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12 September 2018

2 minute read

The real meaning behind popular wedding traditions

If there is one event that is rich with tradition it would have to be a wedding. We’ve seen beautiful traditional weddings here at Gabbinbar Homestead through to more modern weddings with just a hint of tradition scattered throughout the day. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a modern bride, have you ever thought what do these traditions really mean? Well, here’s the down-low on all the wedding traditions we’ve come to know and love.

A joyful bride and groom walk down the aisle hand in hand, smiling and laughing as guests shower them with flower petals. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers and wears a strapless white gown, while the groom is dressed in a black tuxedo.
A woman with straight black hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a sleeveless black top and small, round earrings. The background features green foliage.

Written by  Anje Luck

The passionate leader of our wedding sales team. Anje excels in creating a memorable first impression.

1. BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES.

Bridesmaid’s all wearing the same dress is a tradition beginning around the Ancient Roman times. Not only would bridesmaids dress like each other, but also just like the bride so the bridesmaids acted as decoys. Essentially, weddings back in those days were likely to be invaded by evil spirits. The purpose of the bridesmaids was to confuse these evil spirits for long enough that the bridal couple were able to tie the knot without disruption or evil hailing down on them.

Five women stand together in a garden, smiling and holding bouquets of flowers. The woman in the center wears a white dress, while the other four wear dark green dresses. A rustic house and trees are visible in the background.
2. THE CUTTING OF THE WEDDING CAKE.

If there is one wedding tradition which has truly lasted the test of time, we’d say it’s the wedding cake. Stylish, decadent and sometimes almost too pretty to eat, the wedding cake always makes a statement at any wedding with guests usually oohing and ahhing as they catch a glimpse of the cake. We mustn’t forget though; the cutting of the wedding cake symbolizes the first activity completed as a couple, a special moment gracing many wedding albums.

A three-tiered white wedding cake adorned with pink and white peonies, delicate small flowers, and green leaves. The cake is placed on a wooden table with additional greenery around the base. Soft outdoor light filters through a window in the background.
A three-tier white wedding cake decorated with gold leaf accents and adorned with white and peach roses, anemones, and greenery. The cake has a smooth texture with floral arrangements positioned around each tier, creating an elegant and romantic aesthetic.
3. YOUR FIRST DANCE.

Back in the days of Kings and Queens the first dance was used to open a ball or a special event. This special occasion was led by the guest of honor, usually someone very high on the social ladder or even from the royal family. Hence, the first dance was the grand opening for the ball and now it has evolved into a tradition at our modern-day wedding.

A bride and groom smile and embrace while dancing indoors. The bride wears a strapless, lace wedding gown, and the groom is in a black suit with a pink pocket square. Behind them, a large window is illuminated with twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
4. THE FAMOUS BOUQUET TOSS.

This tradition comes from back in the day in England when wedding guests believed that grabbing a piece of the bride would bring them luck. Believe it or not guests would physically try to rip off pieces of the bride's dress. So, in the early days the bride threw the bouquet to try and distract the guests tugging on her beautiful wedding dress (we don’t blame her).

Bridal sandals, a bouquet of various flowers, a small wrapped gift, a perfume bottle, and a necklace with a pendant are elegantly arranged on a wooden floor.
A floral bouquet featuring large, pale pink peonies and roses, accented with green foliage, rests on a light-colored, cushioned surface. The flowers appear fresh and delicately arranged.