Wedding Traditions and Superstitions

You may be surprised to find that weddings have many customs, traditions, and rituals involved in them. Often we continue to use old world customs in a wedding, going with traditions that have been passed on for years. Wondering what the meanings are behind those superstitions and traditions? Here is a look at some of the significant meanings you'll want to know before you get married.
The Bride's Attire

First, you'll find that wedding dresses are white according to tradition. This is because white was the colour of virginity and brides would wear a dress in white to show that they were virgins and virtuous. The veil was worn to keep the bride from being identified by an evil spirit. It was also seen as bad luck for the groom to see the bride, so the veil hid her face until the groom was able to give the first kiss.
Of course, tradition also dictates that brides should be wearing something that is old, new, borrowed, and something that is blue. The handkerchief was important too, and it was used to collect the tears on the wedding day. These tears were considered to be lucky and would ensure that the bride wouldn't shed any tears in her marriage.
Often the sixpence is worn in the shoe of the bride, or today it may be a penny or other coin. This was to make sure that wealth was bestowed on the couple. The wedding bouquet is carried to be thrown to the single women and the one catching the bouquet will be the next woman to get married.
Wedding Rings

Of course, there are some traditions and superstitions that surround the wedding rings as well. The reason the ring goes on the ring finger is that people used to think that the vein in this finger went right to the heart so the rings went on this finger to show a connection of love from the heart. The engagement ring was seen as a payment for the bride and showed that the groom had intentions that were honourable.
The very shaped of the wedding ring is symbolic too. It is in a circle to show love that doesn't end. When the rings are exchanged, this is a sign that the bride and groom are promising undying love that will go on and on, just like the circle.
Wedding Cake

The wedding cake has an interesting history. In the past, a loaf was broken on the head of the bride. This was done at the end of the wedding ceremony and it was thought to bring fertility to the bride. Later in England guests would bring cakes that were gifts and they would be piled up for the couple to kiss over. Soon this would develop into a tiered wedding cake.
The Wedding Bells

It used to be that the bells ringing would tell everyone in town that a wedding had just been completed. The noise that the bells made was to keep the evil spirits away. Even at the ceremony the guests would make noises to keep the evil spirits at bay. This is why often the bridal party still honks their horns in the car as they leave the ceremony and drive to the wedding reception.
These are just a few of the traditions and superstitions that come with weddings. As you can see, many of them are still in weddings today. It is always interesting to know where these traditions came from before you plan out your own wedding.