Popular Wedding Traditions
Wearing the wedding band on the third finger
This is due to the ‘vein of love’ that passes through this finger. It is believed that a vein that passes through this finger goes straight to the heart. Hence, it is known as the ‘vein of love’.
Sharing the first piece of wedding cake
By this custom, the first piece that is cut of a wedding cake is shared by the wedding couple. It is believed that sharing the first piece of cake will increase the love between the wedding couple.
Old, new, borrowed and blue
As per this custom the bride is supposed to wear something that is old, something that is new, something that is borrowed from a happily married woman and something that is blue in color. The old thing worn by her represents her old life before marriage, while the new thing worn represents her new life after marriage. The borrowed part is a symbol of the blessing that the happily married woman passes on to the new bride. Finally the color blue symbolizes faithfulness and love.
Silver six pence in the bride’s shoe
In this tradition, a silver coin is placed inside the bride’s shoe. Silver symbolizes wealth and financial security. It is a way of blessing the couple with financial security after marriage.
The veil
This is one of the most dominating part of a bride’s attire. Apparently, this custom comes from the belief that the groom should not see the face of his bride before the wedding ceremony. It is also a symbol of purity and the bride’s submission to her groom. It is also believed to protect the bride from an evil eye.
Throwing of wedding bouquet
By this custom, the bride throws back her wedding bouquet to a group of unmarried women. The lady who is able to catch the bouquet is believed to be the next one to get married. Most of these traditions are said to originate since the Victorian era. Still, they are considered an inseparable part of a wedding celebration.
Most of these traditions have said to originate since the Victorian era. Still, they are considered an inseparable part of a wedding celebration.
