■The Rings

The tradition of wearing a ring to display one’s marital status can be traced back to Roman times. And undoubtedly, the wedding ring is one of the most symbolic jewelry anyone will ever wear. Wedding rings are traditionally made of precious metals such as gold to express of the true value of a relationship. The unbroken circular band symbolizes the lasting nature of marriage and the eternal commitment from one person to another. Originally, a ring bearer carried the ring on a cushion, it was shown to the bride at the altar to illustrate the groom’s sincerity. Today, the rings are paid by the groom and are usually carried by the best man until required during the ceremony.

■The Best Man

In the old days when the groom has kidnapped his bride, the best man was appointed by the groom to protect, ensuring the groom and his bride arrive safely at the church. As it was not unusual for the bride’s family to try to snatch her back, the best man should be necessarily on hand if a confrontation ensued between the groom and the unhappy members of the bride’s family.

■Confetti

Confetti means “confectionery” in Italian. It relates to the sugar-coated grains thrown over the newlyweds on wedding. The traditional of throwing confetti dates back to a pagan wedding ritual when the couple were showered with grain and rice to promote fertility, prosperity and the continuity of the couple.

In recent times, the grains and rice have been replaced by flower petals or colored paper. One of the great modern alternatives to confetti is the blowing of special non-stain wedding bubbles.

■The Cake

It was a custom in the history to shower the bride with small cakes (like confetti), or even break the cake over the bride’s head! An old British custom included placement of a ring in the cake, with lucky guest who found it being ensured happiness. The wedding cake containing nut and fruit was originally a symbol of fertility, and later was developed over time into a tower of several cakes placed on top of one another. Initially the bride and the groom would stand on opposite side of the cake and try to kiss. If the kiss was carried out without overthrowing the cake, good fortune could be expected. This tradition has been continued and modified into today’s multi-tiered cake with the kissing couple on top.

The top tier of the cake is often kept for the christening of the couple’s first born.

■The Dress

The most well-known superstition concerning the dress is for the groom not to see prior to the wedding. Today, most brides dress in white on wedding to signify virginity, joy and happiness, although historically they would have wed in their preferred color, usually wearing their favorite dress.

■The Veil

Originally, it was a custom for the bride to wear veil in Rome times. After being adopted in Britain, it was thought to be a symbol of chastity. The lifting of the veil symbolized to the groom that his bride was still pure.

■Something Old

Something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe—the less known final line of the rhyme, maybe sounds slightly uncomfortable, but symbolizes happiness and spiritual and financial wealth.

The bride wears something old as a symbol of her old life that she is leaving behind. Something new refers to the new hope in her new life. A borrowed item (usually a garter) from a happily married woman is believed to pass on good fortune to the newlyweds. Blue symbolizes purity, faithfulness and her commitment to her new husband.

■The Flowers

Flowers take an important part on wedding, no matter it is modern or traditional. People use flowers to decorate the wedding for centuries. People choose flowers according to their symbolic meanings. For example, lavender symbolizes devotion and snowdrops dignify hope.

After the ceremony, it is a tradition that the bride throws her bouquet over her shoulders to the unmarried female guests. The guest who catches the bouquet is considered to be the next to marry, and she will be blessed with good luck. In a similar way, the groom may throw the bride’s garters to the unmarried male guests.

The groom may normally coordinate his buttonhole with a flower that appears in the bride’s bouquet as a way of expressing his love for his bride.

■The Kiss

In the days gone by, the couple kissed publicly to indicate their acceptance of the contract of marriage before shaking hands and signing the contract.

■First Purchase

People used to believe that whoever did the first shopping would control the marriage. And for this reason, the bride often “buys” a pin from the chief bridesmaid with a coin.

■The Honeymoon

The word honeymoon has its root in the Nordic word “hjunottsmanathr” and originates from a time when the groom kidnapped the bride before taking her into hiding for a period of time. They would spend the nights under the moon in seclusion, drinking mead made from fermented honey.

Although the honeymoon destination was traditionally decided jointly by the bride and the groom, it was the groom’s duty to arrange. Today it is more likely that the couple will share planning of their honeymoon.

■Over the Threshold

As everyone knows, there are many explanations behind this long-lasting tradition. Carrying the bride over the threshold symbolizes the bride is carried into her new life, leaving her old one behind. Maybe its origins signify a re-enactment of the groom kidnapping of his bride.

■Other Etiquette

◆ The Gift List

The tradition giving wedding gifts to the newlyweds origins from a time when the couple have spent their lives, before the marriage, in their parents’ home. Marriage was—and often still is—a time of setting up the new family from scratch. It was common for friend or older relatives to contribute items of furniture, kitchenware or money to give the couple a helping hand.

However, the reality of today is that very few couples start from scratch, and they usually have lived independent of the parental home for a period of time before the marriage. The gift list is to prevent a duplication of the same gift. The couple compile their list of required items and then make it available to anyone who intends to give a gift, so that the guests could avoid wasting time and money by giving a gift which is either unsuitable or is a duplication.

For smaller gift lists, the mother of the bride or the groom may be required to assume the responsibility. Everyone should be requested to contact holder of the list to make sure what gifts are still available for purchase. For larger lists, the couples can use the gift list services of a major department store, and this method may allow the list to be browsed and purchased via the internet. When creating the list, it is best to select gifts from a selection of price ranges, because the budgets of the guests will surely vary. A good suggestion is to keep the list limited, and this way you will ensure that you receive the items you really want.

After receiving the gifts, it is customary to reply with a hand-written thank-you note. Never consider the computer generated letters, they lack that “personal” touch.

Customarily, the groom should purchase small gifts for the attendants on behalf of the couple. Although the gifts need not be very expensive, the groom should give careful thought when purchasing in order to provide a lasting momento of the special day.

◆ Invitations

Traditionally, the bride’s parents were technically the hosts of the wedding and it would be their responsibility to invite the guests. But this is not always the case today. The wording on the invitations depends on who is hosting the wedding. It is important to decide who the hosts are and word the invitations accordingly. Most good stationers can provide samples of invitations—and appropriate wording.

When the bride’s parents are the hosts:

If the bride and the groom are hosts:

When the groom’s parents are the hosts:

Normally, the following information should also be included in the invitation: state if the invite extends to the ceremony, reception or evening party; children’s names should be included if invited; who to reply to (bottom left hand corner); RSVP address; telephone number; dress code (leave off if no dress code); address the envelope to the female on the invitation (if applicable).

■Photographs

Wedding photographs are one of the most important elements of your wedding. They will provide valuable memories of the day in years to come. Taking professional wedding photographs is a matter deserves careful consideration. Prudent planning is essential to ensure you obtain the satisfactory photographs, without guests waiting unnecessarily for the perfect shot.

■Speeches

Traditionally, the wedding speeches would be addressed in the following order:

◇The bride’s father proposes a toast to the bride and groom.

◇The bride’s father continues, with an insight into his daughter.

◇The groom then responds on behalf of his wife and himself. The groom usually takes this opportunity to say “My wife and I” for the first time. This is usually followed by a round of applause from the guests.

◇The groom thanks all those involved in the organizing of the wedding.

◇The groom may wish to present his and the bride’s mother with bouquets.

◇The groom thanks his attendants and presents them with his gifts.

◇The groom then speaks about his new wife.

◇The groom will then propose a toast to the bridesmaids.

◇After the groom has finished, the bride may wish to speak.

◇The best man responds on behalf of the bridesmaids.

◇The best man then announces any messages, telegrams or emails from absentees.

◇The best man then delivers his speech where he talks about the groom, often including some amusing reflections and memories of the past.

■Blessings

A wedding blessing is usually performed after a civil ceremony, and it is usually regarded as a way for the couple to confirm their commitment to each other in the church. It differs from a marriage ceremony, because it is not an official marriage service, nor is it binding or governed by law. There is no official paperwork involved as the legal requirements have already met at the civil ceremony. A blessing is normally performed in church, although it can take place at an outside venue. The couples may decide on a blessing when they are from different religious backgrounds—or because one or both parties are divorced. A blessing can also be used for couples who wish to renew their vows. The renewal of vows is for couples wish to re-emphasize their continued commitment to each other. There is no official paperwork for the renewal of vows.

A blessing can also be performed without a civil ceremony. Although the couple would not be legally married, some couples regard it as a way to commit to each other in an informal way.

■Rehearsal Dinner

An informal dinner immediately after the wedding rehearsal is a “norm” in the US, while in the UK it is optional. It provides an opportunity for those involved with the wedding ceremony to relax and get acquainted before the big day.

Traditionally, the groom’s parents will host and pay for the event, but today many couples budget for it in their wedding planning and choose to host it themselves in some cases.

The rehearsal dinner can be held 1 to 3 days before the wedding, but normally takes place in the evening. It may take the form of anything from a luxury restaurant setting to a barbecue at home. Typically it would fit the style and budget of the wedding.

Those present include the bride and groom, their immediate families, each member of the bridal party—with a guest, and any other close friends. Out-of-town guests can also be invited if the budget allows.

Time is usually reserved for drinks beforehand, offering an opportunity for mingling after the meal. During the dinner, the bride and groom would give thanks and offer toasts to the attendees for all of the hard work and planning. Thank-you gifts can also be presented to the bridal party at this time.

Invitations for the rehearsal dinner are usually issued verbally. If it is necessary send written invitations, send them a couple of days after the wedding invitations, and remember to include an RSVP if needed.