Weddings are full of moments that feel timeless... the white dress, the exchange of rings, the first dance. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we do so many of these things in the first place? Most traditions have roots that stretch back centuries, sometimes even to superstitions or customs that look very different from what we know today.
As planners, we see couples embrace, skip or completely reinvent these traditions all the time. The beauty of modern weddings is that you get to decide which ones still feel meaningful and which can fade into history. Let’s take a look at where some of these beloved customs came from and how they have evolved over time!
Before Queen Victoria wore white satin and lace for her 1840 wedding to Prince Albert, brides simply wore their nicest gown, which was often in color. Her choice to wear white was considered bold at the time, but it quickly became the ultimate symbol of bridal elegance.
Today, white is still the most popular choice, but it is no longer the only option. Many modern brides choose ivory, blush, black or even colorful gowns that better express their personality and style.
In ancient Rome, brides wore bright red or yellow veils called flammeum to protect themselves from evil spirits and disguise their identity from jealous eyes. Over time, the veil became associated with modesty and purity, especially in religious ceremonies.
Now, it is often seen as a romantic accessory and an optional detail that adds drama, softness or sentiment depending on the look. Many brides skip the veil entirely, while others use it as a statement piece for the walk down the aisle.
This Victorian-era rhyme symbolized good luck and blessings for a new marriage. “Something old” represented continuity, “something new” brought optimism for the future, “something borrowed” was a token of borrowed happiness and, finally, “something blue” symbolized love and fidelity.
Today, couples interpret this tradition in creative and personal ways ~ a vintage family heirloom, a new piece of jewelry, a borrowed veil or a pop of blue in shoes or florals. It is less about superstition now and more about storytelling and sentiment!
Wedding cakes date back to ancient Rome, when guests would break bread over the bride’s head to bless her with fertility and prosperity. In the Middle Ages, small cakes were stacked high, and if the couple could kiss over the pile without it toppling, it was considered good luck.
Modern cakes are less about luck and more about celebration and are often an edible work of art that reflects the couple’s style. While multi-tiered cakes remain classic, couples are just as likely to serve cupcakes, pies or donuts alongside a small cutting cake for themselves.
In medieval England, guests would often tear pieces of the bride’s dress or veil for good luck. To escape the chaos, brides began tossing their bouquets to distract guests and a new tradition was born!
Now, it is a fun, lighthearted moment for some couples, though others choose to skip it or replace it with something more inclusive or sentimental, such as an anniversary dance or dedicating their bouquet to their mother or grandmother.
The garter toss shares a similar origin story. In medieval Europe, guests believed that owning a piece of the bride’s clothing would bring them good fortune and some would even try to grab it themselves. To avoid the frenzy, brides began tossing a garter to the crowd as a substitute.
Over time, it evolved into the groom removing and tossing the garter to the single men, mirroring the bouquet toss. Many couples now skip or modernize this tradition, turning it into something more playful, symbolic or completely reimagined to fit their comfort level, such as tossing a football to all the guys!
The tradition of throwing rice began as a way to wish the newlyweds prosperity and fertility. Over time, concerns about safety and cleanup led couples to swap rice for bubbles, petals, streamers or even dried lavender.
Regardless of the material, the gesture remains the same by showering the couple with good wishes as they begin their new life together.
The circular shape of the wedding ring has long symbolized eternity, with no beginning and no end. Ancient Egyptians are credited with this tradition, believing the fourth finger on the left hand contained the “vena amoris” or “vein of love” that led directly to the heart.
Today, this symbolism endures. The exchange of rings remains one of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony, no matter how simple or elaborate the design.
The idea of a wedding party, bridesmaids, groomsmen or attendants, began as a form of protection. In ancient times, attendants dressed similarly to the couple to confuse evil spirits or jealous suitors. In Roman weddings, ten witnesses were required for the marriage to be legally binding, which also helped shape the tradition of having multiple attendants.
Over time, their purpose shifted from protectors to supporters. Today’s wedding party is about surrounding yourselves with your favorite people, the ones who celebrate you, calm your nerves and make sure your day runs smoothly. It is a beautiful evolution from duty to friendship.
Originally, couples avoided seeing each other before the ceremony. In arranged marriages, this superstition was rooted in fear with the idea that the groom might back out if he saw the bride before the vows.
Now, the tradition has been turned completely on its head. Many couples choose a private “first look” before the ceremony as a way to share a quiet, emotional moment together and to calm any pre-wedding nerves before the day fully begins.
In medieval times, it was believed that evil spirits lingered in doorways and could enter a bride through the soles of her feet. The groom carried her across the threshold to keep her safe and to symbolize bringing her into their new home.
Today, it is more playful than protective and is a sweet, symbolic gesture that nods to tradition with a wink.
While not as ancient as some traditions, unity ceremonies, such as lighting candles, blending sand or planting a tree, draw inspiration from rituals across cultures that symbolize two lives becoming one.
Couples love how customizable these ceremonies are. They can include family members, represent blended families or even honor shared hobbies or heritage. It is a beautiful way to make the ceremony uniquely your own!
Traditions connect us to something bigger, to history, family and meaning, but they are not rules. Understanding where these customs come from allows you to decide which ones truly matter to you and which can be reinvented for the modern world.
Whether you choose to honor every tradition or write your own entirely, the most meaningful part of your wedding will always be the story it tells about you.
Traditions connect us to something bigger, to history, family and meaning, but they are not rules. Understanding where these customs come from allows you to decide which ones truly matter to you and which can be reinvented for the modern world.
Whether you choose to honor every tradition or write your own entirely, the most meaningful part of your wedding will always be the story it tells about you.