33 Wedding Facts That Will Surprise You | FactsLook

Surprisingly, white wedding dresses weren't always the norm! Before Queen Victoria wore a white satin gown in 1840, brides simply wore their best dress, regardless of color.

Victoria’s choice popularized the trend, symbolizing wealth and purity. The adoption was slow, but it eventually became a global standard.

The famous wedding rhyme 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' dates back to Victorian England. Each element represents good luck: old for continuity, new for optimism, borrowed for happiness, and blue for fidelity. Some variations also include a sixpence for prosperity.

Wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand isn't arbitrary! Ancient Romans believed this finger contained the 'vena amoris' – the vein of love – directly connected to the heart. While anatomically incorrect, the tradition persisted and became a widespread custom.

Wedding cakes weren't always the elaborate creations we see today. In ancient Rome, wedding cakes were simple wheat or barley cakes, sometimes broken over the bride's head for good luck and fertility. The modern tiered cake evolved much later, influenced by Victorian cake design.

Historically, wedding veils weren't about romance, but protection! Originally, veils were used to ward off evil spirits who might want to steal the bride's good fortune or beauty. Over time, the veil became a symbol of modesty and purity, but its protective origins are fascinating.

The phrase 'tying the knot' comes from the ancient Celtic tradition of handfasting. This involved the couple’s hands being literally tied together with ribbons, symbolizing their commitment. It predates formal wedding ceremonies and is still practiced today in some cultures.

Statistically, Saturday is the most popular day to get married. This is largely due to tradition and convenience.

Historically, weddings were held after a week of celebrations, and Saturday allowed guests sufficient time to travel and participate. Modern convenience further solidifies its popularity.

Throwing confetti at weddings wasn’t always about colorful cheer. Originally, guests threw grains, seeds, or nuts at the couple to wish them fertility and abundance. Modern confetti replaced these items, evolving into paper and biodegradable alternatives.

Bridal showers likely originated in 15th-century Europe, where a bride who lacked a dowry would receive gifts from the community to help her establish a home. It wasn’t about lavish parties; it was a practical way to support the new couple’s future.

June became the most popular month for weddings due to its historical associations. Named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, June was considered the luckiest month for unions. Cleanliness practices, aligning with spring cleaning, also contributed to the trend.

The term “honeymoon” originates from a 19th-century custom. Newlyweds would sometimes ‘kidnap’ the bride and hide her away for a month, consuming honey wine to enhance fertility. This practice evolved into the romantic getaways we know today.

Many cultures have unique wedding superstitions. In some parts of India, it’s bad luck if the bride doesn't cry before the ceremony. Scottish tradition involves 'blackening' the bride – covering her in messy substances for good luck! Each tradition is rich in cultural meaning.

Wedding costs have dramatically increased over time. In the early 20th century, a wedding could cost around $500 (equivalent to a few thousand today).

Now, the average US wedding exceeds $30,000, reflecting changing societal expectations and trends. [Source: The Knot Real Weddings Study](https://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost)

Early wedding photography was a lengthy, formal affair. Portraits often took hours due to long exposure times. The rise of photojournalism in weddings brought a more candid, storytelling approach – capturing genuine moments instead of posed shots.

The bouquet toss originated from a playful tradition where single women would attempt to grab pieces of the bride's gown for good luck. As gowns became more valuable, the bride began tossing her bouquet instead, passing the 'luck' to the recipient.

The first dance tradition stems from the medieval custom of the ‘opening dance,’ where the lord of the manor led the dance, signifying authority and setting the tone for the celebration. The couple's first dance now symbolizes their unity and leadership as a family.

Groom's cakes, popular in the Southern US, originated with Victorian-era grooms who didn't care for traditional fruitcake. They'd request their own cake, often reflecting their hobbies or interests. Today, it’s a fun and personalized addition to the wedding reception.

Wedding toasts date back to ancient times. In Germany, someone would drink from a goblet, then touch glasses with the couple to wish them good health and prosperity. The practice evolved, and now toasts are heartfelt expressions of love and well-wishing.

As mentioned earlier, “tying the knot” comes from the Celtic tradition of handfasting where couple’s hands were literally tied together. The term became a metaphor for marriage itself, signifying an unbreakable bond.

Wedding favors weren’t always common. The tradition started in Europe, where guests would receive a ‘bonbonniere’ – a small box filled with sugared almonds, symbolizing well wishes for fertility and prosperity. These boxes were a sign of gratitude from the couple.

The circular shape of a wedding ring symbolizes eternity—having no beginning and no end— representing a couple’s everlasting love. This symbolism dates back to ancient Egypt, where circular reeds were used as engagement rings.

The practice of the father ‘giving away’ the bride originated in a time when women were considered property. It signified the transfer of ownership from father to husband. Today, it's often interpreted as a symbolic gesture of support and blessing.

Early wedding invitations were delivered by town criers or hand-written notes. The advent of printing made invitations more accessible, and elaborate designs became a status symbol. The arrival of digital invitations is the latest chapter in this evolution.

Wedding colors often hold symbolic meaning. White represents purity, red symbolizes love and passion, and gold signifies wealth and prosperity. Couples carefully choose colors to reflect their personal style and desired atmosphere.

Lavender has a long history of being associated with love and devotion. Brides would often carry lavender sachets or wear lavender-scented perfume to attract a loving partner. It remains a popular scent for weddings today.

Destination weddings gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, offering couples a unique and intimate experience. The trend began with celebrities choosing exotic locations, influencing mainstream wedding planning.

Long wedding dress trains were popularized by royalty, particularly Queen Elizabeth II, whose gown sported a 15-foot train! Trains signify status and grandeur, and remain a coveted element in many bridal looks.

Wedding planners became essential in the 1980s as weddings grew more elaborate and couples juggled busy lifestyles. They've evolved from logistical coordinators to creative visionaries, helping couples bring their dream weddings to life.

The traditions of Hen and Stag parties trace their roots back to tribal customs. Before the wedding, the groom would be 'kidnapped' by his friends for a celebration and the bride would receive support and blessings from her female community.