10 Canadian Wedding Traditions to Incorporate Into Your Day

The Great White North, Land of Maple Syrup, Tuponia—all nicknames for the vast and gorgeous landscape that sits right above the US: Canada. This land is not only rich in history and diverse in its cultural makeup but there are also so many unique Canadian wedding traditions that many couples choose to incorporate in their big day. From pre-ceremony parties to receptions that last until the early hours of the next morning, we spoke with the experts to gather the details on wedding traditions in Canada. Visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find vendors to make these traditions come to life.

Canadian Wedding Traditions in This Story: History | Prewedding | Attire | Ceremony | Reception

A Brief History of Canadian Wedding Traditions

Originally influenced by European settlers, most early Canadian weddings were simple and religious. Over time, traditions like the white wedding dress became popular, and diverse immigrant communities brought their customs into the mix, explains expert officiant Danielle Andrews Sunkel, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Today, weddings focus more on the couple's personal story, with trends leaning towards non-religious ceremonies and eco-friendly practices. As Canada continues to embrace multiculturalism, wedding traditions keep evolving, yet the essence of celebrating love and commitment endures.

Whether you're a proud Maritimer looking to add a touch of down-home charm, a Quebec city dweller aiming to incorporate French-Canadian customs, a couple from diverse backgrounds seeking traditions that resonate with you both or simply looking for a destination wedding location that's not too far off the beaten path, Canada has something special to offer.

If you do go the old Canadian route with your wedding theme or destination, you may want to consider incorporating some French-Canadian wedding traditions, which are as varied as the country itself. From a joyous honking procession to live music with lively fiddlers, there are so many fun ways to infuse a little culture and tradition into your wedding.

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Prewedding Canadian Traditions

From a wedding social to a horn-honking celebration, these are a few common post-engagement traditions that take place prior to the wedding.

The Wedding Social

One unique event that many Canadian weddings incorporate is known as "The Wedding Social," also sometimes called a Manitoba Social or Winnipeg Social. This type of event is a pre-wedding party, often a fundraiser, where guests pay for admission, food and drinks, with proceeds helping to cover wedding costs. It's often held at a community center, legion hall or other affordable, but large, venue and includes drinks (often with a cash bar), music and dancing. It may also include games, raffles and auctions to raise additional funds.

The Sock Hop

Also known as the Trough Dance or Ahlone Dance, the Sock Hop is a fun and lighthearted pre-wedding tradition that's primarily practiced in French-speaking regions of Canada, especially Quebec. It typically involves the bride's family hosting a dance party for close friends and relatives where the unmarried siblings don mismatched, brightly colored socks (often knee-high). Traditionally, this was meant to playfully poke fun at the unmarried siblings, implying they might be having "cold feet" about marriage themselves. Guests often throw money at the siblings while they perform silly dances for the crowd. This money is traditionally collected and given to the to-be-weds as a wedding gift.

Processional with Honking Horns

In some parts of Canada, particularly Quebec, it's tradition for the groom's family and close friends to drive to the bride's house on the morning of the wedding and honk horns while shouting in celebration to announce the upcoming wedding. There's usually a processional that follows—a sort of motorcade of wedding guests who adorn their own cars with balloons, ribbons, flowers or signs congratulating the soon-to-be-married couple. Sometimes the greater community even gets involved, honking and throwing confetti or rice at passing cars.

Traditional Canadian Wedding Attire

While there isn't a single, traditional outfit that defines Canadian wedding attire, many Canadians tend to favor a more relaxed and comfortable approach to wedding attire. For example, brides might choose flowing silhouettes or dressy separates instead of a ball gown and grooms might opt for a well-tailored suit instead of a tuxedo.

Canadian Wedding Ceremony Traditions

Here are some common French-Canadian wedding traditions that take place after the to-be-wed's ceremony entrance.

Lighting a Unity Candle

Not exclusive to Canada is the tradition of lighting a unity candle, which is meant to symbolize the joining of two families and the creation of a new family unit. Two separate taper candles are often unlit, representing the nearlywed's individual families or past lives. A larger pillar candle, usually centered, represents the newly formed family unit. Typically, a parent or a close family relative from each side lights their respective taper candle and then the couple uses their lit taper candles to light the larger pillar candle.

The Indigenous Blessing Ceremony

The Indigenous wedding blessing or smudge ceremony is a Canadian wedding ceremony tradition whereby an indigenous elder from the area conducts a blessing, which usually includes burning holy plants like sweetgrass or sage to energize the area and send good vibes, explains wedding officiant Tracey Manailescu based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. "This custom gives the couple and their guests a special and memorable experience while honoring Canada's Indigenous history," she adds.

Ring Warming Ceremony

A ring warming ceremony is a heartfelt tradition where wedding rings are passed around to each guest during the ceremony. "This gives them the opportunity to hold the rings and offer their best wishes and encouraging thoughts," Manailescu says. "It's a beautiful way to involve everyone present and add an intimate, personal touch to the ceremony." She adds that this Canadian wedding ring tradition is better suited for smaller weddings.

Canadian Wedding Reception Traditions

From a lumberjack cake to late-night parties, consider incorporating these Canadian wedding reception traditions into your celebration.

The Lumberjack Cake

Also known as the "Canadian Plaid Cake," this tradition features a distinctive plaid pattern inside and is often decorated to resemble a tree trunk or plaid shirt, Manailescu explains. "The cake can be customized with the couple's favorite flavors and colors," she says. While there's no clear historical record pinpointing its exact origin to Canada, it's quite common and a fun and delicious way to celebrate.

Longer Reception Times

The biggest experiential difference when it comes to Canadian weddings in comparison to weddings in the US is that they tend to be much longer in duration than American weddings, says Andrews Sunkel. "I remember being shocked the first time that I attended an American wedding and it came to a close around 10 or 11 p.m., but that's just when the party starts at a Canadian wedding," she says. "Because Canadian wedding receptions usually go to at least 1 am., and depending on the couple and the culture of their family it can often go until 3 a.m., a late-night food station is usually set out at around 10:30 or 11 p.m."

Poutine Bar

Last, but certainly not least, one Canadian wedding tradition that your guests will appreciate is including a poutine bar. This beloved Canadian comfort food combines three simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying dish: fries, cheese curds and gravy. "Setting up a poutine bar at the reception during the late-night station is the perfect way to impress the guests," says Manailescu. "Have an assortment of toppings like classic beef gravy and traditional cheese curds, pulled pork, hot jalapenos or for a gourmet touch, lobster."