Alternatives to wedding traditions 

While we often believe that many of the wedding traditions we practice today are relatively new, most are very ancient and practiced around the world but that does not mean that new wedding traditions cannot be created as well. The wedding tradition of wearing a tiara is very old and probably comes from when kinks would wear a ribbon on their head and shoulders, usually white as a sign of their status. This tradition has actually jumped the sexes so that women now wear what is considered a feminine crown that is shaped like a half moon and can be made with expensive metal and adorned with jewels.

The bride will wear her tiara on top of the wedding veil which finishes off the adornment and in some weddings, the bridesmaids will also wear a tiara as well but it is more likely to be plainer than the brides. There are now a number of wedding themes that are not complete without a tiara so it is not surprising how many brides will keep hold of this very special addition to a wedding outfit. Some weddings feature the bridesmaids, maid of honor, sometimes even the flower girl, being presented with tiara shaped rings as wedding favors.

At one time in the past it was quite normal for the newly married couple to be taken to their honeymoon location by all the people attending the wedding. Once they arrived at the location the men would vie for the chance to have the garter worn by the bride and once one of the men had this item they would present it to their own betrothed or wear it on their hat. Unfortunately with this wedding tradition it became quite common for the men to become over competitive and actually undress the bride in order to retrieve the garter so brides started to throw the garter at the men once the ceremony was complete.

Often, men at the wedding would drink too much preempting this act and try to take the garter off before the bride was ready. In an attempt to maintain good taste at a dignified occasion the bride then started throwing her bouquet instead. The ritual of throwing the wedding garter has resurfaced as garters are normally used to hold up stockings, and are considered by many new brides to be an essential accessory for their wedding.

Some brides wear a small ribbon at the foot of their gown which is supposed to have the same meaning as a garter but those women who do wear a garter will normally have one in blue as it traditionally means good luck will come. Just to keep up with the times it is not uncommon for the bride to allow the groom to remove the garter and then throw it over his shoulder to the male wedding guests. Tradition says that the man who unmarried man that catches the garter will be the first of the wedding party men to marry within twelve months.

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Cultural wedding traditions dance