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&Trends
Traditions
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!” Those wellknown wedding traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. But how did they originate and what do they stand for?
Some say “something old” symbolizes the bride’s connection to her family and her past, whereas “something new” represents the start of her new life. Borrowing an item to wear on the wedding day is a symbolic gesture that family and friends will always be by the bride’s side, while in many cultures, “something blue” denotes love, fidelity and modesty. Today, it is often a piece of ribbon pinned to the bride’s undergarments, but in olden days, many wedding dresses were actually blue, not today’s traditional white. Yet modern weddings often turn tradition on its head, adding unique, personalized details. Although many still wouldn’t be caught without that lucky sixpence in her shoe, many brides have opted out of the traditional white or ivory wedding heel for a pop of color beneath the dress. While onlookers are comforted to see the old-fashioned, wellorchestrated standards, such as the cutting of the cake, the first dance and the bouquet toss, these traditions are now usually modified with unique, personal touches that carry the flavor of the bride and groom. The once-traditional, three-tier, white, round wedding cake may now be draped in jewel tones and crystals, or even adorned with the colors of the couple’s favorite sports team. There are many new and creative trends for today’s weddings. Yet no matter how far off the traditional path, fragments of the well-worn, longstanding traditions lie at the core. 54
October 2013 |wellington the magazine|
TABLE FOR TWO
TYING THE KNOT
To dais or not to dais? This is the question. How many times have you been asked to be in a bridal party and dreaded sitting at the long bridal table on a raised platform, often surrounded by strangers throughout the entire reception. These days, more and more couples are opting for a personalized table for two and unchaining the bridal party so they may sit with their friends and family. This motif places more emphasis on the bride and groom and highlights their special moment that much more.
There is no doubt that the bride will look beautiful on her big day, but make sure that the groom also looks his best. After all, it is also his big day! White dress shirts with big, black bow ties have long been replaced and rarely make appearances at today’s weddings. Although most still want to go formal with bow ties and cummerbunds, many grooms choose to add a hint of their style with color or patterns allowing their personalities to shine through. Ties with matching pocket squares are all the rage.
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