DJ Zac Barr

 Bouquets

Wedding bouquets were originally made of strong herbs (thyme and garlic) to frighten away evil spirits.

Bouquet Toss

In ancient times, it was believed that a Bride was especially lucky on her wedding day.  Guests would sometimes tear at her dress for a souvenir piece of good luck to take home.  The Bride's tossing of her bouquet grew from her desire to offer a good luck souvenir, and prevent guests from bothering her during her reception.

Bridesmaids

Early Brides and Bridesmaids wore similar dresses to confuse evil spirits.

Bridal Shower

Back in the days when weddings were arranged by family members, their friends showered her with enough gifts to help them start a household.

Bridal Veil

When marriages were arranged by family members, the newlyweds very rarely were allowed to see one another.  Family members exchanging a dowry were afraid that if the Groom didn't like the appearance of the Bride's face, he might refuse to marry her.  This is why the Father of the Bride "gave the Bride away" to the Groom at the actual wedding ceremony.  Only after lifting her veil just prior to the ceremony did the Groom see the Bride's face for the first time!

Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

When a Groom used to steal his Bride from her tribe, he was forced to carry her kicking and screaming.  This act of thievery has evolved into a more romantic gesture welcoming the Bride into her new home.

Disc Jockey At Wedding Reception

1989-DJ Zac Barr invented the Mobile Disc Jockey. Or was that Al Gore?

Garter

Brides originally tossed a garter (rather than a bouquet) at a wedding reception.  In the 14th century, this custom changed after Brides tired of fighting off drunken men who tried to remove the garter themselves!

Dollar/Money Dance

According to one custom, when arranged marriages were common the Groom collected a dowry only after his marriage was consummated.  The dollar/money dance insured that the couple would have some money before they left their wedding reception.

Penny In Shoe

Good luck, fortune, and protection against want.

Ring Finger

Prior to the 5th century, the ring finger was the index finger.  Later, it was believed that the third finger contained the "vein of love" that led directly to the heart.

Shoes On Vehicle

Ancient Romans used to transfer to the Groom his authority over his Bride when her Father gave the Groom her shoes.  In later years, guests threw their own shoes at the newlyweds to signify this transfer of authority.

Something Old

This tradition symbolized the sense of continuity while making the transition from a single person to that of a married couple.

Something New

This tradition symbolized that marriage represented a transition to adulthood.

Something Borrowed

This tradition symbolized the popular belief that by borrowing something from a happily married couple, good fortune would follow the newlyweds.

Something Blue

In ancient Israel, blue was the border color of the Bride's dress symbolizing purity, constancy and fidelity.

Stag Parties

The male equivalent of the Bridal Shower.  Roman Empire soldiers would feast with the Groom the night before his wedding to say goodbye to his irresponsible days of bachelorhood, and to renew their vows of allegiance to their friendships.

Tossing Rice

Believing newlyweds brought good luck, guests used to shower them with nuts and grains to insure a bountiful harvest and many children to work the land.  During years of a poor harvest, rice was tossed instead.

Tuxedo

Until the 20th century, the Groom simply wore his "Sunday best" on his wedding day.  Then someone came up with a silly looking suit and convinced men it was the "in" thing to do.

Tying the Knot

This comes from the days of the Roman empire when the Bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots.  The Groom untied the knots prior to the consummation of their marriage.

Wedding Cake

Also during the days of the Roman Empire, wedding cakes were baked of wheat or barley.  At the reception, they were traditionally broken over the head of the new Bride by the Groom as a symbol of her fertility.  Guests would then scramble for pieces of the cake, and take them home for good luck.

Wedding Ring

Approximately 3,000 BC, Egyptians originated the phrase "without beginning, without end" in describing the significance of the wedding ring.  These rings were made of woven hemp which constantly wore out and needed replacement.

Although Romans originally used iron, gold is now used as a symbol of all that is pure.  Diamonds were first used by Italians who believed that it was created from the flames of love.

Wedding Toast

It is said that this tradition first began in France where bread would be placed in the bottom of two drinking glasses for the newlyweds.  They would then drink as fast as they could to be the first person to get to the toast.  According to legend, the winner would rule their household!

White Wedding Dress

This was made popular in the 1840's by Queen Victoria (instead of the traditional royal "silver" wedding dress).  Prior to this, Brides simply wore their best dress on their wedding day.