There are a lot of wedding traditions that can be followed, depending on your preference and your heritage. Many traditions are followed without even realizing them, such as picking out engagement and wedding rings and proposals.
So, it makes sense that many people continue to follow traditions throughout the wedding day, the reception, and even into the honeymoon.
Wedding traditions
Many traditions have stemmed from North American roots.
Bridesmaids dresses are typically colorful
The bridesmaids at a wedding are supposed to distract any evil spirits or entities away from the bride. The bridesmaids would wear bright colors and stay surrounding the bride dressed in white, so the spirits could not get to her. It was also thought to keep any bad luck from happening to the bride.
Kissing the bride at the end of the wedding
This is also a tradition that almost every couple follows. It stems from an ancient Rome custom of sealing every bargain and contract with a kiss.
Those who enter into the contract of marriage seal the deal with a kiss at their wedding, as well.
Flowers
Flowers are another wedding tradition, yet most people do not realize their symbolism.
Flowers are the symbol of new life and fertility.
They were traditionally meant to ensure the bride could get easily pregnant. While many flowers may be seen as simply decorative, certain ones hold specific meanings.
Bride should wear something blue
Many people wonder why a bride should wear something blue. This stems from ancient Israel, when the bride-to-be would always wear a blue ribbon to signify the hope of fertility.
Today, many brides choose to discreetly wear something blue, even undergarments, to continue this tradition.
Wedding reception traditions
North American traditions are not just limited to the church, they can also continue well into the reception and honeymoon.