Numerous cultures have used the original Western custom of the white wedding ceremony, when a bride wears a white bridal dress and veil. This tradition has been popularized through the marriage of Queen Victoria. Some state Victoria's selection of a white dress could have simply been an indicator of extravagance, but could have been influenced by the values she kept which accentuates sexual purity. Within the present day 'white wedding' custom, a white gown and veil are usually unusual options for a woman's 2nd or subsequent wedding ceremony.
The usage of a marriage ring is definitely part of spiritual weddings in Europe and America, however the origin of the custom will be unclear. One probability may be the Roman belief in the Vena Amoris, that was thought to be a bloodstream vessel that ran from the 4th finger right to the center, thus whenever a few wore rings with this finger their hearts had been linked. Historian Vicki Howard highlights that the belief in the "old" high quality of the exercise is most probably today's invention. "Double band" ceremonies may also be a modern exercise, a groom's strap not appearing in the usa until the earlier Twentieth century.