Party Patter: Bridal Shower Traditions

In the U.S. today, there are many different cultures, each of which celebrates matrimony in a different way. I am going to share a couple of the most popular today.

American Traditions

The ring is an unbroken circle of love. Why your left hand? Way back in time they  believed in a vein of love leading from the left hand directly to the heart.

The old rhyme that has been around for a long time: old, borrowed and blue. Something old connects the bride to her old life. The new is her future, and the blue represents fidelity.

The throwing of rice at the new couple is considered a life giving seed in hopes the couple will have luck with fertility.

Traditional American Bridal Showers are Held Around 4 to 6 Weeks Before the Wedding

The guests that are invited to the bridal shower are also invited to the wedding ceremony.

There are so many ideas to create a shower that fits the bride's personality. An afternoon event usually starts around 1 p.m., with tea sandwiches or other fare on mom's antique dishes to create an old fashion tea party. Another idea is a spa party, or a destination shower where the wedding is being held. It's a good idea to play a game when everyone has arrived. This is helpful in making guests more comfortable with others they don't know.

So it's up to you to decide if you prefer an all-girls shower or if you want to make it a couples shower where men are included. Perhaps an informal barbecue and beer event would be nice idea beginning around 5 p.m. or so.

Middle Eastern Traditions are Quite Different from Western Ones

Middle Eastern showers involve brightly colored clothing worn by the women. Many brides choose red and gold because it is said that these colors represent luck and wealth. Bride and groom usually do not pick their shower or wedding date. It is done by an astrologer who looks at both of their signs and picks an auspicious day.

Men and women attend the bridal shower. The day of the shower a simple meal is prepared. Why? It is their tradition to paint the hands and feet of the bride and females who attend. The more detail on the hands and feet of the bride, the more status the family has. 

Lastly the day after the party, Middle Eastern families traditionally have a religious ceremony called a puja. This unites the families together. A fire called a haven is lit to help the new couple overcome any obstacles in their marriage.

These are only a couple of wedding shower traditions. Does anyone want to share theirs with me?

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