Notations
GARTERS & COINS & PARTIES
As you review the many wedding traditions you may wish to incorporate into your wedding ceremony, it can be fun to know their history.
The Lucky Sixpence-- Brides are urged to slip a sixpence (or dime) into the sole of their left shoe. Tradition has it that the gesture would appease Diana, the goddess of chastity and unmarried women, and the bride would lose her virginity and bear children. In other cultures, the coin has become a symbol of prosperity for the young couple.
The Bridal Garter-- The tradition of wearing a garter and then allowing it to be tossed to the single men at the reception dates back to the 14th century. It mimics the tradition of heraldic love in which ladies of the court gave a token of their support-- a scarf or ribbon-- to knights going into combat. The Order of the Garter was formed in England at that time and admission to the Order was an honor given to noblemen who then wore the garter to indicate their distinguished service to royals. Today, the garter is worn throughout the ceremony, and later is presented to the groom as a symbol of the bride's support. Today, this tradition of "tossing of the garter'" to the single men at the party is part of the Order of the Garter recognizing the service of the single men to the groom, and a sign that the guest who catches it ill be the next to marry.
The Bachelor Party-- Despite its occasional dip into excess today, the bachelor party does have its roots in history. In fact, it may date back to the grooms of Sparta. The groom would invite his close friends to supper on the eve of his wedding to celebrate and to reminisce about his past. It became an "event of mourning" for the passing of his bachelor status. Today's parties are usually just that-- an occasion for celebration, One hopes that they are done in good taste.
Please stop in to see our experienced consultants for more ideas to link the past to your very current plans.
A Gift to you from:
BRIDAL ELEGANCE, ILLINOIS' LARGEST BRIDAL AND PROM STORE.
Now at two locations:
205 W. Etna Road, Ottawa, Il. 61350 Phone: 815.433.3050
1329 E. Empire Street, Bloomington, IL. 61701 Phone: 309.662.8200
