I'm a {waiting to experience} Belgian

In my nearly-5 years here, I have never been to a Belgian wedding. I have been to one in the Netherlands and one in Switzerland, so I am waiting to experience one here.

From pictures and stories, I understand they are very different than when I am used to. I will list some of those here (not in any specific order).  Everyone may know some exception to some of my observations, so that is why they are just *my* observations. Here is some info on an expat site about getting married in Belgium.

• No multiple bridesmaids/groomsmen. Normally one 'witness' for each the bride and groom.
• The groom decides on/buys the bridal bouquet.
• A minister does not have any legal authority to perform a marriage, so it has to first be done at the city hall (civil ceremony) and then the religious ceremony.
• The couple sits up front, no standing. Witnesses sit on the front row.
• There are children in the bridal party, but they are not necessary called a flower girl and ring bearer.
• More children are invited to the evening than I am used to.
• In Switzerland I noticed the groom handed the bouquet at the front of the church. In Belgium I heard the groom brings it when he comes to get the bride in the morning.
• Often everyone at the ceremony is invited to some kind of reception and after that is another, smaller, reception with a meal that goes into the night. The first reception can involve cake, food and a small program.
• The main reception can have an extensive program of songs, skits and games, plus the typical food and dancing.
• The church ceremony is more like a normal service. There can be a long sermon, not just the typical vows and admonishments.
• There are a few songs that everyone sings together during the ceremony.
• Grooms and Groomsmen don't rent outfits. They buy them.
• The rings are typically much simpler than what we are used to in America. No 'standard 3 month salary' rule here...
• If there is an engagement ring, it can be the fancier of the 2, but the wedding band is worn most often.
• Even though there seem to be more traditions here, there is normally no rehearsal and surely not a rehearsal dinner.
• I think the cakes typically have 'fireworks' on them.  Otherwise known as sparklers.  I remember hubby asking for this on ours and he wanted an ice cream cake (like this one), but I had no idea how to arrange that, so we had a normal AMERICAN cake.
• There is no head table. I think the couple sits with the parents. ? I need to ask about this.
• The meal and cake can be served REAL late. Think around midnight.

Here is a link about someone's personal experience getting married in Belgium as an American.
Here is a post about someone attending a Belgian wedding.