Aisle runners are used only for the bride. They are used so that the bride's gown does not get mud, dirt and grass on her train. It should be rolled out after the last people in the procession have reached the alter. The bride and her escort should be the only ones walking on it.
When toasting, the bride and groom DO NOT raise their glasses like everyone else. They are the one's being honored and therefore do not toast to themselves. And speaking of toasts, this ritual was actually taken from a French custom. Bread was put in the bottom of wine to collect all the sediments. When the wine was gone, some lucky person got to eat the bread or toast.
The groom carries his bride over the threshold the first time they enter their new home as man and wife. It was thought that evil spirits would be waiting for the bride at the door. The bride, by being carried, could not step on the spirits and cause them to get angry. Also, if she were carried, the evil spirits could not reach her since she was in the arms of her husband and protected.
Veils have several origins. Many believed veils were worn during the dark ages so that, once again, those evil spirits could not see the bride's face. This protected her identity so that no ill will could fall on her. Many believe it comes from the bible.
