·The bridal shower began in the days when marriages were arranged.  A poor Dutchman fell in love with a girl whose father refused to give her a dowry.  Friends then showered her with gifts.

·Wedding bouquets once were made of thyme and garlic to frighten away evil spirits (I don't think we'll be doing that!).

·Gold rings were used as currency in Egypt.  A groom showed his trust for his bride by placing a ring on her finger.

·Early farmers believed the tears shed by a bride on her wedding day were lucky, so a bride kept her handerchief close.

·Wearing blue comes from ancient Israel when brides wore a blue ribbon to symbolize fidelity.

·Early people showered couples with nuts and grain to ensure a bountiful harvest and many children for farm work.

·The toast was a French custom of placing bread in the bottom of a glass and then drinking down to the "toast."

·The honeymoon may have evolved from when man captured his wife and hid her until the moon completed a thirty day cycle.  During this time they drank from a honey brew.

·Carrying the bride over the threshold may have originated from the ancient practice of a man stealing his bride, or from a desire to lift the bride above any evil spirits under the floor.

Thanks to Grandma Willis for providing this list!