Stylish happy bride and groom throwing candy on background of church after holy matrimony. Photo Credit: Envato @Sonyachny
The Romans brought a legal perspective to marriage. They introduced the concept of "manus", where the woman was legally transferred from her father's family to her husband's. The ceremony involved an exchange of vows in front of ten witnesses, making it a legally binding contract.
The bride wore a flame-colored veil, known as "flammeum", symbolizing the eternal flame of Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home. This tradition has influenced the modern-day practice of brides wearing a white veil. The Romans also introduced the tradition of carrying the bride over the threshold to ward off evil spirits, a custom still prevalent in many cultures today.
