Many customs and traditions are part of a family’s particular ethnic background, or heritage of the bride or groom.
- In some African ceremonies, newlyweds are bound together at the wrist by soft, plaited grass to signify their joining.
- In China, brides wear red as a symbol of love and joy.
- In Sweden, bouquets often include pungent herbs, such as lavender or thyme.
- In Poland, guests pin money on the bride to buy the honor of having a dance with her.
In addition, there are many traditions that can add a touch of sentiment to your day.
- Brides of yesterday carried a prayer book or Bible with a modest floral instead of a large bouquet of flowers.
- A sixpence or shiny new dime worn in the bride’s left shoe ensures wealth and prosperity.
- Bread or grain carried in the bride’s pocket brings good luck. With every piece she tosses away, a misfortune is avoided.
- A pinch of salt in the bride’s glove, pocket, or shoe ensures happiness forever.
- Giving the presiding clergy person an odd sum of money brings good luck.
Whether you call them traditions, customs or even superstitions there are no rules written in stone that say you have to incorporate any of these into your wedding. So whether you choose a more traditional route or take a different road, either way it’s your wedding your way. So relax, put your feet up and read on.
The Bridal Shower originated in the days when marriages were arranged. A poor Dutchman fell in love with a girl whose father refused her a dowry. So their friends showered her with enough gifts to start housekeeping.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Something Old – to bring a sense of continuity; passage from the old unmarried state
Something New – to add an optimistic note; married union
Something Borrowed – the superstition that happiness rubs off; community participation in and approval of the wedding
Something Blue – the color that signifies purity, love, and fidelity. The wearing of the blue by modern brides comes from ancient Israel when brides of the times wore a blue ribbon to symbolize their fidelity.
The Bride’s Handkerchief. Early farmers believed that the tears shed by a bride on her wedding day were lucky and would provide much rain for the crops. The well-prepared bride kept her hanky close.
The Wedding Veil. There are two different schools of thought on the origin of the bridal veil. First, it is believed that the beautiful wedding veil worn by today’s brides evolved from the days of old when the bride stood beneath a canopy to signify that she would forever be under her groom’s protection. The second train of thought is that the veil represents modesty and respect. It symbolizes the sanctity and exclusiveness of the marriage covenant and reminds the couple and the witnesses that the physical relationship is to be entered into only after the vows are completed.
The Wedding Bouquet. Bridal bouquets have evolved through the ages. Saracen brides carried bouquets of orange blossoms to symbolize fertility, and Roman brides carried sheaves of wheat to symbolize prosperity for their husbands. In the eighteenth century, the practice of carrying a bouquet of flowers or strong herbs like thyme and garlic to frighten away evil spirits became a popular tradition. Today, bridal bouquets are tossed to assembled single women to symbolize new life and to pass on the bride’s good fortune.
A White Aisle Runner symbolizes walking on holy ground. A marriage covenant is not made merely between two people and their witnesses. It is made in the presence of God and He is actively involved in the agreement. The white aisle runner symbolizes God’s holiness.
The Groom Entering First. By this action the groom signifies that he is the covenant initiator. This is important because whoever initiates the covenant assumes greater responsibility for seeing it fulfilled.
The Father of the Bride Walking the Bride down the Aisle. This action has two meanings. By doing so, the father is saying to the bride, “I am endorsing this young man as the very best choice of a husband for you, and I am now bringing you to him.” In addition, the father is saying to the young man, “I am presenting to you a daughter who I have earnestly endeavored to raise as a pure bride.”
The Bride and Groom Taking Each Other’s Right Hand during the Ceremony. The open right hand offered by each party symbolizes their strength, resources and purpose. By clasping each other’s right hand, they pledge these qualities to each other so that each partner can depend on all the resources that the other brings into the relationship. The handclasp goes far beyond sealing the contract. It symbolizes the cleaving together of lives which is to be accomplished in the marriage covenant.
The Wedding Ring. A symbol of eternal love from Egypt. Gold rings were used as currency. A groom showed he trusted his bride with his money by placing a ring on her third finger. It was believed love traveled from there to the heart. The unbroken circle of the wedding band represents the continuity of undying love.
Kissing the Bride. During the Roman Empire, the kiss between a couple symbolized a legal bond. Continued use of the kiss to seal the marriage bond is based on the deeply rooted idea of the kiss as a vehicle for transference of power and souls.
The Couple Being Pronounced “Husband and Wife” establishes a definite point in time for the beginning of the marriage. These words are to remove any doubt in the minds of the couple or the witnesses concerning the validity of the marriage.
Signing the Guest Book. Your wedding guests are official witnesses to the covenant. By signing the guest book, they are saying, “I have witnessed the vows, and I will testify to the reality of this marriage.” Because of this significance, the guest book should be signed after the wedding rather than before it.
The Receiving Line is for guests to give their blessings to the couple and their parents.
Tossing the Rice. In the Middle Ages, newlyweds were showered with handfuls of nuts and grain to insure a bountiful harvest and many children to work the land (symbolizes fertility). The tradition continues today as we toss rice (birdseed; rose petals, blow bubbles, etc.) to wish the bride and groom happiness and prosperity.
The Wedding Toast. This quaint tradition stems from the old French custom of placing bread in the bottom of the glass. The drink was then drained to get to the “toast.” Legend has it that whoever finished first, bride or groom, would rule.
The Wedding Cake. Marvelous tiered creations come from the Elizabethan stack of cakes, over which newlyweds tried to kiss without toppling it. One day a baker iced the stack, and Voila! The Wedding Cake.
Throwing the Garter. In early Britain, guests invaded the bridal chamber to “fling the stockings” of the couple over their heads to determine the next to wed.
Throwing Old Shoes after the bride meant transfer of authority from the bride’s father to her new husband. Seldom used today, this tradition is possibly best kept alive by tying old shoes to the back of the newlywed’s car.
The Honeymoon. Early man captured his wife and hid her until the moon completed a 30-day cycle. During this time they drank a honey brew. Hence, honeymoon.
Over the Threshold. Because ancient practice was for the man to steal his bride, he was forced to carry her over the threshold kicking and screaming. No longer necessary to struggle, the practice has evolved into a romantic gesture that welcomes the bride home.
