You probably know the standard saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” But there are a host of traditions surrounding a wedding – some of which are still around, others which have been discarded like a wilted bridal bouquet.
Here are a few that used to be a “thing.” Will they make a comeback? We’ll see.
PLANTING A TREE
In some European countries, the couple would plant a tree (generally, a pine) at their new home prior to the wedding ceremony. It was meant to symbolize good luck in their new start.
THE FIRST LOOK
This is still a bit of a superstition, that the groom shouldn’t “see” the bride before the ceremony. However, more couples are taking their chances and staging a “first look” photo op. It captures some of the magic, and it has the added benefit of calming pre-ceremony jitters.
RINGS CAN ONLY BE A DIAMOND
This actually started as a major 1939 advertising campaign. Today, many brides are opting for other gemstones, like an amethyst – or a more affordable cubic zirconia piece. Diamonds are sooo….last century.
VEILS WEREN’T FOR EVERYONE
According to one 19th century etiquette handbook, bridal veils were only meant for younger brides. If you were a widow or a “lady of a certain age,” you were to were a bonnet.
A COIN IN THE SHOE
A silver sixpence piece was typically part of a British bride’s get-up. She would tuck it in her shoe as a way to generate good luck in her marriage. Other cultures adapted this, slipping any random coin in the bridal footwear. Hey, can’t hurt. Unless you have tender tootsies.
WEEKDAY WEDDINGS
While most modern couples schedule their celebration for a weekend, it used to be that that was considered uncommonly tacky. One bridal book of etiquette from the very early 20th century helped couples select a date using the following formula: “Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday best day of all; Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday no luck at all.”
SOMETHING BORROWED – BUT PERHAPS NOT WHAT YOU WANT
Yes, we all know the “something borrowed” chant. Back in the day, that didn’t mean just a handkerchief or grandma’s earrings; the bride would wear underwear belonging to a woman who’d already had kids. The idea was to enhance her own fertility.
WHITE DRESSES WERE NOT ALWAYS THE THING
Queen Victoria was one of England’s longest-reigning monarchs. During her time on the throne, she set many trends – and the white wedding dress is among them. Before her 1840 marriage to Prince Albert, where she showed up in a flowing white gown, brides chose to wear whatever color they wanted.
SNAKE RINGS
Speaking of Queen Victoria, a ring shaped like a snake was once all the rage. Prince Albert proposed to her with one featuring emeralds in the eyes. Once the public got wind, “snake rings” became the defacto wedding jewelry, symbolizing a circle of eternal devotion.
CARRYING A SMELLY BOUQUET
Time was when folks didn’t bathe so much. Thus, bridal bouquets were almost a form of deodorant. They were made of pungent plants like lavender, dill – even garlic. Apparently, some of these herbs had the benefit of warding off evil spirits on the big day.
SIMPLE RECEPTIONS
There was a time (as recently as the 1960s) when many couples opted for super-simple post-wedding events. Cake and punch were pretty much all that was served (as well as a smaller bill to the bride’s family).
One of the newest (and smartest) traditions is opting for a dazzling, affordable cubic zirconia engagement or wedding ring. Luxurious pieces from Birkat Elyon offer the same beauty, but at a much more affordable price-point. Which leaves couples with more money to start their new life together!