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Wedding Traditions & Customs

Wedding Traditions & Customs

Understand wedding traditions and shed light on all that’s old, new, borrowed and blue. Learn the appropriate way to navigate the first dance, cut the cake and toss the bouquet. Need culture-specific advice? Research everything from Italian wedding traditions to the customs of a Mexican ceremony. Ever wonder why it’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the big event? eHow offers the scoop on this and many other superstitions. You’ll even find suggestions for honoring parents and grandparents.

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Weddings

From Showers to Bridesmaids, Cakes to Centerpieces, Gifts to Groomsmen, Hairstyles to Honeymoons and Rings to Receptions, the eHow Getting Married Topic Page has it covered. Get trends, advice, tips and all your wedding questions answered!

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Showing 1-32 of 32 results

  • Wedding Garter Tradition

    One long-standing wedding tradition involves the wedding garter. The groom tosses the garter at the reception, and the bachelors at the wedding try to catch it. The garter toss usually takes place...

  • American Wedding Traditions

    Weddings are joyous occasions celebrated in different ways by people all over the world. Most wedding traditions originated before the medieval times. Each country or society celebrates marriages...

  • The History of the Wedding March

    The wedding march is a tradition that has been around since the mide 1800s. Even though most people don't know where or how it originated, it is still a highly popular tradition.

  • How to Host a Fall Bridal Shower

    Fall bridal showers can incorporate much more than orange pumpkins and falling leaves. Create a memorable party by incorporating the season’s rich color palette of golds, rusty reds and even deep...

  • Alternatives to Tossing the Bridal Bouquet

    Many brides think the custom of tossing their bouquet is an outdated one, but they are at a loss for an alternative. Thankfully, there are many alternatives to tossing the bouquet, so any bride is...

  • The History of the Bridal Bouquet

    Like many wedding traditions, the bridal bouquet has its origins in ancient times, when it was used to ward evil spirits away from the bridal couple. The flowers used today are much different and...

  • Simple Do It Yourself Wedding Cake Design

    Getting married can be expensive. To have a beautiful ceremony without the cost of a big wedding, many brides are considering do-it-yourself options. One easy area for the do-it yourself bride is...

  • The History of the Wedding Garter Tradition

    For hundreds of years, brides have worn decorative bridal garters under their wedding dresses. Deemed a lucky token, this classical wedding accessory made of silk and lace is still coveted by...

  • What Does the Groom's Mother Pay for at a Wedding?

    Except for a few instances, the mother of the groom doesn't pay for wedding costs on her own; she usually splits them with her husband. The rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon and the alcohol that's...

  • Where to Buy Wedding Party Gifts

    It is necessary to buy your wedding party gifts prior to your wedding. You have asked them to stand up with you on your special day and they have agreed and along the way they have likely helped...

  • Elegant Bridal Shower Tablescape Ideas

    Planning the festivities around one of your closest friend's or family member's upcoming nuptials can be stressful. Hosting a bridal shower is a long-standing tradition. Whether you are going at...

  • Bridal Shower Game Themes

    A bridal shower is a party for a bride to be, usually given by her bridesmaids before the wedding. It is customary for gifts to be given to the bride at the bridal shower. The traditional "ladies...

  • What to Expect From the Mother of the Groom?

    Te role of the mother of the groom is not set in stone. Although there are several established traditions regarding the groom's mother, couples might choose to follow only some or none of the...

  • Hope Chest Traditions

    Hope chests are wooden boxes that women traditionally used to collect supplies for her marriage, as well as a place to store special things from past generations. They can be as plain or as...

  • How Many Flower Girls Are Too Many?

    Though brides have enough to think about when planning their wedding day, one element is hard to forget--flower girls. Traditionally, flower girls are under age 10 and toss flower petals on the...

  • Groomsmen Gift Ideas

    It's tradition to give gifts to your bridal party as appreciation for all of the groomsmen's hard work. The gift exchange can take place at the rehearsal dinner or on the day of the wedding....

  • How to Save Money on Flowers for Weddings

    Wedding flowers just have to be beautiful --- they don't have to cost a lot! Follow the tips below and make the bridal party's flowers yourself --- or ask a creative friend to or relative to do...

  • About Wedding Programs

    Passing out small mementos, such as a wedding program, at your ceremony gives your guests a pleasant reminder of your special day. Learn about how to create them in a way that reflects your vows...

  • Marriage Traditions in America

    Marriage traditions in America are incredibly flexible. America is a diverse country, and wedding traditions have been influenced by cultures around the world. Common traditions include writing...

  • How to Make a Ribbon Bridal Bouquet

    Making ribbon bridal bouquets is a long standing tradition as part of the wedding celebrations. It occurs at the bridal shower while the bride opens her presents. It is customary for the maid of...

  • About Maid of Honors

    Selecting the bridal party is a major part of planning a wedding. The maid of honor is especially important, as she will play a significant and visible role on the day of the wedding.The maid of...

  • How to Plan a Bridal Shower

    Whether you're a friend, relative, or part of the wedding party, chances are if you're reading this you have been asked to plan the bridal shower. Follow these simple steps and you will be able...

  • How to Choose the Perfect Gift for Your Bridal Party

    Selecting the perfect gifts for your bridal party can at first seem daunting. After all, everyone has different likes and dislikes, and different tastes. The steps below will help you to choose...

  • How to Give Cool Gifts to a Bridal Party

    Show your appreciation to your bridal party by creating fun gifts that will bring them joy. Make the gifts all about them; avoid wedding theme gifts these are too often put in a drawer and...

  • How to Have an African Wedding

    When you're looking for ideas for your wedding, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the choices. One idea is to focus on your heritage and culture. An African wedding brings these things to the...

  • How to Catch a Bridal Bouquet

    Many young women want to catch a bridal bouquet. The bouquet often goes to a preplanned person, often a bridesmaid. The bride tries to aim the bouquet in the direction of the desired recipient. Of...

  • How to Aim a Bridal Bouquet Toss

    The bridal bouquet toss is believed to be derived from a 14th century French tradition in which female guests took a piece of the bride’s wedding gown. To avoid ruining the dress, the bride...

  • How to Find Bridal Bouquet Ideas

    Throw the traditional wedding bouquet over your shoulder and out the door. Think unique and get creative to make a one-of-a-kind bouquet for your wedding. You don't have to look far for ideas. A...

  • How to Preserve a Bridal Bouquet

    The tradition of carrying bridal bouquets started with the ancient Greeks. The art of preserving floral blooms has been around since before the Egyptians. Thanks to the trail and error of women...

  • How to Find Alternative Bridal Bouquet Toss Ideas

    Keeping your wedding unique can be as easy as finding the greatest alternative bridal bouquet tosses that any of your family and friends have seen in years. Finding the most creative ideas won't...

  • How to conduct a wedding rehearsal

    Getting ready to walk down the aisle? You may want to practice before the big day!

  • How to Include the Father of the Bride

    The traditional role of the father of the bride has consisted of giving the bride away and paying for the wedding - but his part on this special day doesn't have to end there.

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