Weddings are full of traditions and rituals that many couples follow without really knowing the meaning or origin. From wearing white dresses to throwing bouquets, these customs have become ingrained in the wedding process over time. While some traditions have unclear beginnings, others have developed interesting symbolic meanings. Understanding the background of wedding rituals can help couples decide which ones they want to keep or replace with new trends.
Potential Target Audiences
- Newly engaged couples planning their weddings
- Brides looking for wedding inspiration
- Grooms seeking to understand wedding rituals
- Parents of the bride and groom
- Wedding planners and coordinators
- Bridal blogs and magazines
Why Do Brides Wear White?
White wedding dresses are so commonplace today that it’s hard to imagine brides wearing any other color. But the tradition of white dresses is relatively new, only dating back to Queen Victoria in the 1800s. Before then, brides would simply wear their best dress, no matter the color or style. Queen Victoria popularized white when she wore a stunning lace gown for her wedding to Prince Albert. As images of Victoria’s gown spread, white became a symbol of status that only the affluent could afford. The color white also came to represent purity and virginity. So an all-white gown signified that the bride was untouched and innocent entering her first marriage.
Over time, advancements in textile production made white fabric more accessible to the masses. The white wedding dress came to be viewed as a romantic symbol of a fairytale bride. Today white gowns are so standard that wearing any other color is seen as unconventional or daring. But some modern brides are bringing color back into fashion by wearing blush pink, pale blue, or even rainbow gowns.
Why Do Brides Carry Bouquets?
The bridal bouquet dates back to ancient times when it was thought that strong smelling herbs and garlic could drive evil spirits away. Brides would carry pungent bouquets down the aisle to ward off evil. Flower petals were also seen as representations of a maiden’s virginity and purity. Over time, the pungent herbs fell out of favor and flowers became the main component for bridal bouquets and church decor. Specific blooms like roses and baby’s breath took on their own symbolic meanings of love and innocence.
The tradition of tossing the bouquet began in England when wedding guests would try to obtain a piece of the bride’s dress or flowers for good luck. Brides eventually began tossing bouquets to distract guests from mobbing them. And a superstition arose that whoever caught the bouquet would be the next to marry. So the bouquet toss turned into a playful ritual with single female guests scrambling to catch the prize.
Why Do Brides Wear Veils?
The bridal veil dates back to ancient Rome when brides wore flame-colored veils to symbolize fire and purity. In arranged marriages, veils helped conceal the bride’s face until the ceremony was completed. This ensured the groom would go through with the wedding before seeing his betrothed. And the veil became a symbol of virginity and maidenhood.
In modern times, veils continue representing modesty and purity. But sheer veils allow the bride’s face to show through while still holding symbolic meaning. Veils come in a variety of lengths from shoulder to fingertip. Blusher veils that cover the face can be lifted during certain parts of the ceremony for symbolic reveals. And some religious couples see the removal of the veil as the groom taking ownership of his bride. So the tradition of veils carries on in new and interesting ways.
Why Do Couples Exchange Rings?
The tradition of wedding rings dates back to ancient Egypt when reeds, rushes, and braided hemp were exchanged as symbols of never-ending and eternal love. The circular shape represented completeness as circles have no beginning or end. Ancient Romans and Greeks eventually adopted the custom, using rings made of bone, leather, and ivory. Wealthy elite gave gold rings with engraved gemstones. The third finger of the left hand specifically became known as the ring finger because Greeks believed a vein from that finger led directly to the heart.
Over time, wedding rings evolved almost exclusively into gold bands. But today anything goes, with personalized engravings, diamond accents, alternative metals like tungsten and titanium, and unique stone shapes. While the materials have changed, the symbolism remains the same. The unbroken circle still signifies everlasting love with no beginning or end. Couples exchange rings as they exchange vows to solidify their commitment.
Why Do Couples Have Flower Girls and Ring Bearers?
The tradition of flower girls dates back to Roman and Greek times when they would walk ahead of brides carrying herbs and garlic to ward off evil spirits. That protective meaning transformed into innocence and new beginnings with flower girls spreading petals down the aisle. Having young attendants precede the bride also symbolizes that she is moving from childhood to marriage.
Ring bearers originated from early English and French wedding ceremonies when young boys dressed just like the groom to confuse any lingering evil spirits. The imposter groom idea faded over time and boys began assisting the best man. That role evolved into the ring bearer delivering the wedding bands down the aisle.
Flower girls and ring bearers represent innocence of youth and new beginnings for the couple getting married. Their participation keeps some folklore alive while also allowing cute kids to play a special part in the wedding.
Why Do Couples Have First Dances?
The first dance between newlyweds dates back to the extravagant balls held after elite weddings. At high society weddings, the bride and groom would have the honor of kicking off the dancing and be the first to take the floor. That custom was adopted by lower classes over time and became a iconic wedding tradition. The bride and groom’s first dance provides a tender moment between the chaos of the reception and ceremony. It’s an opportunity to embrace as husband and wife for the first time before celebrating with guests.
Many couples now choreograph elaborate routines with spins, dips, and lifts to impress guests. But others still prefer a simple slow dance holding one another close. Song choices also carry significance, from timeless classics like “Unchained Melody” to modern hits with personalized meaning. While first dance trends come and go, that special newlywed moment continues highlighting the start of couples’ married lives together.
Why Do Couples Share Cakes and Toasts?
The tradition of smashing wedding cake in each other’s faces surprisingly has sweet beginnings. In early Roman times, wheat cakes were broken over brides’ heads to represent fertility and prosperity. That sentiment evolved into stacking multiple cakes at English royal weddings. Couples would try to kiss over the towers with varying success, sometimes smashing cake in the process. What started as a messy kiss attempt transitioned into playful cake face smashing.
Best man toasts also originated from the ancient Roman custom of having a witness at the wedding. That witness eventually became the best man with the role of making a congratulatory toast to bless the couple. Other guests would join in raising glasses to show support of the newlyweds. Toasting allowed friends and family to offer their love and advice as the couple set off into their new marriage.
So wedding cakes and toasts have come to represent both sweetness and support between married couples. Playfully feeding cake keeps things lighthearted while hearing meaningful toasts reminds couples that they have a strong backing of friends and family behind them.
From bouquets to first dances, it’s clear that wedding rituals carry deep cultural significance beyond the surface. While some traditions have murky origins, they continue out of the romanticized ideal of what weddings should be. Other customs, like rings and veils, have transformed from their ancient beginnings but still hold symbolic meaning. As couples plan their nuptials, they can decide whether to keep certain rituals or write their own unique love story traditions that better fit their relationship. At the heart of every wedding are two people in love making a lifetime commitment. All the flowers, dresses and cake simply enhance that special union in celebration with family and friends.
