Preserving Time-Honoured Traditions: Weaving History into Your Wedding Film
A wedding is a celebration of love, a joyous union between two souls embarking on a lifelong journey together. It is a day filled with beautiful traditions that have been passed down through generations, each one carrying its own significance and charm. As wedding videographers, we understand the importance of preserving these time-honored customs and incorporating them into your wedding film. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of some popular wedding traditions and explore how they can add depth and structure to your film. However, it is essential to acknowledge that not everyone may choose to incorporate traditions due to their associated meanings. We encourage couples to reflect on their own values and beliefs when deciding which traditions to include in their wedding day and film.
In this exploration of 10 wedding traditions, we will be focusing on some beloved British customs that have stood the test of time. However, it is important to acknowledge that weddings are a beautiful amalgamation of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Depending on your family heritage and personal preferences, you may wish to incorporate traditions from various cultures into your special day. As wedding videographers, we understand and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions that couples bring to their weddings. We aim to capture not only the essence of British traditions but also the multicultural elements that make your wedding unique. So, let us delve into the fascinating world of British wedding traditions while embracing the beautiful tapestry of customs that can be incorporated into your day, ensuring they are thoughtfully documented in your wedding film.
After the ceremony, it is common for guests to shower the newlyweds with confetti
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue:
This age-old tradition is believed to bring good luck to the couple. The bride incorporates "something old" to symbolize continuity, "something new" for optimism and hope, "something borrowed" from a happily married couple to bring good fortune, and "something blue" to represent purity and fidelity. Capturing these meaningful elements in your wedding film adds depth and symbolism to your storytelling.
Garter:
The tradition of the garter dates back to medieval times. It was believed to bring good luck and fertility to the couple. In the past, guests would sometimes attempt to remove the bride's garter as a symbol of good fortune. Today, it is more common for the groom to remove the garter from the bride's leg and toss it to the single men. Including this tradition in your wedding film adds a playful and flirtatious element, showcasing the couple's sense of humor and shared connection.
Not Seeing the Bride Before the Wedding:
The tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding ceremony has its roots in arranged marriages and superstitions. It was believed that seeing each other before the wedding would bring bad luck. Today, many couples choose to uphold this tradition to add an element of anticipation and surprise to their special day. Capturing the couple's reactions when they finally see each other during the ceremony in your wedding film evokes a sense of excitement and raw emotion, beautifully preserving this traditional moment.
Dad Walking Down the Aisle:
The tradition of the father walking the bride down the aisle has its origins in ancient times when it was customary for the father to present his daughter to her future husband. This tradition symbolizes the father's blessing and support as he escorts the bride towards her new life. Capturing this heartfelt moment in your wedding film reflects the deep bond between the bride and her father, highlighting the emotions and significance of this time-honoured tradition.
Confetti Throw:
After the ceremony, it is common for guests to shower the newlyweds with confetti as they exit the ceremony venue. Traditionally, this was done using real flower petals, but nowadays, biodegradable confetti is often used. The confetti throw creates a joyful and celebratory atmosphere, and capturing this moment in your film showcases the exuberance and well-wishes of your loved ones.
Wedding Breakfast:
The term "wedding breakfast" refers to the traditional wedding reception meal. Despite its name, it is typically served later in the day, and it can be an elaborate affair with multiple courses. Filming the beautifully decorated tables, the toasts, and the shared laughter during the wedding breakfast adds a sense of elegance and camaraderie to your wedding film.
First Dance:
The tradition of the first dance dates back to the 17th century in Europe. It originated from the formal balls held by the aristocracy, where the newly married couple would open the dance floor with an elaborate performance. The first dance symbolizes the couple's unity and the beginning of their journey together. It is a romantic moment that showcases their love and sets the tone for the celebration. Including this tradition in your wedding film captures the elegance and emotional connection between the couple as they share their first dance as spouses.
Cutting the Cake:
The tradition of cutting the wedding cake together dates back centuries and has symbolic roots in ancient Rome. In the past, it was customary to stack small spiced buns as high as possible, and the couple would attempt to kiss over the tower of buns. This symbolized good luck and a prosperous future. Over time, the stacked buns evolved into the tiered wedding cake we know today. The act of cutting the cake together symbolizes the first shared task of the couple as spouses. It represents their commitment to support and care for one another. By cutting the cake together, the couple signifies their unity and willingness to share in the joys and responsibilities of married life. Capturing this timeless tradition in your wedding film showcases the couple's love and commitment, as well as the joyous celebration surrounding this significant moment
Throwing Flowers:
The tradition of throwing flowers, often referred to as the bouquet toss, has its roots in ancient Roman times. It was believed that catching the bride's bouquet would bring good luck and signify the catcher as the next to marry. Over time, this tradition evolved into a playful activity where single women gather to catch the bouquet tossed by the bride. Including moments of the bouquet toss in your wedding film adds a lighthearted and joyous element, capturing the excitement and anticipation of the single women vying to catch the flowers.
Tin cans on the getaway car
A lighthearted tradition often seen in British weddings is the custom of attaching tin cans to the wedding car. This practice stems from the belief that the loud clattering sound produced by the cans will scare away evil spirits and bring good luck to the newlyweds. It is a joyful sight to see the newly married couple drive off with the cans trailing behind, announcing their union to the world. Including this tradition in your wedding film adds a touch of playfulness and captures the exuberance of the moment as the couple embarks on their journey together.
While we have explored a handful of beloved British wedding traditions in this blog, it's important to note that there are countless more traditions from around the world. Each culture and family brings their unique customs and rituals to the wedding day, making it a truly diverse and beautiful celebration of love!
The first dance symbolizes the couple's unity and the beginning of their journey together
In it together: The act of cutting the cake together symbolizes the first shared task of the couple as spouses
Wedding traditions, with their rich history and symbolism, offer a beautiful framework for your wedding film. By carefully considering which traditions align with your personal values and beliefs, you can create a visual masterpiece that tells your unique love story. Whether you choose to embrace tradition, infuse your own creativity, or forgo certain customs, your wedding film will be a timeless keepsake that captures the essence of your special day. Let us, as your wedding videographers, craft a film that preserves these cherished moments while honouring your individuality and celebrating your love.
Want to Relive Every Magical Moment? Contact us today and let's create a wedding film that will transport you back to the joy and love of your special day.
