traditions
you learn more about why and from where wedding traditions
came about, you'll be able to choose which ones to follow to make
your own wedding unique. Today I'll talk about some traditions
that occur after the ceremony.
How did the receiving line originate?
Long ago, wedding celebrations involved one's entire village. But
at the end of the 18th century, weddings became more formal and
shifted to invitation-only affairs. Reception lines began as a
way to ensure those arriving actually were invited and to offer
them the courtesy of a personal greeting from the family.
When did toasting begin?
Wine has been a part of wedding celebrations for thousands of
years, but the modern tradition of toasting started in
16th-century France. A bit of bread was placed in the bottom of a
wine glass to absorb sediments, and the cup was passed among the
women in the party. Getting the last sip and the 'toast' at the
bottom was considered a sign of luck.
Why is cutting the cake significant?
Grain has symbolized fertility since the dawn of the agrarian
age. In ancient Rome, grain cakes were broken over brides' heads
as signs of fruitful unions. Today, after the bride and groom cut
the cake together, the bride samples it first -- a leftover from
these pagan fertility rites.
Why do we toss bouquets and garters?
Tossing the bride's bouquet was originally a gentle hint to
guests that the celebration was ending. In 14th-century England,
a groom's friends teased him by lifting his bride's gown and
stealing the garters off her legs. Today, bouquets and garters
are tossed to waiting unmarried guests as unscientific indicators
of who'll marry next. The bride traditionally wears the garter
just above her right knee to make it easier for her groom to
find it.
What's a groom's cake?
This is a popular tradition in the southern United States. A
groom's cake is usually darker and richer than the primary cake,
sometimes called the bride's cake. Customarily, the couple gives
slices of this cake to their guests to take home with them.
Legend has it that when single women sleep with the slices under
their pillows, they'll dream of their future mates!
There are lots of different traditions from various heritages
that are quite interesting and would make a fun addition to your
ceremony. If you would like to share an interesting tradition you
are including in your wedding ceremony, or if you are having a
non-traditional wedding, write in and put 'Wedding Traditions' in
the subject line. Tomorrow I'll let you in on the origins of the
bridal party.
from my wedding tip email!
came about, you'll be able to choose which ones to follow to make
your own wedding unique. Today I'll talk about some traditions
that occur after the ceremony.
How did the receiving line originate?
Long ago, wedding celebrations involved one's entire village. But
at the end of the 18th century, weddings became more formal and
shifted to invitation-only affairs. Reception lines began as a
way to ensure those arriving actually were invited and to offer
them the courtesy of a personal greeting from the family.
When did toasting begin?
Wine has been a part of wedding celebrations for thousands of
years, but the modern tradition of toasting started in
16th-century France. A bit of bread was placed in the bottom of a
wine glass to absorb sediments, and the cup was passed among the
women in the party. Getting the last sip and the 'toast' at the
bottom was considered a sign of luck.
Why is cutting the cake significant?
Grain has symbolized fertility since the dawn of the agrarian
age. In ancient Rome, grain cakes were broken over brides' heads
as signs of fruitful unions. Today, after the bride and groom cut
the cake together, the bride samples it first -- a leftover from
these pagan fertility rites.
Why do we toss bouquets and garters?
Tossing the bride's bouquet was originally a gentle hint to
guests that the celebration was ending. In 14th-century England,
a groom's friends teased him by lifting his bride's gown and
stealing the garters off her legs. Today, bouquets and garters
are tossed to waiting unmarried guests as unscientific indicators
of who'll marry next. The bride traditionally wears the garter
just above her right knee to make it easier for her groom to
find it.
What's a groom's cake?
This is a popular tradition in the southern United States. A
groom's cake is usually darker and richer than the primary cake,
sometimes called the bride's cake. Customarily, the couple gives
slices of this cake to their guests to take home with them.
Legend has it that when single women sleep with the slices under
their pillows, they'll dream of their future mates!
There are lots of different traditions from various heritages
that are quite interesting and would make a fun addition to your
ceremony. If you would like to share an interesting tradition you
are including in your wedding ceremony, or if you are having a
non-traditional wedding, write in and put 'Wedding Traditions' in
the subject line. Tomorrow I'll let you in on the origins of the
bridal party.
from my wedding tip email!
