Wedding Tradition Family Dynamics Wedding Traditions Folklore Many

Wedding Tradition Family Dynamics

Wedding Traditions & Folklore Many of today's popular wedding ceremony and reception traditions can be traced to ancient Egyptian and European customs. These were often based on symbolism, superstition, folklore, religion, and even the belief that evil spirits could bring disease and death to newlyweds and crops, which was very important in many farm-based early cultures. Although the exact origin and usefulness of many of these early wedding traditions are not always clear, popular acceptance has allowed them to flourish. Besides,

Beginning around 1000 A. D. , marriages were often nothing more than trading chips used in bartering land, social status, political alliances, or money (no checks or credit cards were accepted) between families!

The word, "Wedding" comes from the Anglo. Saxon word "wedd" that meant a man would marry a woman and pay the Bride's father.

White Wedding Gown In Colonial times a bride often wore her "Sunday best" to her wedding. It was not until the 1840's, when Queen Victoria was married in a white wedding gown, that "white gowns" became the rage. White is also a symbol of affluence, purity, joy and virginity. Today, brides can choose many shades of white, from bright white to champagne.

Veil Covering the Bride’s Face It's traditional for the bride to wear her wedding veil over her face so that the groom can lift it after they exchange their vows (or, as many people do, so the father of the bride can lift it when he gives away his daughter); Many moons ago it was believed that a veil would protect the bride form evil spirits. Today the white veil is a symbol of modesty and virginity.

Best Man The groom would choose his strongest and most trusted friend to fight off any resistance from the woman’s family or other suitors that might want this woman.

Unity Candle Represents the two becoming one

Something old, Something new, something borrowed, something blue Old – bride’s link to her family New – hope for good fortune and success in the future Borrowed – Comes from happily married woman Blue – Symbol of love, purity and fidelity Before the late 19 th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true. "

Throwing Rice n n Symbol of fertility and life A wish for children and a good life.

Carrying The Bride Over the Threshold n n To protect the bride from evil spirits that were thought to by lying in wait under the threshold. During Roman time it was believed that if the bride stumbled when entering the home for the first time it would cause bad luck.

Honeymoon After a successful capture, another politically correct practice was for the Groom to hide his new Bride for one month for mating purposes. It is said that the word "honeymoon" was created to describe this one month cycle of the moon when they would drink mead, which was a honey sweetened alcoholic brew that effects both sobriety and the acidity of the womb, thus increasing fertility.

Why a wedding ring? As far back as literature documents weddings, the wedding ring has been in evidence. Some believe the wedding ring was the first element of wedding traditions. The circular shape of the wedding ring symbolizes never-ending love. Third finger, left hand? It is believed that the vein in the third finger of the left hand runs directly to the heart.

Why carry flowers? Historically, flowers & herbs have played a significant role in the attraction of "good" and/or the warding off of "evil". Greeks used ivy for the sign of lasting love. Today, pretty wedding flowers convey a message of fertility and enduring love and romance.

Why is a white runner used? The white runner, signifies a pure pathway into happiness. Rose petals in the bride's path lead her to a sweet and plentiful future.

Why is the bride given away? In days of old, the bride was literally given to the groom in an arranged marriage. Today "giving away" is seen as symbolic of her parent's support for her union.

Why is the ceremony sealed with a kiss? Occurring at the end of the ceremony, the kiss announces a new union and married status.

Why is there a wedding cake? It is a symbol of good luck and fertility, cake being exchanged is to show loyalty and devotion to one another.

What is a groom's cake? A groom's cake is often a rich dark cake or a cake in the groom's favorite color, sport or hobby. The groom's cake is a way to share the couple's good fortune and the sweetness of married life.

Why is the bouquet tossed? The custom of tossing the bouquet is the modern day alternative to the old tradition of the "tearing of the wedding dress". In days gone by, single ladies would tear a piece of the brides dress for good luck. One can only imagine the fate of the brides gown at a large gathering! Thus the tossing of the bouquet is the modern alternative that allows the bride's gown to remain intact. It should not be forgotten that the lady who catches the bouquet is the next woman to be married.

Why is the garter tossed? Like the bouquet toss, the garter toss is also a modern alternative to the less than savory tradition of old. In the old days, guest would follow the newlyweds to their room and wait for them to undress then take their stockings and toss them at the bride & groom. The first male to hit the bride or groom with their stocking would be lucky and the next to marry. Thus the garter toss. The gentleman who catches the garter would be next to wed.

Why are shoes attached to the car? Shoes represented power. Shoes signify the creation of a new family unit. Shoes and cans were attached to the bumper of a car to cause a noisy clatter intended to drive off evil spirits.

Why is the bride carried over the threshold? It was believed that evil spirits hovered at the threshold of the home the newlyweds would enter. The bride was lifted over the entrance to keep the evil spirits from entering through her feet.

Why throw rice? Rice and wheat symbolize fertility, prosperity, and bounty. Today guests throw rose petals, potpourri, wheat, millet seed and birdseed. Showering the newlyweds in bubbles or releasing birds, butterflies and ringing of bells replace rice today.

Bride's Family Pays For: Engagement party (optional) Wedding invitations and other stationery (announcements, thank-you notes, etc. ) Services of bridal consultant Wedding gown and accessories Flowers for ceremony and reception sites Bouquets for bridesmaids Music Photography Videography Ceremony Reception Bridal party transportation to ceremony and reception Family's wedding attire

Bride Pays For: The groom's ring The bridesmaids' luncheon Gifts for the bridesmaids Wedding gift for the groom

Attendants Pay For: Bachelor and bachelorette parties Gifts for the bride and groom (can purchase individual gifts or chip in on a group gift) Wedding attire and accessories Transportation to and from wedding town or city

Groom's Family Pays For: Engagement party (optional) Rehearsal dinner Their own wedding attire

Groom Pays For: The bride's rings The marriage license Officiant's fee His formalwear Personal flowers: the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres for wedding party, corsages for mothers and grandmothers Gifts for the groomsmen Wedding gift for the bride Gifts for parents Honeymoon Transportation to the honeymoon

Assignment You have $15, 000 to plan your wedding. See attached sheet for what cost you must account for. **We Typically do a big project with this and actually plan a wedding; however, with the circumstances, I just want you to get an idea of how much a wedding cost. Just give estimates of cost for listed items. n