Unveiling The True Meaning Of Weddings: Literal Or Symbolic?

Weddings are full of symbolism, from the wedding rings to the throwing of rice, and the white dress to the wedding cake. Symbolic wedding ceremonies are becoming an increasingly popular option for couples, especially those marrying overseas or at a venue without a wedding license. These ceremonies are highly personalised and bespoke, but they are not legally binding. In contrast, civil ceremonies are legal and officially recognised by the government.

The wedding dress

The colour of the wedding dress is often white, symbolising purity, innocence, and virginity. This tradition was started by Queen Victoria in 1840, though the colour blue was previously associated with purity and the Virgin Mary. White is also the colour of new beginnings, representing the rebirth of the couple as a new family.

In Eastern cultures, red is a popular choice, symbolising auspiciousness, good luck, and fertility. In some cultures, red is also worn to symbolise the postcoital bleeding experienced by a bride on her wedding night.

Other colours carry their own meanings too. For instance, pink is associated with playful femininity, orange with youthful vitality, and yellow with intelligence and wisdom. Green symbolises nature, balance, compassion, and loyalty, while blue represents peace, purity, and stability.

The wedding cake

In the Middle Ages, the wedding cake took on a new form, with high-stacked cakes that the newlyweds would kiss over. This tradition was believed to bring blessings of many children if the couple successfully kissed without knocking over the cake. The colour white became associated with purity and virginity in the Victorian era, leading to the prevalence of white icing on wedding cakes.

Today, the wedding cake is often the centrepiece of the reception and holds symbolic meaning for the couple and their guests. The couple cutting the cake together symbolises their union and commitment to each other, as well as their promise to care for one another. The cake is also believed to bring good luck to the couple and their guests, symbolising a long and happy marriage.

The wedding ring

The placement of the ring is also significant. In Western culture, the wedding ring is typically worn on the base of the left ring finger, which is widely claimed to be associated with the traditional belief of the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love'. This tradition is believed to have started with the ancient Romans, although there are many European countries where it is standard to wear the ring on the right hand.

The material of the ring is also important. In Western nations, wedding rings are often made from precious metals such as gold, platinum, or silver, symbolising the groom's ability to provide for the bride. However, modern rings can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, silicone, or even bamboo, with each material holding a different significance.

The wedding veil

History

The tradition of wearing a veil can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed that evil spirits could disrupt weddings and other auspicious occasions. To ward off these spirits, brides were required to wear a bright red veil. The veil also served a practical purpose, ensuring that the groom did not see the bride before the wedding, which was considered bad luck.

In ancient Rome, brides wore a veil called a "flammeum", a deep yellow colour reminiscent of a candle flame. The veil also evoked the veil of the Flaminica Dialis, the Roman priestess who was unable to divorce her husband, and was thus seen as a good omen for lifelong fidelity.

Religious Significance

The bridal veil has been a part of Jewish wedding traditions since ancient times, featuring in the Bedeken or Badeken ceremony. In this ceremony, the groom covers the bride's face with a veil, ensuring he is marrying the correct person, before lifting it at the end of the wedding ceremony. This tradition stems from the Biblical story of Jacob, who was tricked into marrying Leah, who was disguised with a veil, instead of her sister Rachel.

In Christian weddings, the veil is seen as a symbol of the bride's commitment to God, as well as her modesty and purity. Some Christians believe that the bridal veil is akin to the garment that was removed when Christ died, giving believers direct access to God.

In Catholic weddings, the veil acts as a symbol of the bride's submission to the care and protection of her husband. It also serves to add to the bride's modesty, often covering her shoulders during the mass.

Symbolic Meanings

Over time, the wedding veil has come to be associated with various symbolic meanings:

• Protection: The veil symbolises the groom's promise to protect and provide for his bride.
• Status: In the Victorian era, the veil served as a marker of social status, with the weight, length and material of the veil indicating the bride's wealth.
• Everlasting Love: The groom covers the bride's face to express that he is marrying her for her inner beauty, not just her outer appearance.
• Trust: In some orthodox communities, the bride wears a heavy veil to symbolise her certainty about her choice of husband.
• Chastity: Lifting the veil symbolises a breach of the bride's chastity and purity, indicating that the couple can now enter a physical relationship.
• Fashion: In modern weddings, the veil is often chosen as a fashion accessory, rather than for its symbolic meaning.

Styles

Today, brides have a variety of veil styles to choose from, including:

• Birdcage Veil: A short veil that covers the upper half of the face, usually made with an intricate net or mesh.
• Juliet Veil: A veil placed on the top of the head like a cap, popular in the 20th century.
• Mantilla Veil: A Spanish lace veil worn over the back of the head and falling onto the shoulders.
• Fingertip Veil: A medium-length veil that stops below the waist.
• Blusher Veil: A short veil made from thin material that covers the face up to the chin.
• Royal Veil: The longest type of veil, stretching for feet behind the bride, often chosen for grand, dramatic weddings.
• Ballet-Length Veil: A medium-length veil that falls anywhere between the waist and ankle.

The wedding bouquet

Flowers have been used to express certain emotions or represent specific qualities for millennia, and each bloom carries its own unique and special meaning. The bridal bouquet is one of the most important styling details, and many brides pay a lot of attention to it.

In the past, brides carried flowers for their magical effects, believing that the intensive fragrances of various plants would chase away evil spirits and protect them from illnesses and misfortune. During the Romanesque period, both the bride and groom wore flower garlands around their necks, symbolising new life, hope, and faith.

Today, the wedding bouquet is seen as an accessory, but many brides still choose flowers based on their symbolic meaning. The ribbon with which the bouquet is tied symbolises fellowship, and the flowers themselves can represent anything from love and passion to purity, innocence, and new beginnings.

• Red roses symbolise courage, romance, beauty, and everlasting love.
• White roses represent new beginnings, purity, and truthfulness.
• Pink roses mean grace, admiration, and perfect happiness.
• Orange roses show passion, enthusiasm, and deep feelings of desire.
• Sunflowers symbolise faith, unconditional love, vitality, intelligence, good fortune, and happiness.
• Lavender is associated with happy marriage, love, devotion, fertility, and luck.
• Baby's Breath represents everlasting love.
• Calla lilies bring wedded bliss, and are also associated with life, fertility, and beauty.
• Lilacs symbolise love, first love, and romance.
• Orchids represent love, luxury, beauty, strength, and opulence.
• Peonies symbolise love, honour, happiness, wealth, romance, bashfulness, and a happy marriage.
• Daisies symbolise nature spirits, love, children, loyalty, gentleness, innocence, and purity.
• Anemones represent the anticipation felt on the wedding day.
• Chrysanthemums symbolise happiness, love, longevity, and joy.
• Carnations mean fascination, distinction, devotion, and love.
• Lily of the Valley represents rebirth, new beginnings, humility, and the return of happiness.
• Gerbera daisies symbolise cheerfulness, celebration, and admiration.

Frequently asked questions