According to Disney, weddings are the beginning of “Happily Ever After”. So it’s understandable that no one wants to doom their marriage before it has even begun.
But how many of the traditions surrounding weddings will actually help keep your Prince Charming, and how many are simply myths?
By Rachael Bentick, Inlighten Bridal Coach.
Myth 1
“It’s bad luck to see the Bride before the Wedding.”
This tradition (or superstition, rather) has been ferociously upheld for so long that you would be forgiven for believing it came from the bible. Believe it or not, seeing your spouse before the ceremony won’t result in a horrific and ill-fated unhappily-ever-after. In fact, couples get to spend so little time together on the day that going for a stroll or spending some downtime before the wedding is almost always a good idea.
Myth 2
“You will never look more beautiful than you do on your wedding day.”
OK, serious honesty-time here. This myth caused me to cry at every single one of my 3 dress fittings.
Standing there in the change room where no one could see me, I would stare at my reflection in the mirror and think “Is this it…? Is this really as good as I get?”
Well, fashions change and I’m very pleased to say that I now look back on what I wore 12 years ago with the correct amount of “What was I thinking when I wore that!”
Myth 3
“The girl who catches the bouquet will get married next.”
In ancient times brides would carry bouquets of garlic, fruit blossom and herbs to ward off evil spirits. Over time these evolved into sweeter smelling flowers.
During these times it was considered lucky to have a piece of the bride, in particular her wedding dress. Imagine having all of your guests literally tearing shreds off your dress!
So “Throwing the Bouquet” to one lucky single girl who would be married next, was created as an alternative.
But does it really make the catcher lucky in love? At the Grammy’s Mass Wedding, Katy Perry caught the bouquet – Myth Busted.
Myth 4
“Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue.”
This old chestnut could be the number one cause of last minute, wedding day panic.
Something old represents the brides past.
Something new symbolises the couples happy future.
Something borrowed should be from someone who is happily married in the hope their marital happiness will rub off on you
Something blue represents love and fidelity (this also explains the origin of the Tiffany’s box. Your husband screws up – he buys you a blue box… fidelity and love restored!)
So this should mean that walking down the aisle with a photo of your ex-boyfriend that was given to you by his new wife, displayed inside a new blue frame will bring you good luck? Myth definitely busted!
Myth 5
“Your Dad must walk you down the aisle.”
In today’s modern world, you’re almost in the minority if you have a Dad in a position to walk you down the aisle.
While some brides may no longer have their Dad with them, others may have 2 or 3 men in their lives that fit the bill of male caregiver – or none that actually deserve the honour.
The person who takes those final steps with you towards your future husband should give you strength, confidence and stability in your new high heels, regardless of their biological background.
Myth 6
“The Bride must wear a veil.”
A tradition from Greek and Roman times that was believed to ward off evil spirits. Thankfully veils are now more about fashion and we can leave covering our heads in a white sheet to the kids at Halloween.
Myth 7
“The Bride should wear white to represent her virginity.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average age of the Australian bride is 29.3 years. Enough said. Myth busted.
Myth 8
“Rain on your wedding day is good luck – or bad luck.”
Rain on your wedding day symbolises fertility and cleansing. But depending upon who you speak to, rain is either good luck because you’ll have a family or bad luck because it means you won’t. As this myth seems to be taking an each way bet, I guess that means this myth is proven!
Myth 9
“Guests throwing rice on you will improve your fertility.”
I don’t really want to get into a explanation of the Birds and Bees here, but let’s just say that I don’t really understand how a handful of rice in your face will improve your chances of having a baby.
Just be glad you’re not Czech where the tradition is to throw peas, I wonder if they use frozen or canned?
Myth 10
“It’s all about the Bride.”
I think this is the biggest myth of all time. From seating plans, date selection and parking availability to accommodation for interstate guests. In today’s modern world where everything is defined by what people say about you on Facebook, the Guest Experience is definitely the number one priority at every wedding.
For more from Rachael Bentick visit: rachaelbentick.com
