Emily Flores
A wedding is a celebration layered with centuries of rituals and customs that still find a home in modern ceremonies. Some are steeped in symbolism, while others evolved through cultural quirks and unexpected twists. Letâs look at 10 long-standing wedding traditions that still show up and why theyâre not going anywhere.
Wearing A White Dress
Back then, white wasnât chosen for purity. It was just Queen Victoriaâs bold fashion move in 1840. Before that? Brides wore any fancy dress they had. Now, itâs a symbol of elegance and freshness, echoing a royal echo that never really faded.
The Wedding Ring
Circular in shape, the ring signifies infinity, but its deeper connection lies in human anatomy. Ancient Egyptians believed the âvena amorisâ ran from the fourth finger directly to the heart, a poetic assumption though biologically false. Still, the symbolism keeps this metal loop meaningful.
Bridesmaids Dressing Alike
Matching dresses wasnât always about Instagram photos or making sure no one upstages the bride. In ancient Rome, bridesmaids dressed identically to the bride and to each other to confuse vengeful spirits or jealous suitors. Today, itâs more about style and the occasional group dance.
Something Old, Something New
This old rhyme isnât just quaintâitâs packed with superstition. âSomething oldâ connects to family, ânewâ symbolizes optimism, âborrowedâ brings luck from another happy marriage, and âblueâ represents fidelity. The final âsixpence in your shoeâ part? Often skipped, but itâs about future wealth.
Carrying The Bride Over The Threshold
Nothing screams romance like a groom hauling his bride through a doorway to ward off evil spirits. Or so the Romans thought. Forget back painâthis tradition persists as a cute photo-op and a wild reminder of how suspicious ancient households used to be.
The Groomâs Boutonniere
Centuries ago, knights wore their ladyâs colors on their armor in battle. That tiny flower on a groomâs lapel? It echoes that chivalrous symbol of devotion. No speeches, no spotlightâjust tradition clipped over the heart like a quiet vow.
Wedding Cake Cutting
Long before tiered frosting mountains, Roman weddings used barley cakesâbroken over the brideâs head as a blessing. Sharing a slice today symbolizes the coupleâs first act of togetherness. That quiet, messy moment with frosting-smudged faces still manages to melt hearts.
Tossing The Bouquet
Back in the 1800s, it was believed that touching the bride or even a bit of her dress would bring good luckâespecially in love. Hoping to dodge eager guests trying to snag a piece of fabric, the bride hurled flowers and ran. It worked. Todayâs bouquet toss keeps the playful spirit, minus the fabric theft.
The Veil
The veil has long symbolized mystery and tradition. Originally used to shield brides from evil spirits or surprise grooms in arranged marriages, it now builds anticipation. That final lift before a kiss flips a primal switch: reveal, connect, and claimâsealing a moment of deep, personal connection.
The First Dance
Every couple either crushes it like ballroom stars or ends up doing the awkward eighth-grade sway. Originating in royal courts, the first dance set the party tone. Now? Itâs either a TikTok challenge or a heart-squeezer, but it still kicks off the fun.