Korean Weddings

Like when comparing all Korean things to American things, weddings in Korea are different.  That's not entirely fair to say since in America there are a ton of different wedding ceremonies.  However, Korean weddings are peculiarly Korean.

First of all, weddings usually take place in a wedding hall, which are large elaborate places made jsut for weddings.  After entering, you usually give your gift (money in an envelope and no less than 30,000 won) and take pictures with the bride until the ceremony starts.  The ceremony goes by pretty fast and it's surprisingly casual.  Most of the parts are there, like the wedding entrance and the exchanging of vows.  There are a few things missing though, like groomsmen and bridesmaids.  There are also a few things that are specifically Korean as well, such as the couple bowing to their parents.  After the ceremony, everyone stands around for pictures and then after that.  Instead of a big reception, everyone goes to a buffet that is in the same building, which is probably the best part of the wedding.

This is what I've learned from going to my first Korean wedding, but from what I've heard from others, it's pretty much a good representation of most of them.