Wedding Traditions and Their Origins: A Fun Look at Why We Do What We Do

Weddings are full of little rituals, quirky superstitions, and timeless customs that make the day feel extra special. 

In the UK, you’ll quickly spot familiar wedding traditions like the white wedding dress, cutting the cake, and throwing the bouquet. And beyond this, there’s a world of fascinating wedding traditions waiting to inspire couples looking for something a bit different.

In this guide, we round up eight captivating wedding traditions from the UK as well as some other customs from around the world. Some might make you laugh, some might leave you scratching your head, and some will definitely tug at your heartstrings. 

Here’s what we cover: 

• 8 wedding traditions that stand the test of time

• What are wedding traditions around the world​?

• Religious wedding traditions: A simple overview

• Wedding tradition FAQs

• Create your perfect wedding day at Springbank Manor

8 wedding traditions from the UK that stood the test of time 

The UK has a rich history of wedding customs, many cherished for generations. Some began as superstitions, others symbolised love or prosperity, and a few added beauty and ceremony to the day.

Here are eight traditions that are still popular in modern weddings:

1. The white dress

The image of a bride in a white gown feels like the ultimate wedding tradition, but it hasn’t always been the case. For centuries, brides simply wore their best dress, regardless of colour. 

Blue was once especially popular, symbolising purity and loyalty. Wealthier brides often chose bold fabrics in rich reds, greens, or golds to show off their family’s status.

Everything changed in 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in a striking white silk gown trimmed with lace. The choice was unusual at the time but quickly captured public imagination. 

The royal wedding sparked a trend that spread quickly across Europe and beyond, cementing white as the bridal colour of choice. Modern brides continue to embrace the tradition.

2. Carrying a bride over the threshold

Carrying a bride across the threshold might look like a playful romantic gesture today, but its origins are rooted in ancient superstition.

Romans believed that evil spirits lurked at the entrance of a new home, waiting to bring misfortune. By lifting his bride, a groom prevented her feet from touching the ground and protected her from bad luck.

The tradition later took on additional meanings. In medieval Europe, it was thought unseemly for a bride to appear too eager to leave her family home. Being carried made her seem modest and reluctant. 

In practical terms, it may also have helped brides avoid tripping over their heavy gowns or long veils when stepping into their new home.

Now, the superstition has faded, but the gesture remains. Many couples still enjoy the ritual of carrying their partner across the threshold as a sweet way to mark the beginning of married life together. 

3. Throwing the bouquet

A bouquet toss is one of the most light-hearted wedding traditions, but its roots are far older and a little less glamorous. 

In medieval England, guests (particularly unmarried women) would try to rip pieces of the bride’s dress or flowers as tokens of luck. This often left brides dishevelled, so tossing the bouquet became a clever way to distract the crowd while making a quick escape.

Over time, the practice evolved into the version we know today. A bride throws her bouquet into a group of unmarried women. Tradition says whoever catches it will be the next to marry. 

While few take the superstition seriously, the bouquet toss remains a fun and sometimes chaotic moment that adds excitement to the reception.

In modern weddings, couples sometimes adapt the tradition. For example: 

• Throwing a smaller bouquet to preserve the original

• Inviting men to participate

• Skipping it altogether in favour of other inclusive games

Whatever the approach, a bouquet toss keeps its place as one of the most energetic and playful rituals of the day.

4. Something old, something new…

We’ve all heard the “something old” rhyme, right? It goes: 

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” 

The rhyme originated in Victorian England, with each item symbolising good luck. 

• Old – continuity with the bride’s past

• New – optimism for the future

• Borrowed – sharing happiness from a married friend

• Blue – fidelity and love

Brides continue to incorporate these items into their wedding day attire. For example, you might borrow a piece of jewellery from a close friend or wear a vintage hair clip as your “something old”. 

You can even choose one item that ticks off more than one element, like wearing a vintage necklace that belongs to your grandmother that’s both old, borrowed, and blue! 

5. Cutting the cake

The wedding cake is more than just dessert – it carries centuries of symbolism. In Ancient Rome, a simple cake made from wheat or barley was broken over the bride’s head as a blessing for fertility, prosperity, and good fortune.

By the Middle Ages in England, cakes had become sweeter and more elaborate. Guests would jostle to grab a piece, believing it would bring them luck. 

Sometimes cakes were even stacked as high as possible, and the bride and groom were challenged to kiss over the pile without knocking it over!

Eventually, the tradition transformed into the couple cutting the cake together. Couples often share the first slice, feeding it to one another as a symbol of love, care, and commitment. It’s also a great photo opportunity, especially if the happy couple feed a bite to each other! 

6. The first dance

The first dance may feel timeless, but it’s actually a fairly modern addition to weddings. In earlier centuries, formal balls were often opened by the hosts or guests of honour. 

By the early 20th century, this practice evolved into newlyweds opening their reception with a dance, marking the start of the celebration. The dance symbolised unity and allowed the couple to step into their new life together quite literally in step with one another.

Traditionally, the first dance was often a slow waltz. These days, couples add their own twist. Some stick to a classic slow dance, while others surprise their guests with choreographed routines or upbeat numbers! 

Whatever the style, the first dance sets the tone for the evening and invites everyone else to join the floor, transforming a private moment into a full-blown party.

7. Ring exchange

Rings have symbolised love and commitment for thousands of years, making them one of the most enduring wedding traditions. 

Ancient Egyptians are often credited with introducing rings into marriage ceremonies. They saw the circle as a powerful image of eternity, making it the perfect emblem for everlasting love.

The tradition of wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand comes from an ancient belief that a special vein (vena amoris or “vein of love”) ran directly to the heart. While we now know that all fingers have veins, the symbolism stuck and shaped the custom still followed today.

In Roman times, rings were often made of iron to represent strength and permanence. Gold later became the most popular choice, showing not only durability but also wealth and status. 

Over time, different cultures  personalised their rings with gemstones, engravings, or unique designs. 

8. The honeymoon

The honeymoon may sound modern and romantic, but its roots go back to medieval Europe. 

Newlyweds would drink mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage, for one full lunar cycle after the wedding. This practice was believed to encourage fertility and bring prosperity to the marriage, giving us the name “honeymoon.”

In some cultures, the honeymoon also had a more practical purpose. It offered couples a chance to retreat from family and community life and quietly adjust to their new roles. 

Now, honeymoons have become a cherished part of the wedding journey. Some couples jet off to an exotic island, others embark on an adventurous road trip, while many enjoy a cosy “mini-moon” closer to home.

What hasn’t changed is the heart of the tradition – spending time together, away from everyday life, at the very start of marriage.

What are wedding traditions around the world​? 

Every culture has its own way of celebrating love, and weddings are often the perfect showcase of those traditions. From colourful clothing and symbolic rituals to lively dances and unique ceremonies, each country brings its own flavour to the big day. 

Here are some of the highlights: 

• Wedding traditions in Nigeria – A Nigerian traditional wedding ceremony is colourful and lively. A key tradition is the engagement ceremony, where the groom’s family presents gifts to the bride’s family. The bride often wears a striking gele (headwrap), and music and dance bring the celebration to life.

• Italian wedding traditions – Italian weddings often feature confetti (sugar-coated almonds) symbolising fertility and prosperity. At the reception, couples may dance the energetic tarantella, keeping guests on their feet.

• Chinese wedding traditions – Red dominates Chinese weddings as a symbol of luck and happiness. The tea ceremony, where couples serve tea to elders, is a cherished custom showing respect and family unity.

• Indian wedding traditions – Henna applied during the mehndi ceremony is a highlight of Indian weddings, with intricate designs on the bride’s hands and feet. Many couples also take seven sacred steps (saptapadi) around a fire to seal their vows.

• Polish wedding traditions – In Poland, the bride’s veil is removed at midnight and tossed to single women, much like a bouquet. Couples are also offered bread and salt, wishing them prosperity and resilience.

• Greek wedding traditions – Greek couples often wear crowns called stefana, joined by a ribbon to symbolise unity. Smashing plates at the reception adds a festive flair, representing joy and good fortune.

Religious wedding traditions: A simple overview

Different religions have unique rituals that honour faith and family values. These ceremonies often blend symbolic acts, vows, and blessings.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most fascinating religious wedding traditions:

Jewish wedding traditions​ 

Jewish weddings are rich with symbolism and ceremony. One of the most memorable parts is the hora, a traditional dance at Jewish weddings. The dance features a lively circle where the bride and groom are lifted on chairs while guests dance around them, celebrating joy and unity.

Another key tradition is the ketubah, a staple Hebrew wedding tradition. 

The ketubah is a formal marriage contract outlining the couple’s responsibilities to each other. During the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass, symbolising the fragility of life and reminding everyone that joy and sorrow are intertwined. 

These customs combine celebration with deep spiritual meaning, creating a festive and profound ceremony.

Muslim wedding traditions​​

Muslim weddings, known as nikah, are centred on faith and formal agreement. The ceremony usually involves reciting verses from the Quran, exchanging vows, and the groom offering mahr, a gift of money or property to the bride as a sign of commitment.

Celebrations often include music, dancing, and feasting, though the specifics vary widely by country. Together, these elements create a ceremony that honours both spiritual devotion and communal joy.

Christian wedding traditions 

Christian weddings vary by denomination but share key elements that celebrate love and faith. Couples typically exchange rings and vows, often including phrases like “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” A priest or minister pronounces them married, often in a church setting.

Many Christian ceremonies include unity rituals, such as lighting a unity candle to symbolise the joining of two lives or reading passages from the Bible. White dresses remain a common tradition, while music and hymns create a solemn yet joyful atmosphere.

Wedding tradition FAQs

What are traditional wedding anniversary presents?

Traditional anniversary gifts follow a theme by year, with each one carrying symbolic meaning to celebrate the couple’s time together. Early years focus on fragile or simple materials, reflecting the growth and strength of the marriage over time:

• 1st – Paper: Symbolises the blank page of a new life together and the fragility of early marriage.

• 5th – Wood: Represents strength and durability, reflecting the growing foundation of the relationship.

• 10th – Tin or aluminium: Durable and flexible, these metals signify resilience and adaptability.

• 25th – Silver: Marks a major milestone with beauty and value, celebrating a quarter-century of partnership.

• 50th – Gold: A timeless symbol of enduring love, wealth, and achievement.

Couples often personalise these gifts, turning tradition into something meaningful for their own relationship.

For example, for a first anniversary, you might gift your spouse a custom journal filled with memories from your first year together. For a 25th anniversary, you could buy a silver photo frame but add your favourite wedding picture to make the milestone extra special.

What constitutes non-traditional wedding attire ? 

Non-traditional wedding attire breaks away from the classic white gown or formal suit, letting couples showcase their personality and style. 

For example, say that a bride wants to wear a non-traditional wedding dress. Here are some options to choose from: 

• Coloured gowns or dresses in blush, champagne, or bold shades

• Shorter dresses or tea-length styles

• Jumpsuits or tailored suits for brides

• Casual or themed outfits that match the wedding vibe

What are traditional wedding ceremony vows? 

Traditional wedding vows often include promises of love, honour, and commitment “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” They may vary slightly by culture or religion but focus on lifelong partnership.

Here are a couple of examples of traditional wedding vows:

• “I, [name], take you, [name], to be my lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold from this day forward…”

• “I promise to love, cherish, and honour you all the days of my life.”

From tradition to your dream day

Weddings are full of traditions that add meaning, fun, and beauty to the big day. From classic rituals like the white dress and cake cutting to colourful customs from around the world, there’s plenty of inspiration to make your day unique.

Springbank Manor in Lancashire offers a stunning, all-in-one wedding venue. Let our dedicated wedding planners guide you through every detail, helping you create a day that’s unforgettable.

With in-house catering, on-site accommodation, and licensed facilities for both ceremony and reception, planning your dream wedding couldn’t be easier. 

Find out more about weddings at Springbank Manor or get in touch!