I can't remember exactly why, but the other day I started wondering why we do certain stuff at weddings. Obviously, we are a pretty non traditional kinda family over here but even so, we still followed a lot of the traditional rules and etiquettes at our own wedding and it got me wondering where the heck these ideas came from... of course, there are loads out there but these ones are my favourite and thought I'd share them with you for a little light Monday lunchtime reading... here goes.
PS Before you start, I must tell you that I am a absolutely MASSIVE fan of the complete bonkersness* of the Bridesmaids & Groomsmen one and also Throwing the Bouquet!
Bridesmaids & Groomsmen
Traditionally at each wedding there were 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen and they all dressed and had their hair etc exactly the same thinking that if they all looked the same as the bride & groom, they could confuse malicious forces and protect them from evil spirits so the demons wouldn't know who to target. *Cripes!*
Throw the bouquet
Tossing the bouquet is a tradition that stems from England. Women used to try to rip pieces of the bride's dress and flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck. To escape from the crowd the bride would toss her bouquet and run away. *Cripes again*
Ring on third finger of left hand
Apparently (according to the ancient Romans) there was thought to be a vein in the left ring finger, referred to as the 'Vena Amoris' or the 'Vein of Love' said to be directly connected to the heart. *sweet*
Wedding cakes take centre stage in the traditional cake cutting ceremony and is symbolically the first task that bride and groom perform jointly as husband and wife.
Confetti
The tradition of throwing confetti over the bride and groom comes from Italy. Before paper confetti, there were flowers, petals, grain or rice thrown at the happy couple, to bestow prosperity and fertility
Favours
The ‘Bomboniere’ was thought to be the first Wedding favour and was given out by the European Aristocracy and Upper Classes. Usually, a small porcelain or crystal trinket box often decorated with precious stones. The boxes usually contained sugar or confectionery which was a symbol of wealth and royalty. Over the years, ‘Bombonieres’ were replaced with almonds. These were given to guests to signify good wishes for the couple’s new life together. 5 almonds were given to signify Health, Wealth, Happiness, Fertility and Long Life. *Now of course though, the ultra cool and sassy, give out wedding tea towels*
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue
Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness; something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity.
So obviously if you're having a wedding, you need to INVITE people to it first and so check out our wedding tea towels in our design gallery. Choose your favourite and then give me a shout on karen@weddingteatowels.co.uk.
Bye for now.
Karen x
* I do know bonkersness isn't a real word x