THE ORIGIN OF SATURDAY WEDDINGS

In early times, for Christians, Sunday was the original day of choice for weddings because it was not a work day. The Puritan revolution in England during the 17th century changed all that - because the Puritans thought it improper to be festive on the Sabbath. Saturday is the most popular day for wedding now.

THE ORIGIN OF THE TRADITIONAL WHITE WEDDING DRESS

In 1499, Ann of Brittany popularised the white wedding gown. Prior to that time, a woman simply wore her best dress or a new dress without regard to the basic colour.

THE ORIGIN OF SOMETHING 'OLD', 'NEW', 'BORROWED', AND 'BLUE'

The tradition of carrying carrying one or more items that are 'old', 'new', 'borrowed' and 'blue' also comes from England. There is an old English rhyme describing the practice, which also mentions a sixpence in the bride's shoe.

Something old, signifying continuity, could be a piece of lace, jewellery, or a grandmother's handkerchief.

Something new, signifying optimism in the future, could be an article of clothing or the wedding rings.

Something borrowed, signifying future happiness, could be handkerchief from a happily married relative or friend.

Something blue, signifying modesty, fidelity and love, comes from early Jewish history. In Biblical times, blue symbolised purity. Both the bride and groom wore a band of blue on the bottom of their attire.