First things first, your wedding day should be your own and you should break as many traditions as you want in order to make it so. There is, however, something magical about certain wedding rituals that makes it hard to abandon tradition and go completely modern. Perhaps it’s the meaning and purpose hidden behind them, such as wearing something blue, or it’s the idea that you are doing something that your sisters, mother, and grandmothers did when they were in your shoes. Whatever it is, keeping these traditions can add a special and endearing charm to your memories. Here are some timeless traditions that you should consider including in your wedding celebrations.
1. The Groom Shouldn’t See the Bride’s Gown
Traditionally, brides have been thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits, and many of the custom and traditions associated with weddings are meant to provide protection. The oldest in the book is that it’s forbidden for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding day. Of course, the evil spirit belief is quite outdated, though nowadays it’s just fun to pretend that it’s bad luck. Even if you are not superstitious, why would you want to miss the thrill of seeing that look on your groom’s face when your eyes meet his from down the aisle and he can see how fabulous you look? That’s one of those moments that comes once in a lifetime. It builds excitement and anticipation for the whole ceremony.
2. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue
Often recited as the four “somethings” you need to get married, this is a tradition that has stood the test of time for centuries. These four objects that the bride adds to her wedding outfit or carries with her on the big day are simply good luck charms but incredibly whimsical. Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness; and something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity. When you walk down the aisle wearing those little tokens of love that your friends or family members shared with you, you feel loved and blessed knowing that they are all there to help you celebrate this special day.
3. Choosing an Entourage
A custom once existed where bridesmaids would dress similarly to the bride and accompany her as her protectors on her way to the groom’s village. At present, they still have a major key role to play in your wedding. Having bridesmaids is an opportunity to include those people whom you feel are the closest to you and distinguish them from the rest of the guests. They are the perfect people to turn to when you are stressed or frazzled from the details of planning, an emotional support that you will definitely need on your big day.
4. Giving Away the Bride
Many brides have admitted that though walking down the aisle is an exciting moment, it is also incredibly nerve-racking. Every eye will be on you. So who better to be by your side than your father? Nothing beats the moment when a father gives away his daughter on her wedding day, it’s a special way to include him in your ceremony. Whether it’s an overjoyed father or one who might not be quite ready to let go, this moment radiates with a father’s love for his daughter. It’s also a symbolic act of your father’s blessing on your marriage.
5. Making a Record
Wedding videography may not be a historic tradition, but it started out during the time of our parents’ weddings and unfortunately lately it’s started to fade out. Couples are skipping videography altogether due to many videographers going overboard with lights, multiple cameras, and an insistence on always being in the guests’ faces. But videography doesn’t have to make everyone uncomfortable and be annoying, these days videographers can actually shoot without being seen, without being heard; they just magically capture the moments unnoticed. When your wedding is long over, seeing it all over again in motion is much more touching than just looking at the photos.
6. Tossing the Bouquet
Gathering all the single ladies together to make them rush after a piece of wedding paraphernalia seems old fashioned and unnecessary, but it never fails to be hilariously fun. Nowadays brides tend to add a modern aspect to this tradition meant to pass on her good fortune, like by setting the bouquet to ‘explode’ (no fireworks needed!). The bouquet is designed with an easy to cut or removal band. When the bride tosses it, the flowers will ‘explode’ all apart and many of her single friends will get one! Or if they want to keep it in one piece, some throw it to their best friend and some even gift it to their grandmothers. It’s a cheerful moment that can’t be left out.
