The First Kiss

In ancient times an engagement would be null and void without a kiss, which represented a legal bond sealing the contract. The wedding kiss has long been a token of bonding.

Origin of Groom Saying Vows First

Because the groom is the initiator, he says his vows first. Historically, as the initiator of the vows, the groom assumed the greatest responsibility in the marriage.

Taking Each Other's Right Hand

The open right hand symbolizes strength, resource and purpose. The joining of the bride's and groom's right hands signifies they can depend on each other and the resources that each brings to the marriage, as well as the merger of their lives together into one.

Giving Away The Bride

Long ago, daughters were property of fathers. When the daughter married, the father transferred ownership of her to the groom. Today, the father "gives his daughter away" symbolizing blessings and support of the marriage and a promise of continued trust and affection.

Bride on Groom's Left

The early Anglo Saxon groom often had to defend his bride from would-be kidnappers, so she stood to his left, leaving his sword-arm free. The "best" warrior in the tribe stood by the groom to help defend the bride, thus the current placement for the best man.

Lucky and Unlucky Omens on the Way to the Ceremony

Seeing a rainbow, sun shining on the bride, and meeting a black cat are all lucky. Bad omens are include seeing a pig, hare or lizard running across the road or seeing a monk or nun (foreshadowing a life of barrenness or a life dependent upon charity).

The Bride's Bouquet

The bouquet originates in ancient times with the belief that strong smelling herbs and spices (garlic and chives) would ward off evil spirits and bad luck. During Roman times, the bride and groom wore floral garlands signifying new life and hope for fertility. The bouquet symbolized a women in bloom.

Wedding Flowers

Long ago flowers became a part of the ceremony, representing fertility, new life and everlasting love. Bouquets were a mixture of flowers and herbs, particularly dill because it was believed to promote desire. Following the ceremony, the dill was eaten for that purpose.

Bridesmaids and Bestman

Bridesmaids
Inviting women to be members of your bridal party dates back to ancient times. One Roman custom was to dress the bridesmaids similar to the bride to confuse evil spirits trying to kidnap the bride.

Bestman
In ancient times the groom, accompanied by a male companion, captured his bride-to-be from a neighboring village. Our custom of Bestman is a relic of that two-man, strong-armed tactic.