Have you ever wondered where certain wedding traditions came from? We picked seven common wedding traditions and found their origins. It is interesting to see how these have evolved over the years into today’s widely popular and accepted versions.
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1. The Wedding Party:
During Ancient Roman times it was believed that demons were out to get the couple about to be married. The tradition of bridesmaids and groomsmen was created to help protect the couple. The wedding party dressed similar to the bride – bridesmaids used to wear white – and the groom so the demons could not tell who was getting married.
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2. The Veil:
The veil worn by the bride was not always sheer or made of lace; it used to be made from a much heavier cloth. This opaque material was a precaution in case there was another man in love with the bride. The veil would hide whomever was under the veil, and her other admirer couldn’t kidnap her before she was wed.
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3. Bride on Left & Groom on Right:
During the wedding ceremony the bride traditionally stands on the left and the groom stands on the right. The origin of this tradition goes back to when the groom used to kidnap his bride. The groom would stand on the right in case he had to fight another suitor, this would allow the groom to hold the brides left hand and still have his right free to be able to use his sword.
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4. You May Now Kiss the Bride:
Sealed with a kiss? There was a time, under Roman law that a kiss was legally binding. In fact, if the couple did not kiss at the end of the ceremony, the marriage would be null and void. The kiss is now for more romantic purposes and, hey it is just plain fun, than it was in those days!
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5. The Grooms Cake:
The tradition of having a groom’s cake in addition to the traditional wedding cake started in the South. The groom’s cake is not only so the groom can reflect his own interests and hobbies into his special day, it also is popular with the single female guests. Legend has it that if a female guest takes a slice of the groom’s cake and places it under her pillow while she sleeps that night, she will dream of her future husband.
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6. Cake Cutting:
Sharing the first piece was a traditions created by the Romans. It was believed that eating the first piece together creates a special bond between the bride and groom. The sweet cake was thought to bring sweetness to all aspects of the couple’s new life together. The wheat used in the cake was symbolic of a fruitful union and fertility.
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7. The Honeymoon:
The honeymoon is a very old Scandinavian tradition. After the ceremony the bride used to be captured by her groom and held hostage until her family called off the search for her. The term honeymoon refers to the time that follows the capture of the bride. This also relates to the origins of a ‘best man’, the best man was supposed to stall the bride’s family until the couple had escaped.
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These wedding traditions have been around for a long time and have evolved into their more modern versions. You now know the originations of these popular traditions so at the next wedding you attend, you can dazzle your friends with your handy knowledge!
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Photos (in order) courtesy of Annie X Photography, Catherine Hall Studios, Jennifer Baciocco Photography, Ben Chrisman Photography (three photos) and Organic Photographs. All from Merrily Wed Weddings.
