamond ring is typical for engagement rings. They're symbolic. Here are some videos of women moved to tears by the whole gesture. Flash Mob Marriage Proposal at IKEA Sunrise SURPRISE ENDING - Flash Mob Marriage Proposal Greatest Marriage Proposal EVER!!! I was at an Easter egg hunt with my children a week ago. Another mother lost her diamond ring on the ground. Dozens of adults and kids helped look for that lost ring because we knew how important it was to the married couple. There was a happy ending. The ring was found. :)

[@merewetherful]

JenniferESL I'm not sure why you deleted my reply (I wasn't even being rude or anything like that) but most people these days hate diamond rings with a gold band. Diamond rings with a silver band are the most popular type of rings these days. Tiffany's would never dare to sell a diamond ring with a gold band.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Merewetherful Hello again. I'm sorry, but I don't know which reply you mean. YT sometimes marks certain comments as spam, and some posts go unread for quiet some time. Occasionally, a comment from several months ago suddenly appears for review. In any case, thanks for stopping by again. I hope you'll visit and watch other videos in the future. Regards!

[@merewetherful]

Yes, definitely. I would like to watch more vocabulary videos such as this one.

[@ahmadabdlrahmman9219]

propse coustm she is my fiance elope bride veil tuxedo the holy matrimony

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Ahmad abdlrahmman All good words to study. I'll rewrite them with the correct spelling, okay?propose custom fiance elope bride veil tuxedo holy matrimony (referring to marriage as a sacrament) You can use a learner's dictionary to help you with definitions. www.ldoceonline.com/ www.learnersdictionary.com/

[@Marymary-pf3gq]

I want to create apossible marriage

[@Englishwithjennifer]

+Mary mary Best wishes to you!

[@Marymary-pf3gq]

+JenniferESL I want build up a wedding customes . Maybe 😞

[@Englishwithjennifer]

+Mary mary Do you want to design dresses (wedding gowns)? That would be lovely work.

[@Marymary-pf3gq]

+JenniferESL No 😡

[@Englishwithjennifer]

+Mary mary Did you want to do some other kind of business involving weddings?

[@MegaApatchi]

Hello dear teacher.This video was so cool.Please make a video about to fall in love with someone and how we can talk about it.Thanks for your kind and beautiful smile.