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The Bizarre Origins of Wedding Traditions

Posted on August 17, 2010

So, I don’t usually link to other blogs here on Screaming Light, but this article is so well-written and thought-provoking that I just couldn’t resist. Some of these traditions, like Victoria’s white wedding dress, you may be familiar with, but why on earth do the bride and groom throw her flowers and undergarments at unsuspecting wedding guests, and what exactly is going on with eating frostbitten wedding cake a year after your big day? Jenn has the answers, or at least more of an idea than I did:

[New Window] The Bizarre Origins of 8 Wedding Traditions by Jenn Grabenstetter on Mental Floss (published 6/23/2008).

I think some of the commentary has the best advice: if there’s a tradition you don’t like, or think is tacky (the dollar dance might be a prime candidate), scrap it or rework it. It’s your wedding, after all. My favorite alternative combines the century dance with the garter/bouquet toss (thanks styph!):

Instead of throwing the bouquet and garter, all the married couples were asked to stand. Then all those married a under year were asked to sit, then under five years, then under ten and so on. When two couples were left, the ones married longest were given the bouquet and garter, and danced with the bride and groom for luck.

Now that’s a dance I’d love to photograph!

-Jason

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