National Wedding Day

Happy couple in elegant attire, dancing in a beautifully decorated venue, surrounded by flowers and a towering wedding cake.. — National wedding day illustration

Ah, love is in the air! It's time to don your fanciest clothes, practice your best dance moves, and prepare for a day filled with tears of joy and cake-induced sugar rushes. That's right, it's National Wedding Day!

When is Wedding Day?

It's national wedding day on the 19th May.

The Grand History of National Wedding Day

It's a day that celebrates love, commitment, and the beauty of two souls joining together in matrimony. National Wedding Day is a joyous occasion for couples around the world to celebrate their love, while also honoring the time-honored traditions and customs that make weddings so special. From the extravagant white dresses to the heartfelt vows, weddings have captivated us for centuries.

But how did this special day become a national celebration? Let's take a stroll down the aisle of internet history to find out.

On May 19, 2015, the internet erupted with excitement as the world witnessed the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This royal affair had everyone swooning and dreaming of their own fairy tale weddings. The buzz around this event inspired people to declare May 19th as National Wedding Day, a day to celebrate all things love and matrimony.

Since then, National Wedding Day has become an annual celebration where couples exchange vows, families gather to celebrate, and love is celebrated in its purest form. It's a day where wedding photographers capture candid moments, florists create breathtaking bouquets, and cake decorators work their magic to create edible masterpieces.

Whether it's a small intimate ceremony or a grand affair, National Wedding Day is a reminder of the beauty and power of love. It's a day to cherish the memories of past celebrations and a day to dream about future weddings filled with love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

History behind the term 'Wedding'

3000 BCE

The Ancient Rituals

Weddings date back to ancient times when they were primarily religious and cultural ceremonies. In ancient Mesopotamia, around 3000 BCE, weddings were formalized as legal contracts between families, and the father of the bride would provide a dowry as compensation to the groom. These early weddings were accompanied by rituals and feasts, symbolizing the union of families and communities.

753 BCE

Roman Influence

The Romans had a significant influence on the concept of weddings. In 753 BCE, the institution of marriage was recognized by Roman law, bringing a legal and contractual aspect to the union. Roman weddings often involved a procession, where the bride was escorted to the groom's house, and a sacred ceremony was held in the presence of witnesses.

1100 CE

The Church Takes Over

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church gained control over marriage ceremonies and declared marriage a sacred sacrament. In the 12th century, the Church began performing wedding ceremonies, emphasizing the religious aspect of marriage. Weddings became elaborate affairs, and vows were exchanged in front of a priest and witnesses.

1840

Queen Victoria's Influence

Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840 played a significant role in shaping modern weddings. Her white wedding gown was a symbol of purity and wealth, setting a new trend that numerous women followed. This tradition of wearing a white wedding dress continues to be prominent even today.

20th Century

Weddings Go Beyond Tradition

In the 20th century, weddings evolved to reflect individual preferences and personalization. Couples began opting for non-religious ceremonies, outdoor venues, and unique themes. This shift allowed for more creativity in wedding planning, enabling couples to showcase their personalities and create memorable experiences for themselves and their guests.

Did you know?

Did you know that the longest wedding veil measured a staggering 22,843 feet and 2.11 inches? It was worn by a bride named Maria Paraskeva in Cyprus, and it took a team of people to help her carry it down the aisle. Talk about making a grand entrance!