Wedding Dresses - Why they are white and other wedding lore...Brides have always worn white, right? Not so. In ancient times brides wore bright coloredwedding dresses to signify their joy. White for western brides didn't become fashionable untilQueen Victoria wore it at her wedding to signify her status. White dresses never did signify purityuntil the Christian churches put that label on them. So feel free to add a little color to your wedding outfit.Wedding bands made of hemp or braided grass were the earliest rings. They eventually fell out of favor, replaced by durable metals until about the 15th century when diamonds came upon thescene, to signify a valuable strong commitment, a tradition which most modern couples choose tokeep.When grooms would "capture" their brides and or were afraid of evil spirits they would cover thewoman's head to keep her from being recognized.Bridesmaids' dresses are all identical. Where did this practice originate? Long ago the bridesfriends wore the same exact outfit as the bride to confuse the evil spirits who wanted to destroyher happiness. It also helped to prevent the bride from being kidnapped by a rival suitor.The receiving line developed from the ancient belief, that on their wedding day, the bride andgroom brought good luck to everyone they touched. Modern couples often pass on this and prefer to "make the rounds" greeting their guests during the wedding dinner.In ancient Rome a marriage was not legal until the couple kissed. The kiss was considered alegal bond necessary to seal all contracts. This is thought to be the origin of the present daycustom of banging a spoon against a glass until the newlyweds kiss.Will you have your dad walk you down the aisle? Do you know where this custom originated?Long ago, a woman was considered her father's property until she married, and their she was her husband's property. At the wedding the Dad would literally "give her away," transferringownership to the husband. Now brides often have their fathers or both parents accompany them,and have the officiant ask "Who supports this couple in marriage?" The parents answer "We do."There is no need to explain what the honeymoon is. But, do you know where the term originated?In ancient Ireland, when a couple married, the parents would make sure they had a supply of adrink made from fermented honey called mead, that would last for a full cycle of the moon. It wasbelieved they would be blessed with a son within a year.Back when a bride could be forced by a captor to marry, the groom would have to carry her against her will into her new home. The Romans thought that it was bad luck, for a bride to tripover the threshold so to prevent that, the groom carried her.During the Middle Ages the length of a bride's train indicated her rank in court. The longer her train the closer she was to the King and Queen and the greater her influence with them.During the 18th and 19th centuries gloves were the traditional wedding favor for guests.Here are a few more unusual traditions from around the world. The Greek bride tucks a sugar cube in her glove to "sweeten the union." According to Hindu beliefs rain on your wedding day isgood luck. Some western cultures believe rain is unlucky.In Holland it is traditional to plant a tree outside the newlyweds home as a symbol of fertility.Finnish brides traditionally carried a pillowcase door to door, collecting gifts. An older marriedman went with her, symbolizing a long marriage.