The White Wedding
The wedding dress is traditionally
white to symbolise the innocence and purity of the bride. The veil serves
to hide the bride's beauty and to ward off evil spirits.
The Bouquet
At its inception, the bouquet
formed part of the wreaths and garlands worn by both the bride and groom.
It was considered a symbol of happiness.
Throwing the bouquet
A recent addition to the list of
wedding traditions introduced by Americans. It is said that the first
unmarried woman to catch the bouquet will be the next to marry. Today the
practice of tossing the bouquet is an offshoot of throwing the garter.
Throwing of the garter
A throwback
from the past where the garter was forcibly removed from the bride by
eligible males. The victor would present the garter to the girl of his
choice. Today brides may throw the garter to unmarried men, the lucky one
who catches it will enjoy long lasting luck.
Bridesmaids
Dating back to more sinister times
the bridesmaids traditional role was to help the best man protect the
bride from the grooms rivals.
Dating back to Victorian times many brides try to arrange their wedding attire accordingly.
Something Old - represents the link with the bride's family and the past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of antique family jewellery or a mother's or grandmother's wedding gown.
Something New - represents good fortune and success in the bride's new life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item.
Something Borrowed - is to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed object might be something such as a lace handkerchief. In some regions "something borrowed" could be something stolen or gold.
Something Blue - symbolises of faithfulness and loyalty. Frequently the garter is the blue item. Blue represents the protection and holiness of the Virgin Mary.
A Silver Sixpence in her Shoe - is to wish the bride wealth.
Traditionally thrown over the couple to bring fertility to the newly weds.
Wedding Bells
Bells are rung at weddings to protect the couple from future misfortunes.
The Wedding Cake
It is extremely good luck to eat wedding cake. It symbolises fertility and brings good fortune to all who indulge in it.
The first cut of the cake
Sending cake to those unable to attend is a gesture of sharing the good luck which the wedding cake will bring.
The first cut of the cake
Symbolising faithfulness and sharing it is traditional for the couple to share the cutting of the first slice of the wedding cake.
Wedding gifts
Guest bringing presents dates back hundreds of years when originally fruits were offered to encourage fertility.
Carrying the bride across the threshold
Symbolising the bride giving up her virginity, it is also now considered good luck for the groom to carry his new wife across the threshold.