Bucking Tradition

So much of a wedding is based on tradition and while so many brides say they want a non-traditional ceremony, when it comes right down to it they're still incorporating many of those time-tested elements.  Which will you incorporate and why?  Are there any listed below that you are determined not to include simply because of the traditional meaning?  Will you use them and create new meaning?  We'd like to know your thoughts!

Something Old – represents the bond to the bride’s family and her old life

Something New – represents the couple’s new life together

Something Borrowed – should be from a happily married woman so as to pass along that happiness

White Wedding Dress – symbolizes purity

Throwing Rice – believed to bestow fertility on the couple

Sharing the First Piece of Wedding Cake – creates a special bond of sweetness between the couple (Unless, of course, he smashes it in her face at which point the sweetness ends!)

First Kiss – represents the joining of their souls and the agreement to a lifelong commitment

Groom’s Boutonniere – A statement of love for his bride

Bride’s Flowers – promote good luck

Wedding Ring on the Third Finger of the Left Hand – denotes eternal love as the “vein of love” runs directly from the ring finger to the heart

Diamond Ring – symbolizes purity and strength

Veil – symbolizes a wife’s purity and modesty as well as submission to her husband

Lifting of the Veil – if the groom lifts it, it symbolizes his dominance. if the bride lifts it, she is presenting herself to him and showing independence

Child Attendants – signify innocence

White Aisle Runner – symbolizes God’s holiness and walking on holy ground

Unity Candle – signifies two families coming together

Arc of Swords – ensures the couple’s safe entry into a new life together



Last, but not least, if you get hit by a shoe, it’s good luck.  Who decided this?!

~ Jami