Venue: The Orlo | Photography: Demutiis Photography
Wedding traditions are something that we’ve all heard about while growing up. Common “requirements” like saving the top tier of your cake or a father giving his daughter away at the ceremony are details that we still see used to this day. Although they probably seem like the standard “norm” of a typical wedding, have you ever thought about where exactly they came from? Below we’ve broken down a few of our favorites and what exactly they mean!
Venue: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay | Photography: Jon Montis Photography
Bridesmaids Wearing the Same Dress
Previously, the bride used to travel to the groom’s town for their wedding. At this time brides were considered a valuable commodity to the groom and his family so looters would attempt to kidnap them and hold them for ransom. In order to avoid this, all of the girls would dress the same (this was before wedding dresses were a thing) to confuse the kidnappers during their voyage.
Venue: Tampa Marriott Water Street | Photography: Corey Conroy Photography
“Giving” the Bride Away
This practice dates back to when marriages were arranged. Back then, “giving away” the bride was a symbol of transferring ownership to her husband. Thankfully, women are no longer seen as collateral and is now seen as an endearing moment as the father walks his daughter down the aisle!
Venue: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Photography: Alexis Kline Photography
Candy Wedding Favors
In the 16th century, giving a small box full of candy or sugar cubes showed a sign of wealth. At the time sugar was considered an expensive delicacy and was commonly used as a gesture of thanks to a heartfelt deed.
Venue: Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club | Photography: K and K Photography
Saving the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake
Although most people believe that the top tier is frozen and enjoyed on their one year anniversary, traditionally it was consumed after their first born’s christening. The reasoning behind this is because many people believed the married couple would have a child within the first year of marriage so by keeping their wedding cake they would avoid the cost of having to buy another dessert to celebrate the birth!
Venue: The Vinoy | Photography: Salvador Robles Photography
White Wedding Dress
When we first think of a white wedding dress we immediately consider it to be a sign of purity. In all actuality, in the early 1800s brides used to wear RED dresses on their wedding day. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840 that she decided to go against the grain and wear a lacy white dress which symbolized wealth instead.