Going generations back, this tradition goes back to the slave era when blacks were forbidden to marry.  To prove their matrimonial commitment to themselves and their community, the couple would physically jump over a broom to symbolize their leap in to married life.  African American couples frequently tie in the tradition of “jumping the broom” at the close of their ceremonies.

You can find custom brooms online at places like African-Weddings, Wedding Brooms by Alicia, or you can make one yourself.

.::Photo by Brian Dorsey::.

Designing your own broom is something you can ask your florist to do.  You can pick out a broom at a local craft store, or they can get one for you.  If your florist does your broom, you will find that it will be in consistent in design with the rest of your arrangements. S/he can use the same color and type of ribbon for the broom’s handle as used on your bouquets, right down to the braid pattern.  Flowers from your bouquet can be incorporated, too.  You can offer similar customizations such as adding lockets of those you wish to remember, or even lockets of your own parents’ wedding photos to symbolize the joining of your two families.  When your child or sibling gets married it can be passed along to them too.  Most couples save their brooms and put them on display in their homes.  If you choose to do this, make sure that you use sturdy materials when creating your broom. 

Depending on how ceremonial you would like to get with your broom jumping, you can have your officiant bring it out from a hidden area.  As an alternative, you can have an honored relative or even a young child bring forth the broom and place it before you. 

Above picture from Your Wedding Day