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Ever get to thinking about the meanings of different wedding traditions?

Traditons

Garter Toss
After the reception the groom removes the garter worn by the bride and throws it back over his shoulder toward the unmarried male guests. Again the one who catches it will be the next to marry.

Throwing Rice
The custom of throwing rice at the newlywed couple symbolizes fertility.

Honeymoon
There are two commonly accepted origins of the term "honeymoon."

The first has its roots in Northern Europe and in Babylon some 4,000 years ago whereby newly married couples drank a fermented honey drink, known as metheglen, for about 30 days (or one lunar/moon month). From this custom grew the term "honey month" or "honeymoon."

The second or alternate origin came from ancient times when the groom kidnapped his bride and hid her from her family. This time which usually was one lunar/moon month was considered the cooling off period for the bride’s family. It was the groom's hope that upon return, the bride's family would have forgiven him.

Facts and Stats

• Approximately 5 million brides and grooms get married every year in the U.S.
• June is the most popular month for weddings, flowed by August, September, October and May.
• $20,000 is the average wedding budget.
• 180 guests are invited to an average wedding.
• Average age for first-time brides is 25 years. For grooms, it's 27.
• Couples spend an average of $5,000 on their honeymoon.
• The leading destinations for out-of-town weddings are Las Vegas, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands.
• The average annual household income for newly married couples is $50,000 per year.
• One in five men proposes on one knee.
• Average cost of an engagement ring is $3,165.