Archive for Ceremony

Selecting the right wedding invitations and stationery is so important because that is what sets the tone for the wedding. You and your fiance should sit down and talk about both of your visions of the wedding and set a theme. If you haven’t already, then do so soon or at least before you start sending out the invitations. You will want the invitations to invoke the details of the wedding, which would include the theme and formality. When you purchase your invitations, you probably want to think about other stationery options like save-the-date cards, ceremony programs, and thank you cards. Lets take a look at all your options.

Save-The-Date Cards
Many engaged couples opt to send out save-the-date cards before the formal invitation to remind the guests of the upcoming nuptials. You send them out after you have the official date of the wedding but before the formal invitations are sent out. A save-the-date isn’t mandatory, but it is ideal for those who are planning a destination wedding. Be sure to send them at least 6 months before the wedding day or weekend.

Formal Invitations
After you’ve made the list, you can send out the formal invites about 6 to 8 weeks in advance. That should give invitees enough time to RSVP and let you know if they’ll be there. About three or two weeks before the big day, you should start to take the final count of how many people will attend.

Programs
Once you’ve got all the ceremony details, it’s time to start planning a program. The ceremony program usually outlines the important events in the order that will take place during the wedding. A proper program should include the full names of the couple, officiant, and wedding party.  Many couples also add song lyrics or hymns to give the program a personal touch, but it’s not mandatory.

Thank You Cards
You and your fiance will be showered with gifts, so it’s only fair to send thank you cards. Don’t wait until you receive all the gifts, instead send out a thank you card as each gift arrives-  send them within two weeks of receiving it. Don’t forget to take out the time to write a heartfelt message in the thank you card. Never send out a thank you card that lacks a personal, handwritten message from you or your fiance.

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Wanting the love and support of those who are a part of your life is important to most couples. We invite wedding guests not only to be witnesses to the blessed union but also to share in the joy attached to it.  If you would like to make your guests more a part of the ceremony, read on for some ideas.

If you are having a small wedding ceremony, you may ask your guests to bless your wedding rings. You can do this by handing the rings to a person in the front row and asking they be passed from person to person and then brought back to the front. Each person can imbue the rings with love and good tidings. If you are having a larger ceremony and still wish to do this, then choose a few people and ask them to hold your wedding bands and bless them for you.

Having a candle ceremony is another way to incorporate those closest to you into the marriage celebration. It is very similar in nature to a unity candle ceremony, only in this case not only are two families joining but you are doing something that unites each and every individual in the entire room. Every guest is given an unlit candle when they arrive at the wedding ceremony. When the time comes either the officiant of the wedding or the bride and groom walk to a person in the front row and light that candle. This person then lights the candle of the person next to them and so on. Once every guest’s candle has been lit, the last person then passes the candle to the bride or the groom who then brings it up to the front of the church and lights the biggest and brightest candle that is centrally located. Many couples have their candle ceremony right before the procession takes place. The sight of so many lit candles is truly joyful to behold for everyone in attendance.

Another way to involve guests is to ask them to turn to their neighbors near the end of the ceremony, shake hands and offer peace or support to one another, such as by saying, “Peace be with you.”

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Most engaged couples choose a spring or summer wedding, but there are still plenty of people who choose to get married during winter.  A winter wedding can be just as romantic as a summer one, perhaps even more so, not to mention that tying the knot off peak season thoroughly has its advantages, like off-peak discounts and the chance to coordinate your big day with a holiday, such as Christmas, New Year, or even Valentine’s Day! That said, there are a few disadvantages to be had, like selecting the floral and fauna. Fortunately, you still will find a lot of terrific ideas and options, even if you don’t live in Florida. Read on.

Go With the Classic Choices
Many of your favorite flowers are available in the winter. Go for the classic rose, the popular daisy, the unique snowball, or even the flower that’s not really a flower- the poinsetta. Other great options include tulips and jasmine. Talk with your local florist which are local and/or in season, so they can help you make a wise choice.

Have Fun with Color
While there may be an abundance of wedding flowers, the color choices? Not so much. But this is when creativity really pays off! If you’re going for a theme, of course you will want the flowers’ colors to reflect this. Regardless of choice, the hottest flower color choices include reds, deep purples, and creams/white. And don’t forget to add a touch of greenery with the flowers or décor; winter’s top picks in greenery include pine cones, holly, ivy, and magnolia leaves.

Add More Than Flowers to Your Centerpiece
Stretch your budget by incorporating other décor options for the centerpiece. Try candles- red or deep pink candles look fantastic for a Valentine’s wedding.  Or maybe try faux snow in vases for a holiday themed wedding.

Use Flowers That Have a Meaning
A flower is never a flower as each flower (and sometimes a certain color of flower) has a different meaning. Ivy means fidelity, a red rose means passion, and a purple tulip means royalty. If you want, choose a couple of flowers for your bouquet that mean something significant.

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When I hear the word elope I immediately think of 24-hour wedding chapels in Las Vegas. I also think of young people who are deeply in love but whose parents do not approve of the union. I also think of soap operas. The whole idea of elopement seems to be clandestine, incredibly romantic and chillingly exciting!

To elope is to run away to get married. For many it is a secretm, and it happens out of the blue. However, it is quite possible for a happily in love couple to decide to elope even when their parents approve of their relationship and no matter what their ages are.

One of the most common reasons that couples elope is because they want to get married in a very simple manner and do not want have to deal with all of the preparations and headaches that come with planning and having an extravagant wedding. This is especially the case if they realize that someone else is calling the shots for their upcoming wedding day.

Eloping is kind of like getting married incognito. It might seem like a devilish adventure, but bear in mind that you risk upsetting certain people if you decide to forego marriage in the traditional manner and run off to be wed elsewhere.

Deciding to elope should not be a decision that is made spur of the moment. It should be something that the two of you discuss at length. Planning still needs to be involved when you are leaning towards eloping. You will be embarking on a couple’s adventure, but first make sure that this is what you both want. If one person is just giving in to make the other one happy, then perhaps you need to do some more talking on the subject.

Keep in mind, too, that just because you elope does not mean that everyone who is special to you must be excluded. Even if you plan to have a very basic wedding ceremony in city hall in a town a few miles away (or in another state), you can still invite a handful of loved ones and close friends to come along. In fact, there are certain areas in both the United States and Canada where you must have a marriage license and two witnesses in order to make your marriage legal.

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There are many reasons to host your wedding at home (or perhaps at the house that belongs to your parents, relatives, or a close friend). For one thing, you will save quite a bit if you don’t have to pay extra for the ceremony and/or  reception locations. Another reason may be you want a rather small and intimate reception at home. Whatever the reason for your at-home wedding, there are some basic things to know that will help make planning this special day easier.

1- Make Sure Your House Is Ready
Other than the obvious like cleaning, make sure that there will be enough space for all your guests to move around and have a good time. If you know children will be attending, make sure that your home is child-friendly and take extra precautions for their safety. As always, make sure that there are at least several clean bathrooms and make sure that the guests know about them. If you don’t, see if you can rent a few extra portable bathrooms.

2- Enlist A Wedding Planner
If you’re planning to hold your nupitals at home, it would not hurt to hire a wedding planner to help assist you and to guide you through this process.

3- Check The Laws
Depending on where you live, it would be a smart idea to check with local ordinances to see if your house or yard need safety or fire inspections. Don’t forget to find out about your local laws on noise regulations. You might need to apply for a permit at least 6 to 9 months in advance.

4- Plan For The Inevitable
It happens. You finalize all the fine details and then something goes wrong either the day before or on the day of. While you cannot predict the future, it’s a good idea to come up with backup plans should such occasions arrive. Discuss various scenarios (like a rainstorm on the day of your backyard wedding) and come up with alternative plans. In the end, it is best to be prepared no matter what situations arrive.

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A vow renewal ceremony is a ceremony where a married couple re-commits themselves to one another. Many vow renewal ceremonies are performed in a similar manner to a wedding. A vow renewal is often done for sentimental reasons and is often done as a way of commemorating and celebrating a milestone in the relationship such as a 25th wedding anniversary. It can be a very romantic gesture to express your enduring love for your partner in this fashion.

Many couples choose a romantic place, such as a vacation destination, to renew their vows and want their loved ones and close friends to be a part of the special ceremony. On the other hand, some couples choose to have a private ceremony with only a few witnesses in attendance. A tropical spot is always a hot spot for a vow renewal ceremony, but the decision remains with the two people who are at the center of it all.

Here are some important dos and don’ts when it comes to having a vow renewal ceremony:

•    If you choose to have your vow renewal ceremony at a  resort, then do look to the wedding planner to help you plan a ceremony that is appropriate for the two of you. Don’t be shy in asking questions and being specific about what you want.
•    Don’t procrastinate when it comes to the planning phase for the ceremony. Remember that the early bird gets the worm. If you are planning to bring a number of people with you, then you should find out if there is a group rate. The sooner you look into this the better.
•    Do find out about all extra charges so you will not be caught off guard when it comes time to pay the bill at the resort.
•    If you plan to have the ceremony outdoors at the resort (such as on the beach), make sure that an indoor venue is possible in the event of inclement weather.
•    Don’t take any chances when it comes to the photos for your ceremony. Choose someone well ahead who can takes pictures on your special day.
•    Do meet with the officiant before the ceremony to discuss it.
•    Do personalize your ceremony by writing as much of your vows as is possible.

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Have you ever heard the saying, “What’s old is new”?  This saying is definitely resonating in the minds of today’s engaged couples, and vintage is in full swing. Maybe you want to give a nod to your parents’ era when tying the knot, or maybe you just love the style of a particular era. Whatever your inspiration may be, adding that vintage touch will indeed make the big day unique and memorable. Here are some ideas on how to add a little old-fashioned style to your wedding.

1- Instead of buying a brand new wedding gown, why not wear a vintage wedding gown, or a vintage white dress? Some vintage boutiques specialize in wedding gowns, try to find one in your city. You also could have the groom and/or groomsmen don vintage suits.

2- Walk down the aisle to an older love song that has significant meaning. If you don’t have a talented (and close) friend to play the piano, make sure that you hire a professional musician or group to perform the song during the ceremony or perhaps reception.

3- Go with vintage décor. Scour the flea markets or perhaps ask one of your mothers if she has any vintage item that she could loan on your wedding day. As a bonus, using a vintage heirloom not only will add something special, it also will save extra money.

4- Ride in style, and rent a vintage convertible or other car for the big day. Caution, it might be a bit costly, so check to see if you can rent a fairly new automobile that looks vintage.

5- Another fabulous and affordable option that your parents probably will love is to use your great-grandparents’ (or perhaps even grandparents’) wedding bands or engagement rings in your upcoming nuptials.

6- Take a few cues from the more romantic Victorian era with lots of elegant lace details and décor. Or perhaps you could have all the invitations and coordinating wedding stationary designed by a good calligrapher.

When it comes to weddings, the possibilities are endless.

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When it comes to planning your wedding you want to find information anytime, anywhere, and fast. That is the beauty of the Internet. You can find the latest styles of bridal gowns and other wedding attire with the click of a mouse. However, Google isn’t without flaws, and searching for local vendors can become a bit tricky if your sole reliance is on a search engine. That is why websites that specialize in weddings are probably your best bet!  All your information, one website. Here are the best wedding information sites.

The Knot.com
Chances are you’ve seen (and maybe even purchased) a local edition of The Knot Magazine, but the website version is much more comprehensive, as they offer a mix of local resources, wedding ideas from recent brides, honeymoon information, and more. Essentially The Knot’s website is a wedding portal. They also have videos and a community with message boards.

Brides.com
Like The Knot.com, Brides.com is a wedding portal owned by a magazine (well, in their case, three including Brides, Modern Bride, and Elegant Bride). The highlights of this website include their Essential Guide, which are easy-to-follow guides to help you plan everything from selecting a wedding gown to planning a destination wedding. And, as an added bonus, the Wedded Bits Blog is chock-full of fascinating and useful wedding information.

Weddings from About.com
Now this is not a website per se, it is a section of the larger About.com information search portal. Here you will find plenty of interesting articles and information tips from experienced experts on the topic. On this website you will find much more detailed information on planning the whole event.

In the end,  you will want to visit all three of these websites for the vast and varying  information that each one offers. Of all these websites, which one do you like the best?

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The old fashion wedding vows that commonly are recited during a traditional wedding ceremony are beautiful. But today’s bride and groom often seek ways to personalize their wedding, and one of those ways is to write your own meaningful wedding vows. Whether they are used as a supplement to the classic vows, or are used to replace, the choice is up to you and your fiancé. Get inspired with these helpful tips on how to create the perfect custom wedding vows.

Get creative with your choice of words and how you will say them. There is no need to get poetic, just find a way to express your feelings on a piece of paper that can be said beautifully and meaningfully. If you struggle with this, relax. You just need to write from your heart and the words should come naturally. But if you have any doubts about what you write, it might be wise for you both to rehearse the vows ahead of time.

Don’t tell all. While writing your own wedding vows is very personal for couples, don’t forget that they will be recited at the ceremony. Anything that could mortify you or your fiancé (or even the guests), should not be written in the vows. Also try to keep them short and sweet, like above, there is no need to go on and on, write some honest yet simple vows, and try to keep it under ten minutes.

Personalize  the wedding vows and the ceremony in which you recite them. For instance, you might want to begin the ceremony with a few of your favorite songs, and mention in the vows why these songs have such importance to you as a couple. Another good idea is to incorporate a little bit of your favorite poetry or book excerpts that mean something to you into the vows. Make sure to give credit to the poetry/excerpts in the program.

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Having a flower girl in your wedding can provide that extra touch that makes your ceremony even more special and helps to put a smile on the faces of family and friends alike. Some weddings have one flower girl, while others have more than one. Read on for some suggestions that can help you choose the right little girl for the job.

To begin with, the responsibility of walking down the aisle and scattering flower petals is something that should be given to a girl who is eight years of age or younger. Most people choose a sister, cousin or niece of the bride, but the flower girl also can be a child of a friend or a relative of the groom.

It is important to bear in mind that the flower girl is a young child, and while some may enjoy the attention they receive, others may find that they are scared and nervous once they see everyone in the church looking at them. For this reason it is essential that there be an adult nearby who can assist the flower girl if she becomes upset or needs help. For example, the flower girl might walk halfway down the aisle and then stop in her tracks in fear. Having someone who can take her hand and lead her the rest of the way while encouraging her is very beneficial.

The flower girl is supposed to remain standing with the rest of the bridal party throughout the ceremony. However, the younger the child is, the more difficult this can be to accomplish.

The History of the Flower Girl

Traditionally, flower girls have been a part of weddings going back as far as the Victorian days. The role was created so that the flower girl could make the guests smile and relax because of her innocent and sweet demeanor. She helped to put everyone at ease and to bring laughter and humor to what otherwise was sometimes a very formal event.

The purpose of scattering rose petals along the aisle before the bride takes her walk to the altar is to create a pathway that stands for the beauty of the bride. It is also symbolic of the new road that the bride is taking in joining with a husband to forge a new life together.

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