Wedding Planning 2021

Wedding traditions THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO WEDDING PLANNING M any of our wedding traditions go back centuries, others are

imports from other countries that took our fancy and took hold. We just accept them — but what do they actually mean? Where do you stand?: Brides have stood on the left of the groom since Anglo-Saxon times, so that the groom had his right arm free to draw his sword and protect his beloved from dangers. The Best Man: Also from Anglo Saxon times, the groom’s strongest friend would be by his side to protect the couple from any threats. Throwing rice/confetti: This goes back to pagan weddings when it was seen as a symbol of fertility. The Victorians started using shredded paper which evolved into the confetti we know today. Bridesmaids: In Roman times brides would have 10 bridesmaids. They would all wear the same dress as the bride and act as a decoy to confuse any evil spirits trying to hurt her. Wedding favours: In the 16th century the rich would hand out sugar cubes to thank their guests for coming. Later five sugar-coated almonds were given to represent health, wealth, happiness, fertility and a long life. With this ring: Wedding rings date back to Roman times and were worn to show your marital status. They symbolise the

value of the relationship and the unbroken circle shows eternal commitment. Third finger, left hand: The romantic ancient Greeks believed there was a vein that ran from this finger directly to the heart. Pulling a veil over it: In Roman times a veil was thought to ward-off evil spirits and conceal the bride’s beauty. It also symbolises youth and innocence. During times of arranged marriages, the veil would cover the bride’s face and only be revealed to a delighted (or disappointed) groom once the ceremony was over. Throwing the bouquet: This began in France in the 14th century. Guests would tear strips from the bride’s dress to bring them luck. This grew into the groom throwing the bride’s garter into the crowd to keep them away. Later the practice of throwing the bouquet took over and it’s said that whoever catches the bouquet will be the next bride. The first dance: As the guests of honour, the bride and groom take to the floor first and dance to a song of their choice.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...: A Victorian rhyme. Wearing a family heirloom represents the bride’s link to her family. Something new symbolises a fresh start and something borrowed means that you have to return the item and thus stay in touch with friends and family. Blue was said to mean purity and symbolises faithfulness and loyalty. …and a silver sixpence in your shoe: This lesser known last line means that a silver sixpence in your shoe would ensure future wealth. Saying it with flowers: Different types of flowers – and even different colours, all have meanings. This language of flowers is known as floriography chosen for their meanings, for example carnations symbolise pride and beauty and daisies innocence and purity. Roses, always popular for weddings, signify love. A red rose says “I love you” while the white rose means chastity and innocence. and was very popular in Victorian days. Flowers in a bridal bouquet are often

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