Wedding Traditions and Myths

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue...

Something Old signifies the bride's previous way of living, before the marriage.  It links the bride's family and the past.  This is the first step into the transition into her new life. 

Something New signifies the bride's future and her new life.  This is the second step of the transition, representing good fortune and success.  The new item is oftentimes represented by the wedding gown.

Something Borrowed is typically an item borrowed from a previously wed bride.  The bride borrows the item so she may have all the good luck and joy in her marriage that the previously wed bride has in hers.

Something Blue was the original color of purity before Queen Victoria set the standard for marrying in white.  Blue used to be the common color that brides wed in.  Often the garter is the blue item.

Other Traditions

Throwing Rice is an ancient tradition.  Since rice is considered a "life giving" seed, it's thought that throwing it on the couple will result in fertility and have many children.

Sharing the wedding cake began with the Romans.  They believed that eating the cake together would build a special bond between the couple.  The sweetness is thought to bring good things to all areas of the couple's new life. 

Placement of the wedding ring on the third finger of the left hand comes from the Egyptians.  They believed that the "vein of love" ran from the ring finger to the heart.  The ring was placed there to denote eternal love.

...and what do I pay for?

The bride and her family... traditionally pay for the groom's wedding ring and his gift; invitations, reception cards, announcements; wedding gown; fee for ceremony location; reception costs (including food, decorations, flowers, cake); photography; music; transportation; videography; favors.

The groom and his family... traditionally pay for the bride's wedding and engagement rings; gift for the bride; marriage license; rehearsal dinner; officiant's fee; groom's attire; honeymoon.

The wedding party... wedding attire and accessories; gift for the couple; bachelor/bachelorette party.