“Why Brides Carry Bouquets (and Other Fun Wedding Traditions You Didn’t Know)”
Did you know that the tradition of carrying a bridal bouquet started centuries ago — and it wasn’t always about the flowers? In fact, brides once carried herbs and spices like garlic, dill, and rosemary to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. Over time, fragrant blooms replaced herbs, and the bouquet became a symbol of love, fertility, and new beginnings. Today, it’s simply one of the most beautiful (and customizable!) parts of the wedding day.
Bouquets aren’t the only tradition with surprising origins. Here are a few other fun wedding facts:
The White Dress: Queen Victoria is credited with popularizing the white wedding gown in 1840. Before then, brides wore whatever color they liked!
The Wedding Cake: Early wedding cakes were actually savory breads broken over the bride’s head as a symbol of prosperity. Thankfully, this evolved into the tiered, sweet confections we know today.
The Best Man: Historically, the “best man” wasn’t chosen for his speech-making skills — he
was literally the strongest man the groom knew, tasked with helping protect the bride.
Throwing Rice (or Confetti): Tossing grains over newlyweds has always symbolized abundance and fertility. Modern couples often swap rice for flower petals, bubbles, or eco-friendly confetti for a playful twist.
Wedding traditions may look different now, but they all share one thing in common: they bring meaning, joy, and a little fun to the celebration. Whether you embrace old customs or create your own, these traditions remind us that weddings are more than just one day — they’re part of a story that’s been celebrated for centuries.
