Weddings are full of beautiful moments—and many of them are rooted in centuries-old customs. As a wedding photographer, I often get a front-row seat to these sweet traditions. But have you ever wondered where they actually come from? Here’s a look at some of the most cherished wedding rituals and the fascinating history behind them.
1. The White Dress
Today, a white wedding dress symbolizes purity and elegance. But this trend didn’t take hold until Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840 wearing a white gown. Before that, brides simply wore their best dress—often in bold colours. Queen Victoria’s white lace dress was so iconic that it set a new fashion standard still followed today.
2. The Bridal Veil
The veil dates back to ancient Rome, where brides wore a red or flame-coloured veil (called a flammeum) to ward off evil spirits. In more recent history, veils have symbolized modesty and purity. During the Victorian era, lifting the veil became a ceremonial “reveal” of the bride. Today, veils are often more of a style choice, but the tradition still adds a touch of drama and romance.
3. Something Old, Something New…
This classic rhyme goes:
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and a sixpence in your shoe.”
Something old represents continuity and the bride’s past.
Something new symbolizes optimism and the future.
Something borrowed is usually from a happily married friend or relative, passing on good luck.
Something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity.
The sixpence (a British coin) was for wealth and prosperity.
This charming tradition began in Victorian England, and many brides still follow it in creative ways—tucking a borrowed pin in their bouquet or sewing a bit of blue ribbon inside their dress.
4. Tossing the Bouquet
In medieval times, wedding guests would try to tear pieces of the bride’s dress for good luck (yikes!). To escape the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and make a quick getaway. Luckily, the modern version is much more fun. Today, tossing the bouquet is a light-hearted tradition symbolizing the passing of good fortune and love to the next hopeful bride.
5. The Wedding Cake
The wedding cake has ancient roots. In Roman times, guests broke a loaf of barley bread over the bride’s head for luck. Later, in medieval England, guests stacked sweet buns into a tall tower; the couple had to kiss over it without knocking it down. The tiered cakes we know today began in the 18th century, inspired by the steeples of grand churches.
6. Throwing Rice (or Confetti)
This tradition comes from ancient fertility rituals—rice, grains, or flower petals were thrown to wish the couple a prosperous and fruitful marriage. Nowadays, eco-friendly confetti, bubbles, or even dried lavender make for stunning photo moments without harming the environment.
7. Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
This one’s a bit quirky. In medieval Europe, it was believed that evil spirits lurked at doorways. To protect the bride from bad luck, the groom would carry her over the threshold. Today, it’s more of a playful, romantic gesture—but it definitely makes for a sweet photo op!
Weddings are full of love, joy, and a little bit of magic—and these traditions add meaning and depth to the celebration. Whether you choose to follow them, reinvent them, or skip them altogether, knowing their stories helps us appreciate the rich tapestry of wedding history.
Got a favourite tradition—or one with a fun twist? I’d love to hear about it!
And of course, I’m always here to capture the little moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours.