Did you know that some wedding traditions take place after your wedding day? Though many couples go about married life unaware of lingering wedding traditions, others use those traditions as tools to reflect on the sanctity and joy of marriage in the days and years following their wedding. Here are some wedding traditions you can incorporate into your married life.

Carrying the Bride Across the Threshhold
The tradition of the groom carrying his new bride across the threshold—into the front door of their home—can be traced to many different origins. Most of these origins are no longer relevant. Modern brides and grooms are generally unconcerned with evil spirits, and the notion of a bride submitting to her new husband is old-fashioned. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to get swept up by this quaint and romantic tradition. Celebrate your return from your honeymoon or your first days living together with a sweet moment in the doorway of your home.

Freezing the Wedding Cake
According to wedding traditions, couples freeze the very top of the wedding cake and eat it on their first anniversary a year later. This tradition is sometimes traced to bringing good luck and prosperity. The tradition can be modified, since many modern cakes feature unique and unusual design shapes. If you go with this tradition, wrap and seal a portion of your wedding cake carefully to avoid freezer burn and spoiling during the year. Better yet, eat your leftovers right away and celebrate your first anniversary with cupcakes or a small cake reminiscent of your wedding cake. You’ll definitely enjoy the taste more.

Traditional First Anniversary Gifts
Traditional anniversary gifts help you celebrate each milestone of your marriage. Paper is the traditional first anniversary gift. Think that sounds dull? Don’t focus on a literal piece of paper. Get creative and celebrate your first anniversary with a unique take on paper gifts. Try a personalized puzzle—cardboard is technically paper. Frame a poem or one of your wedding invitations. Write a love letter. Exchange meaningful books. Commission a drawing or frame a beautiful art print.

Superstitions and Good Luck Customs
Depending on the bride's and groom's upbringings, different superstitions and customs can influence the days and months following marriage. Many revolve around notions of good luck, prosperity, and starting a family. Some believe that the first person to purchase a gift gets the upper hand in a marriage. A crafty bride quickly bestows a small gift on her husband. Others pay close attention to the first meal the couple eats together and believe it should be cooked by the bride.

The Wedding Dress
The wedding dress itself is often the object of superstition. Many brides believe that selling a wedding dress brings bad luck on a bride. As an alternative to selling or giving away your dress, look into having a seamstress convert your bridal gown into an elaborate baby blanket or set of pillows. If you plan on keeping your dress to hand down to future brides (giving it away isn’t bad luck) have a specialist pack and preserve it. Wedding gowns should never be kept hanging for long period of time.

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