Carried into Contemporary Ceremonies

Wedding traditions are not a thing of the past. They are continually embraced by many couples today, not simply to please Grandparents, or parents, but because they offer an emotional security through rituals and customs handed down for many generations. Often they are co-mingled with personal and unique touches created by the couple, but while change is wonderful, so also is the comfort of familiar and conventional rituals.  

1. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue.
   Something old symbolizes the recognition of the constancy and continuity of the past, which in turn offers comfort. Something new ( usually the bridal gown ), suggests a wonderfully new and bright future together for the couple. Something borrowed (something borrowed from a happy married friend or relative, such as a handkerchief, or piece of jewellery ) signifies the hope that the new couple would also be blessed with a blissful and joyous life together, through the loan of this borrowed article. The something blue is often the bride's garter. A penny, considered to be good luck, was placed in the bride's shoe.
   
2. The Ring.
   Being a continuous circle, without an ending, the ring represents a token of everlasting love, and a commitment. Historically, it was once believed that there was a vein running from the third finger of the left hand up to the heart. Thus the wedding band is usually placed on this finger. Egyptian men once regarded the gift of a gold ring as a symbol of proof that they trusted their new wives with their wealth.
   
3. The Garter.
   Any piece of the bride's attire was once considered to be good luck. Thus, the bride was encouraged to throw her garter to the wedding assembly. Now the groom is usually given the pleasure of this task. Today, many young purchase two garters, so while one is tossed, the other is kept as a personal keepsake.
   
4. Tossing the Bridal Bouquet.
   Like the tossing of the garter by the groom, the bride throws her bouquet and the lucky lady who catches it is believed to be the next woman to wed. Initially, it was believed that anything of the bride's would bring good luck and help to dispel evil spirits.
   
5. Throwing Rice.
   Following the wedding ceremony, confetti, rice, seeds, or rose petals may be thrown over the departing couple. Rice symbolizes great prosperity and many children.
   
6. Speeches and Toasts.
   Wedding toasts were originally a French custom. Bread was placed in a wine glass and passed around to the guests. The first person to reach the bread was expected to enjoy good luck. Traditionally, toasts are given by the following three males of the great importance: the father of the bride, the groom and the best man. The order of these toasts varies culturally, and today can be determined by the bride and groom themselves, together with their families. Anyone may propose a toast at the ceremony. Most people proposing a toast will want to have time to prepare and rehearse their speeches, so the person giving the toasts should be approached well before the wedding day. The groom and the father of the bride usually give very thoughtful and emotional speeches, while the best man often chooses to be rather comical, and perhaps not always tasteful. If this is of concern, discuss this beforehand to prevent any embarrassment. Speeches should be short, sincere and discriminating. Humour, in good taste, is priceless!