History of Weddings
What does "something old something new something borrowed and something blue" each symbolize?
“something old”: worn to connect the bride to her past and her family
“something new”: signifies that she was about to start her own new family and journey now.
“something borrowed” : was supposed to be taken from a happily married couple so that couple's good fortune could be passed on to the bride.
“something blue”: associated with faithfulness and loyalty in the relationship
In what democratic country does the groom sign a contract with the bride's father that he will give camels or other animals as part of a compensation in the event of a divorce?
ISRAEL
Why is a wedding ring traditionally worn on the fourth or "ring" finger of the left hand?
Back in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, it was believed that a vein ran through this finger directly to the heart.
What does the colour white symbolise in a wedding dress?
Purity, Virginity and fertility.
Traditionally, in cultures such as the nomadic Mongolians and Bedouins, how was a man to procure a wife?
By kidnapping her.
Which country traditionally showers the bride and groom with colorful candied almonds?
Italy
Five almonds bring health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity
What culture originally began the exchange of wedding rings?
Ancient Egyptian culture - the exchange of rings was marked as a sign of devotion.
Why is getting married known as "tying the knot"?
Because of the old tradition of tying the bride and groom's hands together during the wedding to symbolise commitment.
Who started the trend of the white wedding dress?
In 1840, Queen Victoria started the trend to wear white wedding dresses. Prior to that date, brides wore their best dress.
In Spain, it was traditional for brides to wear black down the aisle. Why?
To symbolize "till death do us part". (Showing commitment)
When did men begin wearing wedding rings?
Men first began wearing wedding rings in WWII as a token of remembrance of their wives back home. Women have been wearing wedding rings for thousands of years.
Why is there a "best man"?
To ensure the bride doesn't escape the wedding. Duties may include kidnapping the bride if the bride's father didn't approve.
Where does the term "honeymoon" come from?
Ancient Norse bridal couples went into hiding after the wedding, and a family member would bring them a cup of honey wine for 30 days—or one moon.
In which country do guests write down good wishes and hang them from a tree instead of a guest book at a weddding?
The Netherlands
Which diamond mining company is the largest in the world?
De Beers
Where does throwing a bouquet and/or garter come from?
The bouquet toss was used as a distraction, so the bride and groom could consummate the marriage, while all the single ladies fought for the floral bunches. The garter also symbolized that the groom had made things official, as eager guests waited outside of the bedchamber for proof.
In the middle ages, what were bouquets generally made of?
Herbs (including garlic) to ward off evil spirits.
In which country is the bride "kidnapped" by friends and family before the wedding? (To get the bride back, the groom has to pay her ransom with acts such as buying a round of drinks or displaying romantic gestures)
Romania
Why are pearls almost never in engagement rings?
They are a sign of bad luck. White pearls signified tears and suffering.
Why do we have matching bridesmaid's dresses?
In ancient Rome, bridesmaids would line up to form a protective shield while walking the bride to the groom's village. The group of women, who were similarly dressed, were expected to intervene if any vengeful paramours tried to hurt the bride or steal her dowry. They wore dresses like the bride to confuse evil spirits.