The bridal veil, that mysterious, filmy fabric designed to obscure the bride, has been a wedding staple for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore a flame-colored veil, called a "flammeum," to frighten away evil spirits who might want to take a crack at her virtue. It wasn't until the Crusades that the veil took on its more wistful appearance and became a symbol of purity and modesty. Today, one might wonder if the veil serves as a cunning way for the bride to conceal her "Oh, dear God, what have I done?" expression as she walks down the aisle.

Something New: Handfasting

Handfasting has been around for millennia, but it's making a comeback in modern weddings. This ancient Celtic tradition involves the tying of hands (more specifically, the right hands) of the bride and groom with a ribbon or cord. The knot is symbolic of the couple's unity, commitment, and entwining of their lives. As the officiant ties the knot, they may say something like: "As I bind your hands together, may your love and trust grow stronger, and your union last as long as your eternal souls." The couple then exchanges vows and—wait for it—their hands are untied, signaling their freedom to walk away from each other, thinking "Well, that was a nice gesture, but I've got better things to do."

Something Borrowed: The Bride's Garter

Once upon a time, it was considered good luck to get a piece of the bride's dress. In the Middle Ages, this led to some pretty barbaric behavior, with wedding guests literally tearing the bride's dress to shreds. To save the dress, brides began wearing a separate garter that could be removed and given away. The tradition evolved into the groom removing the garter and tossing it to the male guests. The man who catches it is believed to be the next to marry. These days, the garter toss can be a cringe-worthy affair, with the groom practically spelunking under the bride's dress, rooting around like a truffle hog, while the bride tries to maintain her dignity and keep her legs from parting like the Red Sea.

Something Blue: The Loving Cup

The Loving Cup is a two-handled chalice used by the bride and groom to share their first drink as a married couple. The tradition dates back to medieval England, but it has enjoyed a revival in modern weddings. The cup can be as simple or ornate as the couple wishes, filled with their drink of choice, and used for a ceremonial toast. It's a nice touch, really, unless of course the couple has had a few too many drinks before the ceremony and ends up sloshing wine all over their finery. In that case, the Loving Cup quickly becomes the Laughing Cup, and the bride and groom are left to wonder why they ever thought reviving old wedding customs was a good idea.

Something Extra: The Bridal Party

Weddings are a breeding ground for superstition, and the bridal party is no exception. In ancient times, bridesmaids dressed like the bride to confuse evil spirits and potential kidnappers, while groomsmen were responsible for guarding the bride and ensuring her safe passage to the ceremony. Today, bridesmaids are more likely to be seen guzzling champagne and dabbing away happy tears, while groomsmen occupy themselves with the weighty task of balancing champagne flutes on their heads and trying not to pass out during the ceremony.

Something Timeless: Jumping the Broom

Jumping the broom is a tradition that originated among enslaved people in the United States, who were not allowed to legally marry. The broom represented the couple's new home, and jumping over it symbolized their entrance into a new life together. Today, many African-American couples include this meaningful gesture in their wedding ceremonies, giving a nod to their ancestors and the resilience of love. It's a beautiful sight, as long as the bride doesn't snag her veil on the broom and face plant into her new life.Reviving old wedding customs can add a touch of history, romance, and levity to modern nuptials. So go ahead, don your veil, tie your hands, and jump the broom—it's your big day, after all!

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