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From Classic to Personal: A Fresh Look at Wedding Traditions

blog, July 29, 2024

Weddings are filled with rich traditions and historical significance, offering wonderful stories to explore. At Flora, we believe that understanding these traditions allows you to weave them into your celebration in a way that feels uniquely yours. Whether you choose to embrace classic customs, reinterpret them, or create entirely new ones, our goal is to help you craft a wedding that truly reflects your personal journey and style. Let’s explore how you can incorporate these elements to make your day as individual and special as your love story.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

This classic Victorian tradition is all about inviting good fortune into your marriage. Each element carries its own symbolism:

  • Something Old symbolizes a connection to your past.
  • Something New represents hope and excitement for your future.
  • Something Borrowed is meant to bring happiness and luck, sourced from someone happily married.
  • Something Blue signifies faithfulness and enduring love.

To add a contemporary twist, consider incorporating these elements into your decor or accessories. For example, a vintage locket or a custom blue ribbon on your bouquet can serve as a personal nod to this charming tradition.

The Bridal Veil

The bridal veil has its origins in ancient Rome, where it was worn to protect the bride from evil spirits. Over the centuries, it has evolved and now often symbolizes romance and elegance. Today, many choose to wear a veil as a beautiful, traditional accessory that enhances the overall look and adds a touch of timelessness to the wedding attire.

Modern veils come in various styles, from classic lace to sheer fabric, offering options to suit every taste. If a traditional veil doesn’t resonate with your style, consider alternatives like a chic headpiece, delicate hair accessory, or statement hairpin. For a dramatic flair, try a veil cape or a floral crown. Vintage-inspired birdcage veils, silk scarves, and decorative hair combs are also beautiful ways to complete your wedding day look, adding a personal and unique touch.

The First Dance

Historically, the first dance was a grand public affair in medieval European courts, celebrating the couple’s union. Today, it’s a treasured opportunity to share a special moment together. If you’re looking for a different approach, you might enjoy a private first dance during the dinner service or set aside a special moment for just the two of you. This can create a unique and intimate experience amidst the festivities.

The Bouquet

Carrying a bouquet has deep historical roots. In ancient times, brides carried aromatic herbs and flowers to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. By the Middle Ages, bouquets also helped mask body odors when bathing was less common. Spices and garlic were often added to deter negative influences.

Today, bouquets remain a beautiful tradition, offering a chance to infuse nature and personal style into your wedding day. Whether you choose a classic floral arrangement or something uniquely your own, your bouquet can be a meaningful and vibrant part of your celebration. For those looking to add a unique touch, consider alternatives like floral headpieces, which can be a whimsical and elegant addition. Boutonnières down the lapel offer a subtle yet stylish nod to nature, while wrist corsages can add a delicate floral accent to your ensemble. These alternatives allow you to personalize your look and carry a piece of nature with you in a way that feels just right for you.

The Wedding Cake

The origins of the wedding cake are surprisingly rooted in ancient customs meant to symbolize luck and fertility. In Roman times, wheat grains were thrown at newlyweds to promote fertility, and the couple would eat cake crumbs together as a symbol of unity. Over the centuries, these wheat cakes evolved into the more familiar wedding cakes we know today. By the Victorian era, white icing became a standard feature, symbolizing purity and leading to the iconic white wedding cake. As the tradition developed, stacked cakes came to represent prosperity.

If you’re looking for something different, consider alternatives like a mini dessert bar with an assortment of treats, a donut bar for a fun twist, individual cakes placed at each guest table, or a delightful array of cupcakes. These options can bring a unique touch to your celebration and cater to a variety of tastes.

The Ring Exchange

The exchange of rings is one of the oldest wedding traditions, symbolizing eternal commitment and love. While classic gold and platinum rings are timeless, many couples now opt for personalized or unconventional designs. Whether you select rings with unique gemstones, handcrafted elements, or bespoke designs, it’s about choosing pieces that truly represent your love story.

At Flora, we believe your wedding should be a true reflection of your unique journey. By understanding the origins of these traditions and incorporating your personal touch, you create a celebration that’s authentically you. Embrace the classic customs or forge new ones—what matters most is celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you.

Sources
“The Origin of ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.’” The Knot.
“The History of the Bridal Veil.” Brides.
“The Tradition of the First Dance.” Brides.
“Why Brides Carry Bouquets.” Brides.
“Wedding Cakes: A Brief History.” Brides
“The Symbolism of Wedding Rings.” WeddingBee
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