WEDDING RING
Some say that the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings dates back to 4,800 years ago in Egypt. Sedges, rushes, and reeds, growing alongside the well-known papyrus were twisted and braided into rings for fingers and other decorative ornaments worn by women in those days. As time passed by, the material became much expensive from leather, bone, ivory, and etc. It shows that the more expensive the material used, the more love was shown to the receiver. It also symbolizes how wealthy the giver was.
Wedding rings have been worn on different fingers through the different stages in history. In the Roman tradition, they believed that the wedding ring should be worn on the ring finger of the left hand because of vein in the finger called “Vena Amoris” of the “Vein of Love” that is said to be directly connected to the heart. This was, however, proven to be scientifically false although some people still regarded this reason for wearing the wedding ring on the ring finger. (Source: The Origins of Wedding Rings and Why They’re Worn on the 4th Finger of the Left Hand)
WEDDING DRESS
It might surprise you to know that the brides in the past don’t wear white wedding gowns. Back then, they just wore the best dress that they have for their big day. The trend for white weddings actually came from Queen Victoria when she wore a white lace gown for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. However, she was not the first royal to choose white for her wedding. Several others did before her, but she’s the one widely credited for changing the norm. (Source: The White Dress That Changed Wedding History Forever)
WEDDING VEIL
One of the origins for wearing a wedding veil came from many cultures who believed that the veil shields the bride away from the evil spirits. In some cultures, the veil’s purpose was to hide the face of the bride so only on the day of the marriage could the groom see who exactly he’s marrying to. (Source: 10 Wedding Traditions With Surprising Origins)