There are many traditions from centuries ago that we still hold onto today. Some have changed over time, and others have taken on different variations.

The tradition of asking your closest girlfriends to be your bridesmaids dates back to ancient times. Maids would typically dress in fashion similar to the bride to confuse evil spirits who are trying to kidnap her. Today, bridesmaids are chosen for their loyalty and supportiveness to the bride and the fashion tends to compliment the bride´s wedding theme, and the bride herself.

Just as there is history behind bridesmaids, there is also a history behind choosing a best man. Many centuries ago, grooms would have to kidnap their prospective brides from disapproving families. The groom would choose a friend to bring along (his best man) to help him fight for the woman. While fighting, the groom would hold the woman with his left hand, and fight with the sword in his right hand.. This could possibly be why the bride stands to the left of the alter, and the groom stands to the right.

Why is it worn on the third finger of your left hand? Romans believed that the vein in the third finger ran directly to the heart and joined the couple´s hearts and destiny.

Flowers were brought into weddings to represent purity, fertility, new life and never-ending love. The groom wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet that signifies his declaration of love. Bouquets traditionally consisted of flowers and herbs. It was believed that strong smelling herbs such as Garlic would help ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Some bouquets also contained Dill. It was believed that Dill promoted desire. After the ceremony, the dill would be eaten for that purpose. Tossing of the bouquet comes from an English tradition where women would attempt to tear pieces of the bride´s dress and flowers to possibly obtain some of her good fortune. To escape from the women, the bride would toss her bouquet into the crowd and run away. It is believed today, that the woman that catches the bouquet, will be the next to marry!

The wedding cake was originally a cake baked with barley or wheat. The cake would be smashed over the bride´s head at the reception, as a symbol of good luck and fertility. Today, some brides and grooms smash cake into each other´s face, but more often for a good laugh, instead of good luck!

An Irish Bride insists on having lavender in her bouquet, as it signifies good luck and happiness.

From Eastern and Western Europe comes the Unity Candle. This signifies the uniting of both families. Two tapers are lit, then used to light one large candle.

In Poland, guests pay to dance with the bride, and the money accumulated is used for the honeymoon. This could be where we´ve adopted the familiar Money Dance.

In Armenia, two white doves were set free to signify the love and happiness of the bride and groom.

In Egypt, the Zaffa, or the Wedding March, is a combination on drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers and men carrying flaming swords.

In many European countries, especially France, the bride would have what is called a ritual bath, and is supposed to symbolize purification of evil influences and thoughts of her former boyfriends.

There are so many traditions, it is hard to cover them all. But I hope the information I´ve highlighted, has helped open up a new respect for old traditions.