Five of my Favourite Wedding Traditions
Weddings are a tapestry of traditions, each adding depth and meaning to the celebration of love and commitment. From ancient customs to modern rituals, these traditions weave together to create a beautiful narrative of romance and tradition Here are five of my absolute favourite wedding traditions that never fail to tug at the heartstrings:
Old, new, borrowed, blue.
I’m pretty sure everyone’s heard of this timeless tradition. This is a tradition we embraced at our wedding as well; my “something old” was a stunning family veil worn by my grandmother. This tradition dates back to Victorian England and is believed to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day. “Something old” symbolizes continuity with the past, “something new” represents hope for the future, “something borrowed” signifies borrowed happiness from a happily married couple, and “something blue” stands for purity, love, and fidelity.
Not seeing the bride the night before
Steeped in superstition, this age-old tradition originates from the belief that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding ceremony. By not seeing her before the wedding, the groom could protect her from harm. Today, it’s more about building anticipation and adding an element of surprise to the big day.
Exchanging the rings
Dating back to ancient Egypt, the tradition of exchanging wedding rings symbolises eternity and the unending cycle of life. The circular shape of the ring represents endless love and commitment while placing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is said to have originated from the belief that it contains the “vein of love” that leads directly to the heart.
The first dance
As the newlyweds take to the dance floor for their first dance together, all eyes are on them. This tradition symbolises the couple’s unity and commitment to each other as they embark on their journey through life together. It’s a magical moment that captures the essence of love and romance, setting the tone for the rest of the celebration.
Tossing the bouquet
Originating in medieval Europe, this playful tradition has evolved into a fun and lighthearted moment during the reception. By tossing her bouquet into the crowd, the bride symbolically passes on good fortune and marital bliss to the next generation of single women, adding a touch of whimsy to the festivities.
Wedding traditions are a beautiful reflection of love, commitment, and cultural heritage. Whether honouring the past with “something old” or embracing the future with the first dance, each tradition adds a unique layer of meaning to the timeless ritual of marriage. So, as you plan your special day choose the traditions that mean something to you as a couple and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to celebrating love in all its wonderful forms! 🥂💕
