The typical American wedding is bursting with traditions from exchanging of rings to the big white dress. But have you ever stopped to think where these wedding traditions come from and what do they actually mean? Here are a few wedding tradition origins you may not have known about.

Bridesmaid dresses: Though the styles have changed in recent years, the origin of all wearing the matching dresses stems from something much older. In the past, Roman law required ten witnesses to make a wedding legal. Several of these witnesses would dress up exactly like the like the bride and groom, to confound any “unwanted evil spirits” who might show up uninvited.

Ring finger: One of the biggest wedding traditions is the exchanging of rings. But have you ever wondered why Americans wear the wedding ring on the left-hand third finger? Well, it’s because of an ancient Greek belief that a vein in that finger ran directly to the heart, how romantic!

Tossing of “everything”: Do you ever think of how much is tossed in the air during a typical wedding? From rice, to flower bouquets, to garters lots is being tossed around. Well rice is tossed on the newly married couples to ensure fertility and bougets are tossed for luck and protections, but Garters may have the best back story. Back in the day people would rip off parts of the wedding dress to capture some of the good luck and fortune of the bride for themselves. Now that these dresses often cost an arm in a leg, garters have become a safe part of the dress you can rip off without having to ruin the dress.

Side by Side: Have you ever wondered why the bride traditionally stands to the left of the altar and the groom on the right? Well way back when, weddings used to be a lot more confrontational, and the groom needed to keep his right hand free in order to swiftly grab his sword and fight off and disgruntled wedding guest that may rush the alter. 

Tying the knot: This seems like an odd saying as there usually aren’t too many knots involved in the typical wedding ceremony. This phrase actually stems from an old Irish custom called “handfasting” which is when the bride and grooms hands are tied together at the ceremony to symbolize their commitment to each other. 

Express yourself on your wedding day and make a statement with these fun and inexpensive ways to customize your wedding day!

Create Signature drinks: Creating a signature drink is a fun way to add a personal touch to your cocktail hour, and can also help save you money. Instead of offering a full bar for your cocktail hour or reception give guest the option of beer, wine and choosing from two signature drinks, this can help you have tons on your liquor bill. As a friendly reminder, one of the many options avaialble for your special day here at the Canoe Club Ballroom is our beverage fountain! This is always a great way for guests to enjoy that "signature drink" as well! Popular selections include: Champagne, Sangria, Planter's Punch, Margaritas, and Mimosas! 

Get Creative With Table Names: Instead of just labeling your tables by numbers offer a more personal touch and get creative with your table names. Give them names of your favorite songs or places you have travelled together. Or one of our favorite ideas is adding childhood photos of the couple at the age of the number of each table. This simple and inexpensive decor adds a personal touch and not to mention is a great conversation starter.

Incorporate Your Favorite Hobby: Adding a favorite hobby of the two of you is a fun and easy way to give your wedding a personal touch. For example, if you love to sail why not have a nautical themed wedding?

Have a Loved One Officiate Your Wedding: What better way to make your wedding ceremony as personal and meaningful as possible than to have a loved one officiate the wedding? Almost anyone can become ordained and having a family member or a close friend marry you will make it all the more special for you and your guests.

Walk down the aisle to a meaningful song: Instead of walking down the aisle to the typical wedding march, walk down to a meaningful song for you and your groom. Whether it be the first song you danced to or one of “your” songs this easy change is sure to give your wedding a personal touch. 

Flowers are one of the main focal points of any wedding and can quickly become a major expense. One way to keep costs down is to opt for flowers that are in bloom during your wedding season. Since summer wedding season is here we thought we would share some of our favorite flowers that won’t break the bank!

Alstroemeria: Alstroemeria are in bloom in late spring or early summer so they are perfect for a May or June wedding. These colorful flowers are also known as Peruvian Lillies and come in a wide range of different colors (over 150 shades!) so they are perfect for any color pallet.

Carnation: Carnations are the perfect flower for weddings due to their lengthy sturdy stem which is great for tall elegant arrangements. They are also perfect for long wedding days because they have a long-lasting bloom even hours after being cut. Carnations are in bloom during late spring so if you are getting married in early summer they may be a great fit.

Daisy: Daisies are a great staple flower, whether being used as a filler flower or to make up an entire bouquet. Daisies may even bring back childhood memories of plucking the white petals off wondering “he loves me, he loves me not”. Daisies are in bloom throughout the summer and into early fall and make an affordable whimsical flower for a more casual wedding.

Sunflower: Sunflowers may be the most summer time flowers of them all. There is something about the big bright petals that just make you happy when you see them. Their bright gold color adds a great pop to any floral arrangement. Sunflowers are in bloom throughout the summer.

Baby's breath: What was once a filler in bouquets and centerpieces baby’s breath is making a comeback on its own. Lately, we have seen lots of brides using baby’s breath in big mounds, which gives a gorgeous whimsical look and goes great with long trailing pastel color ribbons. Baby’s breath is also great for making delicate and airy flower crowns perfect for any summer wedding.