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The History Behind Your Favourite Wedding Traditions

I’m a professional wedding photographer, so it’s probably no surprise to hear that I love all things ‘wedding’! As part of this, I love hearing about the history behind wedding traditions- I find it really interesting how ancient customs still make up part of our modern weddings today. Many of the weddings where I’m the photographer include some traditions, such as cutting the cake or throwing confetti, but most of the time we don’t even know why we’re doing these things!

Actually, all of these traditions hold their own unique significance and symbolism. Weddings in general are steeped in tradition, and in this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind some of your favourite wedding traditions, shedding light on their origins and meanings… Let’s dive in!

Throwing Confetti


The tradition of throwing confetti dates back centuries and is rooted in ancient fertility rituals. In ancient Rome, guests would shower newlyweds with grains, seeds, or rice as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Over time, this practice evolved into the use of confetti, small pieces of paper or petals, which symbolise blessings and good wishes for the couple’s future together. 

Nowadays, confetti shots are a fabulous opportunity to capture fun, colour, and joy. I don’t just mean a little handful of confetti: if you’re going for a confetti shot, go big! As a wedding photographer, I think the best confetti shots capture the happy couple in a tsunami of colourful confetti: less is certainly not more in this case! I always love the pure happiness that radiates from couples in these shots: it’s the moment after they have just exchanged vows and take their first steps together as newly-weds.



Confetti at Wedding

Cutting the Wedding Cake

As a wedding photographer, I love capturing a cake-cutting shot! The tradition of cutting the wedding cake has its roots in mediaeval England, where a stack of sweet buns would be placed on the bridal table for guests to enjoy. In the 17th century, the tradition evolved into the cutting of a single large cake, symbolising the newlyweds’ unity and shared future. The act of cutting the cake together signifies the couple’s first collaborative task as husband and wife, while feeding each other a slice symbolises their commitment to provide for one another.


Throwing the Bridal Bouquet

The tradition of throwing the bouquet is thought to have originated in mediaeval Europe, where it was believed that obtaining a piece of the bride’s clothing or flowers would bring good luck. To distract eager guests, brides began throwing their bouquets into the crowd, allowing them to escape with their garments intact. Over time, this evolved into the modern tradition of the bride tossing her bouquet to a group of unmarried female guests, symbolising the passing on of happiness and good fortune to the next bride-to-be.

Wedding photographer North Wales

Wedding photographer North Wales

The First Dance

Another of my favourite moments as a wedding photographer– I always love capturing the couple’s first dance! The tradition of the first dance dates back to the 17th century, when European aristocrats would open their wedding receptions with a grand ball. The first dance symbolised the newlyweds’ introduction to society as a married couple and showcased their grace and elegance. Today, the first dance remains a cherished tradition, providing a romantic moment for the newlyweds to share with their guests.

Wedding Favours

The tradition of giving wedding favours can be traced back to ancient Rome, where guests would receive small gifts or tokens of appreciation at the end of a wedding feast. These gifts, known as “bomboniere,” typically consisted of sugared almonds, which symbolised health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. Over time, wedding favours evolved into a way for couples to express their gratitude to guests for sharing in their special day, with a wide variety of gifts now commonly given as tokens of appreciation.

Whether it’s throwing confetti, cutting the wedding cake, or throwing the bouquet, wedding traditions are an integral part of wedding day celebrations. I love capturing these moments which connect couples to the past while creating meaningful moments for the future.

If you’d like to talk more about your wedding photography, I would love to help! I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales. Get in touch today to discuss your plans. 

 

Do I need a second wedding photographer?

As a wedding photographer, this is a question I get asked a lot by couples who are trying to figure out whether they need to budget for a second shooter or not. There isn’t really a ‘yes or no’ answer to this question, as it totally depends on your wedding, and criteria such as numbers, or the type of shots you want to capture.

I’ve worked with second photographers, and I’ve also been a second photographer supporting my colleagues in the wedding photography business. In fact, the photos used in this blog are from a wedding where we had two photographers. But more frequently I work as a solo wedding photographer, usually in venues around Cheshire and North Wales.

In my experience, couples tend to think they might need a second photographer as a way to ensure all the magic of their wedding day is captured. But at the same time, of course everyone is keen to avoid unnecessary expense if possible.

Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why you might want to consider hiring a second wedding photographer to help you decide whether this might be right for you. Also, I am always happy to answer any questions you may have so please do get in touch if you think I could help further.

 

Why would I need a second wedding photographer?



1. Capture Every Angle

One photographer can only be in one place at a time. With a second photographer, you can ensure that every special moment is captured from multiple angles. While your primary photographer is focusing on the couple during the ceremony, a second photographer can capture the reactions of your guests, the intricate details of the venue, and those candid moments that make your wedding unique.

 

2. More Comprehensive Coverage

Weddings are dynamic events with many moving parts. From the getting-ready moments to the ceremony, reception, and everything in between, there’s a lot happening throughout the day. A second photographer can help ensure that no moment goes unnoticed. They can cover different locations simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive documentation of your special day.

3. Different Perspectives

Each photographer brings their own unique style and perspective to the table. By hiring a second photographer, you’ll benefit from a wide range of creative shots and artistic interpretations of your wedding day. This diversity can add depth and richness to your wedding album, giving you a more varied and interesting collection of images to treasure for a lifetime.

 

4. Capture More Moments

With two photographers working together, you’ll be able to capture more moments throughout the day. I’ve noticed that it’s becoming more common for couples to hire a second photographer, especially if they’re having a church wedding. If your ceremony is not at your venue, then the chances are you will each be getting ready in separate locations. In that case, it’s best to have a second photographer who can shoot one group while your main photographer is with the other group.



5. You’re inviting lots of guests

Second shooters are also great for big weddings with lots of guests, or for couples who know that they want lots and lots of images.


Wedding Photographer in Cheshire and North Wales

If you’d like help on whether you need a second wedding photographer or not, I am more than happy to discuss your plans and offer advice. I’m a wedding photographer working in Cheshire, Chester, North Wales and beyond, and have over 20 years experience as a professional photographer. Get in touch today for a chat. 



Ask a wedding photographer: are there eco-friendly alternatives to confetti?

I’ve been a wedding photographer for about 20 years now, and in that time I’ve become something of an expert not just on wedding photography, but on weddings in general! I find that couples often end up asking me for advice, on everything from wedding photography, to general wedding trends, and hints and tips!

I’ve often tried to offer advice in this blog, and I’ve now decided to start a series of blogs called “Ask a wedding photographer…”, which aim to answer some of the questions I get asked most frequently. A lot of them relate to wedding photography, but some are just about weddings in general. Hopefully you find it helpful 🙂 And remember, I’m always happy to chat if you have any questions about your big day.

confetti alternative bubbles

Today I‘m answering a question which is coming up more and more frequently, as we all become more eco-conscious:

Is there an eco-friendly alternative to confetti?


Aside from being unsustainable, confetti can be a pain to clean up when all the guests have gone, which is why many wedding venues are no longer allowing couples to use it for their big day. However, as a wedding photographer I love a confetti shot, and I know brides and grooms do too, so I’ve put a lot of effort into researching eco-friendly alternatives so the confetti shot can live on!

The tradition of throwing wedding confetti is said to have originated during the middle ages in Northern Italy and has been around in the UK since Pagan times. Before the paper confetti that we know today, there were flowers, petals, grains or rice thrown at the happy couple, to bestow prosperity and fertility. So actually, there are plenty of sustainable examples there already! Let’s take a look at how we can give these traditional eco-friendly options a modern-day twist…


Dried flower confetti

If you’re looking for a biodegradable option for your confetti, then dried flower confetti may be the answer. Plus, you can choose from a huge choice of the dried blooms, which means you can coordinate your confetti with your colour scheme. And, as an added bonus, they’ll smell lovely too!

Wedding photographer’s top tip:

Remember to let your guests know in advance that they won’t need to bring along their own confetti: you can explain that you’re providing a biodegradable option for everyone to use for the big confetti shot!




Olive leaves

As a wedding photographer, I’ve noticed a trend recently for greenery and leaves used in wedding venue decoration: think eucalyptus stems and elegant olive branches. Couples are opting to keep things ‘natural’ more and more these days, so it stands to reason that there is a confetti option which ties in with this trend.

Similar to dried flowers, you can opt for olive and chamomile leaves as a great biodegradable alternative to confetti. As well as being more eco-friendly, these dried leaves will look minimalist and classy. 


Keep it traditional with rice

Rice has been used as an alternative to confetti for centuries. A symbol of fertility and prosperity, why not sprinkle some tradition on your confetti shot: not only might rice bring you good luck, but you’ll be using a sustainable alternative too.


Bird seed confetti

I love the idea of this one! If your venue is in a lovely rural setting (as many of the venues in Cheshire and North Wales are), why not feed the birds while you’re at it?!

Bird seed confetti is a relatively new addition to the wedding scene, and it’s pretty, kind to the environment (and our feathered friends!), and sure to be a talking point amongst your guests too!

Bubbles

If you’re looking for a no-mess option that doesn’t leave your photo with all your guests blowing bubbles will look fantastic: it’s an opportunity for some really eye-catching and unique wedding photography.

Don’t worry: you won’t need to buy kids bubbles in brightly-coloured bottles which will ruin your wedding aesthetics! Luckily, there are now aesthetically-pleasing options available specifically for weddings, in cute little white bottles with heart-shaped lids.

And as a bonus, they’re sure to keep children and adults alike entertained.

Or for something totally different…

If you want to move away from the traditional confetti shot and go for something totally different, how about a photo with a smoke bomb? Eye-catching and unique, smoke bomb wedding photography is a way of injecting the colour that traditional confetti brings.

Wedding photographer’s top tip:

If being eco-conscious is important to you, then remember to source smoke bombs which are made with biodegradable materials. There are now smoke-bomb manufacturers who prioritise the health of consumers and the environment, so it’s worth shopping around. 

How much confetti do you need at a wedding?


Whatever sustainable confetti alternative you choose, you may be wondering how much you’ll need. It really depends on the number of guests you invite, but you should aim to have enough for your guests to have one handful of confetti. As a point of measurement, there are around 10 handfuls in a litre.

Confetti shots are a fabulous opportunity to capture fun, colour, and joy, whatever type of confetti you use. As a wedding photographer, my personal opinion is that if you’re going for a confetti shot, go big! The best confetti shots capture the happy couple in a tsunami of colourful confetti: less is certainly not more in this case! So if in doubt, order a little more.

Confetti at Wedding

 

Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales


If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans, I would love to chat. I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, but I work further afield as well. Drop me a line for more information.