Do you know where many of our wedding traditions come from? Most of these come from the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages and are born from cultural, economic and political requirements of the time. Most don’t mean much today but are usually observed out of tradition – “because it’s always been done that way. Here are a few you may or may not have heard of.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…

This tradition dates all the way back to the Victorian era, where these old, new, borrowed, and blue items were procured to bring good fortune to the bride, especially when they were all worn together during the ceremony.

The “something old” was worn to connect the bride to her past and her family, with the “something new” signifying that she was about to start her own new family.

Unlike the old, the “something borrowed” was supposed to be taken from a happily married couple so that couple’s good fortune could be passed on to the bride.

The “something blue” was associated with faithfulness and loyalty in the relationship, akin to the phrase, “true blue.”

However, the part of the rhyme that most people leave off is “a sixpence (or a penny) in my shoe,” which encouraged the bride to tuck in a sixpence coin for good luck.

The bride carrying a floral bouquet

This tradition had a number of different origins. In Ancient Rome, brides carried or wore flower garlands, believing that flowers signify new beginnings, fidelity and hope of fertility.  

In the Middle Ages, strong-smelling herbs and spices were thought to ward off and drive away evil spirits, bad luck, ill health and in old English times it was to help mask the smell of body odour as people didn’t bathe or wash ver often.

Often composed of herbs, not flowers, dill was especially popular since, being the herb of lust, its consumption by the bride and groom during the reception was thought to increase sexual desire

The bouquet toss is also part of history from when guests of wedding thought it was perceived to bring good luck if they good luck to get a piece of the brides dress. Guests would literally destroy the bride’s dress by ripping off pieces of fabric. In order to prevent this, brides began throwing various items to the guests, the garter and bouquet being some of these items.

Why we wear our wedding ring on our “ring” or third finger

We wear our wedding ring on this finger as in Greek Mythology it is believed that the vein in this finger is the strongest vein which leads directly to the heart by the “vein of love”.

Spending the night apart the night before the wedding

The tradition dates back from when a marriage was arranged by the family. The bride and groom would not have met before and on the wedding day the bride would be “given” to the groom in exchange for a dowry. If the groom had the opportunity to see the bride before this exchange and he decided he didn’t like the look of the bride, he could renege on the deal pull out of the marriage.

Which side do I stand on during the ceremony?

Traditionally a bride always stands on the left and the groom on the right (if you’re facing them). The reason for this is so that the groom has his right hand or “sword” hard fee incase he needs to defend himself and his bride against the enemy.

Kind of cute to think of your husband “fighting” off any would be suitors

Being “given” away

This is another part of history which dates back to when weddings were a business deal between families and the bride was “given” to the groom at the ceremony by her father. This is one part of tradition that does appear to be disappearing.

Many brides have both parents, although be wary it can be difficult to walk down the aisle with a parent on both sides, whilst carrying a bouquet and a big dress. Also ensure your aisle is wide enough for all three of you. Some brides are choosing to walk down the aisle by themselves or even having their fiance greet them and walk down the aisle together – sweet!