Diamond Engagement Ring

In medieval Italy, precious stones were seen as part of the groom's payment for the bride. The groom would give a gift of such stones, which symbolized his intent to marry.

The Bridal Shower

This custom is believed to have started in Holland, where legend has it that a disapproving father would not provide his daughter with a dowry so that she might marry a less-than-wealthy miller. Her friends provided her with the then-essential dowry by "showering" her with gifts.

The Ring Finger

The third finger on the left hand is considered the ring finger. All engagement and wedding rings are worn there because centuries ago that finger was believed to be connected by a vein directly to the heart.

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The Wedding Cake

Wedding cakes originated in ancient Rome, where a loaf of wheat bread was broken over the bride's head to symbolize hope for a fertile and fulfilling life. The guests ate the crumbs, which were believed to be good luck. the custom found its way to England in the Middle Ages. The guests would bring small cakes to a wedding; the cakes were put in a pile that the bride and groom later stood over and kissed. Apparently, someone came up with the idea of piling all the cakes together and frosting them, creating an early ancestor of the multi-tiered wedding cakes of today.

The High Cost of Marriage     Rather than ask if the happy couple can afford marriage, consider the words of a wise anonymous sage who said:

The bride, white of hair, stoops over her cane,

Her footsteps, uncertain, needing guiding,

 While down the church aisle,

 With a wan, toothless smile,

 the groom in a wheelchair comes riding.

And who is this elderly couple thus wed?

You'll find when you closely explore it,

 That here is the rare, most conservative pair,

 Who waited till they could afford it?

Throwing Rice

The tradition of throwing rice began in the Orient. rice (which symbolizes fertility) was thrown at the couple in the hope that this would bring a marriage yielding many children.

Wedding Season

June is the ideal time to get married. Not only is the weather probably going to be pleasant, but the NBA finals are over, the NFL is not even in summer camp, and baseball has not yet gotten exciting. In other words, other than fishing season and golf, there is very little to distract the groom.

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