WEDDING TRIVIA

THE tradition of tying old shoes to the car originated in England during the Tudor period. At that time, guests would throw shoes at the bride and groom as they left in their carriage. It was considered good luck if their carriage was hit. Today, more often than not, it is beverage cans that are tied to a couple's car instead of shoes. It should be noted that the British consider it good luck if it rains on their wedding day! (Well, their shoes were probably already ruined by the rain, so what the heck)

WHEN the officiate says "You may kiss the bride" this is meant to be more than just a token of affection. It has long been a custom and tradition that the kiss is a token of bonding as well as the exchange of spirits as each partner sends a part of themselves into the new spouse's soul, there to live ever after. (And by "spirits," we mean bacteria)

NELLIE Custis, the daughter of Martha Washington, is credited with wearing the first lace veil. (Talk about an overachieving family)

"THE Dance" by Garth Brooks is a break-up song. "I Honestly Love You" by Olivia Newton-John is about the ending of an extramarital affair. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston is about leaving a lover. (And the Hokey-Poke is a song for people who can't dance)

CUTTING the cake symbolizes the first task a couple handles together once married. (It's probably not a good sign if one of them decides to delegate the task to the other)

IN the 1500s, most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and were still smelling pretty good in June. However, they were starting to smell a little, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. (If somebody hands you flowers at a wedding, they might be trying to tell you something)

THE term "tie the knot" goes back to Roman times. The bride would wear a girdle that was tied in many knots, which the groom had the "duty" of untying. (Shortly thereafter, scissors were invented. Coincidence?)