Most of our wedding traditions and rituals that we follow today, date back to our ancient ancestors. Here's a look at how some of these traditions originated and what they mean...

Aisle runners are used only for the bride.  They are used so that the bride's gown does not get mud, dirt and grass on her train. It should be rolled out after the last people in the procession have reached the alter. The bride and her escort should be the only ones walking on it.

The Bridal Bouquets. In ancient times, the first bridal bouquets were made of not only flowers but special herbs and spices. This was done to ward off the evil spirits. They also used particular herbs that symbolized fertility.

The bride's family is seated on the left side of the church and the groom's family on the right. The bride walks down on the left arm of the father and the bride's family and guests also sit on the left side. In medieval times, the men wore their swords on their right side and they needed that side free in case they needed to draw their swords and protect!

The Wedding Ring. The circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth and the universe, of wholeness and perfection, continuity, and love. It is worn on the third finger because of an ancient Greek belief that a vein from that finger goes directly to the heart.

Bridesmaids were used to confuse evil spirits. It was thought that if the bride was surrounded by women dressed alike, evil spirits could not find the bride and would leave the ceremony.

Groomsmen were basically used during the time when men would kidnap their brides. The best warriors came with the groom to fight off anyone trying to save the female from being taking from her tribe, clan, or village.

Honeymoons were actually one month long. The groom, having kidnapped his bride, would hide her from everyone for one month (or one moon cycle).  During this time, they would drink a concoction of honey and mead (basically to keep her drunk and from screaming so that no one could find them).

When toasting, the bride and groom DO NOT raise their glasses like everyone else. They are the one's being honored and therefore do not toast to themselves. And speaking of toasts, this ritual was actually taken from a French custom. Bread was put in the bottom of wine to collect all the sediments.  When the wine was gone, some lucky person got to eat the bread or toast.

The Receiving Line. In ancient times, it was believed that the bride and groom were blessed. Those who touched them would have good luck.

Bride and groom cut the cake and then feed each other. Feeding each other the cake symbolizes how the couple will "feed" and nourish the relationship for the rest of their lives. Now, this was meant as loving and caring symbol for each other. As for the "smearing" and pushing cake into each other's faces? No one knows how that started... Hopefully, that's a "tradition" that will die out!

Ringing of the wedding bells after the ceremony. This was meant to scare away the evil spirits that could destroy the couple's happiness.

Throwing rice (or birdseed) as the couple departs. The birdseed was thrown to promote fertility.

Veils have several origins. Many believed veils were worn during the dark ages so that, once again, those evil spirits could not see the bride's face. This protected her identity so that no ill will could fall on her. Many believe it comes from the bible.

The white bridal gown.  In ancient times, the traditional color of bridal gowns was red or other bright colors. The wife of Napoleon III, broke the tradition and wore a white gown. Then, brides began wearing white gowns (that were worn only once) as a symbol of their wealth.

Another theory on wearing white.  Queen Victoria was the first bride of modern history, to be married in white. White is the sign of purity and innocence. It is also a color represented in the bible for joy and celebration. Since that time, many brides followed in her footsteps.

Engagement rings, especially diamond engagement rings, became popular after the King of Egypt gave his betrothed his symbol of love. The ring, a perfect circle, having no beginning and no end made of gold; believed to hold mystical powers. The diamond, the hardest element on earth, showed that his love would always be forever.

In the Jewish faith, Chuppahs or Canopies are used to symbolize the new "house" or family. A glass is broken by the groom to symbolize that marriage is fragile and needs to be cared for properly. A wish is often followed, "May your marriage last for as long as it takes to put the pieces of this glass back together."

Showers derived from a time when men would prove their love of a man's daughter, by bringing gifts to the bride's father. Livestock, food, land, were great ways to "pay" for a bride. Eventually, this little ritual, turned into men giving gifts of enticement to the daughter to show he was a man of good intentions. Fabrics for clothes, the finest dishes, would prove that he could provide a good home for her. Nowadays, showers are friends giving the bride (and sometimes the groom) gifts to start their new lives together. They “shower them with gifts and happiness. 

Something Old,
Something New...

Well, you've heard it a thousand times... on her wedding day, a bride is suppose to wear "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe!" Many brides still follow this age old tradition, but what exactly does it mean? And why blue? Well, here's the answer...

Something Old... Signifies a sense of continuity, tradition and represents the link to the bride's old life and her family. Many brides would wear their mother's wedding gown or family jewelry.

Something New... Signifies hope for the future. The bridal gown can be used here, if it is purchased new - or any other new item purchased as part of the bridal attire.

Something Borrowed... You're suppose to borrow something from a friend who is happily married. Their happiness will wear off on you and bring you happiness too! Brides can borrow Jewelry or a special handkerchief from a family member or close friend.

Something Blue... Signifies fidelity, purity and love. This is why you see so many garters with blue ribbon or detailing!

A Silver sixpence in your shoe... Signifies wealth - both financial wealth and a wealth of happiness and joy.