In present day, the couple shatters a glass or vase at the end of the ceremony and the number of pieces represents the number of years of happy marriage. Many couples also release white doves to symbolize their love and happiness. During a Mexican wedding ceremony, a lazo, or large rosary, is draped around the bride and groom while they are kneeling at the altar. After the ceremony, lucky red beads are sometimes tossed at newlyweds. And a beautiful reception tradition has all the guests during the couple's first or last dance create a heart shaped circle around them.
Flowers are a big part of wedding ceremonies and receptions.
The groom is supposed to wear a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his button hole. This stems from the medieval tradition of a knight wearing his lady's colors to declare his love. In the Ukraine a mock capture of the bride is carried out at wedding receptions to remind everyone present of the many times their homeland was invaded. And instead of cake, Ukrainian couples share korovai, a sacred wedding bread decorated with symbolic motifs that represent eternity and the joining together of two families. In Scotland, usually about a week before the nuptials, the bride's mother may hold a show of presents for her daughter where all wedding presents that have been received are shown unwrapped and assembled.