Wedding Traditions – how have they changed ?
HONEYMOON
Marriage was historically brought by a capture of the bride by the groom. The groom would take his bride to a place where she could not be found. They would stay at this location for approximately 30 days, as the moon went through its phases. While they were there they would drink a brew made of honey. This is how the term “honeymoon” began.
Couples today usually just get away to some place they feel is romantic for a shorter periods to celebrate the beginning of their lives together.
BRIDE’S GOWN
Traditionally the bridal gowns are white because of ancient Greeks and Romans believing that white was a symbol of purity, innocence, and joy. Today the white or ivory dress is a symbol of the celebration. Lace, was considered an art in Europe, and used as a popular ornamentation to the gowns. Used a lot today!
Note: There are of course other traditions, and research is still being done on them. The ones above are the most common.
TRADITIONS OF OTHER CULTURES FOR WEDDINGS
Sugar Cube – Greek brides tuck a cube of sugar in their glove to sweeten the union.
Rain on Your Wedding Day – Hindu beliefs include that rain on your wedding day is good luck.
Planting of Tree – in the Netherlands a tree is planted outside the newlywed’s home as a symbol of fertility.
Gift Collection – Finish brides traditionally carried a pillow case door to door collecting gifts.
Red and Yellow Outfits – Korean brides were outfits in these colors to their wedding.
Hand Tying – this is done in many cultures, including Celtic, Native American, Hindu and Egyptian. The couple’s hands are tied together during the ceremony as a symbol of their bond and commitment.
Jumping of the Broom – An African-American tradition brought about because marriages were not allowed during slavery, so they would show their love at a celebration by jumping the broom. It is used by many today as part of their ceremony, even other cultures.
Sake – Japanese tradition is that the couple becomes man and wife after they have taken the first nine sips of sake.
Locking of the Doors – In Ireland, the doors to the church were locked after everyone had entered to insure that the groom would not back out.
While these are only a few of the traditions and customs, these are the most readily used in wedding ceremonies. My research will go on and I will update this blog topic again.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope that you are able to incorporate some of these into your wedding!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
WEDDING TRADITIONS AND FOLKLORE - Part 3
Wedding traditions - where have they gone?
As I continue to research the wedding traditions, I am finding that many are still used today, but altered some! It is interesting to learn about how some of the traditions began, and when!
This is the 3rd part of our postings on this subject. Hope you are enjoying learning more about them!
Father of the Bride escorting the Bride own the Aisle
This tradition actually has a two part meaning – first the Father of the bride is actually saying through this that he things that this young man is a very good choice for his daughter and that he is escorting her to him. It can also be taken to mean that the father is presenting his daughter to this man as a pure young woman that he raised.
In my years I have also seen many brides who do not want their father to escort them down the aisle for reasons of their own. And I have witnessed fathers who do not want to walk their daughters down the aisle.
Taking of the Right Hands by Couple During the Ceremony
Offering the open right hand to each other during the ceremony presents a sign of strength and purpose. By clasping the hands together, the combine these strengths and accept the others symbolizing that each can depend on the other. It some thought it could be viewed as a sealing of the contract. It is similar to the gentleman’s handshake for commitments that are made.
Why the Groom Says His Marriage Vows First
In marriages, it is viewed that the man should be the leader and assumes a larger responsibility. Although this may seem old fashioned to many today, it is brought forth from history, and accepted as the trend. The groom is thought of as the covenant initiator, and he must be the first to commit to the marriage as per God’s desire.
And we all do believe that a marriage is a shared experience and the couple should be equal in it, but we to know that the man has always been know as the head of the house – even though some females feel they are in control.
Engagement Ring
This old tradition, the giving of a ring, was used long ago to seal agreements. A marriage or engagement is thought of as a sacred agreement. During the time when marriages were purchased, the ring symbolized a partial payment for the bride. Did you know that the first diamond engagement rings were first worn back in Italy during the medieval times? Diamonds have always been the preferred stone for engagement rings by brides. It was said that the diamond’s sparkle is caused by the fires of love.
Not all brides like diamonds and prefer another stone.
Why is the Couple Pronounced – Husband and Wife
This is the point and time of the ceremony when they are blessed by marriage and start their journey together. It also gives those in attendance the reassurance that they are now married – a sort of validation.
Signing of the Guest Book
Wow, most of the weddings have this wrong. According to tradition, the wedding guest book is a book that should actually be signed “after” the ceremony. The guests would be testifying that they were witness to the covenant, and will testify to the reality of the marriage.
Most weddings today have you sign the guest book before entering the ceremony. This has happened probably due to all the confusion and congestion after the ceremony.
Why Food at the Reception
Food has always been a part of most celebrations and this is no different. Serving food at a reception goes a little further though, it symbolizes the unity of the couple, and they share that with their guests.
Why are Wedding Cakes Such a Big Part of the Wedding Reception
Actually cakes, as well as bread have always been part of celebration of a marriage. The ancient Romans considered bread to be a symbol of fertility. To ensure that fertility would be present in this couple, a loaf of bread would be broken over the bride’s head and the crumbs would be served to the guests.
Another look at this would be the belief that a couple was not considered married until they had broke the bread and eaten it together.
Today we use the cutting of the cake, and the groom feeding the bride first, or together to follow that tradition of the Romans. Guests are offered a piece of the wedding cake to wish the couple luck and to provide a sign of unity.
Groom’s cakes have made their appearances through the years. Not all receptions have them. The groom’s cake was often served at the rehearsal dinner which is hosted by his family. This too was thought of as a blessing of fertility. Groom’s cakes first appeared as a dark rich fruitcake, but have evolved over the years.
Throwing of Rice and Petals
The tradition of throwing rice and or petals after the ceremony has evolved over the years. In the Middle Ages it was the custom to throw handfuls of wheat over the couple to represent the hope for fertility. In more recent times rice was substituted for the wheat, then it was flower petals to symbolize beauty, happiness, prosperity and of course fertility.
However today, things are changing once again. Many venues or churches do not allow the throwing of rice. Once reason it that it is not good or safe for birds that try to feed on it. At one time birdseed was used, but I have found in recent years as a planner, that churches and venues do not allow bird seed as an alternative. The reason being is that it attracts unwanted birds to visit and reside.
As far as the flower petals, real ones are ok, as they do eventually compost into the soil, and the birds will not eat them. BUT the silk ones are a totally different story.
Be creative with your decision, and plan green if at all possible. Many brides are deleting this entirely out of their wedding.
Bridal Showers
Because of a Dutch father, bridal showers were introduced. The father did not approve of his daughter’s choice for a husband – he was after all a poor miller. The bride, assisted by her friends asked to be showered with gifts so that she would have the necessary dowry to gain her father’s respect and permission to be married to this man. In England many years later a woman wanted to congratulate her friend for her upcoming marriage, but her one gift did not seem big enough. So she suggested to the bride’s friends that they gather and present their gifts at the same time. It was so popular that it became known as a bridal shower, and has continued on today.
MORE TO COME – final part
In the final part, I will talk about a few remaining traditions, touch base on some customs of other countries, and sum up my thoughts!
Hope you are enjoying these as much as I am! I love the history of things!
As I continue to research the wedding traditions, I am finding that many are still used today, but altered some! It is interesting to learn about how some of the traditions began, and when!
This is the 3rd part of our postings on this subject. Hope you are enjoying learning more about them!
Father of the Bride escorting the Bride own the Aisle
This tradition actually has a two part meaning – first the Father of the bride is actually saying through this that he things that this young man is a very good choice for his daughter and that he is escorting her to him. It can also be taken to mean that the father is presenting his daughter to this man as a pure young woman that he raised.
In my years I have also seen many brides who do not want their father to escort them down the aisle for reasons of their own. And I have witnessed fathers who do not want to walk their daughters down the aisle.
Taking of the Right Hands by Couple During the Ceremony
Offering the open right hand to each other during the ceremony presents a sign of strength and purpose. By clasping the hands together, the combine these strengths and accept the others symbolizing that each can depend on the other. It some thought it could be viewed as a sealing of the contract. It is similar to the gentleman’s handshake for commitments that are made.
Why the Groom Says His Marriage Vows First
In marriages, it is viewed that the man should be the leader and assumes a larger responsibility. Although this may seem old fashioned to many today, it is brought forth from history, and accepted as the trend. The groom is thought of as the covenant initiator, and he must be the first to commit to the marriage as per God’s desire.
And we all do believe that a marriage is a shared experience and the couple should be equal in it, but we to know that the man has always been know as the head of the house – even though some females feel they are in control.
Engagement Ring
This old tradition, the giving of a ring, was used long ago to seal agreements. A marriage or engagement is thought of as a sacred agreement. During the time when marriages were purchased, the ring symbolized a partial payment for the bride. Did you know that the first diamond engagement rings were first worn back in Italy during the medieval times? Diamonds have always been the preferred stone for engagement rings by brides. It was said that the diamond’s sparkle is caused by the fires of love.
Not all brides like diamonds and prefer another stone.
Why is the Couple Pronounced – Husband and Wife
This is the point and time of the ceremony when they are blessed by marriage and start their journey together. It also gives those in attendance the reassurance that they are now married – a sort of validation.
Signing of the Guest Book
Wow, most of the weddings have this wrong. According to tradition, the wedding guest book is a book that should actually be signed “after” the ceremony. The guests would be testifying that they were witness to the covenant, and will testify to the reality of the marriage.
Most weddings today have you sign the guest book before entering the ceremony. This has happened probably due to all the confusion and congestion after the ceremony.
Why Food at the Reception
Food has always been a part of most celebrations and this is no different. Serving food at a reception goes a little further though, it symbolizes the unity of the couple, and they share that with their guests.
Why are Wedding Cakes Such a Big Part of the Wedding Reception
Actually cakes, as well as bread have always been part of celebration of a marriage. The ancient Romans considered bread to be a symbol of fertility. To ensure that fertility would be present in this couple, a loaf of bread would be broken over the bride’s head and the crumbs would be served to the guests.
Another look at this would be the belief that a couple was not considered married until they had broke the bread and eaten it together.
Today we use the cutting of the cake, and the groom feeding the bride first, or together to follow that tradition of the Romans. Guests are offered a piece of the wedding cake to wish the couple luck and to provide a sign of unity.
Groom’s cakes have made their appearances through the years. Not all receptions have them. The groom’s cake was often served at the rehearsal dinner which is hosted by his family. This too was thought of as a blessing of fertility. Groom’s cakes first appeared as a dark rich fruitcake, but have evolved over the years.
Throwing of Rice and Petals
The tradition of throwing rice and or petals after the ceremony has evolved over the years. In the Middle Ages it was the custom to throw handfuls of wheat over the couple to represent the hope for fertility. In more recent times rice was substituted for the wheat, then it was flower petals to symbolize beauty, happiness, prosperity and of course fertility.
However today, things are changing once again. Many venues or churches do not allow the throwing of rice. Once reason it that it is not good or safe for birds that try to feed on it. At one time birdseed was used, but I have found in recent years as a planner, that churches and venues do not allow bird seed as an alternative. The reason being is that it attracts unwanted birds to visit and reside.
As far as the flower petals, real ones are ok, as they do eventually compost into the soil, and the birds will not eat them. BUT the silk ones are a totally different story.
Be creative with your decision, and plan green if at all possible. Many brides are deleting this entirely out of their wedding.
Bridal Showers
Because of a Dutch father, bridal showers were introduced. The father did not approve of his daughter’s choice for a husband – he was after all a poor miller. The bride, assisted by her friends asked to be showered with gifts so that she would have the necessary dowry to gain her father’s respect and permission to be married to this man. In England many years later a woman wanted to congratulate her friend for her upcoming marriage, but her one gift did not seem big enough. So she suggested to the bride’s friends that they gather and present their gifts at the same time. It was so popular that it became known as a bridal shower, and has continued on today.
MORE TO COME – final part
In the final part, I will talk about a few remaining traditions, touch base on some customs of other countries, and sum up my thoughts!
Hope you are enjoying these as much as I am! I love the history of things!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
WEDDING DRESS POEM
In my research for information about wedding traditions and folklore, I found the poem below. It seemed to fit with what I am writing about with regards to traditions and folklore about weddings.
This is an old poem about how the color of your wedding dress will influence your future:
Married in white, you will have chosen all right.
Married in grey , you will go far away.
Married in black, you will wish yourself back.
Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead.
Married in blue, you will always be true.
Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl.
Married in green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow.
Married in brown, you’ll live out of town.
Married in pink, your spirits will sink
~Origin unknown
This is an old poem about how the color of your wedding dress will influence your future:
Married in white, you will have chosen all right.
Married in grey , you will go far away.
Married in black, you will wish yourself back.
Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead.
Married in blue, you will always be true.
Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl.
Married in green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow.
Married in brown, you’ll live out of town.
Married in pink, your spirits will sink
~Origin unknown
WEDDING TRADITIONS AND FOLKLORE - Part 2
WEDDING TRADITIONS – where have they gone? Part 2
As I take a look at the traditions and folklore of weddings past, I am becoming so aware of how brides have drifted away from some of the traditional things with weddings. A little sad for me! We will continue in this next posting looking at several things.
WHY WEDDING CAKES ARE USUALLY TIERED
During the Anglo-Saxon era, guests would bring small cakes to the wedding reception and stacked them on top of each other. Now for me that is a little hard to embrace. As time progressed a baker in France created a cake with the shape of small cakes on top of one another and covered it in frosting. That style of cake is now known as a tiered cake.
THE TRADITION OF THE GROOM NOT SEEING THE BRIDE ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING
A tradition passed down for generation is concerning the seeing of the bride by the groom on the day of the wedding. It is said to bad luck to the couple if they see each other. It is explained that if they see each other they are taking a glimpse in the future and bringing bad luck. This tradition still is practiced with some brides, but not all.
As a mother of sons, I can say that there is nothing more touching that watching the groom sees his bride for the first time in her gown as she comes down the aisle on the arm of her father. A real tear jerker. As a planner I see a lot of the brides and grooms seeing each other before to accommodate pictures. The venues have a hand in this also with the limited use time. They have to hurry with so many things.
This is a tradition that I would like to see practiced more!
MARRIAGE KISS
The kissing at the end of the ceremony is an Ancient Roman tradition. In those days it would mean that your marriage was now legal. It was considered a legal bond. It also is associated with the tapping of a spoon on a glass until the couple kisses. Today you sometimes see the spoon and glass tradition take place at the reception. It is not done at all receptions though, and sometimes does become annoying if over used.
LENGTH OF BRIDES TRAIN
In the middle Ages the length of a brides train showed her rank in royal court. The longer her train was the closer to the King and Queen. It showed that she had great influence with the royalty.
RECEIVING LINE
This is a tradition that has been discontinued by many brides. The receiving line came from an ancient belief or folklore that the bride and groom brought luck to all those that they touched on their wedding day. Today this tradition is often left out, or substituted at the reception with the couple making rounds to each table to greet their guests.
FAVORS FOR THE GUESTS
Wow, this is a tradition that has certainly changed during times. In the 18th and 19th centuries, gloves were given to the guests as their favor for attending the event. Today it is much more complex and expensive. Couples spend a lot of money on their favors! I only hope that the guests appreciate some of them. My favorite is a candy buffet, pieces of the cake to take with them, but I have also liked the idea of a CD given to each of the guests that has the couple’s choices of wedding music on it.
WHITE AISLE RUNNER
Aisle runners have been used by brides for years. The white runner symbolizes the marriage covenant between two people, and their God. It symbolizes God’s holiness and that he is part of their ceremony and that they are on holy ground.
Over the years, aisle runners have changed in colors, and not used by all brides. Even though the white runners are used, colors to match the brides wedding colors have become popular. They are even going so far as to have them monogrammed.
Outdoor ceremonies often combine the aisle runners by using flower petals to mimic the runner.
WHY THE GROOM ENTERS FIRST
The action of the groom entering first shows that he is the covenant initiator. This shows that as the initiator he assumes responsibility to make sure the covenant is fulfilled.
MORE TO COME………………..
I am certainly enjoying researching all these traditions from past days, and seeing how many are used today! I hope you are enjoying it too! More tomorrow as promised.
As I take a look at the traditions and folklore of weddings past, I am becoming so aware of how brides have drifted away from some of the traditional things with weddings. A little sad for me! We will continue in this next posting looking at several things.
WHY WEDDING CAKES ARE USUALLY TIERED
During the Anglo-Saxon era, guests would bring small cakes to the wedding reception and stacked them on top of each other. Now for me that is a little hard to embrace. As time progressed a baker in France created a cake with the shape of small cakes on top of one another and covered it in frosting. That style of cake is now known as a tiered cake.
THE TRADITION OF THE GROOM NOT SEEING THE BRIDE ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING
A tradition passed down for generation is concerning the seeing of the bride by the groom on the day of the wedding. It is said to bad luck to the couple if they see each other. It is explained that if they see each other they are taking a glimpse in the future and bringing bad luck. This tradition still is practiced with some brides, but not all.
As a mother of sons, I can say that there is nothing more touching that watching the groom sees his bride for the first time in her gown as she comes down the aisle on the arm of her father. A real tear jerker. As a planner I see a lot of the brides and grooms seeing each other before to accommodate pictures. The venues have a hand in this also with the limited use time. They have to hurry with so many things.
This is a tradition that I would like to see practiced more!
MARRIAGE KISS
The kissing at the end of the ceremony is an Ancient Roman tradition. In those days it would mean that your marriage was now legal. It was considered a legal bond. It also is associated with the tapping of a spoon on a glass until the couple kisses. Today you sometimes see the spoon and glass tradition take place at the reception. It is not done at all receptions though, and sometimes does become annoying if over used.
LENGTH OF BRIDES TRAIN
In the middle Ages the length of a brides train showed her rank in royal court. The longer her train was the closer to the King and Queen. It showed that she had great influence with the royalty.
RECEIVING LINE
This is a tradition that has been discontinued by many brides. The receiving line came from an ancient belief or folklore that the bride and groom brought luck to all those that they touched on their wedding day. Today this tradition is often left out, or substituted at the reception with the couple making rounds to each table to greet their guests.
FAVORS FOR THE GUESTS
Wow, this is a tradition that has certainly changed during times. In the 18th and 19th centuries, gloves were given to the guests as their favor for attending the event. Today it is much more complex and expensive. Couples spend a lot of money on their favors! I only hope that the guests appreciate some of them. My favorite is a candy buffet, pieces of the cake to take with them, but I have also liked the idea of a CD given to each of the guests that has the couple’s choices of wedding music on it.
WHITE AISLE RUNNER
Aisle runners have been used by brides for years. The white runner symbolizes the marriage covenant between two people, and their God. It symbolizes God’s holiness and that he is part of their ceremony and that they are on holy ground.
Over the years, aisle runners have changed in colors, and not used by all brides. Even though the white runners are used, colors to match the brides wedding colors have become popular. They are even going so far as to have them monogrammed.
Outdoor ceremonies often combine the aisle runners by using flower petals to mimic the runner.
WHY THE GROOM ENTERS FIRST
The action of the groom entering first shows that he is the covenant initiator. This shows that as the initiator he assumes responsibility to make sure the covenant is fulfilled.
MORE TO COME………………..
I am certainly enjoying researching all these traditions from past days, and seeing how many are used today! I hope you are enjoying it too! More tomorrow as promised.
Friday, October 15, 2010
WEDDING TRADITIONS AND FOLKLORE
WEDDING TRADITIONS – where have they gone?
Today’s brides are not necessarily into the traditions of bride’s of the past. Glitter and glamour seem to occupy many brides’ wedding plans today. In looking at wedding traditions, we will talk about many in a three part blog posting.
Some of what we think of as traditions is actually folk lore, carried down from times past.
THE WEDDING RING
Since the Roman times, the wedding ring has always been placed on the third finger of the left hand. They believed that fingers vein ran straight to the heart.
The ring is also a circle – meaning never ending.
Some faiths place the ring on a different finger during the ceremony.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE, AND A SIXPENCE IN YOUR SHOE
This is one of the customs that has been altered or entirely dropped by brides of today. We will look at each area individually and the meaning behind them
Something old is a reflection of the bond to the bride’s family and the past. It can be reflected in the wearing of the mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown (which is seldom done today), or the wearing of a piece of family jewelry. It was often a hanky of a grandmother, or a small family bible.
Something new gives the symbol of hope and good fortune. This is often seen as the new wedding gown, a piece of jewelry as a gift from the groom or her family.
Something borrowed is usually an item lent to the bride from a happily married secure mature woman. It is meant to share the happiness, good fortune and joy of a stable woman.
Something blue is a symbol of love, fidelity and purity of the bride. This is often the garter the bride wears. This particular tradition of the something blue is not used as much today.
A sixpence in your shoe symbolized a wish to the bride for wealth in her married life. This is another tradition that has not been used by brides of the present.
WEDDING FLOWER – Bridal Party
Flowers in a wedding started out simple, but have moved into the expensive realm of wedding planning today. Flowers were originally incorporated into the ceremony as a symbol of fertility. Flowers have become a huge part of a wedding – elaborate bouquets seem to be a must with today’s brides.
Another part of the bridal party flowers that has also changed is who pays for what with regards to the flowers.
The old concept was as follows, but that has changed today. And this is in regards to the wedding party flowers, not the ceremony or reception flowers or décor.
Groom/Groom’s Family is/was responsible for:
Bridal Bouquet
Bride’s Veil or headpiece
Bride’s Toss Bouquet (which is now often provided by the florist at no charge)
Corsages for the Mothers and Grandmothers – both sides.
Bride’s going away corsage – isn’t used these days.
Rehearsal Dinner flowers.
Bride’s family responsible for all others. However, today the bride’s family usually pays for it all.
TOSSING OF THE BOUQUET
This tradition stems from England. Women often tried to tear pieces of the bride’s dress for good luck. But then the bride began tossing her bouquet and running to avoid the crowds. Today’s brides still toss a throw away bouquet to all the single women present, and the one catching is believed to be the next to get married. Years ago when I first married (40 years ago) the bride’s bouquet would be tossed; we didn’t have throw away bouquets.
THE BRIDAL VEIL
The veil has long been a symbol of youth, modesty and virginity, and was used to turn off evil.
BRIDESMAIDS
The bridal party was established many centuries ago. According to folk lure the purpose of the bridesmaids was to fool evil spirits. The bride’s friends would dress similar to her to fool and confuse any evil prescience that might be around. In today’s weddings bridesmaid are around to help the bride in stressful times during the wedding,
MORE TO COME….
This is just the beginning segment for Unique & Yours blog with regards to wedding traditions and are they still be used……stay tuned for more!!!! Coming next – why does the groom have a best man, why is the bride on the Groom’s left, and much more. It has been really interesting to research all these traditions and to see how many are still around.
In the many years that I have been doing wedding and event planning, I have seen the traditions begin to disappear. You will also notice this as the blog posts continue. You will find yourself looking for these things when you attend weddings....take a mental note of what you do see and don't see.
Today’s brides are not necessarily into the traditions of bride’s of the past. Glitter and glamour seem to occupy many brides’ wedding plans today. In looking at wedding traditions, we will talk about many in a three part blog posting.
Some of what we think of as traditions is actually folk lore, carried down from times past.
THE WEDDING RING
Since the Roman times, the wedding ring has always been placed on the third finger of the left hand. They believed that fingers vein ran straight to the heart.
The ring is also a circle – meaning never ending.
Some faiths place the ring on a different finger during the ceremony.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE, AND A SIXPENCE IN YOUR SHOE
This is one of the customs that has been altered or entirely dropped by brides of today. We will look at each area individually and the meaning behind them
Something old is a reflection of the bond to the bride’s family and the past. It can be reflected in the wearing of the mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown (which is seldom done today), or the wearing of a piece of family jewelry. It was often a hanky of a grandmother, or a small family bible.
Something new gives the symbol of hope and good fortune. This is often seen as the new wedding gown, a piece of jewelry as a gift from the groom or her family.
Something borrowed is usually an item lent to the bride from a happily married secure mature woman. It is meant to share the happiness, good fortune and joy of a stable woman.
Something blue is a symbol of love, fidelity and purity of the bride. This is often the garter the bride wears. This particular tradition of the something blue is not used as much today.
A sixpence in your shoe symbolized a wish to the bride for wealth in her married life. This is another tradition that has not been used by brides of the present.
WEDDING FLOWER – Bridal Party
Flowers in a wedding started out simple, but have moved into the expensive realm of wedding planning today. Flowers were originally incorporated into the ceremony as a symbol of fertility. Flowers have become a huge part of a wedding – elaborate bouquets seem to be a must with today’s brides.
Another part of the bridal party flowers that has also changed is who pays for what with regards to the flowers.
The old concept was as follows, but that has changed today. And this is in regards to the wedding party flowers, not the ceremony or reception flowers or décor.
Groom/Groom’s Family is/was responsible for:
Bridal Bouquet
Bride’s Veil or headpiece
Bride’s Toss Bouquet (which is now often provided by the florist at no charge)
Corsages for the Mothers and Grandmothers – both sides.
Bride’s going away corsage – isn’t used these days.
Rehearsal Dinner flowers.
Bride’s family responsible for all others. However, today the bride’s family usually pays for it all.
TOSSING OF THE BOUQUET
This tradition stems from England. Women often tried to tear pieces of the bride’s dress for good luck. But then the bride began tossing her bouquet and running to avoid the crowds. Today’s brides still toss a throw away bouquet to all the single women present, and the one catching is believed to be the next to get married. Years ago when I first married (40 years ago) the bride’s bouquet would be tossed; we didn’t have throw away bouquets.
THE BRIDAL VEIL
The veil has long been a symbol of youth, modesty and virginity, and was used to turn off evil.
BRIDESMAIDS
The bridal party was established many centuries ago. According to folk lure the purpose of the bridesmaids was to fool evil spirits. The bride’s friends would dress similar to her to fool and confuse any evil prescience that might be around. In today’s weddings bridesmaid are around to help the bride in stressful times during the wedding,
MORE TO COME….
This is just the beginning segment for Unique & Yours blog with regards to wedding traditions and are they still be used……stay tuned for more!!!! Coming next – why does the groom have a best man, why is the bride on the Groom’s left, and much more. It has been really interesting to research all these traditions and to see how many are still around.
In the many years that I have been doing wedding and event planning, I have seen the traditions begin to disappear. You will also notice this as the blog posts continue. You will find yourself looking for these things when you attend weddings....take a mental note of what you do see and don't see.
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