If you have ever wondered where some of these traditions originated or what they mean, read on.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in your shoe.
This is probably the one tradition that most brides follow. Something old signifies continuity and tradition, a link to the bride's old life and her family. The bride will often wear something old such as her mother's wedding gown or a piece of family jewelry. Something new symbolizes optimism and hope for the future. The new item is usually her wedding gown or any other new piece of clothing that she is wearing.

Something borrowed means happiness. The borrowed item is usually something from a happily married friend and the reasoning is that the friend's happiness will transfer to you. The borrowed item is often a piece of jewelry or handkerchief.

Something blue signifies fidelity, love and purity. The bride will often choose a blue garter. Sixpence in your shoe represents a life of good fortune.

Dowry and Hope Chest
Once upon a time, an exchange of property was part of the marriage transaction. The groom's parents would pay a bride price to the woman's family and her family would provide the couple with household goods to start their new life together. The bride-to-be filled her hope chest, traditionally made by her father, with items that she was setting aside for her future married life.

Engagement Ring
This ring is a promise to wed, security for the betrothed. This custom originated in Roman times when a man had to barter for his bride. Eventually diamond rings were given as engagement rings because diamonds were more valuable than gold and as such constituted a stronger promise.

Wedding Ring
The wedding ring, a solid band, represents everlasting love. It is traditionally placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was believed that this finger was directly connected to the heart.

Wedding Banns
An announcement is made in church on three consecutive Sundays prior to the wedding ceremony. This gives anyone with objections to the wedding, time to voice them.

Bridal Shower
This tradition began long ago when a father objected to his daughter's marriage and refused to provide a dowry. If this happened then approving villagers would gather to present her with items for her new home.

Bachelor Party
Traditionally, this was the last chance for a man to gather money for his own use by gambling before turning over the finances to his wife.

Giving the Bride Away
The tradition of the father of the bride "giving" her away to the groom has its origins in the days when a bride was bartered for land, social status, political alliances or even money. Forms of this still exist today as people choose to marry for money, position, status and political reasons.

In some cultures, marriages were (and still are) arranged. Parents chose a suitable mate for their children who often did not meet until the wedding ceremony.

Today, some brides opt to go with tradition and walk down the aisle with their father who then "gives" her to the groom. Today this custom is continued as a mark of affection and respect for the father. Other brides choose to walk down the aisle escorted by both parents, a favoured relative, a friend, the groom or alone. There are no longer any set rules and ceremonies are as individual as the participants.

Wedding Gown
Historically the bride was married in her favourite dress. Queen Victoria popularized the wearing of the white dress in 1840 when she was married in a lovely all-white wedding gown. The white dress grew to symbolize affluence, purity and virginity. Most brides today are married in white.

Bridal Veil
This article of headwear was a symbol of modesty, virginity and respect. It served as a reminder that a physical relationship would begin after the vows were exchanged and the pact was sealed with a kiss. It was then that the veil was removed.

The Kiss
A kiss completes the wedding ceremony. This has its roots in early Roman times when a kiss represented a legal bond that sealed all contracts.

Flowers
Flowers have been a part of wedding celebrations because they are symbols of fertility, purity, new life and love. At one time, bouquets were a mixture of flowers and herbs. Dill was almost always used because it was thought to promote lust.

When rose petals are strewn before the bride as she walks down the aisle of the church, this is thought to ward off evils spirits and assure fertility.

Throwing Rice
Rice and wheat were thrown at the newly married couple as they left the church as a wish for fertility and that the couple enjoy a fruitful life together. Today people are more likely to toss flower petals or blow bubbles.

Dancing
Dancing has been a part of weddings and wedding celebrations throughout the ages. At the reception, the first dance traditionally belongs to the bride and groom. The next dance belongs to the bride and her father. The groom dances with his mother. At this time, the rest of the attendees join in.

Tossing the Bouquet
This English tradition arose from he idea that that bride's good luck would pass to those who could steal a bit of her dress or flowers. In order to escape relatively unscathed, she would toss her bouquet to the crowd. Today the bouquet is tossed to the single women. The prevailing thought is that the person who catches it will be the next to marry.

The Garter
When this custom came into being, it was the garter belt that was thrown to the single guys. Today, thankfully, it is the bride's garter that is removed and tossed to them. It is thought that the lucky guy who catches it will be the next to marry.

The Great Escape
It is common to tie a trail of old shoes or tin cans to the rear of the get-away vehicle. Old shoes once represented the transfer of property from the father of the bride to the groom. The noise from honking horns, firecrackers, bells and tin cans serves to ward off evil spirits.

Honeymoon
This was, and still is, a way to escape and hide out from family and friends. It also serves as a period of rest, relaxation and recuperation.

Shivaree
This custom originated in the Middle Ages. The bridal couple's friends would gather outside their home on the wedding night and bang pots and pans together to keep them awake. The last Shivare I attended was pure mischief. We went to the newlyweds' home and completely rearranged their furniture including setting up their entire living room in the barn.