Wedding Traditions...

Wedding traditions are found across almost every aspect of any wedding from the engagement to the wedding to the honeymoon. The traditions that are associated with a wedding are often sourced from ancient superstitions, with many traditions still part of the average wedding ceremony despite the loss of superstition in many cultures. So what are some of the craziest and most common ones still being practiced today?

A Diamond Engagement Ring

This tradition was from the medieval Italians. The Italians believed that a diamond was formed and created from the flames of love. This was then given to the bride as a symbol of and unbreakable love.

Why Does The Bride Stand On The Left?

During the wedding ceremony, the groom will always stand on the right with his bride on the left. This tradition dates back to a time when the groom would steal his bride and if he had to fight off other men he would hold his bride with on his left arm and use his right hand to swing his sword.

The Wedding Garter

The tradition of the garter toss was founded in France, the French considered anything the bride wore was lucky. The garter would be thrown by the bride and the catcher would have good luck. 

Wedding Rings

The bride’s engagement ring and wedding band are worn traditionally on the left hand, third finger. This tradition dates back to ancient Egypt, the Egyptians believed this finger (ring finger) followed the “vena amoris” otherwise known as the “vein of love” which runs directly to the heart.

The Best Man

Traditionally the best man was the strongest and best fighter the groom could find, he was used to fend off the brides father, brothers and other suitors. This was generally done if the marriage did not have the bride’s families blessing.

Bridal flowers

Bridal flowers have a very long history and date back to ancient times, when the bride would carry strong scented herbs and flowers to send away evil spirits and ward off poor health and bad luck.
During the Victorian times a different meaning was born. Courting couples would send love messages to each other using flowers, each flower having a different meaning and message. These meanings as still used today.

The most popular flowers for a bridal bouquet are tulips, roses and lilies. These flowers mean:
Red Rose – Love
White Rose – Worthiness
Pink or White Rose– Love and Beauty
Tulips – Love
Lilies – Return of Happiness 

Throwing Rice

The throwing of rice over a couple who had just exchanged vows was first originated from the ancient pagans. The pagans believed that grain represented fertility and by showering the couple with grain they were wishing them many children.

We hope it was interesting to learn the history of some of the ancient traditions that are still very prominent in many wedding ceremonies today.

Karen xx