Live Life Team
Many of Australia’s wedding customs originate from Britain, which is not surprising, since a large percentage of its original immigrants came from there. Today, however, Australia is a multicultural society, so other traditions, such as the Jewish stomping on the glass and the Greek’s linking of ribbon cornets, have been incorporated into the typical Aussie wedding. More than anything, a wedding in Australia is considered a social event that brings people together to celebrate.
The traditional wedding gown is white, once considered a sign of virginity. Today the white gown is viewed as a symbol of hope and joy for the couple’s marriage. Grooms tend to wear dark suits with ties or bow ties. Wedding attendants are dressed in the colours and style determined by the bride. The Bride and groom are not allowed to see each other before the wedding, as it is viewed as a sign of bad luck. Australian wedding rings tend to be simple, symbolising the never-ending love between the bride and the groom and are exchanged at the end of the wedding ceremony.
One time-honoured tradition is the presentation of a keepsake Bible to the bride and groom. Bibles are treasured heirlooms and in most cases are passed down from generation to generation. Many of them have the family genealogy recorded, as births, marriages and deaths are listed on embellished family tree pages.
Music in weddings can take the form of British or American styles and often incorporates the soulful sounds of the bagpipes or even the haunting sounds of the Aboriginal didgeridoo. Many couples choose to have a wedding supper rather than a reception, at which toasts, speeches and the cutting of the cake all form part of the celebrations.
