THE ORIGIN OF THE TOAST
The term originates from the sixteenth century when a small piece of bread would be placed in a goblet of wine, which would be passed from guest to guest until it reached the person being honoured who would drain the goblet and eat the morsel of bread in the bottom. This tradition is practiced at weddings today in the form of one or more champagne "toasts".

THE ORIGIN OF THE BEST MAN TRADITION
In 200 AD a man usually married a woman from within his own community however, when there were fewer women, the prospective bridegroom would capture his bride from a neighbouring village. The bridegroom was accompanied by his strongest (or best friend), who helped him capture his bride.

WHY THE BRIDE STANDS TO THE GROOM'S LEFT
After the bridegroom captured his bride, he placed her on his left to protect her, thus freeing his right hand or sword hand against sudden attack.

THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM "TO TIE THE KNOT"
The term "tie the knot" goes back Roman times. the bride would wear a girdle that was tied in many knots which the groom had the "duty" of untying.

THE ORIGIN OF THE TRADITIONAL WHITE WEDDING DRESS
In 1499, Ann of Brittany popularised the white wedding gown. Prior to that time, a woman simply wore her best dress or a new dress without regard to the basic colour.

THE ORIGIN OF WEDDING FLOWERS
From the earliest times, brides have adorned their hair with flowers and carried bunches of flowers. Traditionally, each type of flower had a special meaning and significance in and of itself. Flowers were often thrown at the couple after the ceremony. However today, most brides pick their flowers for colour and personal appeal not based on the traditional meaning of particular flowers.

The groom's flower, worn on his lapel, usually matches one of the flowers in his bride's bouquet. This tradition goes back to medieval times when knights wore the colours of their lady in tournaments.