Weddings are steeped in tradition, with rituals and customs passed down through generations, symbolising love, commitment and unity. From the exchanging of rings to the cutting of the cake, each tradition holds significance and adds depth to the celebration of marriage. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the more well known wedding traditions, exploring their origins and meanings.
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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
This age-old tradition is said to bring good luck to the couple on their wedding day. "Something old" symbolises continuity with the past and historically was said to protect any children the couple may have. "Something new" represents optimism for the future. "Something borrowed", borrowing something from a happily married friend or family member is thought to bring the couple good luck for their future life together, more recently this has also come to include sentimental or heirloom items. "Something blue" symbolises purity, love, and fidelity, but is also thought to ward off the evil eye and bring good fortune. The sixpence in the shoe is the final part of the old rhyme, this represents prosperity for couples as they start their lives together.
The White Wedding Dress
The tradition of a bride wearing white can be traced back to Queen Victoria, who started the trend when she wore a white gown for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. White also symbolises purity, innocence, and new beginnings, making it a timeless choice for brides around the world.
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The exchanging of Rings
The exchange of wedding rings is a universal symbol of love and commitment. The circular shape of the ring represents eternity and the unending bond between the couple. As you wear your wedding ring throughout your life, it will serve as a constant reminder of the love and devotion you share with your partner. Rings are typically worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, as it was believed to have a vein that leads directly to the heart, known as the "vena amoris."
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The Wedding Veil
The tradition of wearing a veil dates back to ancient times when it was believed to protect the bride from evil spirits. Today, the veil is a symbol of modesty, purity, and the bride's transition from maidenhood to wifehood. Plus it can also make for some awesome photos!
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The First Dance
The first dance is a cherished tradition in many cultures, symbolising the couple's unity and shared journey through life. It's a magical moment for the newlyweds to showcase their love and celebrate their union in front of their loved ones. Couples often choose a meaningful song that holds special significance to them.
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The Cutting of the Cake
Cutting the wedding cake together symbolises the couple's first task as a married couple. It's a joyful moment that signifies their commitment to sharing their lives together. In some traditions, feeding each other a bite of cake symbolises their commitment to provide and care for one another.
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Throwing the Bouquet
The tradition of throwing the bouquet dates back to medieval times when guests would try to obtain a piece of the bride's dress or flowers for good luck. In more recent times it's become a fun and lighthearted tradition where the bride tosses her bouquet to a group of single women, with the belief that the one who catches it will be the next to marry. However less and less brides are choosing to throw their bouquet today. The bouquet is more of a design piece and a lot of work and cost goes into creating it and so brides are instead opting to keep it and preserve it as a memory.
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Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
This tradition dates back to ancient Rome when it was believed that evil spirits could enter the bride through the soles of her feet. To protect her, the groom would carry her over the threshold of their new home. Today, it's a romantic gesture symbolizing the groom's strength and commitment to his bride.
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Wedding traditions are more than just rituals; they are symbolic expressions of love, commitment, and cultural heritage. Whether steeped in ancient customs or modern interpretations, these traditions enrich the wedding experience, creating cherished memories and amazing photo opportunities that last a lifetime. But please remember your wedding is your day and you can decide which, if any, of these traditions you want to include.
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