Wedding Traditions | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

May 21, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

History of Wedding and Engagement Rings

When a boyfriend gets down on one knee, cracks open the case, and asks "Will you marry me?" odds are, we're not wondering how engagement rings came to be. Why a diamond? Why the left finger? The tradition of engagement and wedding rings is a long, rich story full of many cultures symbolizing love in their own way. Their stories are what makes men get down on one knee and women to offer their left hand.

History of Wedding Rings

Egyptians wove reeds and papyrus into rings and bracelets. The woven rings were given as tokens of love and symbols of marriage. A ring, like love and marriage, has no beginning and no end. Because a ring represents a circle of eternity, many cultures used rings symbolically.

After conquering Eygpt in 332b.c., the Greeks adopted the ring as a symbol of love. The wearing of a love ring on the third finger came from the idea that the third finger on the left hand leads directly to the heart. The Romans referred to the ring finger as vena amoris. {In Latin it means the vein of love}.

As cultures started to put increased importance on rings, they soon started making them from metal elements. Iron was most likely the first metal one would wear on their vena amoris. Gradually, rings would be fashioned from silver or gold. Eventually jewelers would incorporate semi-precious stones in to the rings.

Engagement Rings

I am certain most of us remember Princess Diana's stunning engagement ring. It was a beautiful sapphire with small diamonds surrounding the 18 carrat stone. A diamond is by far the most popular engagement ring. However, in the 18th and early 19th century gems stone rings were more popular. Gimmel (or gammal) rings are hoops joined together that can not be separated unless you cut through one of them. Often the rings were separated so both the soon-to-be-bride and groom had a hoop. then they were joined together after the marriage ceremony for the bride wear.

As cultures evolved so did the grandness of the wedding and engagement rings. The rings were not only symbols of love, but also a means to show wealth. This hasn't changed much, as we still ooh and ah over a huge diamond. And thanks to DeBeers (the largest diamond producer), who in 1940's set the standard on how much a man should spend on an engagement ring (2 month salary). We can also thank DeBeers' marketing for the line "a diamond is forever". Suffice it to say that single company is the reason Diamonds are the most popular wedding and engagement ring stone.

This post is sponsored by Mather, Pennsylvania, wedding planners.

May 11, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Traditional Mothers Roles In Weddings

Moms have always played a role in their daughter's wedding day. The groom's mother also has a role in some wedding traditions. The mother-son dance is probably the best known wedding tradition.

In Korea the groom gives his mother-in-law-to-be a goose. Traditionally this was a live goose. However, it has become a Western wedding tradition, and the groom gives the bride's mother a wooden goose. Geese mate for life, so the giving of a goose symbolizes to the bride's mother the groom will take care of the bride for life.

The Amish mother of the bride sews the bride's wedding dress. This tradition has evolved into the mother helping to select or even paying for the bridal dress. In Mexico one old tradition is that the mother and the bride pray before going to the church.

During a Hindu wedding the mother of the bride helps the bride onto a stone slab and speaks to her on how to prepare for a new life, this is called Shila Arohan. In Greece mothers will collect linens, tableware, and other household items as their daughter grows-up. These items will go to her daughter to furnish her household. This tradition was taken from the days when the bride's family had to pay a dowry.

Moms' roles in weddings as history shows, is one of support, wisdom and love.

This post is sponsored by Loranger, Louisiana invitations and stationery.

April 9, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Wedding Vows: To Have and To Hold, or To Write Your Own?

Wedding vows are the one thing every wedding has in common. No matter the location, every couple uses words to express their commitment to one another. Some couples chose to go with traditional religious vows, while other couples may choose traditional religious vows, adding in a few words of their own.

Non-religious couples may use the basic civil commitment vows, or write their own. When couples decide which vows they wish to speak on their wedding day, they are embracing their culture, their upbringing and their take on marriage.

Today's couples are varied, with many choosing to write their own; however, many more choose the standard well-known vows. Whatever their choice, a couple's chosen vows are words that will live on throughout their marriage and serve as a reminder of their love and commitment to each other.

Traditional wedding vow:

I, ___, take you ___, to be my wedded (husband/wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part.

Contemporary wedding vow:

I, ______, take you, ______, to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the man/woman you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.

Of all the decisions a wedding brings, the vows are among the most important choices a bride and groom face. Choose wisely. Follow tradition or write your own, but remember at the end of the ceremony your commitment of your love is the most important of all.

This wedding vow post is sponsored by Wedding and Party Network's Formal Wear Providers.

Photo courtesy of Carol Hutchings Photography

April 1, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Scandinavian Wedding Traditions

Scandinavian wedding ceremonies include several touching traditions that can be easily incorporated into any ceremony. Many of these wedding traditions are simple, meaningful gestures that allow a couple to join in the history of thousands of couples that have gone before them.

The Swedish two coins tradition is a sweet sentiment. Before a wedding in Sweden, the bride's mother gives her a gold coin to put in her right shoe, and the bride's father gives her a silver coin to put in her left shoe. The coins represent their wish that she will never be without. It is a sweet way for the parents to say, "You're leaving us, but you're still a part of us." This unique wedding tradition lets the bride know that she will always have her parents' love and prayers that she may never be poor.

Another wonderful Scandinavian wedding tradition originates from Norway. It involves a bride-to-be walking from house-to-house carrying a pillow case and collecting her wedding gifts, while an older gentleman carries an umbrella or parasol over her. The umbrella symbolizes protection and shelter.

In Norway the friends and family of the bride and groom plant small pine trees on either side of their home to symbolize fertility. The bride and groom can then watch the seedlings grow throughout their years together.

All three of these unique wedding traditions can be easily incorporated into your wedding ceremony. The Swedish two coins tradition is a simple, touching gesture from a bride's parents on her wedding day. An easy way to incorporate the Finnish umbrella tradition would be to have the father of the bride carry an umbrella over his daughter in her outdoor wedding.

The Norwegian tree planting tradition could be in the form of a gift from the wedding attendants. The bride and groom could also give seedlings to their maid-of-honor and best man, or the bride and groom can buy certificates that a tree has been planted in the attendants' names.

Old traditions in modern times with modern weddings allow us to embrace symbolism and add a unique touch to a wedding. Looking back while simultaneously looking forward is a great way to make your wedding both one-of-a-kind and full of depth and history.

Need more ideas about unique wedding and party gifts? Check out our unique and personalized gifts page!
Photos courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons.

March 2, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Russian Wedding Traditions

Russian wedding traditions are a bit different from traditional weddings in the USA. For instance Russians do not have a maid of honor, bridesmaids or groomsmen. Instead, they have witnesses. These are usually the best friends of the bride and groom. The witnesses are the rulers of the wedding, so to speak. The witnesses make posters, plan contests and other fun things for the groom and the bride to do.

Russian Wedding Rules

One rule for Russian weddings is they must be full of fun and good times. So, what qualifies as fun? Well, I mentioned that posters are made and also a script is written. The posters are placed in the bride's apartment building (as most Russian live in apartments). These posters will have jokes on them about family and marriage. As the script goes the groom must pay a ransom to the bride's family.

The ransom is just good-natured teasing. As the groom makes his way to the bride, the groom has to answer questions: such as when is the brides birthday? or what colors does she love? (His friends can help him answer). If the groom answers incorrectly, the groom has to pay a ransom to whomever asked the question. The ransom could be that he has to sing a song, dance or do both. The ransom amount is usually written in the script, so it can be anything the witnesses think up.

Finally after all the fun, the groom finally makes it to the bride and he whisks her away. The witnesses follow the couple to the ZAGS (this is the official state registry office). At the ZAGS office, the bride and groom exchange vows and sign the registry. The witnesses also sign. The couple is now married.

Often, witnesses will be the only ones with the bride and groom. However, sometimes other close family members will go to the ZAGS office as well. Some Russians will have a religious wedding ceremony, but these are not recognized by the government. Couples must go to ZAGS and formally marry there.

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February 20, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Wedding Superstitions

You can find so many different wedding superstitions and many brides and grooms today keep these superstitious traditions when they are marrying.

Want to know a little more about specific wedding superstitions? Here are a few of the interesting ones:

Clock's Hand Position

As you plan your wedding, someone might tell you not to marry when the clock's hands are in the down position. As the superstition goes, you should say your vows only when the clock's second hand is in the up position. If you take the time to coordinate your vows as the hand is going up it shows your willingness to work together.

Waning Moon

Another interesting wedding superstition is the one concerning a waning moon. A waning moon means it is moving toward the new moon and is considered to be weaker. The superstition is that if you marry when the moon is waning, so too will your love.

Marriage & Numbers

Superstitious numbers might spell good or bad luck for your wedding and marriage. The Chinese put great reverence in numbers. For instance, the number eight means prosperity. In Japan, the number four means death, so they consider it bad if your wedding gifts have any reference to the number four. Of course, Western culture dictates that the number thirteen is an unlucky number. Some may think that marrying on Friday the 13th of any month may bring bad omens.

The thing about superstitions is they can have a life of their own. In other words, it's your wedding and if you let yourself get too hung up on superstition, it can take over your wedding. Chose your wedding date and time because you want that time and that date, not because your Aunt Betty said that date fell on a bad number.

Avoid the bad lucky of superstitions — let Wedding and Party Network help you plan your wedding.

February 2, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Mayan Wedding Traditions

Wedding Traditions Influenced By The Mayans

Many wedding traditions, that take place today, come from people of civilizations that no longer exist. The Mayans are one example of those civilizations. Many Mayan wedding traditions can be found in the wedding ceremonies of today.

Mayans And The Wedding Unity Candle

The use of a unity candle today for instance may stem from the Mayan culture. The Mayans, as a means to incorporate the spiritual world into their wedding ceremonies, used a candle to unite the feminine (Mother Earth) and masculine (Cosmic Energy). Candles were used in other ways as well. For instance, four candles would be placed on an alter during the wedding ceremony. These candles were placed on each corner of the altar representing north, south, east, and west which had a very symbolic meaning for the Mayan people.

Mayans And Wedding Flowers

For the Mayans, flowers are symbolic of their gods. The North God is represented by red flowers, the East with yellow flowers, the South with purple flowers, and West with white flowers. Today's weddings are full of flowers and we still choose the colors based up ancient symbolism. Red flowers symbolize love. Yellow equals new beginnings. While purple means success and white represent purity.

Mayans And Chocolate Fountains

We can probably thank the Mayans for the use of chocolate fountains at wedding receptions. As far back as 2600 years ago, Mayans had chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We can surmise that if they had it that often it probably was served ass a wedding tea. If the Mayans were the ones who gave birth to the chocolate fountain wedding reception custom, then kudos to them. It is yummy tradition.

As we plan a wedding, we may not always know why custom dictates the use of roses or a chocolate fountain or even a white wedding dress. But, we do know that previous cultures found valued and symbolism in these things. Incorporating the traditions of our ancestors makes the wedding ceremony more meaningful.

January 21, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Native American Wedding Tradition: Rite of Seven Steps

Native Americans have wonderful wedding ceremony traditions. One such ceremonial tradition is the Rite of the Seven Steps. Several tribes follow this wedding ceremony tradition and its vows. The Seven Steps, as with most wedding traditions, revolves around symbolism. The bride and groom step clockwise around a fire as a symbolic gesture of light and warmth. The clockwise (sun-wise) rotation symbolizes the light (sun) while the fire symbolizes warmth.

How The Ceremony Is Performed

The couple approach the fire. At the same time their family and friends circle the couple and hold hands forming another circle around the bride and groom. The groom takes the first step and recites a vow. Then the bride steps to him and gives her vow. They will make seven steps each time reciting a new vow.

You can find examples of the Rite of Seven Steps vows on some Native American web sights like Manataka American Indian Council. From my understanding, it is better for you to write your write own vows.

In some variations of the Seven Steps ceremony, gifts are given by the bride and groom to one another. For instance, the bride might give the groom an ear of corn. The corn symbolizes fertility and growth. The groom may give his bride a feather, representing honesty and truth.

There are several ways in which you can incorporate the apsects of this wedding tradition into your wedding ceremony.

Recite seven different vows to each other during the wedding ceremony
Give each other a gift or gifts that symbolize what you will bring to the marriage.
Have your wedding attendants form a circle around you during the ceremony.

It's your ceremony, so don't be afraid to include some of the older traditions or traditions from different cultures.

This information about Native American Wedding Traditions brought to you by Wedding and Party Network, your leading resource for planning weddings and parties.

January 1, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Dutch Wedding Traditions

Dutch Wedding Tradition: Bridal Showers

Where does the bridal shower tradition come from? A Dutch wedding tradition, of course, is where the idea of a bridal shower started!

In Holland, if the bride's father disapproved of her choice of husband he would not give a dowry. The bride's friends, knowing how much she loved her intended, would shower her with gifts. In turn, the gifts would then be used as her dowry. Often after seeing how her friends believed in the couple, the bride's father would relent and add to the "dowry".

Another version to the bridal shower story goes like this — A young girl wished to marry but her father disapproved. Her friends gave her gifts, so that she would not need her fathers dowry.

Dutch Wedding Tradition: Wish Trees

Another, Dutch tradition is a wish tree. In Western cultures, this would be similar to a guest book. At the reception, a decorative tree branch is placed on a table and paper with ribbon is placed along with it. Each guest can write a note to the bride and groom wishing them well. During the reception the couple reads each message aloud. As the bride and groom read the notes, they place them on the tree branch.

Dutch Wedding Tradition: Evergreen Reception

Evergreens have significant meaning in the Dutch culture. Evergreens signify "everlasting love". To symbolize this "everlasting love", the bride and groom sit under a canopy made with evergreens during the reception.

Dutch Wedding Tradition: Lily-of-the-Valley

One of the sweetest Dutch traditions is the planting of Lilies-of-the-Valley around the couples house symbolizing a return to happiness. This custom is supposed to ensure that the couple's love is renewed every year as the lilies bloom.

Of all the dutch wedding traditions, I like the last one the best. I think I will use the lilies-of-the-valley tradition as a housewarming gift for a newlywed couple I know.

December 30, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Wedding Dress Traditional Colors

Wedding dresses have been worn by brides in some form or fashion since weddings began. But why is white the color most often chosen in western weddings? Why do others cultures use red for wedding dresses? Both are interesting questions. To learn more about the color tradition of wedding dresses, we can start with our western culture and move around the globe.

Western Culture Prefers White Wedding Dresses

White wedding dress became fashionable when Queen Victoria wed in 1840. White wedding dresses were reserved for the elite, as they couldn't be worn again or washed. Less fortunate brides would wear white but then dye them another color or forgo a wedding dress — marrying in everyday clothes. As time went on, the white wedding dress became the symbol for virginity and/or purity. Christian cultures have perpetuated the tradition.

Eastern Cultures Prefer Red Wedding Dresses

Red, Silver, White and Gold Play A Large Part in Asian Wedding Dresses.
Red or brightly colored shades of red are common in Asian (China, Japan, Vietnam, etc.) weddings dresses. In China, wedding dresses are embroidered with dragon and phoenix symbols on red fabric with silver, white and gold threading. The phoenix and dragon are symbols of male and female. In Japan, the bride wears a traditional white Kimono, but then changes into a red one (symbolizing good luck) after the wedding ceremony.

Red, Gold and White Are Wedding Dress Color Choices For Indian Brides
With a heavy Hindu base, bridal attire in Indian is usually some shade of red. In fact, the prominent colors for Hindu brides are a combination of red, gold and white. However, bridal attire can vary by the region.

Gold Is The Delight Of Egyptian Brides
Egyptian bride wear gold or gold embellished wedding dresses. The dresses tend to be white linen with gold threading. On certain occasions, the dress is embellished with silver thread.

Every cultural has a rich and deep symbolism related to color. Wedding dress color takes it que from these long standing traditions. As the world's cultures met so do their customs and traditions. In our western culture, we are seeing brides mix color styles from other cultures into their wedding dress selections. It is truly a global world in which we live. Brides today have the flexibility to add color to their white wedding dress. So think outside of the traditional white wedding dress.

Wedding and Party Network, your number one wedding planning resource has a few examples of colorful wedding dresses below.