Throwing the Bouquet

Where did it come from?

Hundreds of years ago, it was believed that owning something belonging to the bride would bring good luck and increase your chances of finding a husband (there were no dating apps back then). Guests became so enthusiastic that some would literally try to pull flowers or even pieces of the bride’s dress from her as souvenirs.

To escape the crowd, brides began throwing their bouquet behind them and making a quick getaway. The lucky person who caught it was said to be the next to marry.

Should you keep it?

If all your single friends love it, absolutely.

If they’re likely to be embarrassed or hate being singled out, perhaps not.

The Fold’s modern take

Instead of asking, “Who’s getting married next?” make it about celebrating love in all its forms.

These ideas are our favourite, but you may have some others you’d like to bring to the table:

• Throw the bouquet to anyone who has supported you through your journey.

• Give it to the couple who’ve been married the longest.

• Present it to your mum or grandmother with a few heartfelt words.

• Invite every married couple onto the dance floor and gradually ask them to leave based on how many years they’ve been married. The last couple standing receive the bouquet and perhaps share one piece of marriage advice.

The tradition becomes less about who’s next and more about celebrating lasting love, but I can tell you there’s some tear jerkers in there!

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Where did it come from?

This Victorian rhyme was meant to bring good fortune.

• Something Old represented continuity with your family and the life you’ve known.

• Something New symbolised hope for the future.

• Something Borrowed was usually borrowed from someone happily married, with the belief that their happiness would rub off on the new couple.

• Something Blue represented love, fidelity and loyalty, blue was actually associated with weddings long before white dresses became fashionable.

(The original rhyme also finished with ”…and a silver sixpence in her shoe,” believed to bring prosperity.)

Should you keep it?

If you enjoy traditions, it’s a lovely one because each item carries meaning rather than simply following fashion.

The Fold’s modern take

Think beyond jewellery.

Old

• A piece of lace from a grandmother’s dress.

• Grandad’s watch.

• Mum’s veil.

New

• Your wedding shoes.

• Your perfume.

• A handwritten vow book.

Borrowed

• A family heirloom.

• A favourite pair of earrings.

• A lucky charm from a happily married friend.

Blue

• Blue stitching inside your dress.

• Blue nail polish on one finger.

• A blue ribbon in your bouquet.

• Blue embroidery with your wedding date inside your dress.

• A blue jem inside your bouquet wrap.

The beauty is that nobody has to see them. Sometimes the most meaningful traditions are the quietest ones.

Andreas Note

Because I flipping love a tradition, I’d personally like to gift you a sixpence to put in your shoe on the day. All you have to do is text me this:-

“A silver sixpence in her shoe”, and I’ll happily have it ready for your special day x

Why Is the Bride Always Late?

Where did it come from?

Traditionally, arriving a little after everyone else built anticipation and ensured all the guests were seated before the bride made her entrance. In much older times, there were also strange superstitions suggesting evil spirits might be confused if the bride’s arrival was unpredictable. Over time, “fashionably late” somehow became expected.

Should you keep it?

Not really.

Today’s weddings run on carefully planned timelines. If you’re thirty minutes late, everything else starts slipping, your drinks reception becomes shorter, your meal is delayed, suppliers work longer, and guests often become hungry and restless.

The Fold’s modern take

Arrive on time.

There’s nothing more elegant than everyone standing exactly when they are expected to.

Which Side Should the Families Sit?

Where did it come from?

Traditionally, the bride’s family sat on the left of the ceremony and the groom’s family sat on the right.

The custom-made sense when weddings were mostly local and families already knew one another.

Should you keep it?

Only if it suits you.

Many modern families are blended, divorced, remarried or have friendships that blur those old lines.

The Fold’s modern take

One of our favourite signs simply says:

“Choose a seat, not a side. You’re loved by both, so enjoy the ride.”

It immediately creates a warmer atmosphere and encourages guests to mix naturally.

The Top Table

Where did it come from?

Traditionally, the top table placed the newlyweds at the centre, with parents, the best man and the chief bridesmaid seated alongside them. It reflected the formal family structure of the day.

Should you keep it?

Only if everyone gets on brilliantly.

Otherwise, it can become surprisingly stressful.

The Fold’s modern take

There are so many better options:

Sweetheart Table
Just the two of you.

You finally get ten minutes together.

Round Family Table

Parents, grandparents and siblings all sit together naturally.

Instead of only speaking to the person on either side, everyone can join in the conversation.

Head Table with Friends

Sit with your wedding party while your parents enjoy hosting and catching up with relatives.

Long Banquet Table

Relaxed, sociable and perfect for sharing food if that’s your style.

At The Fold, we often recommend choosing the layout that creates the best conversations rather than the one that follows tradition.