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The Diamond Ring
The enduring quality of this precious stone signifies
the lasting nature of a couple's engagement and marriage.
The Big Kiss
Concluding the wedding ceremony with a kiss represents
the sealing of vows and announces to everyone your newlywed
status.
The Bride's Veil
It was believed long ago that a veil would protect the
bride from evil spirits. Today, the white veil symbolizes
purity and virginity.
The White Runner
The white runner stretched down the aisle symbolizes
a pathway into happiness. The tossing of rose petals
on the runner will lead the bride to a promising and
plentiful future.
Wedding Bells
The ringing of bells will drive away evil spirits that
could destroy a couple's happiness on their wedding
day.
Throwing Rice
Showering the newlyweds with rice will bring fertility
and prosperity.
Flowers
Flowers have been used in weddings throughout history
to attract good luck and to bring fertility. Modern
brides select flowers to reflect personal style and
to add beauty and romance to the wedding.
The Wedding Cake
The cake is a symbol of fertility. This tradition dates
back to Roman customs in first century B.C. where the
cake was thrown at the bride or a part of it was tossed
over her head to bring fertility. Today, the bride and
groom share their unity and devotion for each other
during the cake-cutting ceremony.
Wedding Favors
Keepsakes or gifts from the bride and groom are given
to guests to thank them for
sharing in their wedding celebration and to pass on
good luck.
Toasting
The act of toasting at the reception signifies shared
happiness and the giving of best wishes to the newlyweds
from family and friends.
The Bouquet Toss
This modern-day tradition replaced the long-ago custom
of single ladies tearing and keeping a piece of the
bride's wedding dress for good luck and marriage. Today,
the lady who catches the bride's bouquet is the next
one to walk down the aisle.
The Garter Toss
The gentleman who ends up catching the garter is the
next one to be married.
Tying Shoes & Cans to the Car
Attaching shoes to the rear bumper of a car represents
the start of a new family. Tin cans are also tied to
create loud noise to keep evil spirits away.
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
Traditionally, it is bad luck for a bride to trip, stumble
or fall when entering the front door of her new home.
To avoid evil spirits hovering at the threshold, the
groom would carry his bride over the entrance.
Matron or Maid of Honor
As the bride's closest friend, the main role of the
matron or maid of honor is to offer support and to assist
the bride throughout the wedding planning process. Some
traditional duties the matron of honor carry out include
dress shopping, organizing the bridal shower, putting
together wedding favours, helping the bride get dressed
on her wedding day, adjusting the bride's veil and gown
and holding her bouquet during the ceremony, and witnessing
the signing of the marriage license.
Best Man
The best man offers moral support and is responsible
for getting the groom to the church, holding onto the
rings, witnessing the signing of the marriage license,
giving the first toast to the newlyweds, organizing
the bachelor party, and assisting the groom on his wedding
day.
The Receiving Line
Long ago it was believed that couples were blessed on
their wedding day and those who touched them would receive
good luck.
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