Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue
The old symbolises the continuation of the family tradition, but also the bride's past life. The new symbolises the new phase of her life. The borrowed item stands for good luck. The blue symbolises fidelity and longevity. The old is often the family jewellery, the new is the wedding dress, the borrowed item comes from a friend and the blue is usually a garter that adorns the bride's leg.

The bride's mother often sews a four-leaf clover or a coin into the hem of the wedding dress, which the groom is not allowed to see before the wedding day. At the altar, it is then important to kneel particularly closely so that nothing bad gets in the way.

Bread, salt & wine
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom share a dry slice of bread sprinkled with salt. It symbolises the sharing of life together and the guests toast to the future together. (Agape)

Scattering flowers
The scattering of flowers (note - this is not appreciated everywhere, please ask in advance whether it is permitted) is not only pretty to look at, but is also an old pagan custom. By scattering the petals after the wedding ceremony, the gods of fertility are said to be attracted to the bride and groom by the scent of the flowers and ensure a wealth of children.

The wedding candle
symbolises the love of the bride and groom. It is blessed after the wedding ceremony and should be lit at the bride and groom's table during the wedding banquet. The custom of the wedding candle already existed in the Middle Ages.

Cutting the wedding cake together
Centuries ago, the wedding cake represented a religious blessing for the couple. The cake and its joint cutting were intended to wish the newlyweds positive things for their future lives - a sweet future, so to speak. It also symbolises the cohesion of the marriage. Whoever has their hand up when cutting the cake will be the man/woman of the house.

Bride stealing
The bride is kidnapped by friends or acquaintances of the bride. The groom must now visit the neighbouring pubs to find his bride. The kidnappers often change their location once or twice. The groom usually has to settle all outstanding bills in the pubs.

Wise men = gift-giving
There are plenty of gifts at every wedding; the bride and groom are usually presented with presents after the wedding meal and the obligatory speeches. If the gifts are presented to the bride and groom in person, this is referred to as a "Weisen" or "Weisertgeben". The bride and groom toast with a glass as a token of thanks.

Throwing the bridal bouquet
One of the best-known wedding customs is the throwing of the bridal bouquet. After the church or at the end of the wedding ceremony, the bride (blindfolded) throws the bouquet into the crowd of wedding guests. However, only unmarried women are allowed to catch the bouquet. It is said that the person who catches the bouquet will be the next to get married.

24.00 hrs Playing the bride and groom out
The final dance and playing the bride and groom out ends the celebration with the bride and groom. The parents say goodbye to the "children", often with tears, and let them move into their future together.

Carrying the bride over the threshold
It is also said to be good for fertility if the threshold over which the groom traditionally carries his bride into their shared home is freshly laid.

Rain brings blessings on the wedding day
Rain on the wedding day is said to bring wealth and prosperity to the couple.

Wedding charger
The experienced master of ceremonies has the important task of setting up the wedding procession correctly and later leading it through the celebration. This is no easy task when the wedding party is large and colourful. The wedding usher is supported by the bride's friends, also known as wreath brides.

Wedding planner
Organising a large event and ensuring that everything runs smoothly is no small feat. A wedding planner takes all relevant aspects into account right from the start and always keeps an overview. Bridal couples can take a much more relaxed approach to their wedding preparations with the competent help of an expert who takes the tedious tasks off their hands.

Morning gift
The morning gift takes its name from the custom of the husband giving a gift to his wife on the morning after their wedding night. If the man places the gift for his beloved under his pillow, he will be given many more happy years of marriage.