Farewelling The Bride And Groom
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Photo: Studio Impressions Photography
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Over the Threshold
Some brides like to change into a going-away outfit before
leaving the reception. This change of clothes heralds the end of
the celebrations and the beginning of your new life together.
Others brides choose to enjoy the rare pleasure of wearing a
fairytale gown until their groom has carried them over the
threshold of the honeymoon suite.
If you decide to wear a going-away outfit, ask your
bridesmaids or your mother to help you change. This will give
you all a quiet moment together to unwind and reflect on the
wonderful day you have just shared.
Before You Leave
However, the festivities aren’t quite over yet. There are a few
fun formalities to observe before you are whisked away by the
man of your dreams.
A Posy to Throw
Many years ago, the bride’s bouquet consisted of a variety
of herbs believed to ward off any evil spirits that might
attempt to spoil her happiness. Some garlic was generally added
for good measure.
Your bouquet however, will be a delightful mass of fragrant
flowers. To ensure that their beauty is preserved, you will have
arranged for your florist to make a beautiful little posy for
the traditional tossing of the bouquet (see the article ‘Bouquet
Preservation’).
As the reception comes to a close, your MC will announce this
event and all the single women will gather together. You can opt
to be fair and turn your back before throwing the posy over your
shoulder, or cheat by aiming your posy at a single friend or
sister. Either method is permissible!
The Next In Line
According to tradition, the bride is especially lucky and can
share her good fortune by throwing her bouquet. The woman who
catches the posy will be next in line to marry.
The Bride's Garter
Your groom has the pleasure of removing your garter. Some grooms
do this with their teeth, but whether or not you opt for this
method depends entirely on how comfortable you both feel with
it. Once your garter has been removed, your groom tosses it to
the gathered group of single men. The lucky man who catches it
will be next to marry.
You can prolong the fun by asking the garter catcher to place
his prize on the leg of the woman who caught your bouquet!
Fond Farewells
Saying a final farewell to your guests and family involves
everyone forming a large circle. You and your groom should make
your way around the circle in opposite directions.
This allows you to say a personal goodbye to every guest. You
should meet up again in front of your parents, taking the time
to thank and farewell them properly.
Confetti, Rice or Rose Petals
The tradition of showering the bride and groom with rice started
in Asia and was regarded as a symbol of fertility and long life.
Now confetti, rose petals and even bubbles are popular
alternatives.
Frequently, guests choose to ‘shower’ the couple as they
leave the church. However, if you’d like this ritual included as
part of your farewell, simply arrange to have a small bag of
confetti placed at every table setting. Your MC can then let
your guests know when to throw the confetti.
Alone At Last
Now it’s time for the two of you to be alone. The drive to your
wedding night location will be a wonderful experience. Some
couples chat excitedly, reliving every moment of the day, while
others quietly delight in each other’s company.
And finally, from The Bride’s Diary, our warmest
congratulations! You are now man and wife.
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