Wedding Traditions – Old and New

June 2006 by Jane Engelke

Something old
Something new
Something borrowed
Something blue
A silver sixpence in her shoe!

This saying dates back to Victorian times.  There are many traditions, old and new, connected with engagements and weddings.  Something old is the link with the bride’s family and past: something new represents good fortune and success in the bride’s new life.  Something borrowed remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her in the future and something blue symbolizes faithfulness, loyalty and purity.  The six pence is for a successful financial future!

Like many other things, tradition has ruled over many events.  However, in the 21st Century many people are breaking away from tradition to make a new path that perhaps someday others will follow.

Several new ideas in weddings this past decade or so include garden weddings and destination weddings; such as beach and out of the country weddings.  In the 50’s most weddings were very predictable, with Lace or Satin gowns, usually a train and some type of veil. They were held in churches with the reception in the church basement, usually punch and cake were served.  Smaller weddings were held in private homes.

Veils in the US became popular when George Washington’s nephew saw his bride to be through a lace curtain. “He became so enamored by her after catching sight of her though a lace curtain, she decided to wear a veil on her wedding day.”  During the times of arranged marriages, the bride’s face was covered with a veil in case the husband to be did not like the looks of his bride.  By the time her face was uncovered it was too late for him to back out of the arrangement.

After several years of brides choosing not to wear veils, they are making a comeback.  Michelle Spiker Puccio, formerly of Parkersburg, is a new veil designer.  They are a hot item in the mid-west area.  Elizabeth Michaels carries the Puccio veil and their two favorites are the cathedral length, available with French Alencon Lace and the Ivory Russian Veiling with Chenille detail. www.pucciocouture.com

The Bride in her wedding gown is the focal point of the entire wedding.  The gown should reflect the personality of the bride and should be her choice alone.  Elizabeth Michaels has witnessed brides leaving the store in tears because a family member did not agree with her gown choice.  This should never happen.

When the bride looks in the mirror and her face is glowing and she prances around not wanting to take the gown off, you know you have a winner!!! Your Dream Dress has just been found.  Go with your “gut reaction” and by that dress or you will be forever sorry. 

If you choose a gown with a long train that is very heavy you could with bustle your train or do as Melania Trump did and choose two gowns: One for the ceremony – a ball gown style – and then a sleek designer dress for the reception.

After the wedding consider using your gown to make a christening gown for your first baby or making a quilt or pillow.  Most gowns just end up deteriorating in your closet.

A garden wedding would be very beautiful and romantic but could become a nightmare if it decides to rain.  Have plenty of tents available. Maids could dress in flowered gowns and the flower girl would be pretty in a dress with real flower petals in her hemline.  Having the bride and bridesmaid’s carry pretty umbrellas would really add to the ambiance of the ceremony and keep the hot sun off the bridal party. 

One can also rent vintage umbrellas.  Information is available at Elizabeth Michaels or check out www.bellaumbrella.com

For a garden theme wedding the bride would be beautiful in an English style gown, something romantic with cap sleeves, empire waist and Victorian lace.  Jewelry could be colored pearls for the bridesmaids.  Give an all white wedding dress a splash of color by tying a bright sash around your waist.

The website www.favorideas.com has some fabulous wedding ideas. 

What type of gown is appropriate for destination weddings?  If you have chosen a beach wedding you most likely will not want a gown with a train or spike heels.  There are many beautiful gowns available that do not have trains and that are made of lighter fabrics.  Flip-flops or sandals decorated with rhinestones or lace would be beautiful and would make for easy walking.

If you are traveling abroad for your wedding consider packing all your wedding clothes in a separate suitcase.  When the wedding is over you can UPS the suitcase back home while you go on your honeymoon.  When Jane Engelke wed Wilbur Schenerlein in Rome, Italy the St Regis hotel was happy to steam her gown and veil and her husbands and attendants clothing as well.  After the ceremony they provided a wonderful celebratory meal for the bridal party, seven courses in all with wine between each course to clear the palate.

When you think of a white wedding gown, you might think that white means purity.  This is not the case – the color blue is the color of purity.  White is the symbol of Joy.  Most people do not look good in a white, white gown.  The off white is the best choice, often called Ivory.

When the white dress became vogue, pearl and diamond combinations were fashionable. Traditionally the groom buys his bride a gift of jewelry for the wedding.  The reason pearls were once a tradition is they are associated with love, success, modesty, chastity and purity.  The tradition of pearls on the wedding day began around 1000BC in the Hindu culture.

Now for some fun wedding facts.

In early Rome a kiss represented a legal bond that sealed contracts. 

In Ancient Rome it was tradition for the groom to eat part of the cake and break the rest over his brides head.  Can you imagine the surprise if a groom tried that tradition today?

In Morocco, brides wear bright yellow because it scares away the evil eye.

The groom stands on the right side of his bride so he can fight off warriors who also want his bride.

In the 14th Century, it was customary for the bride to toss her garter to the men as they sometimes became so drunk they would try to take the garter off the bride ahead of time.  The grooms would have to rush to the brides rescue.

Have a beautiful wedding filled with love!!