Many of the wedding traditions commonly practiced today date back to centuries-old rituals. You may find their origins fascinating, but we are sure you will be happier following today’s versions of these traditions and customs.
Bridal party. In ancient times, people lived in small communities that offered limited choices for eligible mates. Ceremonial marriage-by-capture from other small communities became popular. The would-be groom brought along his male friends to “kidnap” his bride. She surrounded herself with her female friends for ritual protection. Today, those friends have become the groomsmen and bridal attendants.
Engagement ring. In early civilizations, marriage evolved into a business arrangement. The groom presented an engagement ring at betrothal as a sign of commitment to compensate the bride’s family for her hand in marriage. Today, the engagement ring signifies a couple’s commitment.
Bridal trousseau. In earlier times, the family of the bride would give her a dowry to present to her husband. From this old tradition has evolved the custom of a new wardrobe for the bride.
Flower decorations. An abundance of flowers and food at wedding celebrations symbolizes the fruitfulness that the families and friends wish for the bride and groom. Wedding gown. Queen Victoria broke a long tradition of royal brides marrying in silver and made white wedding gowns popular. Before then, brides wore wedding dresses of all colors, so that they also could wear them to social functions after the wedding.
Bridal veil and headpiece. At one time, women covered their faces as a sign of their unavailability. In some societies, a bride also would wear a veil as a disguise so that evil spirits lurking at the ceremony would not recognize her and do her harm.
Wedding ring. A romantic 19th century reason for wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand was that people believed the vein in this finger led straight to the heart. The ring’s circular shape always has represented eternal love.
Wedding cake. Eating the same food represented a separation from the past and a union of the couple. Today, a wedding is not complete without a cake-cutting ceremony. Traditionally, wedding guests receive servings of the wedding cake after the bride and groom serve the first piece to each other, symbolizing their first meal together.
Wedding gifts. The earliest wedding gifts were not for the bride and groom, but rather for the father of the kidnapped bride in the ancient mode of marriage-by-capture.
Bridal garter. Ancient wedding nights were parties with attendants helping the bride and groom undress. The groomsmen would fight over the bridal garters and those lucky enough to get the bride’s garters wore them in their hatbands. Contemporary throwing of the garter evolved from this practice. Bridal bouquet. Stocking throwing was another custom. After the bride and groom were undressed, they would sit in their bed and the groomsmen and bridesmaids would toss their stockings at them. The person who landed a stocking on the bride or groom would be the next to marry. Today, throwing the bridal bouquet replaces this custom.
Honking car horns. In ancient times, people believed that loud noises would chase away evil spirits. During the ceremony, guests would make loud noises to keep the spirits away. Today, the bridal party traditionally sound car horns while leaving the ceremony and announcing the wedding to all within hearing.
