Have you ever wondered what all of the “stuff” in a wedding symbolizes? Why do brides carry a bunch of flowers in front of their beautiful dress? Why does the groom hack into the gorgeous wedding cake and stuff the brides face in front of a room full of people? And my personal favorite, why is the bride expected to wear white? As a wedding planner I get these questions quite often. So often, in fact, that I had to actually sit down and figure out why all of this “stuff” actually takes place on a couple’s wedding day!
Why does the bride wear white?
White has long symbolized virtue and purity, two traits synonymous with weddings and brides from long ago. Today, however, most brides are adding their own twist to the traditional white. Many choose to go with the subtle hint of color by choosing an off white gown, while others go totally non-traditional with pinks, beige or even red!
Why does the bride carry a bouquet?
This is an ancient tradition first started with the bouquet of both flowers and herbs which brides carried to ward off evil spirits and to represent fertility. The bridal bouquet has changed over the years, eliminating the herbs, but staying traditional in size and shape.
Why does a bride wear a veil?
The face covering veil became part of the wedding tradition as a means to protect the bride from jealous former suitors. Unfortunately this would not work in today’s weddings simply because the invitation pretty much gives away the name of the woman getting married. If that doesn’t work, everyone pretty much knows she’s engaged when she changes her Facebook status!
Why do the bride and groom cut the cake and feed each other?
This customary act started as symbolism of a nurturing relationship. Wow – I think this is a very important point to emphasize to grooms to be… it’s supposed to symbolize a nurturing relationship, smashing cake in the face of your new wife does not symbolize a nurturing relationship guys!
Why do the bride and groom give rings to each other?
Historians have said that it became customary to place wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand because it encircles the vena amoris vein that runs directly to the heart.
Why is there a honeymoon after the wedding?
The honeymoon was developed in Babylon some 4,000 years ago, it was a tradition for the groom to receive from the bride’s father all the honey based beer he could drink in a month. The calendar in Babylon was based on the lunar cycle, or honey month and eventually honeymoon. So ladies, go ahead and let your new hubby drink all the beer he wants on the honeymoon, it’s required tradition!
For help making any of these special wedding symbols come to fruition at your event, call Six Cents Events today!