Wedding Advice - Traditions
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Traditions
Something old, something new, something borrowed,
something blue. I’m not sure about the something blue bit,
can you explain?
The ‘something blue’, traditionally, symbolised love, modesty and fidelity and, religiously, blue is associated with the Virgin Mary. You can incorporate the colour blue as a tint in your wedding dress, blue shoes, a blue garter or frilly knickers, etc. Anything blue is ok - whether it’s on show or hidden is up to you.
What is a marriage licence and how do you get one? How soon before the big day do you need to apply?
In the US a you must get marriage licence to prove your eligibility to get married before you can arrange a ceremony. Every state in the United States issues marriage licenses. After the marriage ceremony, both spouses and the officiate sign the marriage license (some states require a witness). The couple then files for a certified copy of the marriage license and a marriage certificate with the government.
In the UK we do it slightly differently. You still have to prove your eligibility when you make the arrangements and a marriage certificate is issued to you as soon as you are married. You need to give notice of your intention to marry, at your local register office. After giving notice, you must then wait 15 clear days before the marriage can take place. Once given, your notice is valid for 12 months. You can get more information from The General Register Office.
I know that Gretna Green is a popular wedding location but don't know why - can you explain?
Gretna Green is a small village in the south of Scotland.
In 1753 an Act of Parliament stated that if both parties to a
marriage were not at least 21 years old, then consent had to be
given by the parents. This Act did not apply in Scotland where
it was possible for boys to get married at 14 and girls at 12
years old with or without parental consent.
Also, English law required the "asking
of the banns" - this allowed people who opposed a marriage
to know that it was planned, and thus prevent it. This resulted
in many elopers fleeing England and making for the first
Scottish village they came to — Gretna Green.
The Old blacksmith's shop became the focal point for the marriage trade as Scottish law allowed for 'irregular marriages', meaning that, so long as a declaration was made, in front of two witnesses, almost anybody had the authority to conduct the marriage ceremony.
The local blacksmiths in Gretna became known as 'anvil priests'. As a "forger", the blacksmith marries hot metal to metal over the anvil, in the same way the anvil priests forged a union between couples who had eloped in love.
The local blacksmith and his anvil have become the lasting symbols of Gretna Green weddings and thousands of couples still travel from all over the world to be married 'over the anvil' at Gretna Green.