You may be interested
in the origins of some
popular traditions
included in observing
your marriage.
Bridal gowns, for example, are white because the Greeks
believed white embodied purity, innocence and joyfulness.
Wedding veils have always symbolized modesty, privacy,
youth and maiden hood. That way of thinking still has a
foothold; bridal etiquette authorities today advise
second-time brides to skip the veil and wear a less
traditional headpiece instead.
Most are familiar with the poem about bridal attire:
“Something old, something new, something borrowed,
something blue and a lucky sixpence in your shoe.”
What’s not generally known is that if a bride borrows
an item from a happily married woman, the giver’s
happiness is said to be passed on to the bride.
Something blue symbolizes constancy in a relationship.
The bridal garter originates from at least two cultures.
In ancient times, it represented the virginal girdle;
the groom’s removal of the garter symbolized her
relinquishment of that status. The garter can also be
traced to the Old English custom of flinging the stocking.
Wedding guests would sneak into the bridal chamber,
pick up the newlywed’s discarded stockings and throw
them at the couple. Whoever flung a stocking that hung on
the bride or groom’s nose would be the next to marry.
Wedding bands, symbolizing eternal love by their lack of a
beginning or end, grew out of an ancient tribal custom of
using circlets of grass to decorate a bride’s wrists and
ankles. The Romans and Egyptians, with their love of
precious metals and stones, initiated the practice of using
silver and gold. Rings are worn yet today on the third finger
of the left hand because ancient cultures believed that
finger had a vein running straight to the heart.
The “throwing of the rice” at fleeing newlyweds is a traditional
way of wishing them many children.
Avoiding Stress
As anyone who has ever planned a wedding can tell you, the months leading up to your big day can be a time of stress as well as happiness. There’s so much to think about and do, and all this while you are having the inevitable bridal jitters. Fortunately, there are ways to control our anxiety. Below are a few common sense suggestions:
Communicate Your Feelings
Be open and honest if you’re feeling upset. Tell your fiancé or family what is bothering you. Don’t try to keep stressful feelings to yourself as they may transfer to something or someone else. Take positive action whenever possible - worrying never solved a problem.
Share Responsibilities
Do not assume you have to do everything yourself. This idea is outdated and exhausting. Ask your fiancé to go over the checklists in this book and handle as many of the planning functions as possible.
Pace Yourself
In the beginning stages of planning your wedding, you have several major decisions to make. Do not try to tackle them all at once. Plan to accomplish one major job a day.
Have A System
It will give you the secure feeling that you are not forgetting something crucial. Try to break down each task into organized steps. Then decide how long each step should take and who will do it. Set a completion date for each step and stay on schedule.
Take Care Of Your Health
Eat right and be sure to get enough rest and exercise. Take advantage of time-tested soothers at night, such as a hot bath, warm milk or a back rub.
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