Bouquets were used in Medieval times. They consisted of herbs and roots to ward off evil spirits. Later, brides added lots of fragrant flowers to cover up body odors since soap and deodorant were non-existent.

Bridesmaids were used to confuse evil spirits. It was thought that if the bride was surrounded by women dressed alike, evil spirits could not find the bride and would leave the ceremony.

Groomsmen were basically used during the time when men would kidnap their brides. The best warriors came with the groom to fight off anyone trying to save the female from being taking from her tribe, clan, or village.

Honeymoons were actually one month long. The groom, having kidnapped his bride, would hide her from everyone for one month (or one moon cycle). During this time, they would drink a concoction of honey and mead (basically to keep her drunk and from screaming so that no one could find them)

When toasting, the bride and groom DO NOT raise their glasses like everyone else. They are the one's being honored and therefore do not toast to themselves. And speaking of toasts, this ritual was actually taken from a French custom. Bread was put in the bottom of wine to collect all the sediments. When the wine was gone, some lucky person got to eat the bread or toast.

The groom carries his bride over the threshold the first time they enter their new home as man and wife. It was thought that evil spirits would be waiting for the bride at the door. The bride, by being carried, could not step on the spirits and cause them to get angry. Also, if she were carried, the evil spirits could not reach her since she was in the arms of her husband and protected.

Veils have several origins. Many believed veils were worn during the dark ages so that, once again, those evil spirits could not see the bride's face. This protected her identity so that no ill will could fall on her. Many believe it comes from the bible.

Queen Victoria was the first bride of modern history, to be married in white. White is the sign of purity and innocence. It is also a color represented in the bible for joy and celebration. Since that time, many brides followed in her footsteps.

Engagement rings, especially diamond engagement rings, became popular after the King of Egypt gave his betrothed his symbol of love. The ring, a perfect circle, having no beginning and no end made of gold; believed to hold mystical powers. The diamond, the hardest element on earth, showed that his love would always be forever.

In the Jewish faith, Chuppahs or Canopies are used to symbolize the new "house" or family. A glass is broken by the groom to symbolize that marriage is fragile and needs to be cared for properly. A wish is often followed, "May your marriage last for as long as it takes to put the pieces of this glass back together."

Showers derived from a time when men would prove their love of a man's daughter, by bringing gifts to the bride's father. Livestock, food, land, were great ways to "pay" for a bride. Eventually, this little ritual, turned into men giving gifts of enticement to the daughter to show he was a man of good intentions. Fabrics for clothes, the finest dishes, would prove that he could provide a good home for her. Nowadays, showers are friends giving the bride (and sometimes the groom) gifts to start their new lives together. They "shower them with gifts and happiness..