Wedding Customs

The Toastmaster and Wedding Customs

Weddings represent the best of tradition, wherever you come from and whatever background or culture. David as your Toastmaster is present to ensure that the wedding customs and traditions are remembered and introduced into the wedding breakfast in such a way that the guests appreciate them and enjoy the background and their meaning.

For traditional white weddings or weddings for other denominations and religious beliefs the Toastmaster will discuss the couple’s requirements to observe such customs and ensure that they are introduced into the banquet in a way that is both meaningful and appropriate. Even if the couple are from different cultural backgrounds the wedding customs for both partners can be brought into the ceremony in a light hearted, interesting and yet meaningful way.

From customs such as ‘breaking the glass’ during a Jewish wedding, to ‘the five favours for the bride’ your Toastmaster can advise on customs, their meaning and how to stage them. It is the understanding and knowledge of the wedding customs, and their introduction based on years of practical experience that can make your day an extra special occasion with greater meaning for you as a couple, your families and your guests.

David has specialised in wedding customs and their meanings from around the world over more than twenty years. Not only does he know many wedding customs but he can also explain their symbolism, their meaning and their history.

Wedding Favours

The old custom of giving the guests a token by which to remember the day in the form of favours has been around for hundreds of years. In the present day the tradition is honoured by giving each lady guest five sugar coated almonds. However, during the late 19th century at high society weddings, guests could expect to receive favours such as scarves, garters and gloves.

Shoes and Weddings

Tying shoes to the bumper of the newly weds car recalls the days when the groom would run off with his bride and her father would throw his shoes at the departing couples’ backs. Alternatively they could be as a ward against evil spirits as the noise they make would persuade evil spirits that the guests had already made the married couple’s life troublesome so they would take pity and leave the newly weds alone!

Bridesmaids and Ushers

The use of bridesmaids and ushers dates back to Roman times and possibly before. In Roman times it was required that a wedding had 10 witnesses to defend it against the malign influence of evil spirits (and others) who might seek to disrupt the celebrations.

And So…

There are many social customs related to weddings that vary with the background of the bride and groom. For example the clothes worn on the day, what does ‘tying the knot’ imply at a Scottish wedding and why would the couple be told to ‘get knotted’ by their guests? Why is seeing a chimney sweep on the way to the church good luck? How presents are given and received varies , for example in Greece and Italy the tradition is to pin money to the bride’s dress at the end of the reception as the couple prepare to leave.

Introducing wedding customs can make a day truly memorable for all the guests as well as the newly wedded couple.