Rings ~ Long thought to have a vein going directly to the heart, the third finger of the left hand has been universally adopted throughout the ages as the ideal place for the wedding ring.  The actual origin of the ring itself is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt.  Initially made of hemp or vine the ring could be replaced whenever it wore out.  The Romans later adopted the custom and cast the dye for today's tradition.  Iron was used by these forebears to  symbolize the strength of the couples bond.  In the fifteenth century, the British elevated the symbol by replacing iron with gold.  It's lasting qualities of strength, beauty and purity have resulted in a custom that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Cake ~ As grains have come to symbolize fertility throughout the ages, the history of the wedding cake can trace its origins to this belief.  During ancient  Roman times, wedding ceremonies were finalized by breaking a thin loaf of bread above the head of the bride.  Lore has it that the more crumbs produced would translate to more children for the couple.  After the loaf was broken, the wedding guests would gather the crumbs as a token of good luck.  Over time larger and larger loafs were used so that all of the guests could share in the blessing.  Eventually the bread was replaced by cakes that became more and more elaborate with each passing century.  From humble beginnings the wedding cake has evolved into the lavish creation that we recognize today.

Veils ~ Youdon't have to dig very deeply to recognize this custom as a symbol of male
dominance.  Symbiotically in ancient Greece and Rome, women were considered chattel.  Usually covered from head to foot, it was accepted that only her husband had the right to see her unveiled.  The lifting of the veil by the groom makes it clear that he is in the position of authority.  It's amazing that this custom has survived to the liberal generation of today.  More recently, it is often considered unlucky for the groom to see the bride prior the ceremony  and the veil was considered the means of avoiding bad luck.

Flowers ~  In ancient times almost anything was thought to be a harbinger of doom, for this reason, brides" protected" themselves by carrying an assortment of herbs to ward off evil.  On the day of the wedding an ancient bride would literally cover her dress and veil with these amulets to the point where she must have resembled a walking salad.  Over the centuries flowers replaced herbs as the preferred charm for dispelling evil.  The  custom has slowly evolved into the recognized bouquets that are a staple at today's
weddings.

Honeymoon ~ We all know what it is but have you ever wondered where the word honeymoon came from?  In ancient times, fellas weren't much into courting.  In fact the most practical way to gain a bride was simply by carrying one off.  Fortified with a brew made of "honey" a groom was entitled to keep his bride if he managed to prevent her escaping for an entire "moon" or lunar cycle.  By forcing her to drink the honey ale it was hoped that she could remain docile during her captivity.  Over time the combination of the two components joined to become honeymoon.

Attire ~   In ancient Rome the color white was thought to signify joy.  In later medieval times the connotation was switched to purity.  As societies mores have changed the focus has reverted back to it's original meaning, making it acceptable for even those brides that have previously wed to wear this traditional color.  In the "dark ages" curses and malicious thoughts were taken very seriously.  For this reason, family and friends of the bridal couple would dress in a similar manner as the bride and groom in an effort to confuse any evil spirits that intended harm to the newly married couple.  To this day, the coordinated attire of the ushers and bridesmaids continue the tradition.  The ancient French term "trousseau" literally translates to a clothing bundle.  As part of her dowry, the bride would bring her personal belongings or trousseau to the home of her new husband.  Over the years this custom has evolved to denote the special clothing the bride will wear after doffing her gown, also included today are the special outfits the bride will her gown, take with her on her honeymoon.

The Garter ~   The symbolism of the garter can trace it's origin to the convergence of two totally unrelated traditions.  In ancient Jewish society, fidelity was symbolized by a blue ribbon that the bride would wear on her wedding day.  Later in Britain the "bawdy" custom of  "flinging the stocking" became popular.  After allowing the newlyweds to enter the bridal chamber, the guests would gain entry and snatch one of the brides stockings.  Much to the couples disdain the revelers would then begin throwing the stocking at the bride from the foot of the bed.  It was thought that whomever was closest to hitting the brides nose would be the next to marry.  In an attempt at modesty over the centuries, to prevent the guests from physically removing her stocking brides started arming themselves with an extra one that the groom could throw.  Thankfully the custom has changed so that now the ritual is performed at the reception instead of the bedroom.

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