Have you ever wondered how wedding superstitions came about, and why we still follow them? From brides wearing something old to who catches the bouquet, there are many beliefs surrounding weddings that are practiced but not often understood. Discover the origins of the most common wedding superstitions.
Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony
In arranged marriages, the wedding often reflected a business deal between two families. Families only allowed the betrothed to see each other at the time of the ceremony in order to prevent the two from changing their minds. The veil a bride wears acted as an extra precaution to prevent the groom from seeing what the bride looked like until wedded.
Though many brides now are familiar with their groom, they still don’t want their grooms seeing them all done up before the wedding. Many find it more exciting when the groom first sees the bride at the altar, while others disagree. They find that when the bride and groom see each other for a few minutes before the ceremony, they’re more relaxed. Couples who prefer seeing each other before the ceremony often have what is called the first look.
Why Brides and Grooms Toss the Bouquet and Garter
In medieval times, it was considered lucky to have a fragment of the bride’s clothing and guests would claw at brides to get a piece of their dresses. In an attempt to preserve their gowns, brides began throwing their bouquets to distract guests as the bride and groom made their getaway to the wedding chamber. The groom would then toss the bride’s garter to crowd outside as a way to say he’s about to “seal the deal.”
At modern weddings, the groom removes and tosses the bride’s garter to the male guests after the bride throws her bouquet to the female guests. It’s believed that whoever catches these items will marry next, but not necessarily together. Although it can be a fun ritual, an alternative is to have an anniversary dance also known as the bouquet dance. This dance honors the longest married couple by presenting them with the bouquet and having them dance to a slow song on the dance floor.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
The Victorian rhyme is meant to bring good luck to the lives of those who follow it on their special day. The most popular of the traditions suggest wearing “something old” represents a gift given to the bride by a happily-married woman so the new bride may also enjoy a happy marriage. Wearing “something new” signifies a new union as a couple that will endure forever in health, happiness, and success. Having “something borrowed” is where the bride’s family and friends get the chance to lend a special token to express their love. “Something blue” is a symbol of fidelity and constancy. This custom is still fun as brides find creative ways to incorporate all four items into what they wear on the wedding day.
Feel Free to Choose Your Traditions
Weddings are an exciting time where couples get to build their world and happiness together. Feel free to give your day a special touch that is unique to you. Windows on the Water at Frogbridge provides the chance to start your union with a tradition of elegance. Our location provides spectacular, serene lakeside views with the picturesque beauty of New Jersey.
Couples who use our venue are always overwhelmed on their special day by the attention to detail that leads to their perfect day. We also offer quality tents and a highly-trained culinary team who can create a menu unique to your guests’ preference. Contact us today at (609) 208-9475 and let us be a part of your special day.