The origins of most of our wedding traditions used today come from superstitions, and are handed down generation to generation. You will find various legends of the most popular customs. Traditions vary from culture to culture. I hope you enjoy the following traditions and lore.

The Engagement Ring

The engagement ring symbolizes the promise of a future together, sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring.
The diamond engagement ring as we know it has only been around since the 1400s and was first found in Medieval Italy. Rings featuring gem stones were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Probably the most famous engagement ring is the one given to Princess Diana. The ring is an oval blue sapphire engagement ring that weighs 18 carats and is surrounded by 17 small diamonds in a cluster setting.

Another famous type of engagement ring is the Claddagh ring. The Claddagh Ring may be used as friendship, relationship, eternity, engagement, or wedding rings depending on the intention of wearer and, in the case of the giver. There are three traditionally accepted ways of wearing the ring which signals someone’s relationship status.

1. When worn on the right ring finger with the heart pointing to the fingertip, the wearer is free of any attachment.
2. On the same finger with the ring turned around, it suggests someone is romantically involved.
3. When the ring is on the left hand wedding ring finger it means the person is married or engagement.

The Wedding Cake

Since the early Roman times, the cake has been a special part of the wedding celebration. A loaf was broken over the bride’s head at the close of the ceremony to symbolize fertility. The guests picked up the crumbs as good luck charms. This tradition evolved and spread to England in the Middle Ages where the guests of a wedding would bring small cakes and stack them together. During the Middle Ages, it became traditional for the couple to kiss over a small cluster of cakes which later turned into one big cake with frosting.

The White Dress

Although white has long been associated with purity in the West, it has not always been associated with the Bride’s dress. Before the mid-19th century, the only expectation of a bridal dress was that it was as luxurious as your financial situation allowed. Colourful dresses were very popular.

In the early 1800s the rise of the neo-classical fashion is what set the stage for the white wedding. Although there are many traditions out there, make sure to make your wedding your own. Brides now of days use a mix of old and new traditions. Really anything goes!

I often get the question “What should we do as favours for our guests”?

In place of favours, Couples are now doing a donation to a charity close to their heart. If you contact the charity of your choice it is most likely they already have a Wedding program in place, and you just need to donate. However if you cannot afford to donate the amount they are requesting per person, just make up a sign telling your guests that you have decided to honour them by making a donation in place of favours. Place the sign on your receiving line right next to you guestbook or signing picture. This way guests will see it when they are heading into the hall. would also be nice to have your MC announce the donation in their opening remarks. Then after the wedding you can make your donation of any amount online. It

I did this at my Wedding and all of our guests said that they loved the idea and felt honoured. If you are already married, post what you did for your favours!

Jessica and Paul were married on February 6, 2010 on a beautiful winter day. Jessica looked stunning in a white gown with a bead encrusted bodice and cap sleeves. Her hair was done up in loose curls and accented with a white flower. The boys looked strapping in their black and white tuxes. Their reception was a winter wonderland with crystal snowflakes and dazzling candle centerpieces. Cupcakes looked scrumptious with a blue icing snowflake on each. This truly was a lovely reception for a lovely couple.

It’s the week before your big day and you have a list of last-minute details that need to be attended to. Here is some advice that will help you make it through:

Make sure to confirm your travel arrangements for your honeymoon, give the reception venue a final head count of guests, go over your arrangements with your photographer, videographer, band or DJ, florist, decorator, Cake, ceremony location, officiate, confirm hair appointment and limousine company.

Drop off your guestbook, signing photo, working pens, favours, receiving line shots and cake knife and server to the banquet hall. Make sure to have your seating chart or place cards ready to go (Tip, ask the reception venue for a floor plan to help you make your seating arrangements).

Pack your bag for your honeymoon, make arrangements for someone to take care of your house and pets while you are away and don’t forget how you are getting to and from the airport!

It’s going to be a very busy week, but try to schedule some “me” time as well. Having a Spa day, two days before your wedding will help you relax and get ready for the honeymoon. A manicure and pedicure is a must, but have a massage too! Research shows that massage therapy can help with Physical relaxation, Improved circulation, Relief for tight muscles (knots) and other aches and pains, release of nerve compression (carpel tunnel, sciatica), Greater flexibility and range of motion, and Enhanced energy and vitality. By the way, while you are at the Spa, turn off your cell phone! No need to speak to anyone right now!

Finally, enlist your Family and Friends to help! Make sure your Bridal Party is aware of what their duties are the day before, the day of and the day after your wedding. The Bridal party has been chosen to help you, not to just look pretty in photos!

Most importantly, make sure to breath! This day is going to be wonderful and if something happens to go not according to plan, no worries! You are marrying the person of your dreams, and this is what is important.