George Boyle
Wedding traditions have been around for centuries and differ across the world. From the colour of the wedding dress to the placement of the ring, many wedding customs are steeped in history. For example, did you know that in ancient Rome, guests broke a loaf of bread over the bride's head for fertility's sake? Or that in many cultures, the groom's friends used to help kidnap the bride? Read on for more surprising facts about weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average number of wedding guests in the US | 136 |
| Percentage of couples that create a wedding hashtag | Over 54% |
| Average cost of an engagement ring in the US | $5,500 |
| Cost of Prince William's ring for Kate Middleton | $300,000 |
| Most expensive wedding ever | $44 million |
| Wedding cake topper tradition originated in | Ancient Rome |
| Wedding ring finger | Fourth finger of the left hand |
| Las Vegas weddings per year | Over 100,000 |
| Hawaii weddings per year | 25,000 |
| Longest wedding dress train | Over 515 feet (in Germany) |
| Country where guests pin money to the bride's dress | Philippines |
| Country where brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed | Denmark |
| Country where brides wear bright hues of red and yellow | South Korea |
| Country where a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds' home | Holland |
| Country where peas are thrown at newlyweds instead of rice | Czech Republic |
| Country where the bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe | Sweden |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding traditions and superstitions
Weddings are steeped in tradition and superstition, with many rituals and beliefs varying across different cultures. Here are some examples:
Superstitions
- In Greek culture, tucking a sugar cube into the bride's glove will sweeten the couple's union.
- In English folklore, finding a spider in the wedding dress is considered good luck.
- Rain on your wedding day is considered fortunate according to Hindu tradition.
- Egyptian women pinch the bride for good luck.
- In Danish tradition, brides and grooms cross-dress to confuse evil spirits.
- In Roman culture, pig entrails were studied to determine the luckiest time to marry.
- A sixpence in your shoe is said to bring prosperity and good luck.
Traditions
- The wedding veil, a tradition that originated in ancient Greece and Rome, was believed to protect the bride from evil spirits.
- The wedding cake tradition comes from ancient Rome, where a loaf of bread was broken over the bride's head for fertility.
- In many cultures, the hands of the bride and groom are tied together to symbolise their union and commitment.
- The bride carries or wears ""something old" to symbolise continuity with the past, "something new" for a bright future, "something borrowed" for happiness, and ""something blue" for purity and love.
- In Japan, white was the traditional colour for bridalwear.
- Las Vegas is the top wedding destination, with over 100,000 weddings a year.
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Wedding rings
The tradition of exchanging rings is now deeply rooted in many cultures and is a staple of mainstream wedding ceremonies. In Western culture, wedding rings are typically worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, due to the traditional belief in the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love', which was thought to be located in that finger. In some cultures, wedding rings are worn on other parts of the body; in some Indian traditions, for example, women wear toe rings instead of finger rings.
The style of wedding rings has evolved over time. In ancient Rome, men often gave their brides rings adorned with a small key, symbolising the key to his heart. In Victorian England, snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands, with the coils winding into a circle to symbolise eternity. Today, wedding rings have become statements of individuality and partnership, worn by both genders.
There are many superstitions and traditions associated with wedding rings. One superstition says that if the wedding rings are dropped during the ceremony, it is bad luck and the marriage is doomed. Another old superstition says that a pregnant woman can determine the sex of her baby by dangling her wedding ring on a thread over her baby bump; if the ring swings back and forth, it is said to be a boy, and if it swings in a circle, it is a girl.
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Wedding attire
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress began in 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white lace gown to marry her first cousin, Prince Albert. Before this, brides simply wore their best dress, often choosing any colour other than white. In Scandinavian countries during the 1800s, black wedding gowns were especially popular. In Asian cultures, white is still considered a colour of mourning, and brides often wear red, a lucky colour. In South Asian cultures, brides wear traditional red and gold saris, while in China, the traditional Qipao is red. In Africa, brides wear colourful and elaborate gowns, often made from traditional kente cloth in gold and yellow, with large beaded necklaces plated in yellow gold.
In many cultures, superstitions play a role in wedding attire. In Greek culture, for example, brides tuck a sugar cube into their glove to sweeten their union. In English tradition, a spider found in the wedding dress is considered good luck, and Wednesday is considered the best day to marry. In Swedish culture, brides put a silver coin from their father and a gold coin from their mother in each shoe to ensure financial security.
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Wedding costs
Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands
The cost of engagement rings and wedding bands can vary widely. In the United States, the average cost of an engagement ring is reportedly around $5,500. However, the price can be much higher for royal or celebrity couples. For example, Prince William's engagement ring for Kate Middleton was estimated to be worth a staggering $300,000.
Wedding Venues and Destinations
The choice of venue and destination can significantly impact the overall cost of a wedding. Las Vegas, known for its vibrant wedding industry, attracts over 100,000 weddings annually, followed by Hawaii, which hosts approximately 25,000 weddings per year. Destination weddings can incur additional expenses, including travel and accommodation for the couple and their guests.
Number of Guests
The number of wedding guests can greatly influence the overall cost. The average number of wedding guests in the United States is around 136. However, this number can vary based on location and budget constraints. A larger guest list typically requires a more spacious venue and can increase catering and beverage costs.
Wedding Traditions and Superstitions
Certain wedding traditions and superstitions may also contribute to the expenses. For instance, in some cultures, brides incorporate the tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" into their wedding attire. The "something blue" custom, symbolizing purity, fidelity, and love, can add a unique touch to the bridal ensemble. Additionally, Greek brides often tuck a sugar cube into their glove, believing it will sweeten their union, while Swedish brides place a silver coin from their father and a gold coin from their mother in their shoes for continued prosperity. These traditions may require additional planning and expenses.
Wedding Cake and Food
The wedding cake and food choices are also significant cost factors. The tradition of having a wedding cake dates back to ancient Rome, and today, wedding cakes can be elaborate and costly. Queen Victoria's wedding cake, for instance, weighed an impressive 300 pounds. Catering for a large number of guests, especially if providing a seated meal, can significantly increase the overall wedding budget.
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Wedding destinations
Las Vegas is the top wedding destination, with over 100,000 weddings a year, followed by Hawaii, which hosts 25,000 weddings annually.
If you are looking for a destination wedding, there are many companies that can help you plan your special day. For example, Matthew Oliver Weddings is a UK-based company that specialises in luxury weddings in the USA, UK, and other destinations around the world.
For those seeking a more adventurous elopement, Adventure-Wed offers expert advice and all the information you need to plan your adventure wedding. They also have a free digital magazine with tips and inspiration.
Destination weddings can vary greatly depending on location and budget. The average number of wedding guests in the US is around 136, but this number is likely to be lower for weddings abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
The colour blue is believed to ward off evil spirits and symbolise purity, fidelity, love and loyalty.
It was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.
The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where a loaf of bread was broken over the bride's head for fertility's sake.
The longest wedding dress train was found in Germany, measuring over 515 feet.
Couples drank a fermented honey drink called 'mead' for the whole first month of their marriage as an aphrodisiac.
