The reception

After the photographs everyone usually goes to a hotel for the wedding reception, which is a special meal (wedding breakfast) and party to celebrate the wedding. During the meal bride and bridegroom cut the wedding cake and give it to their guests. At the end of the meal there are speeches, usually made by the bride’s father, the bridegroom and the best man. It is traditional for the best man to make a speech in which he talks about funny and embarrassing things that happened to the bridegroom in the past.

Before the reception ends the bride and bridegroom usually drive away to another hotel to spend their wedding night before beginning their honeymoon (=a holiday taken by people who have just got married). The car the couple drive away in has usually been decorated by their friends. There is often a sign saying ‘just married’ and sometimes tin cans are tied to the back of the car. Before she leaves, the bride throws her bouquet to her friends to catch. According to custom, the woman who catches it will be the next one to get married.

Unit 4

Marriage Contract (excerpts)

Security and trust _______ (husband) will secure the house so that it is safe from outside forced entry. Prior to retiring at night and leaving in the morning _______ (husband) will secure all doors, windows, and openings. _______ (wife) and _______ (husband) will avoid dangerous situations and places. _______ (wife) and _______ (husband) will physically protect one another. _______ (wife) and _______ (husband) will inform one another of their whereabouts and plans within reasonable estimates (1 hour) of time, i.e., “I’m going shopping and will be back at about 5:00.” Return at 6:00 is OK. “I’ll meet you at the restaurant at 12:00 for lunch.” One hour late is too late.

Financial trust _______ (husband) and/or _______ (wife) will provide the financial support for the family. _______ (husband) does not/does expect that ______ (wife) will work outside the home. Additional comments regarding financial support. _______ (husband) will contribute # _______ percent and ______ (wife) will contribute # _______ percent of the monthly household budget which is $ _______.

Marriage Contract

Contributed by Nikita Melnikov and Natalia Larina

Rights and duties

1. Nikita Melnikov (husband) and Natalia Larina (wife) will respect rights and legal interests of one another, both in marriage and after divorce.

2. Nikita Melnikov (husband) and Natalia Larina (wife) will maintain good relations in the family.

3. Nikita Melnikov (husband) and Natalia Larina (wife) will raise the children together and take an active part in their children’s life.

4. Nikita Melnikov (husband) and Natalia Larina (wife) will share important decision making.

5. Nikita Melnikov (husband) and Natalia Larina (wife) will share housework equally.

6. Nikita Melnikov (husband) and Natalia Larina (wife) will not be unfaithful to each other.