Over our 25 years as wedding videographers, we have been blessed to witness thousands of couples tie the knot. For many, tradition can play an important part in their big day, whether that is wearing an item of clothing or jewellery that has been passed down through the generations or getting married in a venue that has become precious to the couple and their families. In this blog post we are going to explore some old traditions and see whether they really hold up when it comes to weddings today.

When we think of wedding traditions there’s one that has stood the test of time:

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!

Something Old: No doubt you all recognise this tradition that has been passed down through the generations. For many, the ‘something old’ is an item of jewellery that has been worn previously by family members or loved ones who have passed on. This tradition is the one we see most by far as brides and grooms keep this ‘something old’ close to their hearts during their wedding day.

Something New: Whilst part of the old tradition, it’s really one most couples don’t have to worry about fulfilling! ‘Something new’ can be your dress, flowers, jewellery or even your hairstyle!

Something Borrowed: If you want to stick to tradition and keep ‘Something Borrowed’ with you on your wedding day, perhaps consider asking a member of your new family to assist with this part of the tradition. A necklace from your sister in law, a brooch from your new mother in law or a memento of a deceased family member from your new family will make them feel like they are really a part of your big day!

Something Blue: Over the past 25 years we have spoken to many of our brides who have opted for a blue garter to fulfill this part of the old tradition. However, you can also opt for jewellery with a blue stone, a touch of blue in your bouquet or a scrap of some blue cloth from clothing that means a lot to you.

Old Wives Tales

No doubt you have heard all the doom and gloom that goes along with some old wives tales that are associated with weddings – just for laughs we have listed some of the most bizarre for you below!

• “Don’t leave any pins in the dress on the morning of the wedding” apparently this was seen as bad luck!
• If a spider is found in the folds of the dress on the morning of the wedding then you’re in for good luck – unless you’re afraid of spiders of course!
• Wearing the veil of a woman who is already happily married will pass their good luck on to you.
• If the groom drops his hat on the day of the wedding, this is considered to be good luck.
• “If you marry in Lent, you are sure to repent” – hmm we’ve just had the busiest spring period ever so we are glad to hear this kind of nonsense has been left behind!
• “It is unlucky to try on your wedding ring prior to being married” – we just can’t see how this was ever a tradition, how were couples expected to buy rings without trying them on?
• “Never take off your wedding ring during the first seven years of your marriage”.
• “Never marry on a day that has a full moon”
• “Any sums of money to be paid during the day should be paid in odd amounts”. If you’re sticking to this tradition, as wedding videographers we would ask that you round up to the nearest hundred 😉

Thankfully, in today’s modern Ireland, any traditions we see during wedding ceremonies are for the most part restricted to family tradition. Remember, this is your big day so get out there and start some of your own family traditions!

If you and your loved one are currently planning a wedding and you are considering the services of a professional wedding videographer, the team here at Drangan Video would love to hear from you. As well as traditional, discreet videography, we can also offer drone footage, which will give you something special to look back on for years to come.