Ever wonder where some of our wedding customs came from? We thank Doug Lennox, author of Now You Know and host of the nationally syndicated radio show of the same name, for these interesting wedding facts.
How did throwing confetti become a wedding custom?
Because the main purpose of marriage was to produce children, ancient peoples showered the new bride with fertility symbols such as wheat grain. The Romans baked this wheat into small cakes for the couple, to be eaten in a tradition known as conferriatio, or “eating together”. The guests then threw handfuls of a mixture of honeyed nuts and dried fruits called confetto at the bride, which we copy today by throwing confetti.
Destination Wedding Tip: Many hotels and resorts do not allow you to throw confetti. Instead supply your guests with bubbles!
Why do brides wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” to their weddings?
According to wedding tradition, the bride wears something “old” to remind the couple of the happiness of the courting period. She wears something “new” to represent the hopeful success of the couple’s new life together; something “borrowed” to symbolize the support of friends; and something “blue” because it’s the colour of fidelity. If a bride wears a single girlfriend’s garter, it will improve that girls prospects of marriage.
Destination Wedding Tip: Many destination wedding brides are incorporating “something blue” into their theme to compliment the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. We have seen this in a sash worn by the bride, the bridesmaids’ dresses and as part of the flower arrangements.
Why do bridegrooms have a best man?
In ancient times, most marriages were arranged and so the groom wasn’t always the bride’s first choice. The man she favoured would often swear to carry her off before or during the wedding. To avoid this, the groom stood on the bride’s right to keep his sword arm free and would enlist a warrior companion to fight off the rival if he showed up. This companion was, in fact, the “best man”.
Destination Wedding Tip: To avoid delays at airport security, don’t travel with a sword!
Special thanks goes to our Beachside Bride, Samantha, and her Groom, Filipe, for their testimonial and sharing their beautiful wedding photos with us in this post!
Do you have any questions about having a destination wedding? Contact Weddings By Oceans, your cyber maids of honour!
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Why do brides “trash” the dress? Who started that one?
Hey Tracy, thanks for the excellent question! Stay tuned for an upcoming “Did You Know?” post and we’ll answer it for you.