Wedding Traditions — Blog Posts - Vow Muse — Vow Muse

Who Should Give a Toast at the Wedding Reception?

Who Should Give a Toast at the Wedding Reception?

Traditionally, wedding toasts were given by the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. But let’s be real, that’s an outdated list. 

These days generally both the best man and the maid of honor give a toast.

A Father's Blessing

A Father's Blessing

Tradition’s a funny thing. Sometimes you do it just because it feels right. And other times you do it because you feel the tug of obligation. Whatever the reason, traditions come from somewhere and, in this instance, asking for your father-in-law’s permission (or blessing these days) to get married has a dark origin story.

Pardon the mansplaining but indulge me for a moment...

I need to get my Bride a Wedding Gift?! (I Know, I Thought the Ring Would Be Enough Too)

I need to get my Bride a Wedding Gift?! (I Know, I Thought the Ring Would Be Enough Too)

So let me get this straight. I’ve bought the engagement ring, the wedding band, put a nauseatingly large down payment on a nearby venue...and I’m expected to buy a wedding gift for the day of the wedding?!?!

The History of ‘Giving Away the Bride‘ Plus Alternative Ideas

The History of ‘Giving Away the Bride‘ Plus Alternative Ideas

Many little girls dreams of walking down the aisle with her father. It's almost as ingrained in us as the fairy tale of the big white gown and the hope that your beloved sheds that one silent tear as you approach. It's all cheesy and classic and the stuff of rom coms. But where does this fit in with our values today?

A World Tour Part IV: Love Is Universal

A World Tour Part IV: Love Is Universal

It's the last leg of our whirlwind tour around the world!

What we've found is that no matter the region, the most is the preservation of love, luck, prosperity, and fertility. Let's see if that holds true in South and Central America…

2017 Wedding Trend Alert: The Wedding Letter

2017 Wedding Trend Alert: The Wedding Letter

Yep, we are talking old-fashioned missives — no postage required!

Think of wedding letters as the ultimate love letter. Something you write for your sweetheart, and just your sweetheart, on your wedding day. These wedding letters often encompass what DIY vows historically have, but are read privately before or after the ceremony.

Lifting the Veil: The History Behind One of Our Oldest Wedding Traditions

Lifting the Veil: The History Behind One of Our Oldest Wedding Traditions

Wearing a veil to your wedding is a tradition with roots so deep that it predates white wedding gowns. And like many other wedding traditions, this one exists because of the patriarchy. We’re all surprised, I’m sure. That said, I still wore a veil to my wedding. I’ll get to my own reasoning why, but first, let’s ask a much bigger “why:” why do we wear veils at all?

Ring Lingo: Everything You Need to Know About Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Ring Lingo: Everything You Need to Know About Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Before we get into the history of the rings, let’s just say this upfront: getting married doesn’t actually require fancy jewelry. If you want rings, great. If you want bracelets, great. If you want nothing, great. If you want to celebrate your commitment to each other by going skydiving and then signing some papers at the end, GREAT (ps: if you did this, can we watch your wedding video? That sounds amazing). But for everyone curious about the difference between a wedding band and an engagement ring, this post is for you.