It is interesting to understand the background of wedding customs. Here is an explanation of some of the most common features of modern weddings.
Wedding Dresses
Until the 19th Century, many women would wear their best dress to get married in. There was no particular color that signified a wedding. Different parts of the world had different ideas. Icelandic brides used to wear black velvet with silver and gold embroidery.
Wedding Flowers
Traditional wedding flowers include roses, gypsophila, lily of the valley and orange blossom. Red roses are popular and known as the flower of love. Buds signify the beginnings of love while open blooms represent passion. Orange blossom is a symbol of fertility. In past years, a bridal bouquet was a wired cascade of flowers but these days, the arrangement can be more casual and include ribbons.
Wedding Headdresses
These were used as far back as Roman times, often with an accompanying veil. Garlands of flowers and jewels have always been fashionable although the veil lost popularity in the 18th century. It came back into use in the 1860s.
Wedding Cakes
Wedding cakes used to be dry biscuits made to be broken over the bride’s head. Over the years, eggs, sugar and fruit were added but the cake was still crumbled over the bride. The traditional wedding cake with tiers, flowers, horse shoes and columns originated in the Victorian era. Cakes used to be fruit cake but these days, chocolate cakes and other flavours have become acceptable.
Wedding Receptions
Until 1885, a special licence was required if a wedding was to take place after noon. Most ceremonies took place early in the day and were followed by a wedding breakfast. This was the couple’s first meal together. Feasting is a traditional part of a wedding and in medieval times, the meal was served in the church. In the 17th century, the celebration was moved into the local tavern.
Wedding Gifts
These are traditionally practical household items but may include romantic items for the bride’s trousseau. Trousseau is a French word meaning little bundle. It refers to the clothes and linen collected by the bride prior to the wedding.
Bride’s Garter
The tradition of wearing a garter dates back several hundred years. It is usually made of silk and may be trimmed with lace and diamante. Many brides choose a blue garter to fit in with the old wedding rhyme: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
A wedding is a joyous occasion and knowledge of some of the traditions associated with marriage can help the couple make informed choices.
Recommended reading: Wedding Inspirations by Beverley Jollands, Lorenz Books, 1999.
