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Published Oct 25, 2021

Wedding Traditions

Explore the captivating origins of wedding customs with Gary Arndt as he delves into the historical shifts in wedding attire symbolism, the enduring influence of a 19th-century royal wedding on music selection, and the intricate mythology behind engagement rings and ceremony practices, all of which continue to shape contemporary nuptials.
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  • Bridal Chorus

    The history of the Bridal Chorus, commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride," is rooted in a 19th-century British royal wedding. explains that in 1858, Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, married Frederick Wilhelm Ivanhouse, the future King of Prussia. This event marked the first known use of music as the bride walked down the aisle, featuring Richard Wagner's piece from the opera Lohengrin 1.

    The opera and the music were never written for weddings in mind.

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    The choice of music by Princess Victoria set a precedent that continues to influence wedding ceremonies today.

       

    Recessional Music

    The influence of recessional music in weddings can also be traced back to Princess Victoria's wedding. notes that she selected Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" for her recessional, a piece that was composed in 1842 and specifically intended for weddings 1. This choice solidified the piece's popularity and established a tradition that many modern weddings still follow.

    It was used before the wedding of Princess Victoria, but she was the one who solidified its popularity.

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    The selection of these musical pieces at royal weddings has had a lasting impact on the way weddings are celebrated today.

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