In the know
Essential tips and hints for your big day...
Give Her a Ring
Ever wondered where the culture of putting your wedding ring on your third finger (not counting, of course, the thumb) comes from? Believe it or not, the tradition dates right back to the ancient Greeks, who wrongly believed the finger contained a vein which ran right to the heart – it was, therefore, surmised that this finger was the most direct way to connect your ring to your loved one!
Your Top Table
When planning your reception venue, do make sure that your top table can accommodate all your essential attendants and both the bride’s & groom’s mother and father. Naturally, our suggestion for the layout of your top table, as offered here, draws upon our representation of tradition, but the overall plan of your table will necessarily depend on your choice of venue, their capacity to provide a large enough top table, to seat everyone comfortably and will necessarily depend on how many attendants or step-parents you have to seat!
Something Old
The old rhyme 'Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue these days omits the aged coinage of the six pence piece, which was originally tacked on to the end of the verse.
The different elements of the rhyme are supposedly symbolic of the bride’s old life, something to reflect the bride’s new found sense of prosperity and fortune, something already owned by a bride who had happily married before, and finally, something coloured blue for when, in biblical times, the colour represented purity and fidelity.
The previous tradition of wearing a silver sixpence in one’s shoe was intended as a symbol of the wealth and joy her new husband was to bring her in the future.
Cooking Up a Successful Marriage…
The word bride actually originates from the old English name for a cook – and whilst many brides reading this will turn up their noses at the idea of their new found role as domestic goddess, they’re far more likely to identify with the old English translation of the term groom – male child…! Sound familiar girls?!?
Standing To Attention
Why is it the case that during any marriage ceremony the bride always stands on the left and the groom the right? The origin of this tradition dates back to times of old when knights were bold -it was believed that if a knight needed to do any slaying during the ceremony (mothers-in-law, or members of the congregation failing to switch off their mobile phone through the ceremony for example!), standing on the right hand side would enable the groom to use his left hand to protect his bride whilst drawing his sword with his right.
Confetti in The Future?
The use of confetti at many wedding ceremony venues is under threat, as some consider the mess it makes environmentally unsound. The tradition dates back to pagan times when showering the couple with grain granted them a fruitful union. These days, however, the sludgy mess which confetti leaves, especially in the wet, means that many venues prevent guests from throwing it. Fortunately, many alternatives are available, such as the newly emerged trend of blowing wedding bubbles at the happy couple, which is far more environmentally acceptable.
Counting The Cost!
Whilst your wedding should be the happiest day of your life it's probably best not to count the cost - with recent research revealing that the average cost of getting spliced has now reached and breached the £15,000 mark! You and Your Wedding magazine compiled the survey which declared the honeymoon the most expensive element of the event, costing an average of £3,000, and the bride's complete outfit (including shoes, veil, jewellery and headdress) costing around £1,500 too. However, the silver lining is that the average couple does manage to recoup some of the investment not just with years and years of wedded bliss, but with gifts from their wedding list totalling around £1,500.
When To Marry
Ever wondered about the superstitious circumstances of your chosen month to marry? Wonder no more, rather enjoy this old English rhyme:
Married in January's roar and rime,
Widowed you'll be before your prime.
Married in February's sleepy weather,
Life you'll tread in time together.
Married when March winds shrill and roar,
Your home will lie on a distant shore.
Married 'neath April's changeful skies,
A checkered path before you lies.
Married when bees o'er May blossoms flit,
Strangers around your board will sit.
Married in month of roses June,
Life will be one long honeymoon.
Married in July with flowers ablaze,
Bitter-sweet memories in after days.
Married in August's heat and drowse,
Lover and friend in your chosen spouse.
Married in September's golden glow,
Smooth and serene your life will go.
Married when leaves in October thin,
Toil and hardships for you begin.
Married in veils of November mist,
Fortune your wedding ring has kissed.
Married in days of December's cheer,
Love's star shines brighter from year to year.
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