In our society, it is common for people to get married. But the thing is, how many of us know how the ceremony evolved to how we know it today? Here are some things you may not have known about weddings.

1. We wear white wedding dresses because of Queen Victoria.

Over the years, people have come up with different theories as to why the Queen chose white. Many thought she chose the color as a symbol of purity and virginity, but as it turns out, she just liked white.

Bonus: Queen V married her cousin, in case you didn't know.

2. We wear engagements rings because of an ancient Roman tradition.

According to American Gem Society, ancient Roman women used to wear rings with keys on them as a symbol of their future husband's ownership. How romantic.

3. Engagement rings are usually diamonds because of Archduke Maximilian of Austria when he proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

These trendsetters sparked a centuries-long fad throughout the world, especially in Europe and the west. Additionally, marketing campaigns such as "Diamonds are Forever" in the 1930s made the diamond evolve into a symbol of loyalty, commitment and love.

4. Women typically change their last names when they get married because of a little thing called "coverture."

The United States practiced coverture from the 1700s-1970s which stated that, upon marriage, a woman surrenders her separate legal identity and rights to those of her husband's. This means that women were--essentially--"property" and could not enter legal contracts, sue, or take other legal actions without the consent and support of their husband.

5. We close our eyes when we kiss so our brains can focus on the experience.

When multiple senses are stimulated, it's hard for our brain to get the "optimal" experience. By closing our eyes, we are more conscious of how kissing feels physically.