Like marriage itself, there are several wedding traditions that have withstood the test of time. Some are romantic, some are fun, and some are iconic. But what do they mean and why do we do them?
It’s time to find out with Crooked Oaks’ guide to wedding traditions that may inspire some new ones!
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.”
For many this old English saying sums up four key ingredients every bride needs on her wedding day! The “something old” represents the bride’s past. Oftentimes, the bride will wear a special family heirloom such as a pair of earrings or a necklace, for instance.
The “something new” symbolizes the happy couple’s bright future. “Something borrowed” typically comes from someone who is happily married while the “something blue” represents purity, love and fidelity.
The white wedding dress
This longstanding tradition actually dates back to Queen Victoria’s public wedding in the 1800s. She wore a white dress made of British silk and lace, and the rest is history!
Today, modern brides will mix things up with off-white gowns or pops of color with accents or accessories.
The wedding veil
Dating back to the Romans, brides wore veils to hide their happiness from potentially jealous, evil spirits waiting to spoil the day. While evil spirits aren’t a concern these days, brides still wear veils for elegance and a dramatic entrance.
The ring finger
Romans strike again! They believed the fourth finger on the left hand was connected directly to the heart by the “vein of love.” Hence, it’s the perfect finger for your engagement and wedding ring!
The bridal bouquet
Originally, the bouquets were more like bunches of herbs thought to ward of those pesky evil spirits. Eventually, the herbs transitioned to the bride’s favorite flowers instead.
The tiered wedding cake
In the past, bread or other baked goods were broken over the bride’s head to represent fertility. Some cultures stacked cookies and scones in a high tower the newlyweds kissed over. If they didn’t knock it down, a happy and prosperous future was ahead.
The towers have since been replaced with beautiful tiered wedding cakes.
The first dance
Make your way to the dance floor and make your debut as a married couple with this fun-loving tradition! You can take it slow or speed things up; it’s really all about the two of you.
Cutting the cake together
Once upon a time, the bride did this alone. But in modern days, the groom joins in to represent unity. Afterall, they both will be establishing a new home together.
Tossing rice
Traditionally speaking, tossing rice conveyed best wishes and good luck on the new couple. Rice was symbolic of prosperity and fertility.
Today, anything goes—from bubbles to releasing butterflies to biodegradable confetti.
Summary
Are you ready to use Crooked Oaks’ guide to wedding traditions to start planning your one-of-a-kind wedding? Contact us to find out more about our venue and our wedding packages. You can also keep reading our blogs to discover the natural beauty that is Crooked Oaks!
