June has long been celebrated as the most popular month for weddings—and for good reason. Named after the Roman goddess Juno, protector of women, marriage, and childbirth, June was traditionally seen as the most auspicious time to wed. Couples believed that tying the knot during Juno’s month would bring blessings and a successful union.
At CCSH, we have a team member getting married soon, which inspired me to reflect on some timeless wedding traditions that have shaped how couples celebrate their big day—and how these customs link us to history, superstition, and sometimes a little bit of luck.
The Meaning Behind the Rings
Have you ever wondered why engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand? It was once believed that a vein ran directly from that finger to the heart, symbolizing a deep connection between love and life itself. And did you know that sapphires set in wedding rings are said to represent marital happiness?
Bridesmaids, Veils, and Protecting the Bride
The tradition of matching bridesmaids dates all the way back to Roman times. People feared evil spirits who might attend the wedding seeking to curse the couple, so bridesmaids dressed like the bride to confuse those spirits and safeguard the marriage. Similarly, veils—now an iconic bridal accessory—were worn by ancient Greeks and Romans to protect the bride from malevolent forces. Veils also symbolized modesty, humility, and purity.
Bouquets of Meaning
In earlier times, brides carried bouquets filled with herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. Today, flowers have their own meanings, allowing couples to express emotions and commitment through the “language of flowers.” Fun fact: the largest wedding bouquet on record weighed over 400 pounds!
Blue and White: The Colors of Wedding Dresses
You might be surprised to learn that in ancient times, blue was the color brides wore to symbolize purity and fidelity. White dresses, now synonymous with weddings, were originally a sign of wealth and social status. Queen Victoria’s choice to wear white popularized the trend of the white wedding dress, which was once simply the bride’s best gown.
The Father’s Walk and Other Customs
The well-known tradition of a father giving away the bride has roots in medieval Europe when daughters were viewed as property to be transferred from one man to another. Nowadays, it’s a loving symbolic gesture of support as the bride is escorted down the aisle.
Wedding favors have long been a way to thank guests and ward off bad luck, while the wedding cake dates back to ancient Greece. The Romans even broke a cake of wheat or barley over the bride’s head for good fortune. The largest wedding cake ever made weighed an astounding 6.8 tons!
“Tying the Knot” and the Honeymoon
The phrase “tying the knot” comes from many cultures where the couple’s hands were literally tied together to symbolize their new bond—whether Celtic, Hindu, or Egyptian. After the ceremony, newlyweds traditionally head off on their honeymoon, a term rooted in Norse customs. Ancient bridal couples would hide away for a month (or one moon), while family brought them honey wine to celebrate.
Superstition and Love: A Timeless Mix
Looking back at these traditions, it’s clear that superstitions, legends, and hopes for luck have long influenced weddings and the promise of a lasting marriage. Perhaps that’s why some people still choose the glitz and spontaneity of Las Vegas weddings—sometimes love really does thrive on a little gamble!
