Sep 11 2023 

Weddings are a universal celebration of love and commitment, and they are steeped in rich traditions that have evolved over centuries. These customs vary widely across cultures and regions, yet they all share a common thread of bringing people together to witness and celebrate the union of two souls. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most fascinating wedding traditions, from ancient rituals to modern twists that add a unique touch to the celebration.

• Something Old, Something New
  

The tradition of "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is a well-known custom in many Western weddings, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. The bride carries these items to symbolize continuity, optimism, and happiness in her marriage. Something old represents the bride's connection to her past, while something new symbolizes the couple's bright future. Something borrowed is typically an item borrowed from a happily married friend or family member to pass on their good fortune, and something blue symbolizes fidelity and love.
Modern Twist: Couples today often get creative with these elements, incorporating them into their attire, decorations, or even in subtle ways, such as blue shoes or a vintage family heirloom.

• The Unity Candle
  

In many Western weddings, couples participate in the unity candle ceremony. The bride and groom each have a candle, and together they light a larger "unity candle" to symbolize their union and the merging of their lives.
Modern Twist: Couples are exploring non-traditional unity ceremonies, such as planting a tree together, creating a sand or art canvas unity ceremony, or even brewing and tasting a special tea or coffee blend.

• Throwing Rice or Confetti
  

The tradition of throwing rice, confetti, or flower petals as the newlyweds exit the ceremony has been practiced in various cultures worldwide. It is believed to bestow good luck, fertility, and prosperity upon the couple.
Modern Twist: Many couples have replaced rice with biodegradable options like flower petals or even eco-friendly confetti to ensure the ceremony's environmental friendliness.

• Tying the Knot (Handfasting)
  

Originating in Celtic traditions, handfasting involves binding the couple's hands together with cords or ribbons, symbolizing their commitment and unity. This practice has found its way into modern weddings.
Modern Twist: Couples often choose meaningful colors or materials for the cords and may involve family or friends in the tying of the knot.

• Personal Vows:
  

Writing personal vows has gained popularity as couples seek to express their unique love stories and promises to each other in their own words.


Wedding traditions hold a special place in our hearts, as they not only connect us to our cultural heritage but also remind us of the enduring power of love and commitment. While these customs continue to evolve, they remain an essential part of the wedding experience. Whether you choose to honor age-old traditions or put a modern spin on them, weddings are ultimately about celebrating the love between two people and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. So, whether you're donning a white dress, a red sari, or a unique outfit of your own, remember that the beauty of weddings lies in the love, joy, and unity they represent.

The Amayas