Breaking tradition
The origin of modern, western wedding traditions dates back to the Victorian era, when women married in their late teens and early 20s.
BY DANIELLA JUDGE
At that time, marriage was believed to solidify a woman’s role as the homemaker, and property of her husband. Wedding day traditions such as the bride being ‘given away’ by her father and tossing her garter, reflected this. 
How do modern times, where (in western society) women aren’t the property of their husbands, align with traditional ideas of how to have a wedding?
From the groom not seeing his bride on the day until the ceremony, to the bride’s family paying for the wedding, and the groom’s family, the flowers and alcoholic refreshments, plenty of wedding traditions and etiquette practices have evolved.
The dress
White dresses were made popular when Queen Victoria, chose a white silk-satin dress for her wedding to Prince Albert 176 years ago. It wasn’t long before the colour became associated with purity. White dresses are still a prominent choice, although trends are shifting slightly with alternative colour options and less conservative designs springing up (read more on page 60).
The bridal party
Having a bridal party continues to prove popular, but in 2023 more flexibility is allowed within these traditions. Many couples now opt for a mixed-gender bridal party, or none at all.
The wedding band
The tradition of wedding rings was started by the Egyptians, and wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger comes from the belief that the vein of love ran via the fourth finger of the left hand straight to the heart. Many couples still choose to get wedding bands to symbolise their bonds, although other options are becoming more accepted. Planting a tree, getting a tattoo on the wedding finger, or even a different piece of jewellery, a necklace or bracelet, it’s entirely up to the partners to decide.
The wedding cake
Traditional wedding cakes had a strange beginning. For starters, they used to be pies, containing (according to a 1685 recipe) oysters, lamb testicles, sweetbreads, a rooster comb, and pine kernels. Tasty food and celebrations have always gone together, and various cultures, have developed special wedding foods.
In the west, wedding cakes are mostly white, frosted creations, although the modern take on that special cake ranges from macaroon towers, to individual cupcakes, and cheese wheels.
When it comes down to it, if you and your partner are happy, how you choose to symbolise your love is only limited by your imagination (or lack of it).
