Matthew Moreau

Wedding Ttraditions Many of the modern wedding traditions we wouldn’t think about excluding from wedding ceremonies actually originated in european European medieval times. And while some beginnings did start romantically, not all of them did! Originally, an engagement ring was given to the bride as part of the dowery dowry the groom owed the bride’s father. After all, the bride was an important working member of her family, and the father wasn’t about to let her go without getting some payment in return. Eventually, the engagement ring started including a diamond, as this was considered more valuable and made the bond even more secure. Italians gave diamond engagement rings with more romantic feelings—they believed that love’s flames created diamonds. However, if the groom decided to forego the dowry, he would just capture his bride. Because this often involved having to fight the family, so the groom would take his closest friend to help. This best man would also accompany the groom throughout the wedding in order to help protect the bride. Having to defend the bride also brought on the tradition of the groom standing on the bride’s right. He needed to have his sword arm free in order to quickly be able to guard his treasure. The groom’s boutonniere harkens hearkens back to the time of knights and their ladies. When a knight rode off to battle, his lady would give him flowers. He wore them as a symbol of their true and lasting love for each other. The bridal vail veil started when arranged marriages didn’t allow the groom to see his bride’s face until after the wedding ceremony. Some families were afraid if the groom peaked peeked before the wedding, he wouldn’t agree to the marriage! The tiered wedding cake started when wedding guests would bring cakes and stack them on top of each other. Eventually, icing was added and the traditional stacked wedding cake became popular. The bouquet toss originated as a mean means for escape for the bride. Considered lucky on her wedding day, the bride would often be overcome with guests who wanted parts of her dress or flowers to take away as good luck. Consequently, the bride would throw her bouquet to distract her attackers and run away! Today, thankfully, a bride doesn’t have to worry about having her groom’s sword arm free or needing to cover his her face with a veil to make sure she actually gets married. But whatever traditions the bride decides to carry over to her wedding, they now are considered a fun and romantic way for the bride and groom to start a new life together.