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Let’s talk wedding traditions! Ever wondered why brides wear white? Or where the wedding party got started? These days there’s more trends than traditions, but there are still a few tried and true gestures that remain staples among wedding ceremonies. Here are five wedding traditions still popular today… and why you should definitely photograph them!
Carrying a Bouquet
Origin: The roots of floral wedding traditions date back all the way to ancient times. While the earliest brides carried bundles of herbs and garlic to ward off evil spirits, others carried floral garlands as a symbol of their fertility. Plants in bloom also symbolized new beginnings, such as the new union between partners.
Today: Today’s brides use their bouquets and floral arrangements to enhance their theme. A bouquet can compliment the other colors and decor, and add elements of personality in a classic and traditional way.
Why Take the Photo? A bride’s bouquet is not only pleasing to the eye, it represents all the hard work and details that made the day especially yours. Shots of your floral selection serve as a memory without any distractions. They allow the unique details to shine, and break up any redundant photos in your wedding galleries or social media posts.
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Exchanging Rings
Origin: Wedding/engagement bands date all the way back to ancient Egypt, where the circle symbolized never-ending or eternal love. Sicilians took this wedding tradition to the next step, adding diamonds to represent dedication. Rings are traditionally worn on the left third finger, as the Romans believed there was a vein that ran from that finger directly to the heart.
Today: Some couples opt for other jewelry pieces. Some get finger tattoos. Some choose something else entirely to represent their love. But the gesture of exchange remains intact, with rings holding on to their traditional popularity. Today, they continue to be worn as a statement of dedication and a symbol of enduring love that lasts long after the ceremony.
Why Take the Photo? Much like their origins, ring shots are an important part of your wedding photography shot list because of their significance as a symbol of union. That, and odds are you paid a lot of money for them! And since they were chosen to last, these pieces tend to show off your personal styles and personalities much better than most of the other details of your day.
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Wearing a White Dress
Origin: White wedding gowns came into history during the Victorian era, and have yet to leave American wedding traditions. Queen Elizabeth herself started the trend at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1864, choosing white to best display the lace that adorned her gown. (And the English lace makers who crafted it.) Since then, white wedding gowns have served as a symbol of wealth,
Today: While fashion has changed over the years, it seems deep down, we still want to feel like royalty on our big day. Afterall, it’s what we grew up seeing in movies and television shows, and how we imagine a bride to be. Colored sashes and accessories can be added, even today, it’s a popular choice to feel like a traditional bride.
Why Take the Photo? Yes, you’ll have plenty of photos wearing your gown (especially if you schedule a bridal shoot), but be sure your photographer takes a few of the garment on its hanger, too. Why? Besides it being dramatic, “the dress shot” serves as a way to let your gown speak for itself. Your gown is a thing of beauty that deserves to be highlighted and documented all on its own!
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Eating a Wedding Cake
Origin: Cakes have been a component of wedding feasts since medieval times, where they represented good fortune, fertility and prosperity. The ceremonial cutting of the cake was meant to display the happy couple’s first task as a union, and the feeding was meant to represent their commitment to serving each other in love.
Today: What once began as simple, humble cakes and breads, today’s desserts have become multi-tiered baking extravaganzas. Now adorned with customized cake toppers and colorful touches, it’s a wedding tradition your guests have come to expect. Couples today even keep a piece to freeze and eat on their first anniversary to celebrate the continued good fortune in their union.
Why Take the Photo? Okay, this one’s personal. Photographing your cake is a GREAT way for your wedding photographer to show off their creativity. AND the images celebrate the details your guests will be talking about long after you say “I do.” It’s a snapshot of your day your guests likely won’t also snap on their phones, likely shared by your bakers, planners and venue.
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Having a Bridal Party
Origin: While bridesmaids started with members of the royal court, they were also used as decoys to confuse evil spirits that might spoil the bride’s happiness on her wedding day. Groomsmen, on the other hand, began as a testament to the groom’s swordsmanship, ready and waiting by his side in the case of a runaway bride or attendees with any objections to the union. In both cases, this wedding tradition goes way back.
Today: Nowadays wedding parties serve as a way to include your family, friends and loved ones in your wedding day. They can assist with tasks leading up to the ceremony, on the day itself, and even getting you both on your way to your honeymoon. Who doesn’t love to celebrate life’s biggest moments with their besties?
Why Take the Photo? Your big day is a moment in time. Not just for you, but for the tribe you chose to stand by your side! They’ll want to capture this memory just as much as you do! You could have a group of 2 or 20. But trust me. You’re going to want to remember these friendships (and their attire!) exactly as they were on that day.
Whether you’re a traditional bride or prefer something a little more modern, photographing the sentimental details that make your day unique is as special as it is nostalgic. Your wedding will be timeless. Your photos should be, too!
