There are a seemingly infinite amount of wedding traditions that people partake in on their special days, thanks to thousands of years of planning and a number of different cultures and religions. Some wedding traditions have been around for centuries and some are just starting to take their place in the world of weddings now. Regardless of what type of wedding you are planning each traditional has its own set of values and symbols of happiness and unity. Not all traditions need to be a part of every wedding though, so take the time to sit down and figure out which ones are the most important to you and your loved ones on your special day.

A White Wedding Dress

Brides have worn white dating back all the way to when Queen Victoria ditched the idea of wearing a traditional silver gown in favour of a white one all the way back in Victorian times. Before that time it was customary for brides to wear their most expensive dress whichever it may be, but since then white has become known for warding off evil spirits and representing innocence and purity.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

This saying has been popular since a rhyme was created back in Victorian times as well. The old part of the saying is meant to embrace family tradition, the new represents a couples new life together, the borrowed is something that is meant to be past on from one bride to another, while the something blue represents fidelity.

Throwing Rice

The tradition of throwing rice is an ancient one and began due to the fact that rice was known for its life giving ability. It began being thrown at guests in order to give them fertility, but many churches now forbid the act and urge couples to look for safer alternatives than rice.

Sharing the Wedding Cake

This is an example of wedding traditions that come with Roman roots. Romans originally believed that by sharing the first piece of cake a couple could create a special bond. This was in large part due to the wheat that was used to make the cake as it signified fertility. Now many couples play games with the cake and choose to smush it into each other’s faces as a playful way to start of their marriage.

These are just a few examples of many wedding traditions that have surfaced over time. It is a good idea when wedding planning to consider all traditions that you know and determine which ones you would like to have as a part of your wedding. You can pick and choose from whichever wedding traditions you like in order to create a memorable and unique wedding that you and your partner will remember forever.

Just ensure that you are not forced into any traditions based on what other people want and only do what you are comfortable doing. In the end, this is your special day and you should be able to make the rules.