When our stellar event managers meet with bridal couples, they often hear about what the bride and groom think MUST occur at a wedding. Let’s face it, we’ve all been to a lot of weddings and some aspects are ingrained into our collective minds as requirements.
We believe your wedding day should be individualized and reflect your own style and personality. Don’t just go through the motions—feel free to use age-old traditions or create your own—after all, this day is about you!
Day of the Week
Saturdays are the most popular day to get married, but your wedding doesn’t have to be on a Saturday! One big reason that many couples choose an alternative day of the week is for big savings. In addition to saving money, Austrian folklore considers Saturdays bad luck and proclaims Wednesdays as the “best day” to marry. Additionally, marrying on a Monday brings wealth; on a Tuesday, health.
The Bride Always Wears White
The tradition of wearing white was made popular by Queen Victoria in 1840. Some cultures wore white because of its symbolic meaning of purity. Other cultures wore and still wear colors other than white to signify good luck, fortune and even fertility. White not your thing? Wear what makes you feel beautiful and special on your wedding day!
Number of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
You do not have to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Really. If you have six sisters and five best friends who you want to include as bridesmaids, but your groom only wants five guys standing with him—do it anyway. There is no need to exclude anyone or add anyone just to make things even. Keep it to the people that mean the most to both of you as a couple. And yes, men can be “bridesmen” and women can be “groomsmen,” too! In fact, you don’t have to have any attendants at all!
Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony
In ancient times, a groom was not allowed to even meet his bride prior to the ceremony. Because women were often sold into marriage, the fear was the groom would not complete his end of the deal if he found his bride unattractive. This is also one of the reasons that brides wore a veil—the groom was not allowed to see her face until he said “I do.”
Now, more and more couples are choosing a first look. This allows for more time for photos and a quiet, personal moment to capture the emotion of seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony.
Bride Stands to Groom’s Left
This tradition was to keep the groom’s “sword” arm free to defend his bride during the ceremony. Today many say that the bride is on the left so she is closest to his heart.
Bouquet & Garter Toss
The idea of the tossing of the bouquet and garter began as a diversion tactic. It was considered good luck to receive a piece of clothing from the bride on her wedding day. To prevent guests from tearing her clothes, the bride would throw the bouquet into the crowd in order to escape. The garter would be tossed to prevent a bedroom invasion.
Saving the Top Tier of the Wedding Cake
Because the time between when a couple was married and the christening of their first born was typically right around a year anniversary mark, the top tier of the wedding cake was saved to serve as the christening cake. Today, most bakers will make you a fresh cake to enjoy on your anniversary.
Ready to start planning your party? Schedule a consultation with one of our event managers today!
Robert Ryan Catering & Design plans and executes over 400 events each year, boasts a five-star rating on WeddingWire and has received WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice/Bride’s Choice Award seven years in a row. Learn more about Robert Ryan Catering & Design and tour our venues. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for exclusive offers, up-to-date news and recipes from our executive chef.
Photo credits, top to bottom: Tammy Martines Photography, Jensen Photography, Hoffer Photography, Morby Photography
