Throwing confetti over newlyweds originated from the ancient Pagan rite of showering the happy couple with grain to wish upon them a ‘fruitful’ union. Pagans believed that the fertility of the seeds would be transferred to the couple on whom they fell.
The throwing of rice has the same symbolic meaning.
One explanation of the veil is that it is a relic of the days when the groom would throw a blanket over the head of the women of his choice, when he captured her and carted her off.
Another explanation is that during the times of arranged marriages, the bride’s face was covered until the groom was committed to her at the ceremony - so it would be too late for him to run off if he didn’t like the look of her!
It is also thought that the veil was worn to protect the bride from evil spirits that would be floating around on her wedding day.