No two weddings are truly ever exactly alike, but there are some customs and traditions that cross cultural boundaries. At the same time, every region of the United States (and beyond) has traditions that are unique to it. For us this is one of the best parts of a wedding. These customs tie generations together, and they offer bridal couples a way to put their own spin on tradition. Here are a few of our favorite wedding customs and traditions. We’d love to hear what’s common in your part of the country or any new “traditions” you’re seeing brides begin to use!
* The classic “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Lucky Sixpence for the Bride’s Shoe.” At least that’s how some of the LWPI staff knows the saying to go. Some of us had no clue the sixpence part was tacked on the end. And others say it has to be a “silver” sixpence. But where does this saying come from? It’s a Victorian-era superstition - so many things at that point in history were tied to superstition, and weddings were no exception.
The old part - a tie to the bride’s past. It could be a piece of her grandmother’s jewelry, or even the wedding dress. The new part - a nod to the bride’s bright new future. For many brides the wedding gown is the ultimate “new” item on her wedding day. The borrowed item - a reminder that the bride will always have the support of friends and family. This could also be a piece of jewelry, or a handkerchief to catch her tears. The blue piece - blue items are said to represent loyalty, a throwback to Biblical times where blue stood for purity. At one time it was common for brides to wear or carry blue violets. And that sixpence? It represents financial security for the couple of course. We’ve seen fathers of the bride give their daughters a shiny penny, minted in the year of the bride’s birth, which she slips in her shoe right before walking down the aisle. It being a gift from the father is a nice touch, don’t you think?
* The father walking the bride down the aisle. These days it’s a symbolic handover, but did you know that originally it’s said that fathers gave brides away because the marriage was considered a business transaction?
* We know of one Southern tradition involving the bride’s handkerchief. When the bride or groom is born a woman in the community often gives the new mother a bonnet delicately made from a handkerchief. The new baby wears the bonnet on its Christening day, and then it is put away for safe keeping until the baby’s wedding day. If the baby was a girl the mother takes the tiny stitches out of the bonnet and presents it as wedding-day handkerchief to the bride. If the baby was a boy the handkerchief is presented to his bride-to-be. Could that be any sweeter? We think not…
* Wedding Bands. We’re sure you know that weddings bands are symbolic because as a circle they have no beginning and no end, just like the couple’s love. But did you know that the ancient Egyptians started this tradition? Their wedding bands were made of pure gold, which represented purity. Why do we wear our rings on the third finger of our left hand? That tradition dates to Medieval England. At that time period it was believed that the veins of that specific finger led straight to the heart. We think that’s still pretty romantic all these years later. Don’t you?
What are some of the traditions in your area? Which ones did you incorporate into your own wedding? We know that as certified wedding and event coordinators you run across a lot of fun and unique ideas!
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