Wedding Traditions and the Meanings

Ever wonder why we have such traditions of cake cutting, garter and even bouquet tossing to single ladies. And here are the histories of such traditions.

Cake Cutting

Ancient Romans as a symbol of her fertility bake cakes made of wheat or barley and break it over the bride’s head. In its earliest origins, the unmarried young women attending the wedding were expected to scramble for the grains to ensure their own betrothals, much as they do today for the bridal bouquet.

As time passed, it became traditional to stack cakes atop one another. The bride and groom then asked to kiss over on top and if they won’t stumble the cake means a lifetime of good fortune was certain for the new couple. During the reign of King Charles II of England, it became routine for cake to become edible palace iced with sugar.

Garter and Bouquet Toss

During the 14th century, it was expected for the bride to throw her garter to the men, but men got too drunk and become impatient and try to take the garter off her ahead of time. Eventually groom got into the scene and saved his dear bride from the uncontrollable mass. It is less trouble for bride to toss her bridal bouquet instead.

Wine/Champagne Toast

Wine has been used for celebration ever since. Wine has imply life, strength, love, and a life of prosperity. Drinking wine from a common cup has been the intimate mark of deep sharing. “Entwined as the Vine. . . .” It is also in remembrance of Jesus turning the water into Wine as his first miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. It can be celebrated intimately during the Ceremony between the bride & groom or it can be at the Reception or both.

Eating wedding cake and wine toast is the origin of the Wedding Eucharist matrimonial wherein a portion of the ceremony is giving each other a sup from the Cup of Love and to eat from the Bread of Life and Health.

We call it a “toast” when we drink to someone because of an old French custom in which a piece of bread was put in the bottom of the wine cup (for flavor).

Dove Release

For century’s releasing dove was a part of wedding couples as symbols of their everlasting love for one another.  Color of doves symbolizes purity – that both Bride and Groom are pure to each other – they are honest and open, beginning their lives as one “from this day forward.”  And as doves choose one partner and mate for life. Doves flying home together, symbolizes couple starting off on their journey together to start their own. Some cultures believe if a couple see a white dove on their wedding day is a sign of good luck and good fortune that will last throughout their marriage.