White Aisle
Runners
In ancient times, Chinese brides were carried to their weddings
so the bride's feet would not touch the ground and come in contact with
the evil spirits that lurked in the ground. Today's aisle runner carries
on that tradition....with the added practicality of helping keep the
bride's gown clean. The aisle runner is used to signify a pure pathway
into happiness. Rose petals in the bride's path lead her to a sweet and
plentiful future.
Ring Pillow
The ring pillow originated with the carrying of the coronation
crown to royalty. The tradition has evolved as a symbolic way to prominently
present the most precious of gifts.
Flower Girl
The tradition of a flower girl walking before the bride and tossing
petals dates back to an old English tradition. It was customary for the
entire bridal party to walk all the way to the church behind a small girl
tossing flowers.
Bridal Bouquet
The bridal bouquet started with the Romans and Greeks as a garland
of fragrant fresh herbs which the bride wore in her hair. They were
used to discourage evil spirits from getting too close to the bride.
Particular herbs that symbolized fertility were also used.
Groom's Boutonniere
The groom's boutonniere is a nod to medieval times when a knight
wore his lady's "colors", proudly displayed for all to see.
Bride & Groom's Family Seating in Church
The bride's family and guests sit on the left side of the church
and the groom's family and guests sit on the right. The bride walks
down the aisle on the left arm of her father or step-father. In medieval
times the men wore their swords on their right side and they needed that
side free in case they needed to draw their swords and protect.
Wedding Day Garters
The bridal garter had a very practical beginning. When silk stockings
were standard garb, this accessory was a necessity. The tradition of
stealing the garter began in England. Young men took this pre-ceremony
procedure quite seriously, as it was considered very good luck to "win
the prize". To avoid embarrassing the bride, the custom evolved from stealing
the garter into throwing the garter instead.
Throwing the garter began in France when pieces of the bridal
attire were considered lucky. When the bride threw the garter to the
guests at the wedding reception the person that caught it could expect
good luck. In the US, the groom traditionally removes the garter from
the bride's leg and throws it to the unmarried men. At some weddings, the
man who catches the garter places it on the leg of the lady who caught
the bouquet or they may start the next dance. It is also common for the
recipients of the bouquet and garter to have a photograph taken with the
bride & groom. The garter to be thrown is placed on the bride's right
leg, just above the knee. Brides usually wear 2 garters, one to keep
and one to throw.
Tossing the Bridal Bouquet
The practice of the bride tossing her bouquet before she leaves
on her honeymoon started in France in the 1300's. The tradition began
with the bride tossing a garter or stocking. The single woman who catches
the bouquet is thought to be the next to marry.
Unity Candle
The unity candle is a fairly new tradition. There are several
ceremonies that can be used for the unity candle, but the symbolism is
the same. The unity candle is a symbol of family unity. The unity candle
is usually a large candle, representing the newly married couple. It is
lit during the ceremony using 2 taper candles, one on each side, with
the one on the left representing and bride's family and the candle on
the right representing the groom's family. Often the side candles will
be lit by the bride & groom's mothers after they are ushered down
the aisle before the ceremony. The groom's mother is ushered down the
aisle and she lights the candle on the right, and is then ushered to her
seat, followed by the bride's mother lighting the candle on the right after
she has been ushered down the aisle and before she is ushered to her seat.
Kiss at the End of the Ceremony
In ancient times, the kiss was legally binding and signified
mutual acceptance of the contract of marriage. It is said that the bride
and groom exchanged a bit of their souls with the breath of a kiss.
Ringing Wedding Bells at End of Ceremony
Meant to scare away the evil spirits so they could not destroy
the couple's happiness.
Shoes Attached to the Newlywed's Car
The tying of old shoes on going-away vehicles is a Hindu custom
of good luck. Shoes also represent power and signify the creation of a
new family unit. Shoes and cans were attached to the bumper of the car
to cause a noisy clatter as loud noises were said to chase away evil spirits.
Today, it is traditional that the bridal party honk their car horns while
leaving the ceremony. Cars are also decorated with balloons, streamers,
just married signs, window clings, etc.
Honking of Horns
Loud noises were said to chase away evil spirits, and during
the ceremony, the guests would make noises to keep the spirits away.
Today, it is traditional that the bridal party honk their car horns
while leaving the ceremony, and to decorate the bridal car.
Carrying the Bride 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.