From engagement to reception, this  Zondervan book (released in January 2006)  explores wedding customs and where they come from.

What's the origin of the aisle runner? Do rings have any Christian meaning? Did unity candles really originate from a soap opera? And, most importantly, how do all these customs fit into today's Christian ceremonies?

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EXCERPTS:

AISLE RUNNERS

The white aisle runner dates to ancient Hebrew custom, and represents walking on holy ground. It’s also a reminder that God is present during both the ceremony and the marriage—and that marriage is not merely between two people, but three: husband, wife, and God.

Although some people assume the red aisle runner is a modern wedding innovation, mimicking the “red carpet” of fairy tales and Hollywood award ceremonies, red isle runners actually go back many centuries. Originally, they were used to ward off evil spirits who might linger on the ground.

WEDDING BELLS

Once upon a time, the sound of bells chiming was thought to keep away evil spirits. Ringing bells were also said to keep couples from arguing, and remind them of their wedding vows. For these reasons, a traditional Irish wedding gift is a bell. These bits of lore may also be the reason behind the wedding reception tradition of ringing hand bells in order to “make” the bride and groom kiss.

However, the use of bells for weddings goes back even further in time. In the Bible, bells are associated with holiness. Ancient Hebrew high priests wore bells on their robes. (Ex. 28:33–34 “…The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.”) These bells alerted everyone that they were coming before God. This may be one reason Christian churches originally began using tower bells to call the congregation to worship. Today, the use of bells at weddings harkens back to a time when the soft jingle of a priest’s robe prepared everyone for the presence of God.

ENGAGEMENT PARTIES

The first “engagement parties” were probably the betrothal parties of the ancient Hebrews; after the marriage contract was signed and the groom bestowed gifts on his bride, a celebratory betrothal (or “engagement”) party began.

Traditionally, the engagement party is hosted by the groom’s parents—although in recent generations, it’s often undertaken by the bride’s parents. Perhaps ideally, both sets of parents work together to make a memorable evening for all involved. (This creates an excellent opportunity for the parents to get to know each other, too.) Sometimes the engagement is kept a secret; friends are gathered around for an “ordinary” party or dinner, and then the engagement is suddenly announced. Traditionally, the father of the bride does the honors.

It’s rare for engaged couples to receive gifts at this time. (There is, however, an old tradition of giving tea cups as engagement presents; the story that accompanies this tradition is that a sailor once had to depart on an extended trip; before leaving, he gave her a china tea cup, asking her to drink from it daily, saying, “If I’m unfaithful, the cup will fill to over brimming and the tea pouring over the sides will crack the china.” The story is almost certainly mythical.) However, if the couple is given engagement gifts, they should be opened after the party, so guests who didn’t bring gifts won’t feel badly.

Following the engagement party, it was common for friends of eighteenth and nineteenth century couples to throw balls, dinners, and dances in honor of the prospective bride and groom.