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A History of Wedding Tradition
 
Ashley Gain Weddings & Events
 

It’s almost your wedding day and you are preparing to “tie the knot!”

Did you know that most of our modern day wedding customs are century old traditions, passed down by generations? From the Bride’s gorgeous white gown, to the cutting of your wedding cake every wedding detail is extraordinary in its own way.

So let’s start with that amazing engagement ring that makes you smile every time you see it sparkle off your hand in the sunlight! The earliest recorded documents of an engagement ring date back to as early as the Ancient Egyptians. The famous circular shape of the ring worn on your left hand was introduced by the Egyptians and symbolized “eternity” for the bride and groom. The first documented diamond engagement ring wasn’t introduced until the late 1400’s by Archduke Maximilian of Austria when he proposed to the duchess Mary of Burgundy.

The garter toss is considered one of the oldest traditions to be still commonly practiced in our culture today. This fun tradition has definitely progressed over many centuries into what is today, but it hasn’t always been as simple as the groom tossing the garter into the crowd of single bachelors. The original garter custom took place immediately after the ceremony had ended. Male guests would rush towards the bride eagerly knocking her over just to retrieve the garter from her leg. This not-too-classy behavior usually ended with one of the gentlemen inappropriately touching the bride and brawls breaking-out between the men. This custom changed and in 20th century the “modern” garter toss was practiced. Today the garter is removed by the groom and is tossed into the sea of awaiting single men.

As for the phrase “tie the knot.” It isn’t a tradition but this saying has been around for centuries! Not one historian has one explanation for exactly where this popular saying originated. Many believe it symbolizes the union between a bride and groom. Others believe that it dates all the way back before the engagement ring. Before wedding bands a man and woman wore betrothal knots around their left ring fingers and out of this custom began “tie the knot!”

A little history lesson before your wedding day debut!

 

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ashley-gainAshley Gain Weddings & Events
 

“Planning makes perfect” says event planner Ashley Gain, and we have to say, we agree. Gain promises to take you from conceptualization to realization of every detail you have in mind for your big day. She offers several tiers of planning for couples, so you can be as involved- or uninvolved- as you choose. www.ashleygain.com