The wedding cake tradition dates back to ancient Rome when barley cake was broken over the brides head as a gesture to encourage good luck and fertility. The newlyweds would then eat the crumbs together to symbolize their union.

Tossing rice at the end of the wedding ceremony is a old wedding tradition meant to symbolize showering the newly wed couple in prosperity. Check out the historic beginnings of this wedding tradition, some alternatives to rice, and an answer to the question: what about the birds?

In antiquity, the floral bouquet was a symbol of both fertility and good luck. For the ancient Romans, the fragrance of flora, and more specifically herbs like garlic and dill, were thought to protect the bride from evil spirits. Certain flowers were also tokens of good luck. Even the bride herself was once considered an auspicious symbol.