By Rachael Lindley
In Fort Worth and the surrounding areas, wedding traditions sit at a crossroads of culture — the Old South and the West meeting, much like a marriage itself, to become something new. Here are a few traditions to consider for your big day.
GROOM’S CAKE
A Southern staple (think Steel Magnolias’ “bleedin’ armadillo cake”). Victorian in origin, the groom’s cake started as an extra cake for guests to take home; today, it’s a chance to showcase the groom’s personality — his favorite team, hobby, or cocktail.
CAKE PULLS
Ribbons with small silver charms baked into the cake’s bottom layer; bridesmaids each pull one before cutting. Each charm predicts her future — a ring means she’ll marry next, a heart means new love, an anchor means hope.
THE LASSO (EL LAZO)
A ceremonial rosary or cord looped in a figure-eight over the couple’s shoulders during a Catholic Mass, symbolizing their union. A Mexican Catholic tradition, common in South and Central Texas.
ARRAS (UNITY COINS)
The groom presents the bride 13 coins, blessed by the priest, symbolizing his pledge to provide for her. Also Mexican/Spanish Catholic in origin, often paired with the lasso.
BRIDAL LUNCHEON
A ladies’ luncheon held the morning of the wedding, distinct from the earlier shower — often hosted by the bride’s mother or grandmother, with monogrammed napkins and full Southern formality.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE
and a sixpence in her shoe. This English folk rhyme, likely Victorian, ties to old European beliefs about luck. Old represents continuity, new represents optimism, borrowed (from a happily married woman) lends her luck, and blue — associated with the Virgin Mary and predating white as the traditional wedding color — symbolizes purity and fidelity. The sixpence, often dropped from American versions, was meant to ensure prosperity.
FAMILY BIBLE UNITY CEREMONY
Reading scripture and signing an heirloom family Bible during the ceremony, common in the Bible Belt South’s Protestant, especially Baptist, tradition.
SECOND-LINING
A brass-band parade of the wedding party through the streets, waving handkerchiefs and parasols. Rooted in New Orleans jazz-funeral culture, adapted for joyful occasions like weddings throughout the Gulf South.