Weddings are beautiful celebrations of love that often include sentimental family traditions. Whether you are getting married, attending a nuptial, or watching a romantic movie, they bring joy and sometimes even sadness. In this article, we will explore the wedding traditions we often see in movies and how these customs can add significant cultural and emotional meaning to the ceremony.
Wedding Traditions and Their Meanings
Before we examine some iconic movie wedding scenes, let’s first discuss the origins of the most common wedding superstitions and traditions.
Throwing Rice and Flower Petals
One of the most well-known wedding traditions is throwing rice or flower petals at the newlyweds after they complete the ceremony. This custom started in ancient Roman times when rice was seen as a symbol of fertility and success. Throughout history, this custom has varied depending on the location. Guests at a wedding could be offered alternatives to rice, such as flowers, confetti, or candy, to symbolize the sweetness of the couple’s marriage.
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
You may have heard the saying, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” This tradition, which first appeared in an old English rhyme, was a way to wish the bride good luck in her new life. Something old was meant to bring continuity to your marriage, something new represents hope, something borrowed from a happily married friend or relative can bring good luck, and something blue symbolizes purity and love.
Cutting the Cake
Another favorite wedding custom is the cake cutting. This is when the couple cuts the cake together and is often done towards the end of the wedding celebration. The tradition began in the Roman Empire when the groom broke the cake on the bride’s head to symbolize the end of her innocence and guarantee fertility. These are just some of the most popular wedding traditions still practiced today. You may have seen them in person or in movies. Although they have existed for many years, they are still essential to our customs today.
Iconic Movies with Wedding Traditions
In movies, weddings are not just about the bride and groom. It is also a celebration of love and cultural traditions. Let’s look at some iconic films with wedding traditions woven into the storyline and their emotional impact on the characters and viewers.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Arguably one of the best romantic comedies, this film showcases the beautiful traditions of a Greek nuptial while also trying to embrace and combine multicultural wedding traditions. From the groom asking for permission from the bride’s family to marry her to dancing in circles during the ceremony, every tradition is full of cultural significance and sentimental value. There are also moments of humor and chaos, making it relatable to many viewers.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
The wedding scene in this movie is nothing short of extravagant. It beautifully incorporates Chinese customs like the use of red, a symbol of good luck and happiness. However, the tension between traditional and modern values also adds depth to the storyline.
Father of the Bride” (1991)
This iconic movie portrays the emotional rollercoaster of a father giving away his daughter on her wedding day and showcases American wedding traditions like walking down the aisle with your father and tossing the bouquet. The father’s close relationship with his daughter is the heart of the movie, making it a tear-jerker for many viewers.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
A classic musical that depicts a destination wedding in Greece with the perfect mix of romance, comedy, and drama. The music adds to the emotional impact of wedding traditions and showcases Greek customs like breaking plates and dancing on tables. The added tension between the bride’s three possible fathers makes it entertaining and heartwarming to watch.
Monsoon Wedding (2001)
This Indian movie brings forward the beautiful and colorful cultural traditions of a Punjabi wedding. From the intricate henna designs on the bride’s hands to the traditional dances and songs, this movie welcomes viewers into the rich culture of India. It also touches on deeper issues like arranged marriages and family dynamics.
Destination Wedding (2008)
The entire film follows two strangers who attend a destination wedding in the picturesque wine country. Destination Wedding shows modern traditions, like having a best man. Both characters are cynical about love, but as the wedding unfolds, they find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. The stunning backdrop and intimate moments make this movie a favorite among many.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
This film is a classic example of how wedding traditions can be unique and personal to each couple. The main character, a wedding singer, helps couples create their perfect wedding day while dealing with his heartbreak. He then finds love with a waitress engaged to someone else, adding a twist to the wedding customs. Although The Wedding Singer is set in the 80s, the wedding traditions are timeless and heartwarming.
The Wedding Year (2019)
A young woman who is afraid of commitment, suddenly finds herself being invited and attending seven weddings in a year with her new boyfriend. The different wedding traditions and cultures shown in each ceremony reflect the diversity of love and how it can bring people together. Although The Wedding Year has many rom-com cliches, it also touches upon the emotional impact of weddings on people and their relationships. These are just a few examples of how wedding traditions are depicted in movies. They not only add cultural and emotional significance but also provide insight into different customs and beliefs around the world.