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Wedding Traditions & Customs - Plus Historical Wedding Fashions - 1850 -1950

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So -- You have just become engaged ...

By Sharon Stajda,

I bet you can't wait to start planning your wedding? Perhaps you are giving some thought on how you can make the day extra special.  Why not including some old wedding traditions or ethnic cultural traditions. Why not  make your wedding unique and unforgettable?  How about a roaring twenties wedding, with all the hoopla? Motif weddings can be so much fun!

I hope you will take time to explore all the wonderful old wedding traditions that have evolved over the years. You may even find one or two old traditions that you will want to keep on your special day...

Most brides keep this old Victorian Wedding Tradition...

Something Old - Something New - Something Borrowed - Something Blue...And a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe! This good-luck saying that originated many years ago in the Victorian era. Brides today most often abide by the old tradition.

   "Something Old" symbolizes a link to the bride's family, and their past. The item most often will be a family heirloom, that the bride will wear or carry on her wedding day. Perhaps a piece of jewelry or a hanky from Grandma...The bride may also choose to wear a family members wedding dress to honor, and represent an old object.

"Something New" represents good fortune and success, for a wonderful new life. A bride may choose to say her shoes are new or use her wedding gown as the new item. Many choose to wear a new piece of jewelry. This newly purchased jewelry may then be handed down as "Something Old", to once future children. weddings.

"Something Borrowed" symbolizes the love, and support of family and friends in times of need. A borrowed object can be a token from friend, such as a lace handkerchief. Again a wonderful piece of family jewelry, to be used just for the day..

Something Blue" is an object that symbolizes faithfulness, and loyalty. Most  Brides will choose a blue garter or ribbon.
Many have blue added to their flowers...

"A Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe," is a blessing for wealth.

 

 

 

In 1870 brides hope to receive an engagement ring that had diamonds, and pearls...  Diamonds and pearls were coveted by almost every bride as the preferred engagement ring to receive. A trendy little bling that was suggestive of a diamond tiara across the finger.

 

 

 

Engagement Rings Trends of Today...

Couples get engaged everyday, girls dream of the perfect ring and wedding. Somethings will never change, but engagement ring trends do change....

Vintage inspired rings are back in a big way, along with pave, colored stones, baguettes are also back, and asscher. 

There Are All Kinds Of Weddings?

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Weddings In The 1850's Were Kept Solemn...

Did you ever wonder-- when it became a tradition to use Wagner's "Here Comes the Bride" ?

In the early to mid1800's wedding gowns were full with a puffed sleeve. With a waist line that would accentuated the brides hourglass figure. White bridal gowns were not always the choice of a bride in the 1800's. Note the dress to the right... This is a mod 1960's style.

Weddings in the 1850's were often a very solemn affair. The over-piety of earlier years still held for most church ceremonies. However, sometime, organ music before or after the marriage vows was being permitted, and actually soon became customary. At first, the organist was left to select the music as he pleased, most often he would make a selection from Bach or a piece from one of the other classical composers of the day. However, Gradually two favorites pieces of music appeared, The Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin, and the Wedding March, which Mendelssohn wrote for Midsummer's Nights Dream. Everyone knew the opening strains of Wagner's "Here Comes the Bride", also the gay Mendelssohn music which accompanies the wedding party as they march away from the altar. Thus was set the wedding's traditional musical entrance and exit, which has now been traditionally used now for over 100 years

Wedding Traditions -- 1850's

Please visit this link... to learn about all the wedding traditions of the Mid 1800's. It so interesting...
Wedding History - Weddings From The 1850's
"Most 1850's weddings we have been able to check on were church ceremonies. White was not the only color worn by the bride, and she used a short veil, sometimes none at all. Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes were the type of photo taken. Point of interest, seldom does one find a picture of bride and groom, and one of the entire wedding party is even more rare." Please read on...

Traditions of 1860s... "One Must Try To Out Do The Other..."

Beginning in 1860, "Godey's Ladies Book" began to publish its first annual color spread of bridal costumes. The "Godey's Ladies Book " thereafter made this spread of bridal costumes a standard feature in each issue. In these published issues, it became apparent that bridesmaids sometimes also wore white, and that brides veil were more often light in color to add contrast to the brides outfit. In America, with its aristocracy of wealth. It soon became a trend among the wealthy, to make all attempts to out dazzle one another, when it came to the brides trousseau.

Weddiings And All the Tradition -- 1860's

A very interesting old article

Weddings And Wedding Traditions --1860's
"Invitations were printed on bands of white ribbon, and mounted on white parchment paper. Folded and sealed, they were delivered by hand via a family servant. For the house wedding, music such as appearing on accompanying pages was played on the harp and square piano rather than the organ." --Please read om to learn more about the wedding traditions of the 1860s..."

The Bling Had To Be In The Ring... In the 1870's

"The ring must have diamonds -- and pearls too please ..."

The things that stand out in wedding pictures of the 1870's are the bustle, and the trend (away from gold) to all-white wedding jewelry. Diamonds, and pearls in combination were coveted by most bride. The preferred engagement ring of 1870s, , was a halt loop styled ring, with five or six diamonds in a crown setting. Which was suggestive of a diamond tiara across the finger.

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1870's

Brides were shown tossing their bouquet -- choosing to wear white gowns, with bustles...

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1870's
"The things that stand out in our wedding pictures of the 1870's are the bustle and the trend (away from gold) to all-white wedding jewelry. Diamonds and pearls in combination were coveted by most every bride....

This is the first decade in which our album shows a bride throwing her bouquet. Guests stood below as she mounted the stairs to change into her `going away' costume. The girl catching the bouquet was supposed to be the next married.

Weddings In The 1880's -- It became Important To Document The Day With Photos

In this decade the family picture album became quite general throughout the land. Even our relatives who were farming the western prairies, took time out for a wedding photograph or two. George Eastman's Kodak camera also came on the market, and with it the opportunity for the informal snapshots to document a wedding with personal photos.

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1880's

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1880's
"The long engagement was becoming fashionable, and while there was less emphasis on an elaborate bridal trousseau, the ceremony itself took on added glamour. Preparations began three months in advance, with hand painted white satin cake boxes. Stationers got a big order-engraved invitations enclosed with a -"church" or "usher" card and "breakfast card" for a high noon wedding. The "old fashioned (70's) custom" of having bridesmaids and escorts lead the wedding procession followed by the bride's mother on the arm of the groom was now replaced by having the bride lead, preceeded only by the flower girls."

Please read on... The 1880s brought on many fantastic wedding changes...

Weddings From The 1890's -- Home Weddings Were In...

Let The Good Times Roll -- Weddings Now became very joyous, and gay -- And often held in the brides home....

In contrast with the over-formality of the preceding decades, the 1890's were truly "gay." This stands revealed in the photographs of our relatives who married at that time. When before could the bride be caught -on her wedding day-up in a tree! Home rather than church weddings were coming back into favor, and our family photo album show some delightful informal photos of these family affairs, held at home. The wedding of the early 1800's was formal, with large bridal parties, held in church. In the late 1800's it went from having many bridesmaids, to smaller wedding parties, held in the family home.

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1890's

Wedding Cakes went from Dark To Light ...

Please read on... There were many traditions a new in the 1890's...
Wedding History - Weddings From The 1890's
"After the ceremony, the bride and grooms first duty was to cut and serve the wedding cake. Thus was revived an old and simpler customfor some time superceded-by having the cake cut, wrapped and boxed before the wedding. The cake now became a light white `brides cake, But the older custom of a dark cake often persisted alongside . . . now called a `grooms' cake. Indoor and outdoor games were often played after the wedding feast, with dancing occasionally. One etiquette book of the period cautioned guests to congratulate only the groom-"No one ever congratulates the bride."

Please read on... There were many traditions a new in the 1890's...

Weddings In The 1900 --Something old -- something new -- something barrowed...

Something old -- something new -- something barrowed...

This was the era of the Gibson Girl, and Arrow Collar Boy. The dawn of a new century. Our relatives married in that era wanted "something new" as well as "something old." New indeed was the diamond engagement ring, brides preferred a diamond solitaire in a, high gold-pronged"Tiffany". The Tiffany solitaire setting-became America's favorite engagement ring, and remains a favorite even today. New also was the high pompadour be-ribboned hairdo, and the tie worn ascot fashion for the groom to wear on his special day. The "scarf pin-"bows made suitable inexpensive gifts for bridesmaids and ushers.

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1900's

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1900's
"In this decade the bridal flowers were white roses, white orchids, lillies of the valley, or orange blossoms. Bridesmaids also carried white, and these flowers were often paid for by the groom, as is still customary with the bride's bouquet."
Please read on...

Wedding History - 1910... The Decate of The New Woman...

The Bride Now Wore Long fitted Skirts, With Empire Waist...

This was the decade when the "new woman" of suffragette equal rights was coming to the vouge; but with such a tradition-hallowed ceremony as marriage, all most brides thought about was the latest in wedding finery. Fashion decreed big "Merry Widow" hats, and the highwaisted,long tight-skirted dresses.

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1910's

The couple now could drive an automobile on the honeymoon trip...

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1910's
"This was the first decade when the automobile had become a reliable enough conveyance to warrant long distance travel. More and more newlyweds were consequently taking automobile honeymoons. This new custom was played up in popular songs and novels of the period."

Please read on and enjoy...

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1920's -- Let's Elope !

Gone were many time-hallowed institutions-along with the corsetted figure. The woman of the 1920s bared her legs...

Hip-hooray! The world has been made "safe for democracy" , and we in America had not a care in the world. Unlimited industrial production, increasing stock dividends, silk shirts for day laborers, chicken in every pot, and two cars in every garage. The spirit of these gay irresponsible times was carried over into many a wedding picture of the day... Informality, and more informality! Eopements galore, with a justice of the peace instead of a minister. Gone were many time-hallowed institutions-along with the corsetted figure bridal gown. Now a girl could show her legs...

History Weddings - 1920's, The Roaring Twenties...

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1920's
"Above all, the 20's were days of non-conforming. Ones friends were married (if all all!) atop flagpoles or under water. Some brides affected black velvet. And one contemporary account stressed the uncommoness of a brides "breaking into billowy tradition . . ." " to walk to the altar with no suggestion of knees and shoulder blades."

Please read on...

Weddings -- The 1950's

Elaborate Church Weddings Were Now In Vouge...

The thing that marks weddings of this decade is the return of dignity. Elaborate church services have come back into vogue. The utmost in correct formal attire is expected not only of the bride, but also the groom, and his ushers. It is not uncommon for people of moderate circumstances to rent all the wedding costumes. But rented or owned, the attire is worn proudly, and form a cherished picture by all who view the affair.

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1950's

Wedding History - Weddings From The 1950's
"As for wedding music, that also continues to be traditional. Besides Lohengrin and Mendelssohn, and favorites like "O Promise Me" as shown herein, many other musical selections can and will be used. Here is a list of those heard fairly recently at some ceremony or the reception thereafter: please read on ...

So -- Where Did The Tradition Of Throwing The Bouquet Come From?

Throwing the wedding bouquet dates back many centuries with its origins being in England...

So, have you ever been the one who caught the bouquet at the wedding?

Tossing the bouquet has been a long-standing tradition at many years. During the reception the bride will toss her bouquet among the single women that have attended the wedding. Whoever catches the bouquet is said to be the next woman who will marry.

The throwing of the bouquet by the bride is pretty standard at weddings. Most women have been at more than one wedding where the bride throws the bouquet. In fact, guests would be surprised if the bride did not throw her bouquet, at a wedding of today. However, even though this tradition is often expected, many guests probably do not know the history behind the throwing of the bouquet.

Throwing the wedding bouquet dates back many centuries, with its origins being in England. In England guests used to grab at the brides clothing, and flowers. They did so because they wanted to share in the joy , and happiness of the new bride. It would seem they thought a memento of sorts from the bride's dress or flowers would help to pass the joy on among the guests.

The brides used to be chases after by guests, and other observers of the wedding. The bride would try to protect her clothing, and escape the mad rush of people. It came to be that the bride would toss her bouquet of flowers into the crowd.

She did so in an attempt to please the people so that they would stop chasing her. Luckily the tradition of the bouquet is a little more civilized today, and perhaps more fun than it was back then.

Wedding Ring Trivia...

Some theorize the circlet is derived from fetters ( chain or shackle for the feet) worn by captive women in medieval times. While others accredit it to the exchange of tokens to signify good faith or friendship.

Whatever the origin, the wedding ring is certainly here to stay. Manufacturers have proof of the fact. Wide wedding bands, which are again popular, have their inspiration deep in history. The wide gold band ring became popular in Shakespeare time, they were of chased designs, and sentimental inscriptions were added to the in side of the band.

So, why is the wedding ring worn on the forth finger? The habit of wearing the wedding symbol on the fourth finger of the left hand is based upon a Grecian fable that the artery from that finger flows directly to ones heart. Scientist reject this theory, and claim there is no factual evidence to substantiate the theory.

During the Elizabethan era, the trend decreed that the wedding ring be worn on the thumb. Use of the wedding symbol was also evident in Egyptian culture, and it is present in the form of hieroglyphics on walls of ancient tombs archaeologists have discovered. Generally the Egyptian circlets were depicted as heavy metal bands, encrusted with precious or semiprecious stones.

However, history tells another story. Roman archaeologists reputed to have found only "ugly metal bands."

The Smallest wedding circlet (ring) is believed to have been made for Princess Mary, daughter of King Henry VIII. The Princes was betroth to the Dolphin of France, Sor. of King Francis I. The ceremony was performed Oct. 5, 1518. The princess was two years of age, and her spouse was born Feb. 28, 1518.

The ring came into use in Christian ceremonies about 870, authorities state, and was in use in biblical times by the Hebrews. Though fashion decreed trends towards narrow bands and introduced other whimsies, the gypsy always has held firm to tradition. The broadness and weight of the golden ring decrees and denotes the position of the gypsy couple in the tribe. The bigger and heavier the circlet, the bigger and better the standing of the wedded pair.

Before 1940-only 15% of the bridegrooms received rings. Then with the outbreak of World War II, the double ring ceremony increased to 6O %. With the Korean war the number increased to 70%.

The primitives considered an unmarried man as only half a man. The wedding circlet was indicative of the completion of both the life span of man and woman. Though

Wedding Ring History

An Interesting Read...

Wedding Ring History
What is the history of the wedding ring?
Why do we exchange wedding rings?
Who started the tradition of the wedding ring?....

A Bit Of Trivia On Wedding Cakes ...

Wedding cakes in the early 1900's began to be made of white cake, and white frosting. As a rule they were a one large layer cake, that would be decorated with real flowers. This was a big change from the typical wedding cakes of the 1800's, which were made of currant and nuts. Somewhat like our Christmas fruit cake of today, with a sugar glaze.

In the 1900's a grooms cake was also included in the wedding feast. The grooms cake was of the dark fruity nature, it was meant to last. You see the grooms cake was to be cut and wrapped, and single girls were to take it home to tuck under their pillow, for perhaps sweet dreams...

A Few Great Articles On Wedding Traditions

History Of Wedding Rings...
Whatever the origin, the wedding ring is here to stay. Manufacturers have proof of the fact. The wide wedding bands, which began to come into popularity again three years ago, have their inspiration deep in history. The wide golden ring began to acquire chased designs and sentimental inscriptions during the time of Shakespeare.
Wedding Etiquette 1902...
"A sufficient public announcement of the engagement is made by the ring, which it is usual for the gentleman to give the lady, as a token of the new relation existing between them. This may be a diamond solitaire, if the means of the gentleman will permit. Otherwise, a plain gold band is in order. It must be worn on the third finger of the left hand."

Please read on...
Outdoor Weddings 1900's
"A victrola may be arranged in the proper place to furnish the wedding processional - or perhaps some musical friend may be found to play the violin.

The simpler the pageant, the more effective it will be. First may come a tiny flower girl in a white frock, swinging a cretonne flowered sunbonnet from which she tosses apple blossom sprays.

If there are bridesmaids, they should wear the simplest of pink dresses with pink fillets on their hair or else wide straw hats trimmed only with a tiny wreath of flowers."

Please read on...
A Wild Rose Wedding 1900's
Very popular Wedding of the early 1900's...

"A wild-rose wedding which one bride planned was wonderfully attractive. In one corner of the living-room an arch of woven wire was erected, and covered with graceful wild clematis vines and wild roses. On each window-sill stood a jar of wild roses, and the mantel was banked with them."

Please read on...
Wedding Table Decorations 1900's
"Whatever color scheme is used in the other parts of the house, an entirely different one may be carried out in the diningroom. Some suggestions for simple table decorations in various colors follow:

1. Large low bowl of blue and pink forgetme-nots in the center of the table, with candle shades of white, painted with forget-me-not sprays."

Please read on...
Clothes For The Wedding 1920's
Thinking of having a 1920 motif wedding--Check it out...

"The wedding dress is described under Trousseau in Chapter II.

The bridesmaids' costumes are selected by the bride to harmonize with the color plan of the wed-ding; the number of bridesmaids is determined by the bride, but it is not necessary to have any.

The Maid or Matron of Honor-This "lady in waiting" is indispensable. Her costume should be of a color to "set off" the bridal white.

To correspond with the bride's maid of honor or matron of honor, the groom always has a best man who is generally his brother or his best friend.

Please read on...
Marriage Customs Of England And Wales -- late 1800's
WE have reserved our account of the customs of our country to the end, in order that the reader may be in a better position to understand the origin and meaning of those observances which have been handed down from a more or less remote antiquity. There are more survivals in our present marriage customs than one would think, as may be shown by answering a few simple questions. Thus :

Please read on...
Antique Digest...
Please Visit The Antique Digest -- You will find many more wonderful articles on Weddings in general, and many more articles on wedding customs from around the world...
History Of The Wedding Cake
"The history of the wedding cake goes back as far as the Roman Empire, well before the concept of elaborately icing a cake, was invented. Through the years, the wedding cake has become the focus of a variety of customs and traditions. Some of these customs have survived through time. Some have not. The custom of breaking the cake over the bride's head, is no longer practiced. The tradition may have its roots as far back as the Roman Empire."

please read more...
How and when did the white wedding dress originate? - Yahoo! Answers
And what was used before then for marriage ceremon…
How and when did the white wedding dress originate? - Yahoo! Answers
And what was used before then for marriage ceremon…
How and when did the white wedding dress originate? - Yahoo! Answers
And what was used before then for marriage ceremon…

A Glimpse Into The Past -- The Wedding Gowns Of Hollywood Starlet's...

Vivian Leigh wore clinging white floor length satin...

Vivian Hartley married "Leigh Holman "-- a charming, educated, considerate, wonderfully mannered , Attorney at Law. It was said to be love at first sight.
They were married on 20th December 1932 at St. James, Spanish Place. She wore clinging white satin, her bridesmaids wore peach satin with puff sleeves and carried chrysanthemums.

Jean Harlow At Wedding To Paul Bern

Apparently, little planning went into the nuptials? Jean was did not even purchase a real wedding gown. She simply went into a dress shop that she frequented, and bought an off-the-rack! The dress was white with a cropped white fringed shawl. On July 2, 1932 the couple were married in" Bern's" home. They took one day off, and then returned to work the following day.

Elizabeth Taylors First Wedding Dress ...

Elizabeth starred as Kay Banks, in "Father Of The Bride" with Spencer Tracy being cast as her frustrated father, the movie was light hearted, and a big hit at the box office, in 1950... At a mature eighteen years-old, Elizabeth's movie roll, and real life coincided.

"Father Of The Bride" when," was filmed shortly before her own marriage to "Nicky Hilton."

Sadly -- the couple were divorced after only nine months

Audrey & Mel Ferrer Wed...

Hepburn met Mel Ferrer at a party given by Gregory Peck. She had first seen him in the film "Lili", and was captivated by not only his looks, but his performance. Ferrer later sent Hepburn the script for the play "Ondine", and Hepburn agreed to the role. Rehearsals started in January 1954, Hepburn and Ferrer were married on Sep, 25th 1954....

A Very Royal Wedding...

Grace Kelly weds Prince Rainier Of Monaco...April 19th, 1956

Grace Kelly had six bridesmaids, and the matron of honor. All dressed in yellow organdy dresses. Six junior attendants - four girls in white dresses, and two boys in white satin breeches. Grace was walked down the isle by her father, Jack. She would await Rainier at the altar.

Rainier wore a Monegasque uniform. Grace wore a gown courtesy of MGM's resident costume designer "Helen Rose", the dress could not have been more"regal". The high-necked, long-sleeved gown was fitted through the torso, and made of lace, it came to Grace's tiny waist where it erupted into a billowing full skirt. The wedding dress was made of hundreds of yards of the highest quality silk taffeta,and the lace was that of peau de soie, tulle and lace. Her head was a Juliet cap, decorated with seed pearls, and a veil made from some ninety yards of tulle.

Sharon Tate... Weds Roman Polanski

On January 20th, 1968, Roman and Sharon married in a highly publicized wedding in London. She worn an oh-so beautiful little mini dress...

In December 1968, Sharon discovered that she was pregnant. She knew that Roman, would not accept bringing a child into the world. Due to his childhood memories of running from Nazis. She hid the pregnancy until January. After he heard the news, he was actually very happy, and looked forward to the birth of their child.

On February 12th, 1969 Sharon and Roman moved into their "love house" at 10050 Cielo Drive in Benedict Canyon. Where Sharon kept busy getting ready for the birth of the couples first child.

On August 9th, Sharon, and her unborn child, were murdered by members of the "Manson Family."

Bridal Shower Trivia Game...

I hope you will enjoy this little Bridal Shower game. Its designed for all you History buffs. I hope if you are planning a Bridal Shower - you will include this short fun game in your festivities...

See Link Below...

Check Out This Fun -- Bridal Shower History Trivia Game

Bridal Shower Trivia Game
Need a not so tedious game for a bridal shower?
Check out this little wedding history trivia game. I think you might find it fun?

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Nothing But Gowns ... This wonderful ebay Store, (that can proudly boast of their wonderful costumer Feedback) offers hundreds of beautiful wedding gown. Gowns that are not only exquisite, but are the latest in bridal fashion. The prices of the gowns are unbelievably low...And as if this is not enough. Nothing But Gowns-- go one step further. They have a wonderful return policy !

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Please take time to visit Nothing But Gowns, if not just to browse. They carry so many gowns, you will be overwhelmed with the choices.

Nothing But Gowns...

You only wear it once -- Select the dress you always dreamed of...

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So Many Styles To Consider...

"Nothing But Gowns" have so many gowns, a great selection of the latest styles. It won't be hard to find the wedding gown to make your dreams come true...

Check Out The Selection Of Wedding Gowns At Ebay...

On a bit of a budget? Ebay has hundreds of spectacular wedding gown's. You won't believe the discount prices, on every style on gown you can imagine.... Check out ebay, before you head off to a Bridal salon.

So You Want A Vintage Wedding Gown ...

ebay has such a great selection of vintage wedding gowns... Most at very low prices. If your looking for a special vintage bridal gown -- check out ebay.

Ebay Has Wonderful Vintage Wedding 1960s

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Beautiful Gowns From 1940s - 1950s...

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Vintage gowns... !920- 1930s

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Vintage wedding Gowns

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Really Special Vintage Dresses ...

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