Planning a wedding today is all about infusing it with personal style and unique details that feel totally you. Couples have the liberty to turn tradition on its head, and everyone loves seeing the creativity! However, just a few generations ago, there was very little deviation from tradition. And while there are still some things worth keeping, it can be hard to choose which things should stay and which should hit the road. At Griffin’s Floral Designs, we’re diving into common wedding rituals, their backstory, and how to make them all your own.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
It may sound like a cute social media caption quote, but “something old, something new…” actually goes way back to 19th-century England. Traditionally, each of the four items symbolized good fortune and a strong marriage, but today’s couples aren’t stressing over the perfect blue item. Instead of hunting down all four pieces solo, many brides are turning it into a team effort, asking a bridesmaid or family member to curate the perfect mix. Not only does it make the tradition more personal, but it’s a sweet (and often emotional) gift that adds meaning to the day in a low-effort, high-impact way.
Bride and Bridesmaids Carrying Flowers
Before florals took over your wedding moodboards, the OG brides were keeping it earthy. In Greek, Roman, and Egyptian times, bouquets were made of herbs and spices meant to attract good vibes, fertility, and fidelity. Fast-forward to the Victorian era, and florals became the star of the show with big, romantic arrangements packed with symbolism. These days, the tradition lives on, but with a modern twist. Brides and bridesmaids are choosing blooms that reflect their style, scent preferences, and even personality. It’s tradition meets self-expression!
Tossing the Bouquet and Garter
In medieval France and England, wedding guests believed that touching the bride or grabbing a piece of her gown would bring them good luck. (Yes, people were literally ripping fabric off the bride!) To keep things a little more civil, traditions like the bouquet and garter toss were introduced, giving guests something else to catch and cherish. Fast-forward to today, and many modern couples are rethinking these rituals altogether. While some opt entirely out, others are “passing the torch” by gifting the bouquet to a close friend, family member, or other couple as a meaningful gesture. It’s all about less spectacle, more sentiment.
Honored Guests Wearing Personal Flowers
Boutonnieres and corsages might sound fancy (they are French, after all), but the idea behind them has been around for ages. Ancient Greeks and Aztecs rocked wearable florals to show support and signal alliances. Over time, this bloomed into a full-on wedding staple, and today’s couples are using it as a sweet way to honor their inner circle. Whether you’re pinning blooms on just your VIPs or giving everyone in the front row a floral moment, it’s a stylish, sentimental detail that adds heart to the ceremony and looks so good in photos.
Escorting the Bride Down the Aisle
In many cultures, the tradition of a father walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day has long symbolized the act of “giving her away.” While the original meaning may feel outdated, the moment itself still holds deep emotional value for many families. Modern brides are making it their own by choosing to walk with a father figure, a parent of any gender, both parents, a sibling, or even side-by-side with their partner. Others embrace the aisle solo, soaking up every second of that walk. However you choose to enter, this is your moment, and the meaning behind it should reflect your story.
The Father-Daughter Dance
Like the aisle walk, the traditional father-daughter dance was once meant to symbolize the transfer of care from parent to spouse. But today, it’s more about honoring the people who’ve shaped your life and sharing a moment that’s purely about love and gratitude. While the father-daughter dance is still a favorite, couples are expanding the tradition to mother-groom dances, mother-bride moments, or a sweet spin on the floor with a grandparent, sibling, or chosen family member. Whether it’s one dance or a whole lineup, these moments are your chance to celebrate the relationships that made you who you are.
Brides Wearing White Wedding Gowns
White wedding dresses haven’t always been the classic tradition. Queen Victoria started the trend, and once Hollywood jumped on board, it pretty much became bridal law. But modern brides are, once again, rewriting the rules. Sure, white is still having its moment, but you’re also likely to see gowns in champagne, blush, red, or even black. Whether you’re into minimalist chic or full-on maximalist drama, the only dress that matters is the one that feels you. Tradition is cute, but personal style is iconic.
Bridesmaids Wearing Matching Dresses
The tradition of bridesmaids dressing alike goes all the way back to Ancient Rome, where the bridal party wore similar outfits to the bride for protection. The idea was for the ladies to look alike and confuse bad vibes, jealous exes, or wandering spirits with not-so-great intentions. Today’s bridesmaids may no longer be playing defense, but the spirit of togetherness remains. Many bridal parties still coordinate outfits, color palettes, or florals, but strict matchy-matchy looks have given way to more flexible, personality-packed styles that let each member shine.
Wedding Cake Traditions
Wedding “cakes” have been around since the beginning of time. However, they weren’t always the elegant, floral-studded masterpiece we know today. Ancient Romans crumbled bread over the bride’s head for good luck, and Medieval English couples locked lips over towering piles of baked goods to prove they were meant to be. Then, Queen Victoria introduced us to the frosted tiered cake, and icon status was achieved. While face-smashing is mostly out (unless that’s your vibe), modern couples cut the cake together as a sweet symbol of unity. Many also save a slice or the top tier to savor on their first wedding anniversary.
Rehearsal Dinners and Post-Wedding Brunches
During the 20th century, weddings started getting a little “extra” with more guests, more details, more reasons to double-check that Uncle Dan knows where to stand. With that came the rehearsal dinner. What started as a logistical meal became a core part of the wedding weekend (Yeah, it’s evolved!). Now, the rehearsal dinner is a pre-party that’s not to be missed. Couples use this event as a chance to gather the VIPs, go over the ceremony, and sneak in some early toasts. Whether hosted in a backyard, a brewery, or a fancy restaurant, it’s the calm before the champagne-fueled storm.
Something old, something new, something genuine, and something unexpected! Weddings today are all about mixing meaning with modern vibes and rewriting outdated traditions. At Griffin’s Floral Designs, we’re ready to help you take those classic wedding rituals and give them a fresh floral glow-up that feels so you.
