British Traditions
These were only used by English aristocrats during the middle ages because most other people were illiterate. Monks who were skilled in calligraphy would be hired to create them.
What is written wedding inivitations.
Tossing this at newlyweds at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony conveyed best wishes and good luck—for babies, bountiful harvests, and everything in between.
What is rice.
These people dressed identically to the bride in Roman times in an attempt to ward off evil spirits and confuse them.
What is the bridesmaids.
What is Tying the Knot.
In medieval England, the bride and groom had to try to kiss over a pile of stacked spiced buns, scones, and cookies supposedly ensuring a prosperous future if they were able to successfully smooch without toppling the whole thing over. This desert was inspired by the pile of baked goods.
What is the wedding cake.
This is a tradition that became popular in 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. But it also relates back to ancient Greece and Rome where they held herbs at their weddings.
What is walking down the isle with a bouquet.
Doing this act in front of someone was considered a sign of respect, loyalty, and obedience, and it was usually done in front of a person of a higher rank, such as the Queen.
What is kneeling.
This item of clothing originally did not symbolize virginity or even purity, but rather were costlier and harder to keep clean, and thus communicated the status and wealth of the wearer.
What is the white dress.
This tradition comes from an old English rhyme and represents the couples' past and future while also representing the wish for a happy marriage, fidelity and love.
What is "Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue".
This was traditionally saved and kept frozen to be enjoyed by the wedding couple once again at their future child's christening.
This word is sometimes spelled in British English in the U.S. today on the invitation to let guests know that the event will be held in a place of worship.
Ancient Egyptians saw this as a symbol of love and eternity. They also believed that this object needed to be placed in a specific place on the body in order to be placed on top of a vain that leads directly to the heart.
What is the wedding ring.
This person traditionally looked as extravagant as the bride in Old England.
The groom.
This phrase comes from the marriage liturgy section of the Book of Common Prayer. First published in 1549, the Book of Common Prayer provides guidelines for religious services, customs, and worship in the Church of England, or Anglican Church.
What is "Speak now or forever hold your peace".
This wedding favor symbolizes five wishes for the newlyweds of health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.
What is five Jordan almonds.