Why Weddings?	Why wear a wedding ring and on a certain finger?
Brief History of the Most Common Wedding Customs	Why is the wedding ceremony sealed with a kiss?
Why does the bride choose bridesmaids?	Why does the bride carry a bouquet and toss it in the air?
Why does the bride wear a wedding veil?	Why does the bride toss her garter?
Why does the groom choose ushers?	Why a wedding cake?
Why does the groom stand on the bride’s right side?	What is the origin of the honeymoon?
	Quick Reference Wedding Checklist
TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

WEDDING CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Why does the bride choose bridesmaids?

In ancient Roman times, a couple was legally required to have at least 10 attendants to witness the marriage contract. In some cultures, bridesmaids were used to “hide” the bride among similarly dressed young women in the hope of confusing any evil spirits who might try to cause trouble for the newlyweds.

Why does the bride wear a wedding veil?

For much the same reason brides in olden times had bridesmaids. By concealing her face, a bride camouflaged herself so that evil spirits couldn't tell which maiden was the bride. The white veil is also a symbol of modesty and virginity.

Why does the groom choose ushers?

The original reason was the same as why the bride chose bridesmaids. The presence of groomsmen confused the spirits, preventing them from harming the couple. Another theory about the origin of groomsmen is that this custom dates back to the days of “marriage by capture,” when a groom kidnapped and carried off his bride. His warrior buddies helped defend him from anyone who tried to prevent the maiden from being taken away.

Why does the groom stand on the bride's right side?

Keep in mind that most men in ancient times armed themselves with weapons at all times. To lay aside one's sword for the wedding ceremony might expose the bridal couple to danger from any number of hostile sources. Standing at the bride's right side left the groom's right (sword) hand free to protect them from rejected suitors or others who might want to do them harm. (Interestingly, this is the same reason why we now position the knife to the right of the dinner plate when we set a table. Ancient inns were rough places, and travelers had to be prepared to defend themselves at all times.)

Why wear a wedding ring and on a certain finger?

Why is the wedding ceremony sealed with a kiss?

The kiss represented an exchange of spirits, uniting the couple in both body and spirit. Some cultures consider the kiss as a legal bond, the action that seals the marriage contract.

Why does the bride carry a bouquet and toss it in the air?

The ancient Roman practice included carrying bunches of fragrant herbs and flowers on the wedding — again to ward off evil spirits. Greeks carried ivy as a symbol of unending love. In modern times, tossing the bouquet has come to mean that the single woman who catches it will be the next to find a husband and marry.

Why “ SOMETHING OLD , SOMETHING NEW , SOMETHING BORROWED , AND SOMETHING BLUE … AND A COOPER PENNY IN YOUR SHOE.“

Each is meant to ensure a happy and lasting marriage. Something old and something new symbolize continuity while making the transition to a new way of life. By borrowing something from a happily married woman, her good fortune was to rub off on the bride. The color blue is associated with purity and modesty. In ancient Israel, blue was the border color of the bride's dress to denote constancy and fidelity. The penny in the shoe symbolizes good fortune and protection against want.

Why does the bride toss her garter ?

History tells us that, in festive celebrations, when too much drinking occurred, male guests who ripped the garter from her leg often rushed the bride. They believed this would bring them good luck. Smart brides removed their own garters and tossed them to the crowd before things got out of hand. Today, the husband removes the garter from his bride's leg with much fanfare and tosses it to the unmarried male guests.

Why a wedding cake?

The wedding cake symbolized fertility. Today, the cake serves the dual purpose of providing dessert for the guests and a photo opportunity for the bridal couple's wedding album. The top layer of the cake isn't eaten. Instead, the couple is supposed to save it for their first anniversary. However, most couples do not enjoy eating cake that has been in a freezer for a year. Sometimes, they ask their baker to re-create the top layer of their wedding cake for their anniversary celebration.

What is the origin of the honeymoon?

Under the “captured bride” system, the groom kept his bride hidden for a full month (or “moon”) during which time the couple partied and drank a honey-sweetened alcoholic drink to loosen up sexual inhibitions. Even amicable couples were encouraged to take time alone, to adjust to their newly married status and forget the worries of the world for a short time.