■The Rings
The tradition of wearing a ring to display one’s marital status can be traced back to Roman times. And undoubtedly, the wedding ring is one of the most symbolic jewelry anyone will ever wear. Wedding rings are traditionally made of precious metals such as gold to express of the true value of a relationship. The unbroken circular band symbolizes the lasting nature of marriage and the eternal commitment from one person to another. Originally, a ring bearer carried the ring on a cushion, it was shown to the bride at the altar to illustrate the groom’s sincerity. Today, the rings are paid by the groom and are usually carried by the best man until required during the ceremony.
■The Best Man
In the old days when the groom has kidnapped his bride, the best man was appointed by the groom to protect, ensuring the groom and his bride arrive safely at the church. As it was not unusual for the bride’s family to try to snatch her back, the best man should be necessarily on hand if a confrontation ensued between the groom and the unhappy members of the bride’s family.
■Confetti
Confetti means “confectionery” in Italian. It relates to the sugar-coated grains thrown over the newlyweds on wedding. The traditional of throwing confetti dates back to a pagan wedding ritual when the couple were showered with grain and rice to promote fertility, prosperity and the continuity of the couple.
In recent times, the grains and rice have been replaced by flower petals or colored paper. One of the great modern alternatives to confetti is the blowing of special non-stain wedding bubbles.
■The Cake
It was a custom in the history to shower the bride with small cakes (like confetti), or even break the cake over the bride’s head! An old British custom included placement of a ring in the cake, with lucky guest who found it being ensured happiness. The wedding cake containing nut and fruit was originally a symbol of fertility, and later was developed over time into a tower of several cakes placed on top of one another. Initially the bride and the groom would stand on opposite side of the cake and try to kiss. If the kiss was carried out without overthrowing the cake, good fortune could be expected. This tradition has been continued and modified into today’s multi-tiered cake with the kissing couple on top.