Wedding ceremony traditions are generally to wish future happiness, fertility and prosperity on the happy couple.

Some however, have rather strange origins, but just as many have evolved into a lot of fun over time.

For 21st century modern marriage ceremonies, you can pick and choose from across the world and cultures for what suits you best or just to add some more fun into the day.

We’ve found some traditions that have stood the test of time, irrespective of the original meaning

1. Wedding Veil

Mostly known to represent a modest maiden, the wearing of a veil is also thought to date back to Roman times, when a bride would be wrapped to protect her from evil spirits that might want to spoil her future happiness.

It is may also have a meaning in patriarchal societies where a bride’s face would be hidden from the wedding guests, but once the veil was lifted, it meant that ‘ownership’ had moved from her Father to her new Husband.

Now we just see it as a beautiful and fitting accessory to the bride’s outfit.

2. Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Probably the most familiar to all western couples, representing the couple’s old single lives, their new life as a couple. Something borrowed is an opportunity to incorporate something from a dear family member or friend for good luck…whereas something blue symbolises love, purity, faithfulness, and modesty. It’s lovely to be able to choose your items carefully to remember someone who is no longer here to join the ceremony and if this item is blue, then it’s easy to cover this tradition in one item.

3. Best Man

Now we know the Best Man to be the one person the Groom can rely on…be it arranging the Stag/Batchelor party, getting the Groom to the ceremony on time, standing by his side as they wait for his partner. In particular making a hilarious speech at the reception to reflect on the Groom’s youth and Batchelor days and how much improved he and his life is since meeting his partner . For this reason they are usually the Groom’s oldest friend, maybe his brother. Nowadays, this may also be a best woman to either a Groom or a Bride. They are there to calm their nerves and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Did you know though, that it is reputed that this originated in the 16th century by Germanic Goths, when a groomsman would kidnap the bride for the groom. They would stand by the bride during the ceremony to prevent other suitors or family members from taking her away, and likely also to make sure that she didn’t run away. Now that’s some wingman.

4. Hand fasting or TYING the Knot

This ancient Celtic custom is where a couple either have their hand tied together to symbolise their unity in their Marriage ceremony, or where ribbons or cords of different colours are tied into a knot. The colour of each ribbon holds a meaning, for example Blue symbolises tranquillity, patience and sincerity, Green for fertility, luck and prosperity. Whereas Pink represents love and unity and Gold for longevity, prosperity and strength.

Here is one we made earlier…in this instance the colours were chosen by the family member that brought it to the ceremony, and it held a special significance, and the hand tie was then performed by Jackie as celebrant whilst also using wording to explain the significance.

Photo credit: Nick Despres Photography

5. Throwing the Bouquet

We all know that when the bride(s) throws the bouquet, that the single person who catches it will be the next to marry.

This tradition started in England back in the 1800’s, when it seemed touching a Bride, her dress and her bouquet was thought to bring luck…at least for the single ladies in terms of meeting their partner and marrying.

In some instances, taking to the point of tearing pieces of her dress and bouquet was considered acceptable at a wedding. I can see the practice of throwing the bouquet was probably started as a way of diverting a hoard of singletons from touching the bride’s dress and her person!

We can probably all agree that this is a nice bit of fun now at the end of the day, although some people still take it seriously, and provided there isn’t too much alcohol and stilettos involved, a much safer activity than in the19th century.

On the subject of bouquets…did you know that the Welsh will add the herb myrtle to their bouquets and this symbolises love, a cutting of which the bride will give to each of her bridesmaids. A variation of tossing the bouquet as if the bridesmaid were to plant the myrtle cutting and it blooms, she could be the next bride. Even Kate Middleton (the now Princess of Wales) included myrtle in her bouquet when she married Prince William.

6. Confetti

Originally rice or grain would be thrown at a couple once they were married, this ancient custom dates back to Pagan times and it was believed that the fertility of the seeds would be transferred to the couple.

These days bio-degradable natural petal confetti is the way to ensure the same sentiment but a more fragrant option…Roses, Hydrangeas, Delphiniums, Marigold and Cornflower petals can be used alone or mixed to achieve your desired colour or theme.

Alice and Jake, Photo credit Nick Despres Photography

Confetti supplied by Whitedove Confetti and Stationery

7. Wedding Cake

Traditionally, cutting the cake was the first thing a couple did together as a married couple, which is why they cut the cake together, although it is noticeable that in a patriarchal society, the man’s hand is typically on top of the woman’s hand.

Thankfully, things have moved on and it is now an endearing photo opportunity. Feeding cake to each other has evolved in recent years, more as a fun moment at the end of what can be a stressful day.

The top tier was traditionally kept for a christening, however now that it is more in keeping with everyone’s choice to have or not have children, or for couples who already have children…the first tier is now more likely to be saved for the first wedding anniversary.

These days of course many couples no longer opt for the traditional fruit cake, but we don’t recommend keeping a chocolate sponge cake for a year!

8. Wedding Favours

Wedding favours were not just a thoughtful gift for weddings guests, they were given to display the wealth of the family and although these days we take sugar for granted, a sweet and sugary favour (even just a sugar cube) was very expensive and considered a rare luxury in the middle ages in Europe.

The Greek give 5 sugared almonds representing fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness. This poem captures it perfectly.

Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat
To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.
Five wishes for the new husband and wife
Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

We’ve been looking at British traditions in particular, but what happens in the rest of the world?

Spain

Be sure to take cash to a Spanish wedding, as it’s common practice for the groom’s friends to cut his tie. This is done to sell the pieces and raise money for the newly married couple. It appears selling of pieces of the bride’s garter is also a way to raise money.

Sweden

Well this seems like the most fun, if during the reception the Groom leaves the room, any of the male guests can steal a kiss from the newlywed left behind, and similarly if the Bride leaves the room for any reason, the female guests can steal a kiss from the Groom.

Congo

This must be the most difficult tradition to adhere to, No Smiling allowed! Smiling shows a lack of seriousness about their wedding day, so for the entire day from Wedding Ceremony through to the reception, they must remain passive faced and not smile.

India

Where do we start? From feet washing to symbolise the purification of their bodies and souls for a new life together, also the wedding dress for a bride is traditionally a red colour, rather than the white that is traditional in the west. Red symbolises new beginnings, passion and prosperity.