Ever wonder where some of our wedding traditions came from? Why something old, something new? Why 
throw the wedding bouquet? Why wear a veil? Let us take a look at some of the customs that have been passed down through the generations.
This tradition has its roots in a Victorian rhyme which went like this, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver six piece in her shoe.” The custom for a bride to carry or wear something old is a way for her family and her past to be acknowledged, while the new symbolizes the start of something that is fresh and just beginning to blossom.
There is an old English rhyme that is also believed to be connected to this tradition. This is how it goes:
“Something old and borrowed represents past traditions.
Something new will bring you luck in the future.
Something blue is a symbol of fertility and modesty.”
Wedding dresses are white because they represent innocence and purity. White is also the color that stands for celebration.
Today most wedding veils are made of lightweight tulle, but back in history they were made from a heavier cloth. The veil covered the bride’s face so no one could identify her until she stood before her husband-to-be. If any other man loved the bride, he would not be able to kidnap her on her wedding day thanks to her being concealed beneath her veil.
Weddings always have had tremendous significance, and they were believed to be one of the luckiest days for a bride and groom because they were entering a more profitable and more socially acceptable period of their lives. Brides in particular were considered to be very lucky on their wedding day.
Back in history, the guests at a wedding would attack the new bride and tear pieces of her clothing and veil as she and her new groom left the ceremony. Some guests grabbed for her flowers. They did this because it was believed that her good luck and fortune from her happy circumstances would be transferred to them through her clothing. This gave rise to the tossing of the bouquet, as the bride would do it as a form of self defense. If she gave up her flowers, then there was less of a chance that her dress would be torn.
