The Tradition of the Wedding Handkerchief
History of the Wedding Handkerchief
A
wedding handkerchief
adds a touch of elegance and a vintage feel to your bridal accessories. It is
also extremely useful during a day full of happy tears!
The
handkerchief
was first seen during the Roman times when only the social elite carried them.
They were initially made from linen, but the tradition eventually evolved so
that they were made from other fabrics, thus making them more accessible to the
lower and middle classes.
In wedding ceremonies,
bridal handkerchiefs
were often handmade and carried by the brides. Prior to the wedding the
handkerchief was soaked with perfume so the bride could wipe her face
beforehand. During the ceremony the bride would wear it over her shoulders or on
her neck as a way to smell of flowers all day long.
The
wedding handkerchief
then evolved to being carried by both the bride and the groom. The bridal hanky
was used to wipe away the happy tears from one another’s cheeks.
Incorporating this tradition would be an ode to the past. Some brides choose a
handkerchief that has been passed down in their family as an heirloom. This
would take care of the “something old” that helps bring good luck to the wedding
day. If you do not have a handkerchief heirloom in the family you can start your
own tradition by purchasing a new bridal hanky and saving it for future
generations to come.
There are a variety of handkerchiefs to consider, including
handkerchiefs with poems
stitched on them or
personalized
handkerchiefs
embroidered with the choice of your name or wedding date.
Blue bridal
handkerchiefs
are a perfect way to also cover the “something blue” you need for your wedding
day, as the thread in the stitching can be customized to blue. A simple lace
handkerchief is also a delicate option and will be passed down through the
generations.
Wedding hankies
are a wonderful heirloom to pass down. Start your new tradition today by
browsing
Advantage Bridal’s
extensive wedding inventory.
- For the Bride
- Bridal Brooches & Pins
- Bridal Garters
- Gloves
- Bride & Bachelorette Sashes
- Hair Accessories
- Handkerchiefs
- Headpieces and Tiaras
- Veils
- Slips and Body Shapers
- Wedding Socks
- Bustiers & Bras
- Bridal Lingerie
- CLEARANCE Ed Hardy
- Body Shapers
- I Do Shoe Stickers
- Jewelry
- Purses & Money Bags
- Bouquet Jewelry
- Something Blue
- Personalized Shoe Bags
- Emergency Kits
- Shawls, Furs & Pashminas
- Ceremony Accessories
- Will You Be My Cards
- DIY Invitations
- Flower Girl Baskets
- Ring Pillows
- Unity Sand Sets
- Unity Candles & Stands
- Wedding Signs
- Wedding Accessory Collections
- DIY T-Shirt Transfers
- Fun Wedding Stuff
- Cake Toppers
- Monogram Cake Toppers
- Bride and Groom Figurine Toppers
- Personalized Cake Tops
- Traditional Cake Toppers
- Anniversary Cake Toppers
- Cake Top Initials
- Birthday Cake Toppers
- Reception Accessories
- Personalized Hand Sanitizers
- Wedding Favors & Supplies
- Guest Signature Mats
- Toasting Flutes
- Cake Tops & Monograms
- Cake Servers
- Renaissance Pewter Accessories
- Placecards & Table Numbers
- Napkins & Matches
- Dance Floor Decals
- Groomsman Accessories
- Money Dance Bags
- Bow Ties for the Guys
- Bridal Shower