Weddings come with tons of customs and traditions, the history of which is always quite interesting. Many couples are eager to incorporate age-old practices into their weddings. Over the years, however, the practices have changed and transformed.
For those who want tradition and modernity, or who would prefer to customise their wedding to be more original, perhaps insight into how wedding traditions have changed over the years will help to find a middle ground.
– Asking for permission
In years gone by, it was often considered respectful to ask a woman’s father for her hand in marriage. Today, women have much more agency and are no longer considered to be “passed on” to their husbands. Many still follow this custom as a sign of respect. However, others have completely done away with the tradition.
– Veils
Originally, the wedding veil was a way to protect the bride from evil spirits on her wedding day. In 1849, however, Queen Victoria donned a veil as fashion for the first time ever. Since then, many brides have decided to go without a veil or have replaced it with other accessories such as flower crowns.
– Not seeing each other before the ceremony
In the past, it was considered to be very bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. This tradition started at a time when arranged marriages were more common, and was a way to ensure that a groom did not have a change of heart before the ceremony.
Today, many couples have “first look” shoots. They have a private moment together before their nuptials to capture the first moment they see each other in their wedding attire.
– Receptions
Today, we have large receptions that take months of preparation and planning. We offer full meals and often have a constant flow of food and drink for our guests. Previously, a wedding reception was merely some cake and tea at the home of the brides parents.
– The classic vows
The classic wedding vows, which can be traced back to 1549, say that the bride promises to “love, honour, keep, obey, and serve” her husband to be. The last two words are often dropped, these days.
– Rice throwing
Traditionally, newly-weds were sent off from their weddings by having rice tossed at them. Today, bubbles, eco-friendly glitter, or sparklers, amongst other things are often used instead.
Image: Unsplash
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One of the most anticipated South African weddings of the year, the Somhale white wedding, recently broke the internet as fans excitedly awaited photos and videos. However, very few images taking us into the wedding actually appeared. Many were surprised to find that the social media-loving couple actually banned guests from bringing their phones to the wedding.
Explaining the reason behind their choice to have an ‘unplugged’ wedding, Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo says that he wanted their guests to live in the moment.
“So when we decided to tell our wedding guests via Invites that there will be no phones or cameras allowed beyond the venue gates I’m sure most of them had a mini heart attack thinking how they are gonna get through the day without their phone,” Somizi wrote on Instagram. “The main reasons for that was so that people can engage with each other. Can enjoy every moment with their naked eyes. But also for us as grooms to have exclusive privacy of our day until everyone can get to witness it on @showmaxonline from the 24th February 2020.
We were also very considerate towards our guests as we gifted them with @instaxsa cameras to capture special memories for themselves.”
Fans will get the chance to see the Somhale wedding in all its glory. The wedding will be broadcast in a 4-part special on Showmax, premiering on February 24.
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Feature image: Instagram / Somizi
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As everyone knows, detail counts when it comes to your wedding look. The dress and hair might be the main focus but trust us, it is possible to ruin a whole look with something as simple as jewellery. So, since we’ve come full circle and and are now back to the roaring 20s, we take some inspiration from a bygone era for dramatic yet feminine earrings that will complete the look to perfection.
Think bold, heavy, and dark, but always sophisticated and sleek. Stay away from cheap or imitation earrings as this could give a “fake” look you don’t want. Here, take the time to carefully consider the earrings that will match your style and give you rocker flair without overpowering the rest of your outfit.
Image: Pexels
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Ever loved something so much you made it your wedding theme? This couple did. Their love of the musical The Greatest Showman was so great, they just knew they had to incorporate it into their big day.
Julia and Kurtis Moellmann from Orlando, Florida are both huge fans of the circus. So much so that the pair, both of whom work at Ripley Entertainment Inc. knew it had to be a part of their wedding
“Kurtis and I grew up loving the circus,” Julia told Business Insider. “I used to take my mother — who had recently passed away suddenly due to brain cancer — to the circus every Mother’s Day.”
“It describes our lives, our current jobs, and what we both love,” she explains their love of the circus. “When we’re not at work, we’re at a local circus or searching for oddities that might be found in a circus sideshow.”
A year before their wedding, the couple watched The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya. They fell in love with the musical, rewatching it over and over again. The film’s aesthetic matched perfectly with their personalities, so they decided to recreate it for their big day.
Their barn-like wedding venue was transformed into a circus tent with draping red and white fabrics hung from the ceiling.
Both Julia and Kurtis wore circus-inspired outfits, with Kurtis dressing like a ringleader.
To go with the theme, carnival snacks like popcorn and snow cones were on offer, as well as food stands featuring burgers, pizza, chicken, fries, and funnel cake.
“We had freak-show posters, circus photo ops, and everyone was given a clown nose at their place setting,” Julia adds. The pair even had a miniature horse to pose with them for photos.
Their guests loved this unique take on a wedding.
“Kurtis and I aren’t your average white dress, church wedding people, so it was a nice break for everyone overall,” Julia explains. “You can only eat so many badly cooked steaks and watch couples frolic down a church aisle so many times without falling asleep,” she said of traditional weddings.
Check out more of their work on their website.
Feature image: Unsplash