The Traditions of an English Wedding Celebration

In the nineteenth century, marriages were arrangedBarley is thrown over the pair in Aberdeen shire.
mainly by parents and guardians. The bride and groomIn other places such as in Wales, the bride was
were not aware until the marriage ceremony. Thencarefully lifted over the entrance when she returned
after a few years, couples performed the ceremonyfrom the ceremony, because it was considered
privately. This brought a riot against parental control.unlucky for the bride to place her feet on the doorsill.
The Hardwick act of 1753 declared that the weddingPresent day wedding traditions are totally different
ceremony will be performed only after issuance of afrom those of the olden times. Brides arrange hen
license during the morning hours in Anglican Church ornights and grooms have wild stag nights. No rehearsal
chapel. The permission of the parents was alsodinners are performed.
required. In the early 1990s, it was complicated to getWeddings are held at noon and after the wedding
married in Great Britain. The marriage ceremony hadbreakfast. The wedding party together walks in the
to take place in a church that had a license, and thisprocession. It is an old custom that protects the bride
could happen in the shire, where one of the coupleand groom from jealous people. When the couple
lives.enters, church bells ring. They intend to scare off the
The safest season to marry was between harvestwicked spirits.
and Christmas. An old English rhyme says "marry inRolls Royce and vintage cars are used for
September shine, your living will be rich and fine."transportation but in most cases limousines are also
The bride carries a decorative horseshoe on her wrist.used. In olden times, English brides had only one
Today, light weight versions are created. Horseshoe iswitness, but nowadays, many brides maid are seen. A
given for good luck.girl carrying flowers leads the way and spreads the
In seventeenth century, wheat was shed at the headpetals along the passage. This has a special
of the bride, when she came out of the church. Thesesignificance. It shows that the couple has a happy life.
days, colourful paper confetti or rice is cast at theTraditionally, mother of the bride and groom used to
couple leaving the church after the ceremony.select the outfit colours. Nowadays, the mothers of
The old residents in the north of England would beboth the bride and groom do not select the outfit
standing on the door of the new home of the bride.colours, nor do they choose the colours for the
The bride would throw plate full of bread over herbridesmaids.
head that falls outside the door. The guests used toWedding traditions have great significance. Many
run towards this piece of bread, which was consideredcouples do follow them and consider the need for
very fortunate.tradition, value and strong attitude and include ethnicity
A large cake was broken over the heads of thein their wedding ceremonies.
couple in Gloucestershire in the eighteenth century.