Hello dolls! I hope you enjoyed the wonderful holidays, and I hope they were filled with Southern family traditions. Goodness knows there are a ton of those!
I think I say that I love each tradition I work on, and the truth is, I do! You might recognize the first image from my Dream Southern Wedding, and you might remember that I am completely obsessed with it! SO, without further ado, let’s get started on the Southern wedding tradition of the white Bible. This tradition was originally introduced to us by one of our fabulous readers, and I’m happy to share it with you today.
Image credit from top to bottom and left to right: A Bryan Photo, Ali Harper via this awesome SW feature, and Sherry Hammonds.
Originating in Northern Ireland, brides would carry a white Bible instead of a traditional wedding bouquet. Many Irish families had Bibles that were passed down from generation to generation, and carrying this heirloom was a way for a bride to honor her family. During my research, I was thrilled to find out that Grace Kelly carried a little white Bible covered in flowers down the aisle at her wedding to the Prince of Monaco.
These days, for Christians brides, the white Bible is also an outward representation of their faith. Bibles and small white prayer books can be weaved into your bouquet, or can be embellished with ribbons or cascading flowers. If you decide not to carry a Bible, we also love the idea of weaving paper strips imprinted with a favorite verse into or around your bouquet. One of our past brides, Melissa, did something similar with her bouquet!
What’s your favorite Southern wedding tradition? Have a fun one I haven’t covered yet? Send it my way!
P.S. Here are a few of my faves:
Burying the Bourbon
A Moment of Prayer
The Sorority Sing
A very long time ago *laugh* in the olden days I carried a white lace covered brides Bible and three yellow roses (Yes I’m from Texas).
Hi Pam! I’m sure you we’re a gorgeous Texas bride! xo, Marissa
So surprised (and happy) when I saw this- we refer to it as a “prayer book” in my family : ). My wedding was a few months ago and I carried the prayer book that both my mother and grandmother carried at their weddings.
One of the best pictures from my sister`s wedding was the signing of the marriage certifcate. Another tradition from “the good ole days”. Thanks for using the white Bible tradition!
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I found your website while looking for a very small gift bible for a bride. I have crocheted the cover and cannot find the bible. Even we as southerns are losing those wonderful traditions. I used to give ingraved bibles for births (pink for girls and blue for boys) and you cannot find those anymore. I love our traditions and we need to keep them alive.
I am marrying into the Snyder family on Jan 16, 2013. I have chosen a black bible with red roses and white daffodils with a red and white bow for my bouquet. I cant wait to get married.
I love this idea and I had no idea it was a Southern tradition – or even an Irish tradition! My Philadelphia born and bred mother of English descent carried a white bible ( New Testament actually) decorated with flowers at her wedding in 1947.
My non- Church wedding was 30 years ago. This month we are renewing our vows in church and I will be carrying her bible!