Are you fascinated by the eternal customs and rich cultural traditions that shape weddings around the world? Wedding traditions not only celebrate love but also represent deep-rooted history and symbolism.
You may have heard of a few, like the white wedding dress or jumping the broom, but did you know there are many more unforgettable customs with powerful meanings?
As the hero of your own wedding travel, you might be looking to inspire your ceremony with meaningful rituals.
I’m here to guide you through 12 memorable wedding traditions that add beauty, significance, and charm to your big day.
Let’s explore how these customs can transform your celebration into something truly extraordinary, ensuring your wedding day reflects love and history.
- 1. Wearing a Crown to Deflect Evil Spirits
- 2. Handfasting
- 3. Jumping the Broom
- 4. The White Wedding Dress
- 5. Tossing the Bouquet
- 6. The Veil: Concealing Mysteries Through Time
- 7. Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
- 8. The Art of Mehndi
- 9. The Knot Tying
- 10. The Bride’s Dowry
- 11. The Groom’s Cake
- 12. The Honeymoon
- Key takings about Old Wedding Traditions
1. Wearing a Crown to Deflect Evil Spirits
In traditional Norwegian weddings, brides often wore ornate crowns made of silver or gold to ward off evil spirits. These crowns were typically adorned with small charms or spoons that tinkled and clashed as the bride moved, producing a sound believed to scare away hateful items.
The tradition also symbolized the bride’s purity and her family’s status. While modern bridal crowns in Norway have turned into simpler designs, they still hold cultural significance, reflecting a blend of heritage and elegance.
Beyond their spiritual purpose, bridal crowns carry deep symbolic meanings across cultures. Rooted in Christian traditions, they are often associated with the Virgin Mary, signifying purity and the bride’s role as the “queen” of her new family.
In Orthodox weddings, crowns symbolize the couple’s union and their shared victory over challenges through love and faith. These ceremonial adornments, both historic and majestic, continue to charm as an eternal symbol of honor and dedication.
2. Handfasting
Handfasting is an ancient ritual rooted in Celtic and Norse cultures, symbolizing the union of two lives in marriage. During the ceremony, the couple’s hands are tied together with ribbons or cords, representing their dedication and shared future.
Historically, this act was a public declaration of engagement, signaling intent to marry and marking the couple’s bond. Over time, the tradition has developed, now appearing in modern weddings as a symbolic gesture in both religious and secular ceremonies.
The materials used in handfasting carry personal and cultural significance, with cords or ribbons often chosen for their meaningful colors, sentimental origins, or symbolic charms. Some couples even incorporate braided garlands or flowers for a natural and heartfelt touch.
The ritual typically involves an officiant guiding the ceremony, but family members can also participate, adding a communal element. Whether part of a wedding or a vow renewal, handfasting remains a beautiful celebration of love and unity.
3. Jumping the Broom
Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition rooted in African-American and Romani cultures, symbolizing the transition from single life to married life. This act, often performed by couples after saying their vows, carries deep historical and cultural significance.
Originating in the 18th century, it was notably practiced among enslaved African-Americans in the Southern United States, where legal marriages were prohibited.
The broom’s role symbolized sweeping away the past, warding off evil spirits, and marking the union of two families. Some historians trace its origins to West African and European traditions, further reflecting its multicultural history.
Today, jumping the broom remains a cherished ritual for many Black couples, honoring the strength and love of their ancestors. Couples may use heirloom or decorated brooms passed down through generations or crafted for the occasion, blending history with personal meaning.
The tradition also gained cultural recognition through films and media, becoming a symbol of dignity, heritage, and celebration. Whether welcomed or adapted, it continues to represent the beauty of cultural identity and the unity of marriage.
4. The White Wedding Dress
The tradition of the white wedding dress dates back to Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. She wore a white lace and silk-satin gown, which represented wealth rather than purity at the time. This initiated a new trend among Victorian-era elites, making white dresses a symbol of status and sophistication.
The trend gained popularity and turned into a tradition in Western cultures, where white now symbolizes purity, innocence, and new beginnings for brides.
Before this mid-19th-century shift, brides often wore red or blue gowns. Red symbolized celebration and prosperity, a tradition still observed in countries like China and South Sudan, while blue was associated with the Virgin Mary and practicality.
Although most Western brides still welcome white, modern weddings occasionally feature dresses in colors like ivory, pink, or even black, reflecting personal style and growing traditions.
5. Tossing the Bouquet
The tradition of tossing the bridal bouquet started in ancient Rome. People believed that catching the bouquet would bring good luck and help find a partner. By the 1800s in England, the bouquet toss became a way for the bride to wish luck to her unmarried female guests.
For many women at the time, catching the bouquet meant hope for marriage, which was important for a better life. Over time, this tradition turned into a fun and exciting part of weddings.
Today, the bouquet toss is a special tradition where the bride shares her happiness and good luck with her friends. It usually happens after the toasts or the first dance and adds a fun moment to the celebration.
Some brides keep the traditional toss, while others make it their own to match their style, making sure the tradition stays fun and meaningful for everyone.
6. The Veil: Concealing Mysteries Through Time
The bridal veil is a special symbol with deep meaning and tradition. It was first worn in ancient Greece and Rome to protect brides from bad spirits and show modesty. Over time, the veil became a sign of purity and a way to mark the change from being single to being married.
As time passed, the veil changed to fit different cultures and religions. It became a sign of respect to God and a way to make the bride more mysterious, especially when shown during the ceremony.
For many brides today, the veil still has personal meaning. It represents a big change, like when the groom puts the veil over his bride in Jewish weddings. This act shows beauty inside and the start of their new life together.
Today, choosing a veil is not just about tradition. It’s a way for the bride to show her style, with choices from old-fashioned caps to simple veils, each showing who she is and what she wants for her wedding.
See Also Dominican Wedding Traditions
7. Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
The tradition of carrying the bride over the threshold dates back to ancient Roman times and is deeply rooted in superstition and symbolism. Originally, it was believed that brides were vulnerable to evil spirits entering through the soles of their feet, particularly when stepping into a new home.
To safeguard their marriage and future together, grooms would carry their brides over the threshold, ensuring a safe passage. This practice also avoided the risk of the bride tripping at the doorway, which was thought to bring bad luck to the couple.
In addition to its protective origins, the custom held practical and cultural significance. In some cases, it symbolized the bride’s reluctance to leave her family home, and carrying her inside portrayed a graceful transition. Today, this gesture is seen as a romantic expression of love and support, often reenacted as newlyweds enter their home or honeymoon suite.
Though its original meaning has faded, carrying the bride over the threshold remains a cherished and picturesque wedding tradition.
8. The Art of Mehndi
Mehndi, a beautiful art form, came to India in the 12th century and is still an important wedding tradition. It involves putting henna designs on the bride’s hands and feet. These designs stand for joy, beauty, and spiritual growth.
The Mehndi ceremony usually happens the night before the wedding. It is a special ritual that is thought to bring love, good fortune, and protection to the bride. The designs, like paisleys, flowers, and peacocks, are blessings and help keep bad energy away while the bride relaxes and gets ready for her new life.
In the past, Mehndi was also loved for its cooling effect in hot weather and used to celebrate important events. Over time, it has become a fine art, with different styles from India, Arabia, and Africa.
Even with modern changes, the spirit of the tradition stays strong. Mehndi nights are full of fun, with music, dancing, and friendship, helping this old tradition stay alive in today’s weddings.
9. The Knot Tying
The phrase “tying the knot” has been around for a long time and comes from old traditions in different cultures, like Celtic and Hindu weddings. In places like Ireland and Scotland, the “handfasting” ritual involved tying the couple’s hands together with a rope or cloth, showing they were joining their lives.
This practice started before medieval times and was often done without a priest, making it a strong symbol of dedication. In Hindu weddings, there is a ceremony called “hastmelap,” where the couple’s clothes are tied together, showing their unity in front of a sacred fire.
Even though tying the knot is not as common in modern weddings, the phrase is still widely used to talk about marriage. Today, some couples still include handfasting in their ceremonies, using ribbons or cords to show their dedication.
The idea of tying the knot still represents the couple’s bond and remains an important symbol of love and partnership in weddings today.
10. The Bride’s Dowry
The tradition of a bride’s dowry has been around for a long time, and its purpose has changed over the years. In the past, it was meant to make up for the bride’s family losing her help with work and children, especially in farming societies. Over time, the dowry became a gift from the bride’s family to the groom’s family to help pay for starting a new home.
In Roman times, dowries became very important. They were often property or money that made sure the bride would be taken care of and helped create stronger ties between families.
While dowries are not as common in modern weddings, some cultures still follow this tradition. The dowry was originally meant to show that the groom could take care of his new wife and family. In some parts of the world, dowries are still given to help balance the idea of marriage.
However, as society has changed, the idea of dowries has been questioned, as it often shows old ideas about gender roles and the financial pressure on brides and their families.
See Also Traditional Chinese Wedding Dress
11. The Groom’s Cake
The groom’s cake is an old tradition that started with British colonists and became popular in the Southern United States in the 1800s. At first, the wedding cake was thought to be too feminine for the groom, so a smaller, richer cake was made for him, often with alcohol.
This cake was usually not given to women at the wedding, but instead was sent home with them as a lucky charm. It was believed that if a single woman slept with a piece of the groom’s cake under her pillow, she would dream of her future husband.
Today, the groom’s cake has become a fun part of weddings. It is often designed to reflect the groom’s hobbies or interests. The cake may still be rich in flavor, but the designs can be playful, like cakes shaped like sports items or other things the groom loves.
Now, the groom’s cake is a common part of weddings, especially in the South, but it is found at weddings all over the country. It adds a second cake choice and lets the groom show his personality.
12. The Honeymoon
The honeymoon tradition started in Germany during the Middle Ages with the Teutonic Knights. After getting married, couples would go away for a full moon cycle and drink honey wine to celebrate. This time was thought to bring good luck and happiness, so it was called the “honeymoon.”
Over time, the honeymoon became a special trip for newlyweds, allowing them to relax and make happy memories. Today, the honeymoon is a way for couples to celebrate their marriage and spend time together, away from wedding stress. It helps them connect and explore new places, making their bond stronger.
Whether they enjoy peaceful moments or go on an adventure, the honeymoon is an important part of starting their life together.
Key takings about Old Wedding Traditions
1. Wearing a Crown to Deflect Evil Spirits: A tradition rooted in Norwegian and Orthodox weddings, bridal crowns symbolize purity and protection from evil spirits.
2. Handfasting: A powerful ritual of unity, handfasting ties the couple’s hands together, representing their shared dedication.
3. Jumping the Broom: A symbol of new beginnings and cultural heritage, this tradition marks the couple’s transition into married life.
4. The White Wedding Dress: Initially a symbol of wealth and status, the white dress has become a modern icon of purity and new beginnings.
5. Tossing the Bouquet: An age-old tradition dating back to ancient Rome, this fun moment symbolizes the bride sharing her good fortune with others.
6: The Veil: Concealing Mysteries Through Time: The veil represents modesty, purity, and the transformation into married life, carrying both history and personal meaning.
7. Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold: A romantic and symbolic act, protecting the bride from evil spirits as she enters her new home.
8. The Art of Mehndi: A beautiful and cultural custom, Mehndi designs represent joy, prosperity, and protection, delighting brides at their pre-wedding celebrations.
9. The Knot Tying: This ancient tradition symbolizes the couple’s bond and dedication, often practiced with colorful ribbons or cords.
10. The Bride’s Dowry: Once a way to ensure the bride’s future security, the dowry continues to hold cultural significance in some regions.
11. The Groom’s Cake: A fun and personalized tradition, the groom’s cake reflects the groom’s personality and offers a second dessert for guests to enjoy.
12. The Honeymoon: From medieval times to modern getaways, the honeymoon remains a special time for newlyweds to bond and create memories, symbolizing the start of their life together.
