In part two of our look at wedding traditions, we have chosen to cover the traditions involving finance and fertility.

The Dowry was a custom practiced by wealthy families who would pay an eligible Bachelor to take care of their Daughter. It was given on the understanding that he could keep the money or goods only if they remained married, if not – then it all had to be given back along with the Daughter. It was thought that the giving of a Dowry was the reason why the Bride’s parents traditionally pay for their Daughters wedding. Nowadays most families share the costs between them and the happy couple.

The richness of the wedding cake was a symbol of fertility. It is considered a sign of a fruitful marriage for the Bride and Groom to cut the first slice of their cake. It is still a tradition carried out today when they make the first cut into the cake. In days gone by the cake was broken over the head of the bride, enabling the guests to gather up lucky pieces from the floor. Single girls put a slice under their pillow to bring them good luck and a fruitful wedding. It is thought that the traditional tiered wedding cake was made to resemble the spire on St Bride’s church in London.