The broom has long held significant meaning for many Africans because it symbolizes the start of homemaking for the newlywed couple. Some African-American couples today are choosing to include this symbolic rite in their wedding ceremony, directly before the recession. Smooth cowrie shells, which are believed to encourage fertility, are worn in bridal necklaces and used as decorative accents to trim gowns, jackets, and headpieces. The shells, found off the coast of West Africa, were once used as money. Today they are used for purification and as a symbol of beauty and power.
Islanders top their wedding cakes with a tiny sapling.
The newlyweds then plant the tree in their garden at home, where they can watch it grow along with their marriage. These gifts are a status symbol for the bride. In ancient China, red was the color of love and joy. Red has been maintained as the favorite color choice for the bride's dress, candles, gift boxes, and the money envelopes that are presented to her. The cake sometimes is decorated with marzipan medallions bearing portraits of the bride and groom.