We like to
remind our brides that weddings reflect a variety of ethnic, religious, social
and regional traditions. In some small
communities, the "open church" tradition is
popular. It simply means that everyone
is invited. In some places family and
friends make a wedding quilt for the couple.
At Quaker weddings the marriage certificate is signed in public.
There are some traditions that fortunately did
not survive. In the 18th century
a marriage race was common. As soon as
the ceremony was over, everyone raced out of the church door and on to the
wedding feast held at the bride's home.
What did the winner get? The
first piece of bridal cake or cup of soup or porridge or whatever was being
served - and the luck that supposedly came from being first.
Imagine this! In 1775
the law stated that a young woman could not be married wearing any makeup. Makeup was considered an ensnarement and the
wedding would not be legitimate because the groom would have been
"trapped" by the illusion of beauty.
And today we have one favorite tradition has evolved from
necessity. Today's bride
"throws" her bouquet so that her unmarried friends can
"catch" some luck in romance.
But the custom really started as a form of defense. Centuries ago, belief in the mystical value
of a bride's garments prompted friends and strangers alike to try and grab a
piece of her outfit. Eventually, some
clever bride found that by flinging her flowers away from herself, the crowd
would have something to fight over and she could escape. Now the bride throws the bouquet to signal
that the reception is almost over.
Until the 1500s, the lavish weddings of royalty were often
paid for by taxes levied on landowners.
But then weddings were generally a political move that secured the
empire rather than a great romance.
Today's brides are part of the ever evolving look of
weddings. Let one of our experienced
consultants help you create a wedding that will "make history".
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