Engagement Rings – Once known as a “Betrothal Ring”, engagement rings date from the earliest days of marriage by purchase, or “buying” a bride. At the time, it was a partial payment for the bride, as well as a symbol of the groom’s honorable intentions. Diamonds were added because of their hardness, symbolizing enduring love. This custom originated in Italy during the Middle Ages. Immediately before the wedding, all brides should switch the engagement ring to the right hand to allow the groom to place the wedding ring on the left hand. The wedding ring is always worn closer to the heart.

Bridal Showers – The concept of a bridal shower is reportedly derived from a Dutch bride whose family refused to sanction their proposed marriage. When their friends heart about the dilemma, they had a party and “showered” the bride in gifts to help set up their household.

Rehearsal Dinner – The rehearsal dinner has its roots in antiquity. The forerunners were designed to scare away evil spirits waiting to attack the couple. Since noise was the best way to chase away these spirits, the wedding eve parties were often rowdy, complete with shattered glass and plates.

Ceremony – Candles have replaced torches, symbolizing life and love. These symbols were common during ancient times, up through the past century and are found throughout wedding literature. The candlelight adds romance to the ceremony and reception.

Wedding Ring – Since the days of the early Egyptians, the circular shape of the wedding ring has symbolized unending love. Primitive brides wore woven rings made of hemp or rushes, which had to be replaced every year. Early Romans made wedding ring of iron, which was more durable. This material symbolized the permanence of marriage.

Reception Cake – The wedding cake is symbolism of the bride and groom sharing their first food together. This exchange signifies the sharing and caring for each other for the rest of their lives. Originally, small cakes were crumbled over the couple’s heads as a symbol of abundance and fertility. The cake cutting tradition symbolizes the traditional role of the wife as food preparer. The groom feeds the first bite to his wife, symbolizing the traditional male role of provider.

Dancing – Dancing has always symbolized life, virality, and energy. It has been apart of celebration from the earliest recorded time Pageants, skits, and formal entertainment were popular several hundred years ago in Europe during wedding reception.

Bouquet – The tradition of tossing a bouquet dates back to the early 1800’s in the United States, where the bride would toss small bouquets to each of her bridesmaids. A ring was hidden in one, and the bridesmaid who caught that bouquet would be next to marry.

Garter – Some think the garter tradition is modern, designed to match tossing the bouquet, The custom actually dates back more than 500 years to England and the ritual called “Flinging the Stockings”. Wedding guests would invade the bridal chambers, the women removed the groom’s stockings, and whoever managed to land a stocking on the bride’s or groom’s nose would be the next to marry.

“Going Away” Rituals – the “gateway” car conjures up images of married signs. Tin cans, and old shoes…among other “decorations”. Tin cans and noisemakers were used to scare away evil spirits, because the newlyweds were considered especially vulnerable while they traveled.

** All the above information is from Harcourt Learning Direct. “The Wedding”, and “The Many Parts of the Wedding”, study units.**