Wedding Customs and Ancient Traditions
Ancient Wedding Customs & Traditions
As an award-winning Shropshire Wedding Venue, here at Hadley Park House Hotel we are well-versed to the traditions, customs and latest trends for weddings. We thought that we’d share some of this wedding knowledge as well as some laugh-out-loud wedding facts from years gone by ….
Why was it traditional to hold a summer wedding?
Weddings held in the spring and summer have traditionally been popular. This wedding tradition probably dates back to the 1500’s when most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and were still smelling pretty good by June! If, however, they were starting to smell, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odour – which explains the tradition of hand-tied wedding bouquets too!
We’re pleased that this tradition is no longer the case and winter weddings are now just as popular (and the custom of an annual bath is long-gone). If you’re looking to get hitched in the winter, then our winter wedding package or Valentine Wedding Offer where we’re offering huge savings!
Another wedding custom that’s all about the rings
Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart. It was suggested that it would be appropriate to wear a wedding ring on that special finger as it included the vein, called vena amori, or the vein of love.
What about the ‘Best Man’?
The term “best man” dates back to the times when Scotsmen kidnapped their future brides. The friend of the groom who had excelled at the abduction was acclaimed to be the best man. We’re not recommending the practice of this ancient custom …
Good luck signs & symbols
A bride is lucky if she wears old shoes!
If a cat sneezes on the day before a wedding, the bride will be lucky in her marriage and if you see a rainbow or black cat, it’s also a good sign!
But … if the groom drops the ring during the ceremony, the marriage is doomed.
What is the best day to marry?
In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the ‘best day’ to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday for health. If you fancy a non-weekend wedding day, then take a look at our great midweek wedding packages.
Little known wedding facts …
- All of Henry VIII’s six wives were related to each other
- A Malaysian Man holds the record for being the best man at over 1000 weddings (think of all of the speeches!!)
- In China, 26,000 couples get married every day!
Choosing the right venue is vital
If you’re looking to set the date and looking for a wedding venue, we’d recommend that you visit a venue to get a real feel for the place. It’s important to talk to the wedding co-ordinator to discuss exactly what you envisage for your special day.
If you’re planning a civil ceremony, reception, evening reception, same sex wedding, renewal of vows. To make an appointment here at our wedding venue in Shropshire, please do get in touch with our wedding co-ordinator who will be delighted to show you around. We will also be able to share our experiences on what’s popular, timings on the day and the wide choice of menus that we can offer. If you’re looking for inspiration, then our previous weddings could offer some ideas!
