The Origin of 10 Common Wedding Traditions
1. Something Old, Something New…
You may have begun collecting your “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” already, but do you know why? Each piece has a special meaning. Something old represents the bride’s family and past. Something new is the bride’s future with her husband. Something borrowed is an item from someone with a good marriage to pass on the luck. And something blue stands for loyalty, purity, and faithfulness.
2. Carrying a Bouquet of Flowers
During plagues, brides carried garlic and dill bouquets to cover their faces to ward off illness and evil spirits. That tradition has, thankfully, evolved into flowers.
3. Bridesmaids Dresses
Pre-Victorian era bridesmaids dressed exactly like the bride to trick evil spirits from finding the bride and ruining her happiness. Over time, the bride’s gown evolved into a unique, standout wedding element.
4. Best Man
The best man was once the groom’s swordsman. He could help retrieve a runaway bride or fight off a bride’s family that was not happy with the marriage.
5. White Gown
Bridal gowns weren’t white until Queen Victoria of England wore a white gown when she got married in 1840. At the time, this was scandalous as white was the color worn when in mourning. Before this, brides were usually in dramatic colors with gold embroidery, jewels, and fur. If you’re wondering why Victoria chose white, it was to marry Prince Albert as a woman, not a monarch.
6. Rings
In Ancient Greece, the fourth finger on the left hand was believed to have a blood vessel that went straight to the heart. It was called vena amoris or vein of love.
7. Throwing Rice
Whether you throw rice or birdseed, it’s meant to signify rain — a sign of prosperity, fertility, and good fortune.
8. Throwing the Garter
Long ago, in England and France, wedding guests wanted a piece of the bride’s dress to keep for luck. This led to a tattered dress and a frightened bride. Throwing the garter allowed brides to have peace of mind as it appeased the guests.
9. Feeding Each Other Wedding Cake
Cutting the cake together symbolizes your first task together as a married couple. Feeding each other is a symbol of your commitment.
10. Carrying Over the Threshold
In Medieval Europe, they believed that a bride was vulnerable to evil spirits through her feet. By carrying her over the threshold, the groom would prevent the spirits from entering the house.
Which traditions will you be using in your celebration?
Call Oaks Manor Events for a tour of our mansion today!
How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch
To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:
- Caterers and bartenders
- Florists and decorators
- Musicians or DJs
- Photographers and videographers
- Officiants
- Hair and makeup teams
- Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor
You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.
Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding
Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget.
Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.
Best Practices for a Vendor List
As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.
- Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
- Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
- Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
- Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.
FAQ’s
Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!
Why is a vendor list important?
A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact.
When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.
What is a Vendor List?
A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event.
How to Create a Vendor List?
This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.
Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor
At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.
