Weddings are filled with old-age traditions, many of which have fascinating origins and meanings. These superstitions and customs have been handed down through generations and many are still followed today. You could be including wedding traditions in your day without even realising their significance. From wearing a sixpence in your shoe to ceremonially cutting the cake, here are the origins of seven traditions that couples still follow to this day! To get some inspiration for your wedding day if you are following traditions or not, please feel free to have a look at some of our recent videos here.
Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue
Venue – Kingscote Barn
This age-old rhyme is perhaps one of the most well-known wedding traditions – and one of the most followed. Each item in the phrase represents a good-luck token for the bride. ‘Something old’ was originally carried to ward off evil. It’s also seen as something that connects the bride to her family and her life before marriage. ‘Something new’ represents optimism and hope for the future. Typically, ‘Something borrowed’ would have been an item borrowed from a happily married friend or family member. They were said to be lending their marital happiness to the new couple. ‘Something blue’ represents fidelity and love, rooted in ancient traditions where blue was considered a symbol of purity. The last part of the adage, ‘A silver sixpence in her shoe’, would have been given to the bride as a token of good luck.
The Wedding Eve
The tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other before the wedding stems from the era was believed that if the couple saw each other before the ceremony, they might have second thoughts. Today, it’s often upheld as a romantic gesture and thought to be good luck. This ritual adds to the excitement and anticipation of the moment they first see each other at the altar.
Historic Wedding Traditions
Historically, the bride stands on the left side of the altar so the groom kept his right hand free to draw his sword and defend her from any jealous suitors or threats. One of the wedding traditions still seen today, it symbolises the groom’s role as protector.
Wedding Ring Finger
The tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left-hand dates back to ancient Rome. It was believed that a vein ran directly from that finger to the heart, known as the vein of love. This romantic notion has endured, with the ring finger universally recognised as the proper place for a wedding band.
Carrying a Bouquet
Carrying a bouquet has quite a practical origin. Long before running water, brides would carry a posy of fragrant flowers and herbs to mask any unfavourable odours. During the Victorian era, flowers with a more symbolic meaning became popular. Brides would carry bouquets that represented fertility and everlasting love. Today, bouquets are a beautiful and fragrant accessory, often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and the personal meanings behind the flowers.
Throwing Confetti
Venue – Elmhay Park
Throwing confetti, rice, seeds or petals at the couple as they leave the ceremony is a tradition that was believed to bestow fertility and prosperity on the newlyweds. Today, it remains a festive way to celebrate the couple’s new beginning.
Wedding Favours
Wedding favours originated as bonbonnieres, small trinket boxes filled with sugar cubes or candies, that were given to each wedding guest. These gifts symbolised wealth and good luck. Five sugared almonds in little boxes were also gifted to guests as wedding favours traditionally, representing health, happiness, wealth, fertility and a long life. Modern wedding favours range from sweets to personalised tokens, serving as a thank you to guests for their presence and support.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about all of the different types of wedding traditions. If you are planning your wedding and are looking for a wedding videographer. Please just contact us to see if we are available on your wedding date.
