For a human institution, the marriage ceremony certainly possesses all the trappings for an interesting exploration of unusual history and strange tradition.

Although the rituals and the elements of the ceremony are rife with mysterious symbolism, couples still choose to hold their weddings in the same grand and elegant pattern of so many generations past. Somehow the ceremony’s exalted tones and elaborate arrangements transcend age, economic status, race, culture, ideology and predilection. Its traditional tenets stand the test of a million weddings. And more.

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club will examine the ceremonial customs of this institution not to discover its deeper meaning and significance, but just for the fun of it. Here is a list of ancient customs from Bride & Groom that we still incorporate in ceremonies today:

• Dinner is Served: The bachelor party was originally called the bachelor dinner. Fifth century Spartan soldiers reportedly celebrated comrades’ wedding the evening prior.
• The Wedding Party: The groom and his friends – the ushers and best men – would kidnap the bride from her family in the “marriage by capture” days. The friends served as the groom’s marital army.
• Throwing the Bouquet: Brides used to carry garlic, herbs and grains to ward off evil spirits as they strolled down the aisle.
• Here Comes The Bride: Weddings were considered family and community affairs during the Middle Ages. The only requirement for a wedding then was the consent of both parties.
• I Now Pronounce: Ministers weren’t part of wedding ceremonies until the Council of Trent established that requirement in the 15^th
• Tie The Knot: The term referred to the Renaissance Ceremony of “handfasting.” It meant making a “contract of marriage between (parties) by joining of hands.”
• Join Hands: Hundreds of years ago the British had couples join hands – right to right and left to left – to signify marriage for a year and a day. The couple could later renew their vows permanently or for another year and a day. This was used mostly in rural areas where ministers rarely traveled.
• The Best Man: Hundreds of years ago men were supposed to take wives from their own communities. When communities were small and eligible women in short supply, men had to take their brides from neighboring areas. That usually involved taking a friend to help. The best man would also help guard the bridegroom during the wedding ceremony in case the bride’s family came to steal her back.
• Giving Away the Bride: This tradition dates back thousands of years when the woman was considered the property of the father. The groom had to pay a price to buy the woman from the bride’s family.
• Shoes on the Bumper: The bride’s shoes symbolized authority and possession. They were given to the groom as a symbol of transferring ownership and also preventing her from running away. The new husband would tap his bride on the head to signify she had a new master.
• Innocence: The veil symbolized the bride’s virginity and modesty.
• The Wedding Ring: A groom often paid a price to marry a woman. Part of the payment included precious stones and symbolized the intent to marry.
• The Left Ring Finger: The ancient Romans believed the vein in the ring finger on the left hand went straight to the heart.

While we at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club don’t urge couples to adopt any of the wedding customs with their ancient moorings, we do encourage them to pursue the ceremony as a way of uniting their lives in love and romance.

Golden Ocala has the perfect atmosphere and finest services to make that happen.

Our wedding packages provide you with the options to create a wedding experience  –  set in gorgeous, elegant surroundings  –  that will stun and amaze. Select from our Premium, Gold and Silver packages for a truly wonderful and spectacular reception to toast your special day. Each package includes some fantastic enhancements.

When you book your entire wedding at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, we will waive additional facility fees, which include use for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement photo shoots, bachelorette gatherings, bachelor parties and other events.

Contact Julianne Cuomo, Director of Celebrations, at 352-402-4376 for more information and to begin making plans for your new lives together.