Your wedding day is a unique occasion of celebration that you will share with your friends and family and that will remain etched in your memory. There are very popular bridal traditions and others not so much, but all with curious meanings.
Do you know what are the traditions of a bride on her wedding day? Keep reading and know its origin!
Today at LAVANI we bring you 10 traditions that will surely surprise you. Do you know all of them?
INDEX:
1. The color of the dress1. The color of the dress
The bride's dress and its traditional white color have always been a classic, because as we already know, white is associated with purity and innocence. But do you know who started this famous tradition?
The story begins with Queen Victoria at her wedding to Prince Albert in the mid-19th century, as before each bride wore her best dress regardless of color. From then on, other European leaders began to imitate it and white acquired a new symbolism. Luxurious wedding dresses are beginning to become popular and, as is evident, Hollywood movies were in charge of this conception of white in bridal designs. Since then, the white dress in this ceremony is one of the fundamental and indisputable elements.
2. The veil
One of the most common questions when choosing the look for that big day is whether or not to wear a veil. Therefore, knowing the origin and meaning of this tradition will help you make this decision.
Its use dates back to the time of the ancient Romans who wanted to protect the bride by scaring away evil spirits with this accessory. In those times they were red or yellow, as it was believed that these colors had that protective function. But it is in the 19th century when the veil began to be introduced at Christian weddings as a symbol of purity and its color became totally white.
Today it is a fashion element and an accessory that brings elegance and sophistication, although it is true that it is a very personal decision, since it is linked to religion. The tradition of the bridal veil has evolved over the years, and today there are many different styles, from simple short veils to elaborate long veils, so if you decide to wear a veil, you have a wide range to choose from!
3. The garter of the bride
For many brides, this ancient tradition of wearing a garter under the wedding dress is still an essential that has its origins from long ago. This tradition consists of wearing this accessory at knee height and in a way that is not uncomfortable. There are many models and colors of garters that brides can choose from. In addition, many brides take advantage of this tradition to give it to one of the guests or to the next to get married.
The meaning of wearing this accessory comes from a legend of the wedding day, since it was believed that it was good luck to keep a piece of the bride's dress. For this reason, many guests wanted to steal part of the bride's outfit, as a solution they decided to take a piece with them and then throw it to the guests. The bride would throw the garter and the first guest to catch it would be the first to be married. Sounds like a modern-day tradition with the bridal bouquet, doesn't it?
4. The groom cannot see the bride
Another of the most widespread traditions or rather myths that have to do with the bride's dress is that the groom cannot see the bride before getting married, as it brings bad luck. Its origin comes from when compromises of convenience were made and they did not want the groom to regret it just before the wedding.
Nowadays, this tradition has more to do with giving the groom a surprise about the look of the fiancée.
5. Bridal bouquet
This well-known tradition of throwing the bouquet at weddings symbolizes the bride's transition to her new life as a wife. The unmarried guests compete to keep the bouquet, believing that they will be the next to get married. Also, this tradition adds a fun touch to the ceremony as it is an exciting time and becomes a lasting memory about the wedding.
6. Wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue
This custom is one of the most followed by brides and the idea is that each element symbolizes an aspect of married life. Something old represents the connection to the past, while something new symbolizes the hopes and new beginnings of the future marriage. Something borrowed means the blessing and help of friends and family. Finally, the tradition of wearing something blue for the bride represents fidelity and lasting love. Without a doubt, it is a fun and sentimental way to add a detail to this big day.
7. Wedding coins
They symbolize fortune and good luck in the future marriage. This tradition consists of the groom giving the bride 13 coins as a sign of his ability to protect his wife. Its name comes from the tradition of giving arrabón, which meant promise, because if the promise of fidelity was not fulfilled, the deposit was lost. Did you know that this tradition began to be introduced in Spanish weddings in the Middle Ages?
8. Pearls, yes or no?
Although pearls have been a symbol of love and elegance since ancient times, it is true that there is a superstition that it is bad luck for the bride to wear pearls on her wedding day. Have you ever wondered what this tradition is due to?
Many brides decide not to wear pearls as an accessory on their wedding day and the origin of this idea is in ancient Rome. The Romans associated these jewels with the tears of angels and it was said that if a bride wore pearls on her wedding day, her marriage would be unhappy and would be marked by the curse of crying.
For this reason, if you are one of those who choose not to wear pearls, at Lavani we offer you other types of jewelery such as Sophia Earrings , Thar or simpler ones such as Clarité .
9. Wedding dance
The first dance as a couple is a very special moment that will remain engraved in everyone's memory, since with this dance the bride and groom show their love before their friends and family. Although today in Spanish weddings the traditional waltz is still associated with this moment, it is no longer a requirement and it is enough that it is a song with a special meaning for the couple.
The origin of this wedding dance dates back to the end of the 18th century in the wealthy families of the European courts, where the tradition began for the hosts to initiate the first dance. From then on it was introduced to the upper social classes and little by little this custom was introduced at all weddings.
As we said, the most common thing was to dance a waltz, but the main thing is that the couple enjoy that moment full of magic alone.
10. Throwing rice at the wedding
Finally, the tradition of throwing rice at the bride and groom who have just said "yes, I do" at Spanish weddings is a well-known tradition, but do you know why?
This tradition that dates back to antiquity has its origin in the East, since that culture has always believed that rice attracted wealth and fertility. So when we throw rice at the couple we are wishing them a future full of love and happiness.
Today there are alternatives that have reinvented this tradition for those who do not like that rain of rice, such as rose petals or confetti.
Did you know all these traditions?
Most of these traditions we have already seen are rather superstitions and myths. So, although there are many brides who comply with them because they do not want to take risks, it is true that there are also others who did not and are still happy and in love.
So, if you like something and it makes you happy, at LAVANI we encourage you to go for it, whether you choose pearls or not, wear a long or short veil…. The important thing is that it makes you feel comfortable and reflects who you are, because it will be one of the happiest days of your life.
Tell us which is your favorite tradition and if you would follow all of them on your wedding day.