Many couples see their wedding as the perfect opportunity to incorporate their personal religious and cultural beliefs into a momentous occasion. Not only do they carry great meaning to a special day, they are a great way to honor family and those that have gone before.

Here are the most popular wedding traditions that have survived history and christened the modern era (except, perhaps a few of the roman traditions):

1. Breaking of glass

The breaking of glass during a wedding is common in traditional Jewish ceremonies. Some trace this tradition back to the destruction of Jerusalem’s great temple in ancient history. Others believe that the breaking of the glass symbolizes that joy should always be tempered.

2. Something old, something new…

This tradition finds its history in and Old English nursery rhyme dating back to 1898. This recites as, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Although there are several interpretations of this saying, many believe the something old represents holding onto family traditions, something new as the start of a communion of two, something borrowed as the sharing of another couple’s good fortune, something blue as a symbol of purity and love, and the sixpence as a wish of prosperity for the couple.

3. Iron Ring

Yup, forget the diamonds ladies… ancient Rome is going metallic. During the ceremony, the groomsman would offer his lady a ring, and then sacrifice a goat. Not your cup of tea? Perhaps you can draw inspiration solely from the couple’s pronouncement itself then – “Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia (Wherever you are, I will be)”, and celebrate like the Romans – into the wee hours of the morning

Incorporating cultural traditions can be wonderful way to incorporate family heritage and religious beliefs for your special day. Whether you want a modern custom, or a traditional rite, Forever Events can make it happen.

Forever Events specializes in luxury event planning for the most exclusive clientele. With features in Grace Ormonde, JW magazine, and El Nuevo Herald. Forever Events is South Florida’s premier wedding design firm. All of our content – including videos, images, blogs, and reports – can be accessed by PC, mobile, iPad, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Plus, and Pinterest.