Groom Traditions

Photo by Judy Pak via Dress Codes For The Groom – White Tie

Weddings have been around for a while. The ceremonies may vary depending on the couple, country, or culture, but the essence is the same: a celebration of the union between two people! And like all good practically prehistoric ceremonies, there are far reaching traditions associated with weddings.

The thing is, most of these traditions relate to the bride (bouquet toss) or the couple (first dance), and not the groom! So with that in mind, here are some ideas for incorporating some traditions for the groom into your wedding.

1. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Something old is a nod to your family, and the past.
Something new is for the promise of good fortune in your future.
Something borrowed is traditionally lent by a happily married person, whose marital bliss is something you aspire towards in your own marriage.
Something blue is a symbol of love and purity (ahem – we won’t say a word if that part isn’t strictly true!)

This tradition is usually seen as one for the brides, but I see no reason why the groom can’t get involved. Why not wear something your father, or another close relative, wore to their own wedding for your something old or borrowed? Cuff links or ties are the items most likely to have stood the test of time, but there are always great quirky alternatives. Maybe there is a special item of clothing that can be incorporated into the lining of your suit, or made into an accessory. Jewellery is also something with personal and often emotional significance that could be borrowed – a watch, a ring, or maybe a tie pin that you always associate with an important person in your life. You could also easily merge a few themes together – your wedding suit, shirt, or socks could be both new and blue, for example!

Image by Todd Pellowe

2. Family traditions

Ask around the family – are there any traditions the previous generation had for their wedding? Are there any superstitions or rituals (I mean things like putting socks on before pants, or having your tie tied by your future father-in-law, not animal sacrifices and chanting) that your family or friends do before a wedding or big event? The males of my boyfriend’s family, for example, go and take the groom for a pint before the ceremony! There might be a specific pose that has appeared in a previous wedding (see cool example below) or family photos that you want to recreate, or a gift that is typically given from partner to groom (or vice versa). Find out if there are any little quirks in your family’s wedding history that you can incorporate into your own ceremony.

Image by Davina + Daniel Photography

If there’s nothing that springs to mind…

3. Create your own

Why not start a wedding tradition? This could be as simple as having a drink with your father and father-in-law, or as random as completing a triathlon before the ceremony – although maybe not immediately before! If there is something that’s special to you and your partner, why not revisit it before the ceremony? The park you walked through on your first date, the first film you saw together, the restaurant where you proposed – whatever speaks to you! Maybe you could keep one of your accessories, to be handed down to future generations (I would advise against choosing socks for this), or take a photo of the sunrise on the morning of your wedding day.