As promised, we are back to satisfy some more curious minds out there. Join us as we explore some more peculiar beginnings to our favorite wedding traditions….

Throwing Rice

Rice was seen as a symbol of fertility and was thrown at the newlyweds, in Britain, as a blessing at the end of pagan weddings. The Victorians were the first to use the much more dignified shredded paper to send off the bride and groom. While shredded paper classifies for the definition of confetti, the word confetti actually originated in Italy as a type of sugar almonds they tossed in their air during times of celebration.

throwingrice

Photography: JuneBug Weddings

The Bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid is now seen as a position of honor and friendship but during the Roman times brides would have 10 witnesses dressed identical to them as a decoy for evil spirit intending to harm the bride. Up until the 19th century, the replicas were also used to protect the bride from jilted suitors intending to kidnap her en-route to the wedding.

bridesmaids

Photography: Chicago Wedding Photography

The Best Man

Another form of protection came in the form of the groom’s best man. This Anglo-Saxon tradition included the groom’s strongest and most loyal friend helping him battle any resistance from the family of the bride. He stood up with the groom during the ceremony to ensure the bride was fully protected at all times.

bestman

Photography: Courtney Sarah Photography

We will be back soon with more traditions explained but until then…

Tell us lovelies: What do you think of following tradition? How would you make it your own?

XO coutureevents