Traditions, Roles and Etiquette....2

 
Wedding Traditions
 
Ceremonial Positions
During the ceremony, the bride traditionally stands on the left side of the groom - this originates from the groom needing to leave their sword arm free, to fight off any potential suitors who may wish to vie for the affections of the bride. Oh, if only....

 
Confetti
Before the paper confetti we have today, guests used to throw rice over the bride and groom. This was believed to encourage fertility



Flower Bouquets
Dating back to ancient times, the carrying of pungent herbs and spices was believed to ward off bad luck, evil spirits and illness. Later, in Victorian times, flowers were sent to lovers as messages - each type signifying a different message or meaning.These links were eventually adopted and adapted into the tradition of brides carrying bouquets.
Throwing the bouquet originated in America with the bride turning her back to the gathered female guests and throwing her bouquet in the air. Whoever catches the bouquet is said to be the
next to marry. One word of caution, if you have lots of single women at your wedding be prepared for a scramble! 



Present Giving
Before the age of giving toasters, other household goods and wedding lists guests traditionally bought fruit as gifts for the happy couple as this was believed to encourage fertility.

Something Old, Something new...
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe"

Dating back to Victorian times following this poem is beleived to bring good luck to the bride and groom

Something old...represents the connection to the bride's prior life and her family. Many brides opt to wear something old which has links to her side of the family.

Something new...represents the bride's successful new life ahead with her husband and good fortune. Often the wedding dress is
considered as the 'something new'

Something borrowed...represents the bride's personal support system and is a reminder that her friends and family will be there for her in times of need. This item can be jewellery, a hair accessory
or anything else the bride can wear on her person during the day.

Something blue...represents loyalty and fidelity to her husband dating back to biblical times, blue was the color of purity. Garters are often detailed with blue ribbon - or it can be any other blue item which
the bride can wear.

A silver sixpence in her shoe...represents the wish for happiness and wealth to the bride and her husband.

Threshold Carrying
The tradition of carrying the bride over the threshold was believed to protect the new and innocent bride from evil spirits, which may be creeping around the new home.

Wedding cake
Back in Roman times, the wedding cake was termed as 'the bride's cake' and was ceremonially broken over her head, (charming!). This was to signify the groom's dominance over his new bride.

Obviously, this tradition is a little outdated and today the bride and groom cut the cake together to symbolize their intention to share everything in their future together. Far more acceptable for brides-to-be!

Traditionally the top tier of the cake, (or the fruit cake layer) is kept and saved for the first anniversary.

Wedding Dress
Traditionally, it's believed that the groom should not see the dress before the wedding day otherwise this will bring bad luck. To bring more good luck, he should even refrain from looking at her dress as she walks down the aisle towards him. It is beleived that the bride should discard every pin, when removing her dress and veil, or she will be unlucky.

 
Wedding Favors
The tradition of wedding favors has been around for hundreds of years having now evolved into each
guest receiving a reminder of the day, usually in the form of chocolate or five sugared-almonds representing health, wealth, fertility, happiness and long-life


Wedding Etiquette
Attendants
Don't forget to cost in gifts for your attendants into your budget - it's also important to remember to thank them for their hard work and support during the speeches.

Receiving Line
The receiving line is carried out at the reception venue, and is done either on arrival or before the guests sit down to eat. The traditional order of receiving is as follows
Bride's parents
Groom's parents,Bride and Groom
Chief bridesmaid and Best Man

However , although this is the traditional line-up, some couples opt to receive the guests by themselves

Relatives
The bride's parents

The bride's mother is the last person to be seated before the ceremony begin. The bride's father escorts his daughter down the aisle. Both stand in the receiving line at the reception, with the bride's mother standing first in line.

Old tradition has it that the father of the bride paid for the wedding and reception however now the

cost is usually shared with the groom's parents and bride and groom.

Traditionally the father of the bride dances with her, after her first dance with her new husband.

Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner. Both are seated just before the bride's mother at the ceremony and stand in the receiving line at the reception.

Speeches
Beginning after the meal, speeches are either loved or loathed by those that have to do them! Traditional order is as follows:-

The bride's father:
Thanking the guests for coming, welcoming his new son-in-law into the family and reminiscing about the bride with fond/funny stories. The speech ends with a toast to the bride and groom.

The groom:
Thanking the bride's father for his speech and the bride's mother for her daughter- and to both for
welcoming him into the family. Thanks and gifts are extended to the best man, bridesmaids, ushers and any other attendants or those who have helped with the organization of the wedding. The groom thanks the guests for their presence and kind gifts and ends by proposing a toast to the bridesmaids.

The bride:
Although not strict tradition, the bride may also stand and speak after her husband.Thanking her parents for their love and support,the groom's family for welcoming her into their family and all that have helped her on the run up to the wedding day.

The best man:
Replying on behalf of the bridesmaids and telling humorous stories about the groom - fondly of course! The best man will read out cards and telegrams from guests who were unable to attend, make a toast to the bride and groom and announce the ceremonial cutting of the cake.




Top Table
Traditionally, the top table is a long table, facing all of the guests. The order usually runs from the left,(facing the table), as follows :-

Chief bridesmaid               Grooms Father       Bride's mother
Groom                                Bride                     Bride's father
Groom's mother                 Best Man

However, some couples choose to keep their respective parents together.

Wedding Breakfast

 Wedding breakfast etiquette states that the male guests should keep their jackets on until the groom removes his own jacket. After the wedding breakfast, it's traditional for the bride and groom to toast their guests as a thank you to all the guests for their love and support in attending the celebration of your marriage. But you don't have to come up with a lengthy rehearsed speech - try reading out a poem together, it can be serious or humorous -  as long as it gets your message across.

 


Wedding Cake
A 'mock' cutting of the cake takes place with the photographer, purely for the official wedding photographs. The actual cutting of the cake takes place after the main course of the wedding breakfast. Reserve some wedding cake for guests who can't attend on the day that way they'll be touched that you were
thinking of them even in their absence.








Source: Myriad Brides Guide - Advice on Planning the Perfect Wedding (www.myriadbooks.com)

(http://guidetopublicwriting.weebly.com/wedding-toasts.html)

Sarah O 

Estilo Moda Bridal

Unit 11 JM Farms

Broughton Grounds Lane

Off Newport Road

Milton Keynes

MK16 0HZ

01908925152  07534041173

Email:  info@estilomoda.co.uk

Website:  www.estilomoda.co.uk