Melissa Gregory Bridesmaids Dresses

Wedding Traditions – Where do they come from and what they mean

Wedding Traditions – Where do they come from  and what they mean

BEST MAN TRADITION
Among the Germanic Goths of northern Europe in 200 A.D., a man usually married a woman from within his own community. However, when there were fewer women, the prospective bridegroom would capture his bride from a neighboring village. The bridegroom was accompanied by his strongest friend (or best friend), who helped him capture his bride.

BRIDAL PARTY
This term has many origins from different cultures. In Anglo-Saxon times, the groom had the help of “bridesmen” or “bride knights” to help him capture and/or escort his bride. Later they would make sure that the bride got to the church and to the groom’s home afterwards. The women who accompanied and assisted the bride were called “bridesmaids” or “brides women”.

BRIDAL SHOWERS
Bridal showers were meant to strengthen the ties between the bride and her friends, provide her moral support, and help her prepare for her marriage. Gift giving at showers dates from the 1890′s.

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
The tradition of bridesmaids dressing the same as each other and in similar style to the bride comes from ancient days when it was believed that evil spirits have a more difficult time distinguishing which one is the bride and putting a hex on her.

CAKE
In the 1st century B.C. in Rome, the cake was thrown at the bride or broken over her head as one of the many fertility symbols which then were a part of the marriage ceremony. Cutting the wedding cake together, still a predominant ritual at weddings, symbolizes the couple’s unity, their shared future, and their life together as one. The three tiered cake is believed to have been inspired by the spire of Saint Bride’s Church in London, England.

CARRYING THE BRIDE OVER THE THRESHOLD
Traditionally, the bride had to enter her new home the first time through the front door. If she tripped or stumbled while entering it was considered to be very bad luck. Hence the tradition of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold.

DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
The diamond engagement ring originated with King Maximillian who presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477 as a token of his love. The Venetians Popularized the custom during the 15th century. Since the diamond was the hardest and most enduring substance in nature it followed that the engagement and marriage would endure forever.

ENGAGEMENT RING
In 860 A.D., Pope Nicholas I decreed that an engagement ring become a required statement of nuptial intent. He insisted that engagement rings had to be made of gold which signified a financial sacrifice on the part of the prospective husband.

GARTER AND BRIDAL BOUQUET TOSS
In parts of Europe during the 14th century, having a piece of the bride’s clothing was thought to bring good luck. Guests would literally destroy the brides dress by ripping off pieces of fabric. In order to prevent this, brides began throwing various items to the guests – the garter belt being one of the items. In order to avoid this problem, it became customary in the 14th century for the bride to toss her garter to the men. Sometimes the men would get drunk, become impatient, and try to remove the garter ahead of time. Therefore, the custom evolved for the groom to remove and toss the garter. With that change the bride started to toss the bridal bouquet to the unwed girls of marriageable age. Tradition says that whoever catches the bouquet shall be the next to marry. She keeps the bouquet to ensure this destiny. Sometimes if appropriate the single man that catches the garter and the single woman that catches the bouquet are asked to dance together. Note: This happened and that new introduction of two strangers and the dance of these two created a love and they were married here at Coconut Cove Resort one year latter. Who says these traditions do not work!!!

KISS THE BRIDE
The kiss dates back to the earliest days of civilization in the Middle East. A kiss was used as the formal seal to agreements, contracts, etc. In Ancient Rome a kiss was still being used as the legal bold to seal contracts. Hence the obvious use of the custom at the end of the wedding ceremony to “seal” the marriage vows.

MONTH TO MARRY
According to an old legend, the month in which you marry may have some bearing on the fate of the marriage: ” Married when the year is new, he’ll be loving, kind and true; When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate; If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know; Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man; Marry in the month of May, and you’ll surely rue the day; Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you will go; Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bred; Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see; Marry in September’s shrine, your living will be rich and fine; If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry; If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember; When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last”.

RICE THROWING
Rice has been used as a symbol of fertility and as a wish for a “full pantry” in various parts of the world from ancient to modern times. In the past, rice was not the only thing thrown at the bride and groom as the left the wedding. Wheat, instead of rice, was thrown in France, figs and dates were thrown in Northern Africa, and a combination of coins, dried fruit, and candy was thrown in Italy. In some European countries eggs are thrown! Rice is not harmful to the birds that eat it, but an article in California professing this to be the case, has caused birdseed to replace rice at most weddings. Flower petals, and bird seeds are often used today instead of rice.

RING
Rings were used as currency in the Middle East prior to the advent of coinage and were a sign of a persons wealth. In ancient times the wedding ring was thought to protected the bride from “evil spirits”. Ancient Roman wedding rings were made of iron. In early Rome a gold band came to symbolize everlasting love and commitment in marriage. Roman wedding rings were carved with two clasped hands. Very early rings had a carved key through which a woman was thought to be able to open her husband’s heart.

RING FINGER
In 3rd. century Greece the ring finger was the index finger. In India it was the thumb. The western tradition began with the Greeks who believed that the third finger was connected directly to the heart by a route that was called “the vein of love.”

SHOES TO THE CAR
This tradition originated in England during the Tudor period. At that time, guests would throw shoes at the bride and groom as they left in their carriage. It was considered good luck if their carriage was hit. Today, more often than not, it is beverage cans that are tied to a couples car instead of shoes. It should also be noted that the English consider it good luck if it rains on their wedding day!

STAG PARTIES
In Sparta, during the height of Greek civilization, soldiers were the first to hold stag parties. The groom would have a party for his friends the night before he was to marry. He would bid farewell to his bachelorhood and pledge his continued allegiance to his comrades.

SOMETHING “OLD”, “NEW”, “BORROWED”, AND “BLUE”
The tradition of carrying one or more items that are “old”, “new”, “borrowed” and “blue” also comes from English. There is an old English rhyme describing the practice which also mentions a sixpence in the brides shoe. Something old, signifying continuity, could be a piece of lace, jewelry, or a grandmother’s handkerchief. Something new, signifying optimism in the future, could be an article of clothing or the wedding rings. Something borrowed, signifying future happiness, could be handkerchief from a happily married relative or friend. Something blue, signifying modesty, fidelity and love, comes from early Jewish history. In early Biblical times, blue not white symbolized purity. Both the bride and groom usually wore a band of blue material around the bottom of their wedding attire, hence the tradition of “something blue”. Originally the sixpence was presented to the bride by her future husband as a token of his love. Today, very often, it is the bride’s father who places a coin in the brides shoe prior to leaving home for the church.

“TO TIE THE KNOT”
The term “tie the knot” also goes back Roman times. The bride would wear a girdle that was tied in many knots which the groom had the “duty” of untying.

TOAST
The term originates from the sixteenth century. At that time a small piece of bread would be placed in a goblet of wine. The goblet would be passed from guest to guest until it reached the person being honored who would drain the goblet and eat the morsel of bread in the bottom. This tradition is practiced at weddings today – usually in the form of one or more champagne “toasts”. The best man has the honor of giving the first toast. Usually the bride and groom remain seated for the toasts while all the guests are usually standing to honor them. The couple may then make a few remarks thanking their families, wedding party members, and guests. They may also “toast” each other or share a “toast” together. Often special glass or silver goblets are used by the bride and groom.

TIN CANS
The tradition of tying tin cans to the back of the newlywed’s vehicle originated long ago when items which would produce noise were tied to the back of the couple’s carriage to scare away evil spirits.

VEIL
Brightly colored veils were worn in ancient times in many parts of the world and were considered a protection against evil spirits Greek and Roman brides for yellow or red veils (representing fire) to ward off evil spirits and demons. At one time, Roman brides were completely covered with a red veil for protection. In early European history, with the advent of arranged marriages veils served another purpose – to prevent the groom from seeing the brides’ face till after the ceremony was over. Brides began to wear opaque yellow veils. Not only could the groom not see in, the bride could not see out! Therefore, the father of the bride had to escort her down the aisle and literally give the bride to the groom.

WEARING A WEDDING RING
The reason that the engagement ring and wedding band is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand is because the ancient Egyptians thought that the “vein of love’ ran from this finger directly to the heart.

WHITE WEDDING DRESS AS TRADITION
The tradition for the bride to wear a white wedding dress began in the 16th century and is still commonly followed today. This is a symbol of the bride’s purity and her worthiness of her groom. The tradition became solidified during the time of Queen Victoria who rebelled against the royal tradition for Royal brides to wear silver. Instead, the queen preferred the symbolism, which is expressed by wearing white. The brides of the time quickly emulated the queen, and the tradition has continued in full force to this day.

WHY THE BRIDE STANDS TO THE GROOMS LEFT
After the bridegroom captured his bride, he placed her on his left to protect her, thus freeing his right hand or sword hand against sudden attack.

WHY IT BECAME “BAD LUCK” FOR THE GROOM TO SEE BRIDE BEFORE THE CEREMONY
Until relatively recently, brides were considered the property of their fathers. Their futures  husbands were arranged without their consent. The marriage of an unattractive woman was often arranged with a prospective groom from another town without either of them having ever seen their prospective spouse. In more than one instance, when the groom saw his future wife, usually dressed in white, for the first time on the day of the wedding, he changed his mind and left the bride at the altar. To prevent this from happening, it became “bad luck” for the groom to see the bride on the day of the wedding prior to the ceremony.

If you want to know more about Wedding Traditions and on Italian Wedding Traditions, contact info@italyitalianweddings.com  of view www.ItalyItalianWeddings.com

About the Author

Daniela was born in Sydney, Australia, from Italian parents and has always had a passion for international travel.
 
Now living in Rome, Daniela spends her summers on historic lake Bracciano , about 30 km Northwest of the Italian capital. After several years in Italy and Australia working in the sales departments of Italian and Australian companies operating in the travel industry, during her last years in Australia Daniela also helped several friends get married in Italy, many of them in their ancestors towns in various parts of the Italy.
Daniela decided to return to Italy seven years ago and use her experience and knowledge to help couples around the world realize their dream of a destination wedding in Italy.
She enjoys her unique career as an Italian Wedding Planning Team manager ; the happiness and thankfulness of the many newlyweds she has worked for are very rewarding and fill her days with excitement and personal satisfaction.

Problem solving, organisation skills and innovation are what she thrives in. She never forgets details and only suggests what is best to her planners and couples..

Daniela loves planning and organising weddings throughout all Italy. Her favourite wedding locations are without doubt the Castelli Romani District near Rome, all Latium region, Tuscany, Umbria, Amalfi Coast and Sicily. Daniela makes friends with all her couples, helping them on their very special wedding day and personally taking care of all details

Wedding Dresses London

Liz Fields Bridesmaid Dresses with Sash $218 “Bridesmaid Dresses with Sash by Liz Fields are perfect for your wedding. These dresses feature a pleated strap and open plaque. Also the sash includes a beaded applique detail. Pair with pumps and pearls. Bridesmaid Dresses with Sash Pleated Straps Fitted Around the Bodice Full Length 100% Satin”

Forever Yours $11.81 A heartbreaking saga of true love against all odds. A tragic house fire kills both her parents, but Constance Shelton escapes, rescued by her eight-year-old neighbour, Matt Heath. She is brought up by her grandparents, but the two children become inseparable and, as she enters her teens, these strong feelings turn into love. But Matt sees her only as a sister and Constance can do nothing when he proposes to another girl. When Constance discovers that the fire that killed her parents wasn’t an accident, but in fact the actions of a jealous man, she finds herself in terrible danger and is forced to leave the village and everyone she knows. Although Constance makes a good life for herself elsewhere, her heart remains with the only man she has ever loved. But what will it take for Matt to realise his true feelings for her?

The Bridesmaid $6.99 After years of watching couples come to blows over ice sculptures, Abby wants no part of the family business. She’d rather spend weekends kicking a soccer ball or antagonizing Noah, the cute son of a famous pastry chef–not doing the Electric Slide. Then Abby’s barely legal sister, Carol, does the unthinkable–she announces she’s getting married and wants Abby to be her maid of honor. Clearly, Carol has lost her mind! Will Abby soon lose hers? So what if Carol turns into Bridezilla? So what if the dresses are hideous? So what if the invitations get messed up? So what if Noah looks extra hot with frosting in his hair? Abby can handle it. After all, it’s just one day. Right? From the Trade Paperback edition.

Dessy Group Short Bridesmaid Dresses $164 “Short Bridesmaid Dresses from Dessy Group by Alfred Sung are great additions to your wedding party! This peau de soie dress has a wide matching waistband and pleated skirt with pockets at the side seams. It is cocktail length, has a bateau neckline and a scoop back. Pair this dress with fun heels and nice earrings. Short bridesmaid dress Bateau neckline Scoops in back Natural waist to hem 23 100% Polyester; dry clean only”

Dessy Group Keyhole Bridesmaid Dresses $164 “Sleeveless bridesmaid dresses from Dessy Group by Alfred Sung are the perfect choice for your wedding. This cocktail length peau de soie dress has a pleated keyhole neckline and matching waistband. It has a pleated skirt with pockets at the side seams. Pair this dress with fun heels and matching flowers. Cocktail length bridesmaid dress Sleeveless Keyhole neckline Natural waist to hem 23 100% Polyester; dry clean only”

Liz Fields Detachable Asymmetrical Strap Bridesmaid Dresses $218 “Detachable Asymmetrical Strap Bridesmaid Dresses by Liz Fields are perfect for any wedding. These dresses feature a detachable skirt that transform a bridesmaid gown to a reception dress. Pair this dress with some pearls and high heels for the perfect bridesmaid look. Detachable Asymmetrical Strap Bridesmaid Dresses Spaghetti Strap and sleeveless Fitted Around the Bodice Convertible Length 100% Taffeta”

Dessy Group Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses $198 “Featured on StealTheirStyle.com: These elegant bridesmaid dresses from After Six by Dessy Group have a matching matte satin sash and detail at the shirred halter neckline. Wear this long gown to your next gala or event or if you have a wedding coming up it is perfect for your bridesmaids. This dress features past ankle length and a high neckline. Pair this dress with silver or ivory heels or flats. Available in a wide variety of colors. Halter bridesmaid dress; available in three different fabrics Halter neckline Contrast or matching matte satin sash Natural waist to hem 43.5 100% poly chiffon; dry clean only; chiffon; matte satin trim”

Dessy Group Halter Bridesmaid Dresses $154 “Halter Bridesmaid Dresses from Dessy Group by Alfred Sung are classy and current; perfect for your wedding! The cocktail length halter peau de soie dress features a pleat detailed bodice and has a matching empire waistband. There are shirring details at back skirt. Pair this dress with silver heels and a great updo to show off the back of this dress. It is also available in full length as style number D452. Cocktail length bridesmaid dress Halter neckline Pleated detail on bodice Natural waist to hem 23 100% Polyester; dry clean only”

Dessy Group Bateau Rosette Bridesmaid Dresses $196 “Bateau Rosette Bridesmaid Dresses by Dessy Collection are great for a spring wedding. This bridesmaid dress features a high bateau neckline with fitted bodice and side rosette detail. The soft bell skirt features accented pleating for a silhouette that looks great on most body shapes. Pair with some kitten pumps and a bouquet of tulips for a stunning bridesmaid look. Bateau rosette bridesmaid dress Sleeveless High bateau neckline; fitted bodice 23 from natural waist to hem 100% poly; dry clean only; duchess satin”

Dessy Group Silk Pleated Bridesmaid Dresses $270 “Silk Pleated Bridesmaid Dresses by Dessy Collection are beautiful for any season wedding. This fitted a line bridesmaid dress features a fitted bodice with sweetheart neckline and a soft bell skirt. Pair with some classic heels and a bouquet of daisies for a complete bridesmaid look. Silk pleated bridesmaid dress Sleeveless Sweetheart necklin; fitted bodice 23 from natural waist to hem 100% silk; dry clean only; silk shantung”

Liz Fields Long Square Neckline Bridesmaid Dresses $198 “Long Square Neckline Bridesmaid Dresses by Liz Fields are elegant and chic for your upcoming wedding. This long bridesmaid gown features a modified square neckline with beaded charmeuse trim on the neckline and empire waist. With a racer back style this style is chic and modern. Pair with some heels and spring flowers for a bridesmaid look that is out of this world. Long square neckline bridesmaid dress Sleeveless Square neckline; empire bodice Full length Chiffon;Charmeuse; Dry Clean Only”

Dessy Group Cocktail Bow Bridesmaid Dresses $198 “Cocktail Bow Bridesmaid Dresses by Dessy Collection look fabulous on any body shape. This strapless bridesmaid dress features a sweetheart crossover neckline with side bow detail. Pair with some kitten heels and a white spring flower bouquet for a classic bridesmaid look. Cocktail bow bridesmaid dress Strapless Strapless neckline; fitted bodice 23 from natural waist to hem 100% poly; dry clean only; matte satin”

Liz Fields Short Square Neckline Bridesmaid Dresses $196 “Short Square Neckline Bridesmaid Dresses by Liz Fields are elegant and chic for your upcoming wedding. This short bridesmaid dress features a modified square neckline with beaded charmeuse trim on the neckline and empire waist. With a racer back style this style is chic and modern. Pair with some heels and spring flowers for a bridesmaid look that is out of this world. Short square neckline bridesmaid dress Sleeveless Square neckline; empire bodice Cocktail length; just above knee Chiffon;Charmeuse; dry Clean Only”

Alexia Designs Yellow Jacquard Bridesmaid Dresses $178 “Yellow Jacquard Bridesmaid Dresses by Alexia Designs are perfect for your upcoming wedding. This tea length bridesmaid dress features a print with diamante detail. The Jacquard overlay is always yellow. The Underlay color can be chosen. Pair with some slingbacks and pearls for a stunning bridesmaids look. Yellow jacquard bridesmaid dress Strapless Strapless neckline; fitted bodice Cocktail length; just above knee Satin; chiffon; dry clean only”

Liz Fields Cocktail Rosette Bridesmaid Dresses $152 “Cocktail Rosette Bridesmaid Dresses by Liz Fields add a flirty feel to any wedding occasion. This modified V neckline dress features an empire skirt with shirred bust and shirring at the center front skirt, the flower detail on the front is detachable. Pair with some pumps and studs for an elegant and chic bridesmaid look. Cockail rosette bridesmaid dress Sleeveless Modified V neckline; empire bodice Cocktail length; just above knee Chiffon; Dry Clean Only”

Dessy Group Pleated Silk Bridesmaid Dresses $238 “Pleated Silk Bridesmaid Dresses by Dessy Collection will make all of your bridesmaids look amazing. This strapless dress features a fitted bodice with soft bell skirt and pleating detail, the silhouette is flattering on most body shapes. Pair with some pretty pumps and pearls for a complete bridesmaid look. Pleated silk bridesmaid dress Strapless Strapless neckline; fitted bodice 23 from natural waist to hem 100% silk; dry clean only; silk shantung”

Liz Fields Long Rosette Bridesmaid Dresses $174 “Long Rosette Bridesmaid Dresses by Liz Fields add a flirty feel to any wedding occasion. This modified V neckline dress features an empire gown with shirred bust and shirring at the center front skirt, the flower detail on the front is detachable. Pair with some pumps and studs for an elegant and chic bridesmaid look. Long rosette bridesmaid dress Sleeveless Modified V neckline; empire bodice Full length Chiffon; Dry Clean Only”