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Why do we wear wedding rings on the left hand? Bridesmaids to confuse evil spirits? We’ve put together some fun facts about wedding traditions and the meaning behind them. From the popular ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue’ to the real reason why you’ll be showered with confetti, which wedding traditions will be part of your special day?
There is a reason why engagement rings are always worn on the ring finger of the left hand. It’s because it is long believed the vein in this finger leads directly to the heart. How romantic!
The ‘something old’ part of the infamous wedding tradition represents the link with the bride’s family and past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of family heirloom vintage wedding jewellery or an accessory from their Mother’s or Grandmother’s special day.
Representing good fortune and success in the bride’s new life, the wedding dress or ring is often chosen as the new item. Modern grooms often give their wife-to-be a jewellery gift on the morning of their wedding day that is to represent this part of the superstition too.
Borrowing an item is thought to remind the bride that her friends and family will be there for her. The borrowed item might be a lace handkerchief to wipe away those tears of joy, or a pair of diamond earrings are often loaned by a close relative.
Have you wondered why this colour features in this tradition? Symbolising faithfulness and loyalty, incorporating ‘something blue’ dates back to biblical times when blue represented purity. Frequently the bride’s garter is the blue item, but many brides choose this hue as their big day colour scheme.
It might not sound very comfortable but placing a ‘Silver Sixpence in her Shoe’ is to wish the bride wealth, both financial and happiness, throughout her new life.
The wedding veil was thought to be a must-have accessory to hide the bride’s beauty and ward off evil spirits. Another explanation is that during the times of arranged marriages, the bride’s face would be covered until the groom had committed to the marriage.
Why does the bride stand on the left of the groom during the marriage ceremony? It was believed the couple must stand with the bride on groom’s left to allow his sword arm to be free ready to fight off other men who may want her.
You may want to tell your bridesmaids that they were originally part of the bridal party to confuse evil spirits! Traditionally, they were dressed in white so that spirits would target them rather than the bride. Now that’s what we call bride tribe values.
Exactly what time you say ‘I do’ matters! The couple should exchange vows as the clock’s minute hand is ‘ascending towards heaven’ (i.e. upwards).
Wedding gifts bought by the guests have replaced the custom of bringing fruits that used to encourage fertility. Quite relief since we’re not sure we could imagine adding bananas and oranges to the gift list.
The five sugar coated almonds you have no doubt seen as favours at other weddings are believed to symbolise health, wealth, fertility, happiness and long-life.
Traditionally, rice was thrown at the bride and groom to encourage fertility. Nowadays, confetti often replace rice or grain, but many couples still opt for the original rice for an eco-friendly special day.
The bride throwing her wedding bouquet to the female members at the wedding was introduced from America. It is said that whoever catches the bouquet will be next to be married and this tradition has become an anticipated fun part of the reception.
Did you know etiquette says the groom should organise the honeymoon as a surprise for his bride? After all the hard work of wedding planning, it’s time for a well-earned relaxing break, brides!
When it comes to the big day speeches, it’s all about the groom and his party. Only the father of the bride, groom and best man traditionally made a speech, and it was unheard of for a member of the bridal party to say a few words.
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