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 symbolizes never-ending
love. Third finger, left hand? It is believed that the vein in the third
finger of the left hand runs directly to the heart.
WHY DOES THE BRIDE WHERE A VEIL?
It was believed that a veil would protect the bride from harm. Today the
white veil is a symbol of modesty and purity.
WHY DOES THE BRIDE WEAR WHITE?
In Colonial times a bride often wore her "Sunday Best" to her
wedding. It was not until the 1840's, when Queen Victoria was married
in a white wedding gown, that "white gowns" became the rage.
White is also a symbol of affluence, purity, and joy. Today, brides choose
many shades of white, from bright white to champagne.
WHY CARRY FLOWERS?
Historically, flowers and herbs have played a significant role in the
attraction of "good" and/or the warding off of "evil".
Greeks used ivy for the sign of lasting love. Today, pretty wedding flowers
convey a message of fertility and enduring love and romance.
WHY SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED AND SOMETHING
BLUE?
To insure a happy and lasting marriage, a bride should carry something
old from someone who has been married for a long time and something new,
to carry her into her new life. Something borrowed, "borrowed happiness",
something blue, "the color blue has been associated with purity and
modesty". A penny in your shoe, place a penny in your shoe to bring
good fortune and protection against want.
WHY IS A WHITE RUNNER USED?
The white runner, signifies a pure pathway into happiness. Rose petals
in the bride's path lead her to a sweet and plentiful future.
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.
WHY IS THE CEREMONY SEALED WITH A KISS?
Occurring at the end of the ceremony, the kiss announces a new union and
married status.
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.
WHAT IS A GROOM'S CAKE?
A groom's cake is often a rich dark cake or a cake in the groom's favorite
color, sport or hobby. The groom's cake is a way to share the couple's
good fortune and the sweetness of married life.
WHY TOAST AT A RECEPTION?
Toasting represents the collective best wishes of friends and family.
Toasts may be offered with any beverage, but champagne is a wedding favorite.
Raising a glass together is a way for everyone to share in wishing wellness
and happiness to the newlyweds.
WHY ARE THERE WEDDING FAVORS?
The bride and groom are considered to be lucky, as in 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".
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 bride's gown at a large gathering!
Thus, the tossing of the bouquet is the modern alternative that allows
the gown to remain intact. It should not be forgotten that the lady who
catches the bouquet is believed to be the next women to be married.
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. The gentleman who catches the garter
would be the next to wed.
WHY ARE SHOES ATTACHED TO THE CAR?
Shoes represent power. Shoes signify the creation of a new family unit.
Shoes and cans are attached to the bumper of a car to cause a noisy clatter
intended to drive off harm.
WHY IS THE BRIDE CARRIED OVER THE THRESHOLD?
It was believed that harm hovered at the threshold of the home that the
newlyweds would enter. The bride was lifted over the entrance to keep
harm from entering through her feet.
WHY THROW RICE?
Rice and wheat symbolize fertility, prosperity, and bounty. Today guests
throw rose petals, potpourri, wheat, and bird seed. Showering the newlyweds
in bubbles or releasing birds, butterflies and ringing of bells most often
replaces rice today.
