Wedding Etiquette (Part 2)

Wedding Etiquette – Times are changing – it has in the past been the job of the brides family to send out the invitations to the wedding, though these days the happy couple like to act as the hosts and normally send out  the invitations approximately ten weeks before the date of the wedding.

Wedding etiquette can sometimes become a dilemma for the Bride and Groom when planning their wedding whether or not to invite small children.  Indeed, sometimes the parents of the children are happy to leave them with a member of their own family or nanny in order for them to enjoy the happy day themselves.  Alternatively, consider a compromise and hire a childrens entertainer to distract them or even designate a ‘special childrens party area’ for them with lots of goodies.

The gift list is normally sent out with the invitations, although many modern couples are already living together and may have most things. Consider giving a donation of money that the happy couple may wish to put towards their honeymoon, or even if there is a group party from the Brides or Grooms workplace that can make a donation towards one of their favourite photographs to be blown up and wrapped up in canvas for their favourite wall in their home. This is quite a favourite and unusual gift and one that Phil McDermott Photography can arrange for the happy couple. Alongside the RSVP card it would be a good idea for the guest to be  able to inform the Bride and Groom of any dietry needs that they may have.

Crossing the Threshold – Wedding Tradition

Crossing the threshold was considered dangerous and the newly married couple were very susceptible to many evil spirits around the doorway of their new home. So in order to prevent any spirits traveling through the soles of the brides feet the groom would lift and carry his new wife over the threshold in order to protect her.

Sometimes the groom would walk around the fireplace to introduce the bride to the new family. If, however, there was a fall, then there would be bad luck placed upon the marriage.

You may kiss the Bride – Wedding Tradition

‘You may kiss the Bride’ is more than a sign of affection after the vows have been taken at a wedding.

It is a token of bonding with the exclusion of evil spirits as each partner sends a part of themselves into the new spouses soul to be there within forever.

Something old Something new – Wedding Tradition

Something old, something new – The origins to this verse is believed to be taken from the Victorian Era and relates to Good Luck.

Something Old – The symbol here has a link with the Brides family and is sometimes linked with a gift from the Mother representing Wisdom.

Something New – Possibly the Brides wedding attire and new beginnings to look forward to.

Something Borrowed - A gift from friends of the bride that she may count on. Perhaps a small piece of jewellery.

Something Blue – These days this is normally a blue garter. Back in Biblical times it was always common to marry in this colour, and in some EU countries the Bride still  has a blue band upon her dress. It signifies Love, Sincerity and Purity.

Finally, the Bride  has a silver sixpence tucked within her shoe which represented her future financial security.