6 American Wedding Traditions You Need to Know

White Wedding Dress

Long before they meet the love of their lives many girls dream of their wedding dress, and it's usually white. The white wedding dress or gown, after all, is still one of the most practiced American traditions, says Blum. "It's worn amongst almost every American bride during the wedding ceremony and or the reception."

The tradition actually comes from across the pond in England. Queen Victoria had a fancy, very public wedding in the mid-1800s where she wore a white dress made of British silk and lace (It had a satin train that was so long, 12 attendants were needed to help get her down the aisle!) The gown captured the public's imagination, and brides ever since then have also been wearing white. In modern times, women have put their own spin on their ensembles by wearing off-white or adding a colorful accent or accessory.

The Wedding Party

Regardless of their culture or faith, many couples have bridesmaids and groomsmen at their wedding. "A vast majority of wedding ceremonies today have a bridal party," says Blum. "They can be seen during the processional, standing on the sides of the couple during the ceremony, and at a reception." They are also instrumental in planning wedding-related events such as bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Today, couples get to chose who they want to be part of their wedding party. If they want their first cousin or their best friend to stand beside them while they say their vows, that's their choice. But that's not how it's always been. "The concept of a bridesmaid originated out of 10 total witnesses required by law in the time of Ancient Romans," reveals Blum. "These witnesses were not necessarily related to or even associated with the bride. Women would stand next to the bride, all dressed similarly and in the same color to confuse evil spirits and not attack the happy couple."

The Wedding Processional

Most American weddings include a wedding processional, where the wedding party walks down the aisle at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. The order is generally the same: The officiant walks first followed by the wedding party and the flower girls and ring bearers. The couple and their parents are last. In more traditional ceremonies, the bride's father walks her down the aisle, while in modern ceremonies, both parents do the honors. This was another tradition started in England during a royal wedding, this time Queen Victoria's oldest child.

The First Dance

At many weddings, the first dance is one of the most anticipated events. The newlyweds make their way to the dance floor and make their debut as a married couple. While some people do a romantic slow dance others dazzle the crowd with a choreographed routine to upbeat music. This tradition is taken from Europe. During the 1700s, noblemen would throw a lavish ball, and the guest of honor—the person with the highest rank or social standing—would kick off the party with the first dance. Now it's the newlyweds that get that honor.

The Wedding Cake

At many wedding receptions, the wedding cake is the centerpiece of the evening, claims Blum. Not only is it beautifully displayed at the reception, cutting it is one of the wedding festivities. "Wedding cakes are such an important aspect of one's wedding celebration, with the tradition of two people feeding each other a bite, sometimes resulting in smushed cake on the other's face," she adds. Many couples today still have a traditional wedding cake, or they create one out of cupcakes or macarons.

This tradition dates back to ancient Rome where guests would crumble a small barley cake or a wheat scone over the bride's head to symbolize fertility and good fortune. In medieval times, merrymakers practiced another version of the tradition. "There would be a large stack of cookies and scones created that the couple would have to kiss over. If they succeeded without the tower falling, they would have good luck."

Throwing Rice for the Newlyweds

It's a tradition in American weddings to give the newlyweds a grand and festive exit. Historically, guests used to throw rice at the couple as they got into their car (decorated with newly married signs) to leave. Guests don't generally throw rice anymore—it's much too messy and it can be dangerous—but they blow bubbles, wave sparklers, toss dried lavender, or ring bells to send off the married couple and wish them good luck and happiness.

This wedding tradition also comes from ancient Rome, says Blum. "Wheat was thrown, which represented fertility." In later times people threw rice to keep away evil spirits and symbolize prosperity.