Wedding reception[edit]
During the wedding reception, it is typical to release a pair of white male and female doves, symbolising marital harmony and peace.[1] These are placed in a cage or receptacle, which can be opened by pulling ribbons or cords or manually opened and released by the couple themselves. After their release from their cage,[1] the person who catches them may take them home to rear as pets.
Tossing the bouquet is for the most part uncommon for the bride to do though it is increasingly being observed by younger couples. Instead, the bride traditionally offers it at a side altar or image of either the Virgin Mary, a patron saint, or leaves it at the grave of a significant deceased relative.[2]