WHY DOES THE BRIDE STAND
ON THE LEFT AND GROOM ON
THE RIGHT?
It is believed the practice goes back to times when
the groom would ‘capture’ his bride by kidnapping
her. Should the groom have to fight off other men
who also wanted her as their bride, he would hold
her with his left hand whilst leaving his right hand
free to use his sword.
BEST MAN/WOMAN
Having someone with you to steady your nerves and
make sure that you’re in the right place at the right
time is always good.
WEDDING CAKE Traditionally a couple would be surrounded by
men and women of a similar age and wearing
similar clothes to protect them from the unwanted
attentions of evil spirits. This tradition continues
in an updated form, with closest friends or family
taking an honoured and supportive role at the
ceremony, but doesn’t have to conform to any Best
Man or Maid of Honour stereotypes at all.
There are records of wedding cakes being made
in Roman times, although they were more like
unsweetened loaves of bread. Over the centuries
these developed into stacked towers of small cakes.
It was said that if a couple could kiss over the top
of the cake they would have prosperity in their
future life. The tradition of a couple cutting the cake
together and then feeding one another from the first
slice symbolises their commitment to one another. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING
NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED,
SOMETHING BLUE,
AND A SILVER SIXPENCE
IN YOUR SHOE
TOSSING THE BOUQUET ‘’Something Old’’ signifies the bride’s link to her
family and the past. The bride might, for example
wear a piece of family jewellery or her mother’s/
grandmother’s wedding dress.
In days gone by, women would try to rip pieces
of the bride’s dress and flowers in order to obtain
some of her good luck. To get away from the crowd
the bride would toss her bouquet and run away.
Nowadays the bouquet is tossed to single women
with the belief that whoever catches it will be the
next to marry.
THIRD FINGER, LEFT HAND
Engagement and wedding rings are traditionally
worn on the third finger of the left hand. The
Romans believed that the vein in that finger runs
directly to the heart. The wedding ring represents a
never-ending circle, symbolising everlasting love.
FLOWERS
Flowers have always been used for wedding
celebrations and were often full of symbolism and
meaning. The tradition continues with some of the
superstitions still persisting, such as red and white
flowers being considered unlucky because of their
association with blood and bandages.
Lilies are also considered unlucky by some but
adored by others, and buttonholes are a reminder
of a time when a Knight wore his Lady’s (or Lord’s)
colours to show his love!
THROWING CONFETTI
‘’Something New” reflects hope for good fortune
and success in the future. The bride often chooses
the wedding gown as the ‘new’ item.
‘’Something Borrowed’’ is often an item already
worn by a happy bride at her wedding, such as a
handkerchief or item of jewellery.
‘’Something Blue’’ dates back to biblical times when
the colour blue was considered to represent purity
and fidelity. Over time this has evolved from wearing
blue clothing to wearing a blue band around the
bottom of the bride’s dress and more modern times
where the bride wears a blue coloured garter.
‘’And a Silver Sixpence in your shoe’’ - the placing of
a silver sixpence in the bride’s left shoe is a symbol
of wealth. Not simply to bring the bride financial
wealth but also a wealth of happiness and joy
throughout her marriage.
WEDDING FAVOURS
Traditionally they were 5 small edible gifts, usually
sugared almonds, symbolising; Fertility, Longevity,
Wealth, Health and Happiness. Nowadays they tend
to be more of a keepsake gift to the guests from the
happy couple.
Originates from the ancient Pagan rite of showering
the happy couple with grain to wish them a
fruitful union.
38