Fun Wedding Traditions

Wedding traditions have been around for centuries, changing subtly with the ages but maintaining much of their original ceremony. Have you ever wondered why you follow certain traditions as you celebrate your wedding and tie the knot?

The Veil:

The veil traditionally was used to symbolize the bride’s virginity, innocence and modesty. The act of the husband lifting the veil to reveal his bride’s face symbolized his dominance over her, but if she took the initiative and lifted the veil herself then she showed her independence from her husband.

In ancient and not so ancient Middle Eastern and Asian cultures brides wore veils to hide their faces from the intended who has never seen her face. Only as the veil was lifted would the groom be able to see his new bride for the first time.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.

This charming saying is from the Victorian times, and is even used today to help brides plan what they wish to wear on their wedding day.

Something Old is representative of the link between past and family. Often an antique family piece of jewelry is chosen to be worn.

Something New represents new fortunes and success for the new life with her husband. Often it is the wedding gown that is used as the new item.

Something Borrowed represents a reminder to the bride that her family and friends will be there for her in her new life.

Something Blue is a symbol of faithfulness, loyalty and purity.

The Bridal Bouquet began as a symbol of fertility. Herbs such as dill were often used and then eaten as it was believed to induce desire. The carrying of flowers is also rooted in ancient times as a good luck charm to ward off evil spirits, bad luck and ill health. As times changes the Victorians began to use the bouquets as a way to send messages to their lovers, as each flower had a special meaning.

The expression “Tying the Knot” is dated back to the times of the Romans. The bride then wore a girdle secured by a knot. On the wedding night the groom had the honor of “untying the knot” and their lives were tied together. In the Celtic custom especially hand fasting it was the norm to tie the wrists of the couple together to represent their bond.

The Honeymoon

Far back in history when a groom generally kidnapped his bride, he would keep her hidden away from her family. Usually they hid for a month, which was considered one moon cycle, and drank honeyed mead. Thus the origins of the word honeymoon.

Fun Facts and Legends:

It wasn’t until Queen Victoria in 1840 that the white wedding dress became fashionable. Usually it had been the woman’s best dress that was worn on her wedding day, no matter the color. Though no matter what color the dress, it has always been considered ill luck for the bride to make her own wedding gown.

There is an old legend passed down through the generations that stated the month you married in had some weight as to the final 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 labor 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".