Weddings are filled with customs and tradition that still play a role in weddings today. While some come from sweet superstitions, others have pretty archaic roots. Nowadays, people are much more accepting and so the couple can decide which traditions, if any, they would like to include in their wedding.
Most wedding traditions are just accepted without actually knowing the reasons behind them. Let’s see if you still think these 5 traditions are necessary once you know their history:
Bride wearing white
White has always been associated with purity and so it became a traditional colour for virgin brides. However, before the 1800s, brides would generally wear red on their wedding day and it wasn’t until Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding in 1840 that it became a trend. While the bride wearing white is probably the most commonly followed tradition, it is not necessary and totally up to the bride.
Something old, new, borrowed and blue
This is quite a sweet tradition and totally understandable, especially if you’re a superstitious person, as it’s meant to bring good fortune to the bride. The ‘something old’ is a way to keep the bride connected to her past and her family. The ‘something new’ represents the start of her new family. The bride is also supposed to borrow something from a happily married couple so that their luck will be passed on to the newlyweds. And lastly, ‘something blue’ comes from the phrase ‘true blue’ and is associated with faithfulness.
Bride’s father giving her away
This tradition dates back to arranged marriages and was a representation of a transfer of ownership. This of course refers to how women were treated as property and, surely, everyone will agree that the roots of this tradition are outdated, thank goodness! Today it is a sweet way for the bride to honour her father.
Couple not seeing each other before the wedding
Also dating back to arranged marriages, it was believed that the couple could change their minds about the marriage if they met before the wedding. Recently, ‘first looks’ (couple meets with their photographer before the ceremony) have become popular and can help calm the nerves of the couple before they walk down the aisle. Those who still hold this tradition, however, see it as a way to build excitement before the wedding, and it definitely makes for good pictures!
Bride’s family paying for everything
An old-fashioned tradition that also comes from the bride being considered property. The bride’s parents would pay for the wedding as they were essentially paying the groom’s family to take their daughter off their hands. Thankfully we live in a world today where women’s rights have advanced and marriage is no longer the only way a woman can be taken care of. These days it is up to the couple and their parents – some choosing to pay for the wedding themselves and sometimes both sets of parents deciding to split the cost – it is completely dependent on everyone’s personal situations.
Regardless of all this, times have changed and the roots of these traditions are no longer valid. It’s your wedding and you should only include traditions that you feel comfortable with.
Picture: Unsplash
The Xhosa people are a Bantu group native to Southern Africa. They belong to various tribes such as amaGcaleka, amaNdlambe, imiDushane and more. A traditional Xhosa wedding doesn’t…
Come experience the ‘good life’ at Monte Vista Boutique Hotel. The brand-new boutique hotel, situated along South Africa’s famed Route 62, offers up all the creature comforts of home with a whole lot of added luxury. ⠀
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Catering for the perfect space to have a romantic retreat with your loved one or to host family and friends, in a relaxed and inspired setting. With fourteen suites to choose from, all en-suite and individually decorated, you’ll be left spoilt for choice and feeling every bit ‘at home’ during your stay with us. Our newly launched luxury suites also boasts its own verandah, perfect for your first morning coffee.
We have the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a time of leisure around our pools and beautiful gardens, overlooking encompassing mountain views. Our prime spot on the historical Church street also means you can leisurely stroll to fine restaurants, art galleries, and museums.
Montagu has a way of refreshing and restoring like no other little town.
It is a priceless privilege to wake up surrounded by mountains and we are offering a lucky couple just that – a two-night stay in our gorgeous and individually finished honeymoon en-suite that is designed around maximizing your comfort.
Included in your two-night stay:⠀
– Welcome basket filled with treats
– Breakfast for two⠀
– WiFi⠀
– In-room tea and coffee making station
– Use of pool and gardens
– Inside & secure parking⠀
– Air conditioning ⠀
– En suite bathroom and outdoor verandah⠀
Prize Details:
A two-night stay at Monte Vista Boutique Hotel with breakfast included.
How to enter: Fill in the form below.
Our Winner:
Juanita Loubser.
Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on September 2, 2019.
– The winners will be announced on September 2, 2019.
– Does not include transport
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners must be over the age of 18
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners must be over the age of 18
– Subject to availability
– Two night stay in the honeymoon suite
– Breakfast included for both days
– Dinner can be arranged at an additional fee⠀
– Breakfast included for both days
– Dinner can be arranged at an additional fee⠀
Bush breaks are no longer just reserved for weekends with Sibani Lodge’s brand new and diverse portfolio offering. Situated on the world heritage site of Mt Savannah, near…
Just outside the red flower-lined streets of picturesque Roberston is a place that’s truly seen a renaissance that captures its rich past. Jan Harmsgat Guest House is a grand old dame, cleverly veiling some of her best keep secrets, just a little off SA’s famed Route 62.
The farm history dates back to 1723 and as if that’s not impressive enough, if pomegranates are the fruit of the gods – this must certainly be an earthly offering of heaven.
Exporting more than 850 tonnes a year, a safari-style farm drive around the 625 hectares of seemingly ever-stretching views proudly boasts some of SA’s most fertile lands. When Jan Harmsgat is not perfecting its wine offering, they’re harvesting and exporting pomegranate, making pomegranate honey for a demand they can’t keep up with, and are dealing out litres of the 100-percent natural pomegranate juice, that the health world is lapping up for its incredible anti-oxidant properties.
At its core, this is a working farm but beyond the bountiful harvests and warm welcomes, there’s a sense of tranquiltiy here that greets you upon arrival and holds you at a sub-average pulse rate until your departure date. (This despite there being really great wifi on site).
It could be something to do with the slower pace of life that’s encouraged here, the fact that locals love it and are catered for in clever additions to the event calendar line up like ‘local night’- where your ribs come complete with complimentary bib and local musician for background entertainment.
Pecan nut trees line the picturesque gardens and encourage the sense of tranquility that Jan Harmsgat has become well known for.
Dining al-fresco at this luxurious old country lodge also means your first-world problems extend only to the choice between tree canopy cover or vineyard view.
Old-world luxury and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history are all part of the package at Jan Harmsgat and this summer, there’s not much that’s not on offer.
Less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town, be prepared to be transported back to another era where open space, country charm and your comfort reign supreme.
Prize Details:
1 Night stay for 2 people at Jan Harmsgat, Breakfast, 3-course dinner, Backlands Farm Drive worth R3400
How to enter: Please fill in the form below
Our Winner:
Marica Phyfer.
Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on September 6 on this page
– The winners will be announced on September 6 on this page
– This stay is valid for 6 months
– Does not include transport
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners must be over the age of 18
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners must be over the age of 18
A classic complement to any celebration, like Champagne, Grace du Roi MCC spends at least nine months developing flavour in the bottle according to French methods, resulting in…
The digital age is upon us. Hard print copy is slowly leaving our fingertips as we migrate online. Most people have access to the internet and a variety of digital devices. As lovely as physical wedding invites are it may be a great idea to consider a digital approach. To help you along we have put together a few notes on how to achieve a successful site. Here are a few nifty tips to consider when starting your own wed-site.
1. Know your limits
If you’re not great with computers don’t opt for a website where you have to create everything from scratch. Rather go with platforms that provide existing templates. You can still customise it and make it look great! Make sure to choose a website that will showcase what you want and make you happy. Look around and decide after viewing a few options.
2. Don’t forget the basics
It’s so much fun choosing various designs and pictures so try to remember the basics. Be informative and ensure your wed-site goes beyond just aesthetics. Remember to include the what, where, when, who and how. Provide your guests with the 411 on dress code, the program, accommodation, location, registry, and local attractions if you are planning a destination wedding.
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3. Representation
Be sure to create a wed-site that is a great reflection of you as a couple and of your wedding theme. Personalize the display to give guests a sneak peek of your big day – stick to a specific font, incorporate your colour scheme, or include a small photo timeline. To add extra flair, something to consider is creating a unique logo.
4. Boast yourselves
It’s your big day and you’re allowed to make things about yourselves. Tell your guests about your love story, how you met, funny anecdotes and how things led to this point. With that being said don’t write essays – keep things short and sweet.
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5. Registries and hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to create an online photo album that all your guests can take part in. Perhaps the most beneficial feature of a hashtag is its ability to pull all of your wedding photos, from any source, into one place. Don’t forget to add your wedding registry link.
6. Protect your big day
Be sure to use a password for your wed-site. You don’t need any wedding crashers. Any special invite-only events shouldn’t be mentioned on the wed-site like rehearsal dinner and bachelor parties.
7. Consideration
As mentioned before, digital is taking over but consider the fact that elderly people may not keep up with the times. If your elderly guests still sit waiting for the postman, try creating a special physical copy just for them. Also, consider having a FAQ section. Things may not always be clear and that’ll help a lot.
Don’t think of a bland email that just consists of details and lack of creativity and representation of your love. Creating a wedding website or wed-site can be fun and exciting.
You’re able to put your own twist on things and can play it up or down as much as you’d like. You don’t have to be tech-savvy as many websites offer existing templates that you can customise. With just one click, your guests can check out all the details and be informed of any changes. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools
Image: Pixabay