From rain on your big day to not letting the groom see the bride before the ceremony, weddings are shrouded in superstition. Below, we take a look at five of our favourite wedding traditions that are rooted in legends of the past, exploring their origins, and taking a look at how creative couples are modernising these old tales.
1. Something old, something new…
The first mention of this famous rhyme can be traced back to an 1871 short story, although it’s believed the tale has been around much longer. It’s said that a marriage will be successful if a bride wears something old (protection), something new (optimism), something borrowed (good luck), and something blue (fertility). Today’s brides are finding all sorts of ways to incorporate these items into their dresses. We love seeing fabric from old family heirlooms being carefully sewn into modern gowns.
2. Giving away the bride
The traditional meaning of this act – a father handing over ‘ownership’ of his daughter to her new husband – is obviously very antiquated. But we love how it’s evolved into something beautiful; the joining together of two families. While it’s common to still see fathers walking their children down the aisle, we’re now seeing couples use this as an opportunity to involve more beloved family, including mums, siblings, and step parents. Today, there are no rules as to how you interpret the meaning of this old practice.
3. Tossing the bouquet
Years ago, it was said that simply touching a bride on her wedding day would make someone lucky in love; that some of her luck would rub off on them. That evolved to the somewhat bizarre tradition of ripping off a piece of the bride’s gown (err… No thanks) before transitioning further into taking her bouquet. Tossing the bouquet is a bit of fun, and the dance floor is usually a good place for it as there’s lots of space. However, you don’t *have* to throw it, you could preserve your flowers and throw a garter instead.
4. Wedding cake
Historically, guests would dine on the ‘bride’s pie’ – a savoury dish – followed by the ‘groom’s pie’; a sweet fruit cake. Over time, savoury options were phased out, with all focus going on building the highest cake tower possible. It was said that if the bride and groom could kiss over it, they’d live happily ever after. Tastes and preferences have changed over the years. But interestingly, the older savoury cakes are starting to make a big comeback. We especially love the stunning cheese cakes and pork pie towers!
5. The first dance
The history of this tradition is pretty obvious. It comes from the grand balls that were once held, where the guest of honour would be celebrated and admired on the dance floor first, before everyone else joined in. The only thing that’s really different today is that there’s not always a live band providing the music. Some couples opt for a DJ who can read the room and play songs that help build the right atmosphere amongst your guests… they can even weave in requests as the night goes on, too.
