As you step into the world of Amish weddings, you’ll find yourself immersed in a rich tapestry of tradition, community, and celebration. Tuesdays and Thursdays become days of joyous union in most Amish communities, with the wedding season typically spanning from October to March[1][2]. This timeframe aligns perfectly with the agricultural calendar, commencing after the last harvest and concluding before the first planting[2].
The Wedding Day Unfolds
Your day begins early, as Amish weddings start promptly at 9:00 am and often continue until midnight[1]. As you make your way through the backroads of Amish Country, you’ll witness a charming procession of buggies clip-clopping along, filled with young men and women adorned in their finest church attire[1]. The air is thick with excitement and anticipation.
You can’t help but feel the palpable energy among the Amish youth. In a community where social interactions are typically limited to Sundays, wedding season offers a rare opportunity for additional gatherings[1]. As you observe, you’ll notice subtle matchmaking efforts unfolding throughout the day.
The Church Service
Your first stop is the church service, which sets the tone for the day’s events. You might find yourself at a neighbor’s home or in one of their outbuildings, transformed for the occasion[1]. As you enter, you’ll see that all furniture and equipment have been removed, replaced by rows of benches. The seating arrangement is precise: men on the right, women on the left, arranged from oldest to youngest[1]. Older children, only those closely related to the bride and groom, occupy the back rows.
The service itself follows the structure of an ordinary church gathering, filled with singing and preaching. However, the highlight comes at the end when the young couple exchanges their vows, marking the beginning of their life together[1].
The Wedding Reception
Following the service, you’ll make your way to the bride’s parents’ home for the reception. As you arrive, you’ll be struck by the scale of the event, with anywhere from 300 to 350 guests in attendance[1][3]. The house has been meticulously prepared, with most furniture removed to accommodate benches and tables throughout every room, except for the bride’s bedroom[1].
Your eyes are immediately drawn to the head table, reserved for the bride, groom, and their side sitters (equivalent to the maid of honor and best man)[1]. The table is a sight to behold, adorned with the bride’s finest china – a collection she’s curated throughout her life[1].
The Bride’s China: A Lifelong Collection
As you admire the table setting, you learn about the significance of the china. Amish girls often choose a color – typically pink, blue, green, or lavender – at a young age[1]. Each special occasion thereafter, they receive a piece of china in their chosen color. This collection, displayed proudly on their wedding day, will later decorate their marital home[1].
Wedding Attire and Traditions
Your attention is then drawn to the bride and groom’s wedding outfits. The bride typically wears a royal blue dress, marking a significant transition in her life[1]. This is the last time she’ll wear a black kapp (head covering) and a white apron, symbols of her single status. After the wedding, she’ll switch to a white kapp and a colored apron, signifying her new role as a married woman[1].
The Celebration Continues
As the day progresses, you find yourself surrounded by the sounds of eating, singing, laughter, and animated conversations[1]. The atmosphere is one of pure joy and community spirit. You notice young people engaging in various activities, including volleyball games set up in the large yards[3].
Unique Aspects of Amish Weddings
As you observe and participate in the festivities, you become aware of several unique aspects that set Amish weddings apart:
- Timing: Weddings are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the season running from October to March[1][2][3].
- Duration: The celebration often lasts from early morning until midnight[1].
- Location: The ceremony and reception are usually held at the bride’s family home[3].
- Guest List: It’s common to have 400-600 guests in attendance[3].
- Meal Service: Guests often eat in shifts, with the newlyweds and their families dining first[3].
- Activities: While there’s no dancing, the afternoon is filled with socializing, singing, and games[3].
- Simplicity: The overall event reflects Amish values of simplicity and humility[2].
- Language: The ceremony is conducted in German[2].
- Engagement Period: The time between engagement and wedding is typically short, lasting only a few weeks or months[2].
- Announcement: The engagement is usually announced at a church service, known as “getting published”[2].
The Wedding Meal
As mealtime approaches, you’re treated to a traditional Amish wedding feast. The menu typically includes a chicken and stuffing casserole, mashed potatoes, creamed celery, and other hearty dishes[3]. You’ll notice that there are two main meals – a substantial midday meal and dinner served at the end of the day[3].
Wedding Favors and Decorations
Throughout the day, you’ll come across various decorative elements that add to the festive atmosphere. You might receive a favor card, a cherished keepsake featuring a sweet saying and the couple’s names[1]. These cards are often taken home by guests, especially young attendees, and displayed as souvenirs.
You might also notice beautiful cloth flowers decorating the venue. These could be gifts given to the bride on Valentine’s Day, adding a personal touch to the decor[1].
Differences from “English” Weddings
As the day unfolds, you’ll become aware of several key differences between Amish weddings and typical “English” (non-Amish) weddings:
- No Dancing: While there’s plenty of socializing and singing, dancing is not part of an Amish wedding celebration[3].
- No Kiss at the Altar: Unlike in many English weddings, the couple does not kiss at the altar during an Amish ceremony[3].
- No Photography: You won’t see any cameras or photographers documenting the event[3].
- Simplicity: The overall event is much simpler and more modest compared to many modern weddings[2].
- Community Involvement: The entire community plays a significant role in preparing for and celebrating the wedding[2].
The Significance of Marriage in Amish Culture
As you immerse yourself in the celebration, you gain a deeper understanding of the importance of marriage in Amish society. Marriage is seen as a crucial step in becoming an adult within the community[3]. It’s not just a union between two individuals, but a commitment to the faith and the community as a whole.
You learn that to be married within the Amish community, one must be baptized in the church[3]. This underscores the intertwining of faith, community, and personal life that is so characteristic of Amish culture.
Conclusion
As the day draws to a close, you find yourself reflecting on the unique experience of an Amish wedding. From the early morning church service to the late-night festivities, you’ve been part of a celebration that’s deeply rooted in tradition, faith, and community.
You’ve witnessed the joy of young couples starting their lives together, the warmth of family and friends coming together to celebrate, and the beauty of a culture that values simplicity and togetherness. As you make your way home, the clip-clop of horse hooves and the laughter of the wedding guests still ringing in your ears, you carry with you a deeper appreciation for the Amish way of life and their cherished wedding traditions.
Citations:
[1] https://carriagecornerbandb.com/blog/carriage-corner/amish-wedding
[2] https://www.amish365.com/amish-wedding-customs-and-traditions/
[3] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/all-about-amish-weddings/
[4] https://www.stoltzfusmeats.com/blogs/stoltzfus-meats-blog/life-in-lancaster-county-amish-weddings