Why Do We Do That? The Meaning Behind Beloved Wedding Traditions

Weddings are full of little moments we often do without thinking, tossing the bouquet, cutting the cake, slipping on rings. But like love itself, the beauty is often in the story. Here’s a look at the why behind some favorite traditions, and how to make them feel joyfully, personally you.

© Karin Lundin

The Wedding Veil: From Modesty to Mystery

The veil dates back thousands of years and was once meant to symbolize purity or to ward off evil spirits. In Roman times, veils were red or flame-colored to scare off jealous ghosts!

Today? The veil is all about drama, elegance, and that yes, I’m the bride moment. Whether you go cathedral-length or skip it altogether in favor of a flower crown or sparkling hairpiece, it’s all about what makes you feel radiant.

Throwing Rice: A Shower of Wishes

Tossing rice (or petals or confetti) as the couple exits is an ancient symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good luck. The idea is to shower the newlyweds with blessings for a bountiful life together.

Modern twist: Biodegradable confetti, lavender buds, bubbles, or even dried flower petals can keep things joyful and sustainable.

Rings: A Circle Without End

The wedding ring has symbolized eternal love for centuries, a circle with no beginning and no end. It’s a simple shape, but it holds so much: commitment, connection, and the promise of a shared life.

In Sweden, many brides wear their diamond engagement ring on the right hand during the engagement. On the wedding day, the wedding band is placed on the left hand, closest to the heart. After the vows, the engagement ring is often moved to rest above the band: a quiet, beautiful gesture that seals the moment.

Why it matters: Whether classic or modern, your rings become daily reminders of the love and promises you share. A small detail with a lifelong story.

The Bouquet Toss: A Dash of Fun (and Maybe Chaos)

This tradition comes from the idea that catching a piece of the bride's luck could lead to your big day next. In the past, guests might try to rip a piece of the bride's dress (!), the bouquet toss was a gentler alternative.

Not into competitive catching? Pass your bouquet to someone meaningful, a grandmother, a friend celebrating a milestone, or someone who cheered you on throughout your journey.

© 2Brides

Cutting the Cake Together: A Sweet Start

Originally, the act of cutting the cake symbolized the couple’s first shared task as newlyweds, and the cake itself represented fertility and good fortune.

Today, it’s often a photo-worthy, frosting-filled moment of fun. Whether you feed each other sweetly or go full cake smash (yes, we’ve seen it!), it’s a moment to savor the sweetness of what you’ve just begun.

Rain on Your Wedding Day: Lucky or Just Wet?

You’ve heard it: “It’s good luck if it rains!” While no one plans for a sprinkle, rain is seen as a symbol of cleansing, renewal, and fertility. In some cultures, rain on the wedding day is thought to tie the knot even tighter, because a wet knot is harder to untie.

Our take? Rain or shine, your wedding will be beautiful if it reflects you. We always have a backup plan, umbrellas at the ready, and the belief that love sparkles even brighter in the rain.

Your Day, Your Meaning

Traditions are beautiful because they connect us to something bigger — history, culture, family — but they’re most magical when they feel authentically you.

So whether you stick with every classic or rewrite the rules entirely, we’re here for it. At Lovelu, we believe that your wedding should feel like a celebration of your love story, meaningful, personal, joyful, and unforgettable

Let’s make new traditions together.

With all my heart,

Louise