Did you ever wonder why are there so many people standing by the altar with the bride and groom? How about the story behind the bride wearing a wedding veil? Weddings are full of traditions, often we do not event question when and why did they start. The beauty about a wedding day is that it is a very customizable event. Each couple gets to decide whether and how many traditions to include in their special day. Weddings are flexible, couples are able to mix traditions with newer trends and make their days unique and special to them.
Whatever you decide, here are 5 the most common American Wedding traditions and their history.
#1: WHITE WEDDING DRESS
Photo by: Erica Houck Photo
White wedding dress is one of the most practiced wedding traditions in America. It originated in 1800s when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress made of British silk and needed 12 attendants to help her down the aisle. It caught public eye, and ever since, almost every little girl dreams of wearing a white gown down the aisle.
#2 WEDDING PARTY
Photo by: Steven Sanchez
The tradition started in ancient Rome, where 10 witnesses were required to be present for the wedding. Women, dressed similar to the bride, had to stand together to confuse bad spirits and keep them away from the happy couple. A vast majority of weddings now have bridesmaids and groomsmen. They can be family or friends. Their participation starts with wedding planning, they participate in the ceremony procession, and they stand next to the couple during the ceremony.
#3 FIRST WEDDING DANCE
This is the way the newlyweds make their debut as a married couple. The tradition comes from 1700s European balls, where the couple with highest social standing would kick off the party with their first dance.
#4 WEDDING CAKE
Photo by: Erica Houck Photo
Wedding cakes is usually beautifully displayed at the reception and cutting it is one of the festivities at every wedding. The tradition started in ancient Rome, where guests crumbled a cake or wheat scone over married couple to symbolize fertility and good fortune
#5 WEDDING VEIL
Photo by: Amber Nichole Photography
This tradition also dates to ancient Rome where the bride would cover her face with a long veil to protect herself from the evil spirits and as a sign of purity and innocence! Now, we have many types of wedding veils that are worn simply as an accessory
OTHER TRADITIONS worth noting:
- Something Old, New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue
- Carrying a Bridal Bouquet
- Wearing a ring on the “ring finger”
- Giving the Bride away by the father (or mother, brother, etc.)
- Tossing the bouquet
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