THE ORIGIN OF WEDDING FLOWERS

From the earliest times, brides have adorned their hair with flowers and carried bunches of flowers. Traditionally, each type of flower had a special meaning and significance in and of itself. Flowers were often thrown at the couple after the ceremony. Today, most brides pick their flowers for colour and personal appeal not based on the traditional meaning of particular flowers.

The groom's flower, worn on his lapel, usually matches one of the flowers in his bride's bouquet. This tradition goes back to medieval times when knights wore the colours of their lady in tournaments.

THE ORIGIN OF THE GARTER AND BRIDAL BOUQUET TOSS

In parts of Europe during the 14th contrary, having a piece of the bride's clothing was thought to bring good luck. Guests would destroy the bride's dress by ripping off pieces of fabric. To prevent this, brides began throwing items to the guests - the garter belt being one of the items.

It became customary in the 14th century for the bride to toss her garter to the men.

Sometimes the men would get drunk, become impatient, and try to remove the garter ahead of time.

WHY IT BECAME "BAD LUCK" FOR THE GROOM TO SEE BRIDE BEFORE THE CEREMONY

Until relatively recently, brides were considered the property of their father. Their futures and husbands were arranged without their consent. The marriage of an unattractive woman was often arranged with a prospective groom from another town without either of them having ever seen their prospective spouse. When the groom saw his future wife, usually dressed in white, for the first time on the day of the wedding, he changed his mind and left the bride at the altar. To prevent this from happening, it became 'bad luck' for the groom to see the bride prior to the ceremony.

THE ORIGIN OF THE WEDDING VEIL

Brightly coloured veils were worn in ancient times in many parts of the world and were considered a protection against evil spirits Greek and Roman brides for yellow or red veils (representing fire) to ward off evil spirits and demons. At one time, Roman brides were completely covered with a red veil for protection.

In early European history, with the advent of arranged marriages veils served another purpose - to prevent the groom from seeing the brides' face till after the ceremony was over. Brides began to wear opaque yellow veils. Not only could the groom not see in, the bride could not see out! Therefore, the father of the bride had to escort her down the aisle and literally give the bride to the groom.

Nellie Custis, the daughter of Martha Washington, is credited with wearing the first lace veil.

Today, prior to a Jewish wedding ceremony, it is the groom who ritually 'veils the bride'.

THE ORIGIN OF THE BRIDAL KISS

The kiss dates back to the earliest days of civilisation in the Middle East. A kiss was used as the formal seal to agreements, contracts, etc. In Ancient Rome a kiss was still being used as the legal bold to seal contracts. Hence the obvious use of the custom at the end of the wedding ceremony.

THE ORIGIN OF THROWING RICE

Rice has been used as a symbol of fertility and as a wish for a 'full pantry' in various parts of the world from ancient to modern times. Wheat, was thrown in France, figs and dates in Northern Africa, and a combination of coins, dried fruit, and candy was thrown in Italy. Since rice is harmful to the birds that eat it, birdseed has replaced it for most weddings.

THE ORIGIN OF TYING OLD SHOES TO THE CAR

This tradition originated in England during the Tudor period. At that time, guests would throw shoes at the bride and groom as they left in their carriage. It was considered good luck if their carriage was hit. Today, more often than not, it is beverage cans that are tied to a couples car instead of shoes. It should be noted that the English consider it good luck if it rains on their day!

THE ORIGIN OF THE GROOM CARRYING THE BRIDE OVER THE THRESHOLD

Traditionally, the bride had to enter her new home the first time through the front door. If she tripped or stumbled while entering it was considered to be bad luck. Hence the tradition of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold.