There are many traditions in modern weddings that have been adopted & adapted from weddings dating back to early Greek & Roman times. Some of these are barbaric, to say the least. Let’s look at the “Best Man,” for example. In today’s wedding world, the Best Man is responsible for organizing the Bachelor Party, making sure the Groom is on time for the ceremony, holding the rings, and toasting the Bride & Groom at the reception. However, he used to have some slightly different responsibilities.
Long ago, if there were no available ladies in your village, a man would have to steal one away from her family in another village. The Groom would pick the “Best Man” – or strongest fighter – he knew to come along side him to help fight off the family of his new unsuspecting bride. This also explains why the Best Man always stands beside the groom… the wedding ceremony was the last opportunity the bride’s family had to steal her back, so the Best Man is standing by ready to fight. Fortunately, times have changed, so even if you’re not that handy with a sword, you can still be your buddy’s Best Man. Here are some other wedding traditions with interesting beginnings.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tricia-spencer/wedding-traditions-with_b_2499600.html
Here in Colorado, the Money Dance (or Dollar Dance) isn’t as popular as in other parts of the country – or world for that matter. It is probably the dance couples have the strongest opinion towards. Only about 25% of our couples chose to have the dance over the last few years, but it is still important to know it’s origins and why we even have it in the first place. We always tell our couples that if nothing else, the Money Dance is a great opportunity to share a brief moment with your guests (and maybe gain some pocket money for your Honeymoon). Typically, we have the Maid of Honor & Best Man collect the money for the Bride & Groom so nobody has to “pin” it on them.
