Weddings and Traditions
Weddings and Tradtions
Bride's Bouquet
After the reception the bride throws her bouquet over her shoulder to a group of unmarried female guests. Tradition states that the person to catch the bouquet will be the next of those present to marry.
A male version of this custom is for the groom to remove the bride's garter and throw it over his shoulder to the unmarried male guests. Once again the catcher will be the first to marry.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids were dressed similarly to the bride to act as decoys to confuse evil spirits, thus protecting the bride.
Best Man
In bygone days when the groom would "capture" his bride the best man was there to help him meet any resistance from the girl's family or other suitors.
It is the duty of the best man to protect the groom from bad luck. He must ensure that once the groom has begun his journey to the church he does does not return for any reason. He must also ensure that the groom carries a small charm or small mascot in his jacket pocket on his wedding day. The best man should pay the church minister and odd fee to bring good luck to the happy couple.
Confetti
Today we use paper confetti, however confetti is the Itlaian name for sweets which in Italy are thrown over the the couple as they emerge from the church. Before the use of paper confetti the happy couple were showered with petals, grain or rice. This was to bestow prosperity and fertility on the bride and groom.
Shoes
There have been many customs involving shoes which ar ethought to bring good luck. The best known is for the brides shoes to be tied to the back of the newlyweds car. This has evolved from the tudor custom of guests throwing shoes at the happy couple. Apparently it was lucky to be hit by the shoes. Less well known is for the father of the bride to present the groom with a pair of the bride's shoes which symbolises the passing over of responsibility for the bride.
Wedding Breakfast
Traditionally the wedding ceremony took place very early in the morning, therefore the following meal was the breakfast.
Wedding Cake
The wedding cake originated as a fertility symbol in ancient Rome where cakes baked from wheat or barley were broken over the head of the bride for good luck.
Cutting the wedding cake is now part of the whole ritual reception celebration with bride and groom making the first cut together to symbolise their shared future.
Honeymoon
The term honeymoon is thought to originate from the times when a man would capture his bride. The couple would hide from the parents of the bride before marrying and would remain in hiding for a further cycle of the moon after the wedding. During this period they would drink honey wine.
Wedding Favours
Wedding favours traditionally symbolise health, happiness and fertility. Amorous qualities have been attributed to gingerbread down the centuries; Medieval knights presented shield shaped pieces of gingerbread to their ladies during jousting contests and tournaments. Eager maidens even went to the extent of decorating gingerbread with real gold in the hope it would attract the knight of their fancy.
Carrying the Bride Across the Threshold
In the days of marriage by "capture" the bride would not go peacefully into the grooms house and therefore she was dragged or carried over the threshold. Earlier myths are that it prevented demons entering the house on her first visit.
The Couples First Purchase
It is said that the first partner to buy a new item would be the dominant one in the relationship. many bride's would arrange to make the first purchase by agreeing to buy a small item such as a pin from a chief bridesmaid straight after the ceremony.