It’s traditional for the bride and groom to exchange ring’s after the couple have exchanged their wedding vows. In British tradition, the best man has the honor and responsibility of holding the rings on the wedding day. During the ceremony the best man is called upon to produce the rings in a symbolic move.
A tradition that everyone looks forward to is the throwing of the wedding garter, which takes place towards the end of the reception, following the bridal bouquet toss. The bride will wear a garter on her right leg above her knee, when seated the groom cheered on by all the males in the room will remove the garter normally with his teeth and toss it to the single men. Traditionally, the person who catches the garter is next in line to be married.
Roman’s believe that the sharing of the first slice of wedding cake is meant to create a special bond between the couple. The wheat used to bake the cake was symbolic of fertility and a “fruitful union”, while the cake’s sweetness was thought to bring sweetness to all areas of the couple’s new life.
For centuries couples have been showered with rice as they leave the chapel. Rice is considered to be a “life giving” seed which brings couples fertility and many children. Rose petals, blowing bubbles and birdseed for the environmentally friendly couples have all become popular alternatives, as most churches have banned rice throwing. Note if you thought rice was hard to get out of hair, birdseed is even worse.
Another tradition that dates back to Victorian times is the white wedding dress. The white wedding dress symbolizes purity and virginity and white is also known to ward off evil spirits. No wonder why white is so popular!
This saying comes from Victorian times. Get “something old” to represent attachment to the old life: the family of the bride and her former life. Find “something new” to represent the new couple’s new life: their happiness, success, etc. The bride should find “something borrowed” from a happily married woman. It is meant to give her that same happiness. “Something blue” is for fidelity and constancy.
