A Celebration of Heritage: Timeless Traditions (I)

We are a third generation farming family therefore tradition is in our blood. We believe that with ideas and practices handed down to us through the generations, tradition keeps us grounded. It keeps us connected to family, our heritage and for some, our faith too. With this in mind, we have listed some of our favourite wedding traditions to share with you.

Take the Leap of Love!

During a Leap Year women are given the opportunity to propose to their loved one! Although this wedding tradition could seem very outdated in our modern society, here are some fun facts should you decide to take that ‘Leap!’

In Scotland women who are intending to propose have to wear a red petticoat. This is to give her loved one a fair warning of what she is about to ask. Should her suitor say no, he will have to pay a fine of £1 or alternatively gift her a silk dress! In Denmark however, if a man refuses a leap year proposal he must provide 12 pairs of gloves. This is so that the rejected lady can hide the shame of not wearing an engagement ring.

“Old, New, Borrowed, Blue”

This fun wedding tradition is based on an old rhyme by an unknown English poet: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” The old represents the past and the new stands for the future. The borrowed refers to the happiness given to the bride by the new husband and the blue is to ward off evil. Nowadays, the final line about the sixpence is not often quoted but as you may have guessed, refers to wealth.

At Thetford Farm Barn we are the perfect blend of old and new. We offer a luxuriously restored 200 year old barn with modern technology and a contemporary finish.

To find out more Request a Brochure 

The White Dress

In the old days, brides on their wedding day would simply wear their best clothes. These could be any colour, even black. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840 that white became a fashionable wedding dress colour. Whilst a white wedding dress is still a firm favourite today. It is considered a sign of chastity and purity in western cultures whereas in Asian culture, brides traditionally wear red on their wedding day with white reserved for funerals.

Giving the Bride Away

For many fathers and daughters, this wedding tradition is a poignant moment, however you might be shocked to hear its true meaning. It is a custom that dates back to the Middle Ages when daughters were considered their father’s property. This in turn meant they were quite literally sold to the groom!

These days, it is a personal choice as to whom you choose to walk you down the aisle. Whether it’s your father or a family member it is about having someone special to stand by your side. Walk, waltz or sprint down our 20 metre aisle, the choice is completely yours. Just take a breath and then a step and off you go…

Plan your Ceremony at Thetford Farm Barn. We have only the best recommended suppliers including our award winning Toastmaster and entertainer of choice Ricky Locke. 

Band of Gold

The custom of wearing wedding rings goes back to Ancient Egypt, where the circular shape symbolised eternity. In early Roman times, the men wore wedding rings on their third finger of the left hand. This is where they believed the Vena Amoris, the vein of love began leading all the way to the heart. However, men wearing wedding rings in the UK is a relatively new tradition and one that stems back to WWII. This was to remind them of their wives at home. The tradition of a wedding band remains a constant and is a symbol of unconditional and unending love and commitment. A love with no beginning and no end, eternal.

At Thetford Farm Barn, traditional values are at the heart of our ethos. We are the ideal blank canvas on which to write, re-write your own unique customs so that you can continue to hand these down through the generations. Our venue is steeped in history and our team are modern and innovative in their approach.

Meet the team!

I would like to arrange a viewing

If you are looking to arrange a viewing, Thetford Farm Barn would love to show you around.

Contact the team on team@thetfordfarmbarn.co.uk  to arrange your viewing.