Many of today’s wedding customs originate from olden day rituals.

The best man –  He was chosen for being the strongest and bravest man who accompanied and protected the groom when he rode off to capture a bride.  

The bride on the left side – This was so that the groom’s right hand was always free to draw his sword if they were attacked during the ceremony by jealous rivals.

The bride’s veil – These days it is only a flimsy piece of lace, but it used to be a large sheet used to wrap over the bride when she was captured and carried away by a groom. Smaller veils then became a symbol of hidden precious goods, and a symbol of complete submission to a husband.

Orange blossoms – White ones worn as a sign of virginity, but as few trees bear greater crops, orange blossoms were also worn as a prayer for the bride to bear fruit in a prolific manner like the tree.

Tying the knot – The wrists of a couple are bound together with a strip of leather or ribbon in handfasting. When their wrists were bound with an infinity knot, the couple recited their vows and the celebration commenced.