Top Seven Wedding Traditions for Your Big Day
The groom and bride exchange rings at weddings and the bride normally throws a bouquet, but why do we have these traditions? Here are the seven top wedding traditions and how they came into practice.
1. Exchanging Rings
Wedding rings are exchanged in many traditions and cultures, and while their origins and subtle meanings may vary, the underlying symbolism of rings are the same. That is, of enduring love and lifelong commitment, with the band forming an eternal circle that never ends. Diamond rings and diamonds in rings, in particular, are said to represent beauty and eternity in love and marriage, and perhaps that is why they so valued for marriage.
Wedding rings were exchanged as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece. Sometimes, when marriages were of social significance, rings were used to symbolise a contract of marriage between two people rather than love itself.
The practices of wearing wedding and engagement rings on the left hand was said to begin in Edwardian times to align the idea of marriage with heart side of the body.
However this tradition has evolved, the exchanging of rings has become the centrepiece of any wedding ceremony.
2. Throwing the Bouquet
Traditionally, blushing brides originally threw garters rather than bouquets at wedding receptions. Eventually, it become more practical (and helped preserve the bride’s modesty) to throw a bouquet instead of having to remove the garter then throw the bouquet.
Today, the bouquet is another essential element of any big wedding, with professional florists hired to create a bouquet especially designed for ‘throwability.’ The first person to catch it is said to be the next in line to get married.
3. Bridal Showers
Bridal showers actually originated to help brides from poor families with little or no dowry money with presents and other gifts to help start their new home. It is said that a poor bride and her friends in Holland helped start this tradition.
While not strictly a wedding-day activity, bridal showers are very common nowadays as a way to celebrate with friends before the big day. Normally hosted by bridesmaids and the matron of honour, bridal showers can be a couples’ activity or just for the girls. They are usually held within two months of the wedding date and no later than two weeks before the wedding. There’s no fixed routine or venue for bridals showers – they can be held at a restaurant, at home, a spa, or any other location.
4. Bridal Veil
Bridal veils may have originated from ancient Romans in Greeks, who believed that covering the bride with cloth helps ward off evil spirits, or it may have originated in Victorian times as a reflection of the fashion of everyday veil-wearing for women.
Whatever its origin, the bridal veil can make an outfit magical and help add a dramatic element to the moment before the exchange of vows.
5. Wearing Something Blue
- Blue was said to represent purity and fidelity
- Wearing something old represented continuity and transition
- Wearing a new item was said to help the bride and groom make the transition to adulthood
- The something borrowed was to be from a happily married couple, in order to borrow some of their luck
6. Throwing Rice
Throwing rice originated during agrarian times to ensure a good harvest, and thus prosperity and happiness during the marriage. Nowadays, rice is thrown for good luck and to wish the newlyweds a successful.
7. Penny in Shoe
The penny in the shoe tradition is a European mean to bring good luck and prosperity. It was also tradition to have the penny turned into a jewel after the ceremony for the bride, for example, a pendant, earrings, or as the centrepiece for a ring.
