Weddings are certainly a blessed tradition. It’s a time for families and friends to witness and celebrate the union of two committed individuals. Sometimes the weddings are short. Sometimes they’re long. Some are on Fridays, others Saturday. Some have elaborate receptions, others do not. Among the various wedding traditions, there’s one that seems to be consistent – the clinking of glassware to summon the married couple’s kiss.
I’ve witnessed attempts over the years to thwart this longstanding tradition. While it seems logical that this ‘clinking’ is not allowed to prevent breaking the water glasses (most likely at the request of the venue’s food service staff) I think it’s more a way to make the summoning a more difficult process so that the bride and groom can actually enjoy their meal. I’ve been to receptions where entire tables would have to stand and sing a song with the word ‘love’ in it before the couple would kiss. Others just replace the glassware with table decorations like bells.
Just yesterday I attended my cousin’s wedding. They too, tried in vain to avoid this noisy tradition by requesting a dollar be placed on the head table for each kiss. Unfortunately they made only two dollars before giving in to the clinking glassware.