How Important Are Wedding Traditions?

"The bridal gown has always been a symbol of purity, and was in history an outward sign of a maiden's worthiness. The concept of a white wedding gown dates back to Queen Victoria. Marriage was considered a union between two families and it was essential that the bride be an honor to both. Purity was valued above all else and so great care was taken to ensure that the bride be presented as an unspoiled, protected, and valuable treasure. So, the white dress became the symbol of all these things, and a symbol of the bride-to-be's innocence. The practice of the bride tossing her bouquet before she leaves on her wedding trip is said to have started in the 14th century, when getting a piece of the bride's clothing was considered good luck. In those days, the bride was treated poorly. Guests would grab at her wedding dress in order to tear off pieces of it. Although brides continued to believe they would not be wearing their wedding gowns again, they objected to its wanton destruction. Instead of allowing guests to tear at their gowns, brides found an alternative and instead, started to throw personal items, such as the garter, to the guests. Today, the groom removes and tosses the garter, while the bride tosses her bouquet. The unmarried man who catches the garter is asked to put it on the leg of the unmarried woman who catches the bouquet. It is said that they will be the next to marry (not necessarily each other). Some traditions are rooted in superstition and closely connected with good and bad luck. One superstition proports that it is bad luck for a groom to see his bride on their wedding day. Another, also well know superstition is the tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a lucky sixpence in her shoe." This most familiar of wedding-related sayings dates back to Victorian times."Something Old" symbolizes the connection the bride will maintain to her family and the past. Many brides abide by this tradition by choosing to wear an heirloom piece of family jewelry or the wedding gown belonging to a grand mother or mother. "Something New" connotes good fortune and success in the bride's new life. The wedding dress is most often the chosen new item. "Something Borrowed" serves to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her whenever she may need their support or assistance. The borrowed object can be most anything of her choosing, such as an antique handkerchief, an item of jewelry or a handbag. "Something Blue" denotes faithfulness and loyalty. The symbolism dates back to biblical times when blue represented purity and constancy. Brides often choose to wear a blue garter to keep with this tradition, or, blue ribbons in their hair to symbolize fidelity. "A Silver Sixpence in her Shoe" represents the wishes of loved ones to the bride, in the hope that she will have both financial security and happiness." The above is quoted from http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/customs.htm

I used them all...lol..I wore white because this shows that you are pure for your husband, even if your not a virgin you are stating that you are now and forever going to be pure to only him. Something borrowed something blue is all about luck and that if you do this your marriage will be successful. Not seeing the bride before the wedding again is about luck we even went as far as not taking pictures together until after the ceremony and I just liked the idea of the first time he seen me all dolled up would be as I was walking toward him in the church I think it is a neat tradition to keep it a surprise. The purpose of the bridesmaids and groomsman came from having to have witnesses way back when you may have only had one person for the bride and one for the groom to witness their vows. It just got bigger from there. I guess the superstitions worked for us we have been married for 18 wonderful years now and I love him more today than I ever dreamed. Eighteen years also means half of my life because I married at 18 so I would say follow the traditions. Best wishes

I am hoping to get married very soon, and have already started to plan for it. I personally don't care about TRADITIONS, we are only going to incorporate what makes sense to us. White dress? Forget it, I'm wearing red! Bridesmaides and groomsmen? No good reason, just because we want our friends involved. Throw the bouquet? It's said that the single lady who catches it will be the next to get married. Not seeing eachother before the wedding? They say it's bad luck, but I don't agree. We just want to surprise wachother! ;-) Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue? No idea!!! If you like a tradition, use it because it's personal to you, as I have stated above, not because it is traditional. I'm not going to change my name either.

I like my wedding to be so traditional I don't want to miss any, I attended my uncle wedding and it was so beautiful, I like everything in weddings. SO I hope when I got married I have like my uncle's wedding.

I never gave it any thought to where these traditions came from when we got married . I know the white dress is to symbolize innocence but am not sure what the other traditions are supposed to symbolize . When we got married we went by what we wanted to do where instead of having our son ( who was the ring bearer ) carry up the rings on a pillow , we had him take up a favorite teddy bear of his with a matching tuxedo as his . We did this as we wanted him to take part in the wedding but wanted to make him feel comfortable about walking in front of a bunch of people .