Wedding Customs


Wedding Customs Around the World
15 Aug 2016

Wedding Customs Around the World

Wedding Customs Around World Belgium A lovely tradition has long been practiced in Belgium to make and embroider a handkerchief for the bride to carry during her wedding. The brides name would also be embroidered on it. Following the wedding, she would them frame the handkerchief and hang it on the wall until the next wedding in the family, at which time it was to...

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15 Aug 2016

History of Stag & Hen Parties

Staf and Hen Parties. Males have been throwing prenuptial parties for so long that historians are reluctant to confirm when they actually started. Some suggest as far back as Ancient Greece, when Spartans would feast and drink the night before a wedding, reminiscing with the groom over times spent together. Other historians believe that stag parties weren’t established until the 15th century, when Henry VIII...

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15 Aug 2016

What is a Dowry?

What is a Dowry? When families arranged marriages, they were trying their best to guarantee their offspring a pleasant and comfortable life.  The bride was expected to bring a “dowry” of money, jewels, animals, or something of substantial value to the marriage.  This substantial value was provided by the family of the bride and portrayed her perceived worth .   On the other hand, the groom...

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15 Aug 2016

What was the Custom of Collecting?

What was the Custom of Collecting? In Finland, the bride-to-be was considered “snobbish” if she did not go door-to-door to receive her gifts in a pillowcase.  Accompanying her, an elderly married man, carrying an umbrella (for shelter), came along and was given a drink at each door.  Today, an umbrella is  used as a  decoration symbolizing “protection”.   This custom can be included very beautifully in...

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15 Aug 2016

What Was a Betrothal Ring?

The betrothal ring, has for centuries symbolized the promise of a future together, sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring.  The diamond engagement ring as we know it has been around since 1477, but other rings have been used throughout the centuries to mark engagements.  Rings featuring gem stones were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.  Often, the first letter of the...

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15 Aug 2016

What Were “Love Tokens?”

What a charming custom the Welsh and Pennsylvania Dutch couples had of giving one another hand crafted gifts, useful for their future home.  Such things as cake molds, butter prints, carved spoon which were covered with symbols and announcements of their love for one another. Today’s love tokens could include a song or poem written by the groom to his bride, or a hand embroidered...

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15 Aug 2016

Who Was the Matchmaker?

Who Was the Matchmaker? In countries where marriages are arranged, “go-betweens” play a time honored and respected role.  In China, a matchmaker must determine if astrological  signs are compatible.  In Uganda, the bride’s elder brother and paternal uncle speak to the prospective groom and barter for the best “price” to be paid to the family.  (Also see Old World Customs and Traditions”.


14 Aug 2016

Why a Wedding Ring?

Why a Wedding Ring? The circular shape of the wedding ring has symbolized undying, unending love since the days of the early Egyptians.  A primitive bride wore a ring of hemp or rushes, which had to be replaced often.  Durable iron was used by the Romans to symbolize the permanence of marriage.  Today’s favorite is of course, gold, with it’s lasting qualities of beauty and...

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14 Aug 2016

Why the Wedding Ring on Third Finger, Left-hand?

Why the wedding ring on the third finger – left hand? In ancient times, it was believed  there was a vein in the third finger of the left hand that ran directly to the heart. Thus, the ring being placed on that finger, denoted the strong connection of a heartfelt love and commitment to one another.   Although during times of modern autopsy, this long held belief ...

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14 Aug 2016

Why an Engagement Ring?

Why an Engagement Ring? In the early days of “Marriage by Purchase,” the betrothal ring served a twofold purpose.  This twofold purpose included partial payment for the bride and was a symbol of the groom’s honorable intentions.  The diamond was found first in Medieval Italy, and because of its hardness, was chosen to stand for enduring love.



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