| Ancient Roman wedding ceremonies began with the | | | | breakfast feast which was traditionally paid for by the |
| bride renouncing her childhood so that she could | | | | groom and, it has been reported, often lasted until |
| properly prepare for her life as wife and mother. To | | | | nightfall. This is most likely where the early wedding |
| do this, she began by surrendering her childhood toys. | | | | cake, a simple loaf of wheat flour, salt, and water, was |
| The bride's hairstyle was unique only to brides. Her hair | | | | used. |
| was divided into six locks, and was fastened with fillets | | | | At this time gifts were given and the wedding party |
| on the top of her head. | | | | made ready for the next part of the wedding |
| Like today, the Roman bride's wedding attire was | | | | ceremony - the procession. During this procession the |
| worn only once; the most significant piece of clothing | | | | attendants would lead the bride to her new home. This |
| being the flame colored, yet transparent, veil which | | | | was quite the event. Flute players announced the |
| was worn on the crown of her head beneath wreaths | | | | procession's progress as they moved. Torchbearers lit |
| of myrtle branches and orange blossoms. The dress | | | | the way as designated young children led the way. As |
| consisted of a simple tunic tied with a woolen girdle | | | | they went, and especially as they neared the grooms |
| over which she wore a yellow cloak and matching | | | | home, well wishers threw walnuts at the party in a |
| sandals. | | | | gesture of their hope for the new couple's fertility. |
| The first part of the wedding ceremony would begin at | | | | Meanwhile the groom went on ahead to prepare the |
| the house of the bride's parents. When all was in order, | | | | way house for the arrival of his new wife. |
| her parents would then hand her over to her groom. | | | | The bride's arrival at the new home was the climax of |
| This led to the pledge; a simple ceremony in which the | | | | the wedding ceremony: Before the groom could carry |
| young couple would grasp hands and recite their | | | | the bride through the doorway of their new home a |
| commitment to one another. From there they would go | | | | white cloth was spread on the ground and covered |
| to a place of sacrifice where the bride and groom | | | | with leaves and branches. Likewise, it is reported that |
| would sacrifice a pig. The matron of honor would then | | | | the bride would first smear fat on the door post and |
| join the bride and groom's hands together. | | | | tie a strand of wool to the door posts to mark the |
| In Roman wedding ceremonies the best man also | | | | home as her domain before the groom would carry |
| acted as the priest and it was his responsibility to | | | | the bride across the threshold and into their new |
| present the wedding contract at the appropriate time, | | | | house. |
| and to ensure that the proper number of witnesses | | | | It is easy to see that many of our modern day |
| signed it. | | | | traditions in wedding ceremonies originated with the |
| The Roman version of a reception was actually a part | | | | Romans and the variations could make for a |
| of their wedding ceremonies. After the wedding | | | | memorable event should anyone choose to base their |
| contract was signed there would be a huge wedding | | | | wedding after the ancient Roman wedding ceremony. |