Why does the bride wear white?
Why does the bride where a veil?
Why a wedding ring?
Carrying of flowers?
Why something old, something new
Why is the bride given away?
Why is the ceremony sealed with a kiss?
Why is there a wedding cake?
Why toast at a reception?
Why are there wedding favors?
Why is the bouquet tossed?
Why is the garter tossed?
Why are shoes attached to the car?
Why is the bride carried over the threshold?
Why throw rice?
Why does the bride wear white?
Time was when a bride often wore her "Sunday best" to her wedding and It wasn't until Queen Victoria was married in the 1840's, in a white wedding gown, that "white gowns" became all the rage. White is also a symbol of affluence, purity, joy and virginity. Today, brides can choose many shades of white, from bright white to champagne and beyond.
Why does the bride where a veil?
Many years ago it was thought that a veil would protect the bride form evil spirits. Whereas today, the white veil is a symbol of modesty and virginity.
back to top
Why a wedding ring?
As far back as literature documents weddings, the wedding ring has been in evidence. Some believe the wedding ring was the first element of wedding traditions. The circular shape of the wedding ring symbolises never-ending love, and is placed on 3 rd finger, left hand because it is believed that the vein in it runs directly to the heart.
back to top
Carrying of flowers?
Historically, flowers & herbs have always played a major role in the attraction of "good" and/or the warding off of "evil". The Greeks used ivy as a sign of lasting love. Today, pretty wedding flowers express a message of fertility and long-lasting love and romance.
back to top
Why something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue And a silver sixpence in your shoe".?
This well known little rhyme, which originated during Victorian times and is still commonly practiced for good luck. Traditionally, the "old" would have been the garter of a happily married woman, with the thought being that her good fortune would be passed down along with it. The "new" stood for the couple's new bright and happy future together. "Something borrowed" was usually a much-valued item from the bride's family. It symbolized prosperity within the new union, but would bring that good fortune only if it was returned to the family. "Something blue" came from an ancient tradition in which the bride would wear a blue ribbon in her hair as a symbol for fidelity. Placing a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe was to ensure wealth in the couple's life. Today brides often slip a penny inside their shoe before the ceremony in place of the difficult to acquire silver sixpence. As such, the rhyme is often adapted to "...And a lucky penny in your shoe".
back to top
Why is the bride given away?
In days of old, the bride was literally given to the groom in an arranged marriage. Today "giving away" is seen as symbolic of her parent's support for her union.
back to top
Why is the ceremony sealed with a kiss?
Occurring at the end of the ceremony, the kiss announces a new union and married status.
back to top
Why is there a wedding cake?
It is a symbol of good luck and fertility, cake being exchanged is to show loyalty and devotion to one another. & The three tiered cake is believed to have been inspired by the spire of Saint Bride's Church in London, England.
back to top
Why toast at a reception?
Toasting represents the collective best wishes of friends & family. Toasts may be offered with any beverage, but champagne is a wedding favourite. Raising a glass together is a way for everyone to share in wishing health& happiness to the happy couple.
back to top
Wy are there wedding favors?
The bride and groom are considered to be lucky, as is anything they touch. Wedding favors are a way for the bride and groom to thank their guests for sharing in their happiness and to symbolically pass on their "good luck".
back to top
Why is the bouquet tossed?
The custom of tossing the bouquet is the modern day alternative to the old tradition of the "tearing of the wedding dress". In days gone by, single ladies would tear a piece of the brides dress for good luck. One can only imagine the fate of the brides gown at a large gathering! Thus the tossing of the bouquet is the modern alternative that allows the bride's gown to remain intact. It should not be forgotten that the lady who catches the bouquet is the next woman to be married.
back to top
Why is the garter tossed?
Like the bouquet toss, the garter toss is also a modern alternative to the less than savory tradition of old. In the old days, guest would follow the newlyweds to their room and wait for them to undress then take their stockings and toss them at the bride & groom. The first male to hit the bride or groom with their stocking would be lucky and the next to marry. Thus the garter toss. The gentleman who catches the garter would be next to wed.
back to top
Why are shoes attached to the car?
Shoes represented power. Shoes signify the creation of a new family unit. Shoes and cans were attached to the bumper of a car to cause a noisy clatter intended to drive off evil spirits.
back to top
Why is the bride carried over the threshold?
It was believed that evil spirits hovered at the threshold of the home the newlyweds would enter. The bride was lifted over the entrance to keep the evil spirits from entering through her feet.
back to top
Why throw rice?
The custom of throwing rice at the newlywed couple was to symbolize fertility. In some cultures, it was not rice which was thrown, but rather small cakes or pieces of a crumbled cake. Today guests throw rose petals, potpourri, wheat, millet seed and birdseed. Showering the newlyweds in bubbles or releasing birds, butterflies and ringing of bells replace rice today. Due to a number of practical and environmental reasons - the symbolism remains the same! [Rice can be hazardous and often fatal to birds that frequently attempt to eat it off the ground. It is also very easy to slip upon, presenting potential for injury.]
back to top
According to legend, the month in which you marry may have some bearing on the fate of the marriage:
"Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true;
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate;
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know;
Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man;
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day;
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you will go;
Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bred;
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see;
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine;
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry;
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember;
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last".
Back to useful information
