Welcome to Part 2 of wedding ceremony traditions. The most important part of your wedding ceremony is to make it your own and to express you and your fiances love for each other and your families.

The medallion presentation is a tradition that incorporates children from previous marriages. The new step parent presents a medallion, pendent, or piece of jewelry to the child or children; that will serve as a reminder to the commitment to each member of the newly bonded family.

The wedding wine box ceremony is a newer tradition. The Bride and Groom write love letters to each other. They may include things such as why they fell in love, how you’ve grown as a couple, or what makes you happy together. The idea during the ceremony is to put these letters in a wine box with a bottle of good wine and nail the box closed. The box should be displayed in their home, so every time they walk by they can remember the love they have for each other. The box can only be opened on two occasions.

1. When the couple feels like they are in trouble and nothing can save their marriage they can open the box have a glass of wine and read the letters they wrote to each other, in hopes that it can rekindle some romance.

2. On their 10th anniversary, they can enjoy a glass of wine and remember the younger days.

13 Gold Coins is a Hispanic tradition. The groom would give the bride in an ornate box or tray 13 gold coins to symbolize the willingness to support her. The bride accepts this gift to symbolize the trust and confidence of unconditional love and dedication. The coins are then meant to become a family heirloom that the children can use for their weddings. These coins were originally the dowery the groom paid to the family. The 13 coins can also symbolize Christ and his apostles.