A wedding is filled with tons of wedding traditions that are so standard, it doesn’t feel quite like a wedding without them! From the bride wearing a white dress, to exchanging wedding vows in front of your family and friends, wedding traditions make the day so special and cherished.
Today, it’s common for couples getting married to want to do something unique. For example, Christine on Selling Sunset wore a black wedding dress. A unique element we’re seeing more often is when couples incorporate traditional wedding rituals that represent their culture or heritage. Many of these wedding rituals haven’t been as prevalent either outside the couple’s community or their popularity has simply diminished in past years. But one of these might be the perfect addition to learn about for your big day. Here are 5 wedding traditions that you’ve probably never heard of (unless it is from your own heritage)!
Black Wedding Dress
Interestingly enough, there is already a country where black wedding attire is the norm. In Spain, it was customary for the bride to show up dressed in an all-black dress and mantilla (veil). It was black to symbolize the part of the vows that says “till death do us part”. Much like the white wedding dress, the black wedding dress was a representation of the bride’s love for her husband.
Tree Planting Ceremony
A tree planting ceremony is a symbol of growth and fertility. This tradition originates from the Irish culture, but it may be seen by any couple wanting to add a meaningful environmentally friendly component to their wedding. The couple chooses a tree that holds significance to them. It could be a type of tree that is meaningful in their culture, represents their shared values, or holds personal sentimental value. The act of planting a tree represents the couple’s commitment to nurturing their relationship, just as they would nurture the tree. It symbolizes their desire for their love to grow and flourish, similar to the growth of a healthy tree.
Jumping The Broom
This tradition occurs after the wedding ceremony when the couple jumps over a broom to seal the marriage deal! Jumping over a broom is a tradition in some African-American and Celtic communities and if you’ve never seen it at a wedding, you (or your parents) may have witnessed it on the TV show, “Roots” in the late 70s. The couple simply jumps over a broom together while holding hands.
There are varying theories of where the broomstick wedding originated. However, some say it may have inspired the tradition of “carrying the bride over the threshold.” This is when you’ll see the groom carry his bride into their home for the first time after their wedding to avoid bad luck.
Yugal
Another wedding tradition from the Filipino culture involves a cord. The cord is called the “yugal” which is draped around the couple in an eight-figure. This represents the infinite bond that is created by the couple through the wedding ceremony. Who puts the cord on the couple, or even makes the cord, holds significance to both of them. One thing is certain, the bond can never be broken once placed upon the couple!
Log Cutting Ceremony
In German wedding tradition, the couple has to go through the log cutting ceremony. This tradition is supposed to represent the couple’s first obstacle together. By sawing through the log, the couple shows that they can get through any hard problem that life throws at them. Traditionally, it’s just supposed to be the wedded couple cutting the log. We’ve found that some families come in and move the process along. It’s symbolic in its own way because it can remind the couple that even though they have each other, they can always look to their family member for support with any obstacles they face.
All of these traditions have one thing in common, love at the center of it. Although different from what you may or may not have experienced, the traditions are a reflection of their own culture.
Ready to bring your wedding traditions to life? Contact us for details on planning the perfect wedding day!
Complete Weddings + Events Lincoln, NE | Photographers | Videographers | DJs | Photo Booth Rental | Coordination
Don’t be afraid to reach out to our wedding experts in Lincoln, NE to help you or connect you to more wedding resources to make sure you’re getting help where it’s needed. Complete Weddings + Events Lincoln is a text or phone call away (402.434.2466) for advice or to set up a consultation to chat through your event! Contact Complete today to kickstart your wedding planning with our photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, and coordination services in Lincoln, NE.