How to Create a Tasteful Memorial at Your Wedding

A wedding is a beautiful ceremony celebrating the union of two people, but it’s also so much more than that. A marriage brings together two families. This is why it is so important to honor your deceased family members in some way to celebrate the part they've played in bringing you to this moment.

 

Recently, couples have set aside a small part of their ceremony to light a candle. Typically, this candle has the names of the departed persons and a short verse. While this brief memorial service is beautiful and appreciated, it is also a solemn break from what is otherwise a joyous day. Your guests who are not family or who did not know the people you are remembering can often feel interrupted or confused, simply because they don’t feel the same way about your family members as you do.

 

Other Memorial Options

 

There are many other ways to remember these special people without causing any kind of break in your ceremony or reception.

 

• Place a single rose in the bride’s bouquet that is a different color from the rest. This is more
  

  

  effective if the bouquet is only one or two colors, because the memorial rose will stand out from the rest.
• Attach a picture of the deceased to the bride’s bouquet in the form of a memorial buckle. If other bridesmaids are related, they can each have a picture of someone.
• Write a short statement in the wedding program (typically seen placed on the back or at the end of program):

  “Today we would like to remember our lost loved ones who cannot be here with us to celebrate. 

  First name, relationship to bride/groom 

  Gone but not forgotten”

• Reserve a seat for each deceased family member by placing a single rose and a name card on the chair.
• At the reception, set up a small table with pictures of each person you want to remember, a short poem, and a candle. In this situation, a battery-operated candle may be better than a wax candle, since you won’t be able to watch the open flame during your reception.

 

If you are having a small wedding with family members making up the majority of the guest list, you might want to stick to the memorial candle tradition, since it will mean more to the guests. If you decide you want some sort of memorial service at your wedding, choose to do something that will be meaningful to you, your partner, and the loved ones you are honoring. Your guests, whether they know the deceased or not, will appreciate a small but significant memorial display more than an extravagant presentation.  For other ways to incorporate memorials into your wedding, come check us out here.

 

 

Image Credits: Memorial candle holder, Memory bouquet charms, Memorial table setting, Memorial ladder

 

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.

Unveiling American Wedding Ceremony Traditions

The tradition of the wedding dates back to as early as prehistoric times.  Back when a groom need only carry a woman away to claim her as his bride.  Today, most of our traditions have developed as a result of changing values, beliefs, and the overall status quo.  No longer is it acceptable for a man to enter a town, throw a woman over his shoulder, and carry her away as his.

While the actual traditions of American wedding ceremonies continue to change and evolve with the times, the overall practice of certain wedding traditions has stuck with brides and grooms throughout the years.

Tradition of wedding veils - While the wedding veil has held different meanings for different cultures, one common belief is that wedding veils protected the purity of the bride from evil spirits.  Another source attests that the opaque wedding veils were used to prevent the groom from seeing the bride’s face until after the ceremony was over.  This of course is why brides had to be literally escorted down the aisle by their fathers and given away to their groom.  Wedding veils today are used more as a fashion statement that that of necessity.  From short blusher veils to long cathedral veils, the styles of veils change with each passing year and are based a lot on the personality of the bride and the style of her wedding gown.

Tradition of the aisle runner - It has been a superstition among many cultures that demons lurked underneath the ground and it was bad luck for the bride to come in contact with the ground before the ceremony.  Thus aisle runners acted as a barrier between the ground and those evil spirits.  Traditionally, a white aisle runner has symbolized a pathway of purity.  More so today, the aisle runner is not only used for decoration but as a clean surface for the bride to walk down in her wedding gown.  Bride’s today are breaking the mold on traditional aisle runners opting for personalized runners or alternatives like rose petals or burlap.

Tradition of the flower girl  -  Children have long been associated with weddings and were thought to bring luck and fertility to a wedding.  In Greek times, young girls were used to throw grain and herbs in the bride’s path as a symbol of fruitfulness.  This tradition has not changed much today evolving only through the years into a more romantic nature with traditional flower girls now throwing flower petals from flower girl baskets instead of wheat.  For modern fall brides looking for a unique twist on flower petals, they may be interested in opting for this traditional medium of wheat.

Tradition of the ring bearer - Originally it was tradition for a small boy (or page boy) to carry the bride’s wedding train for the bride. But as wedding gown styles changed, the need for a page boy dwindled and the ring bearer was born. Now typically an American tradition, a young relative of the bride or groom is given the duty of carrying the wedding rings down the aisle on a small ring pillow to present to the bride and groom.

Why a groom’s side and a bride’s side?  In years past, fathers were known to offer their daughters up as a peace offering to resolve a war between tribes.  To eliminate any conflict during the ceremony, the two families would sit on opposite sides of the room.  Today you will still see the bride’s family and groom’s family sitting on opposite sides with the bride’s family typically sitting on the left side of the altar where the bride stands during the ceremony.  Just as noteworthy, brides began to stand to the left of the groom back in Ancient times so that the groom’s fighting hand would be free to ward off anyone who wished his bride harm.

Whichever traditions you decide to incorporate into your wedding day is up to you. Your wedding will show your personality and your hopes and dreams for the future. There really is no right or wrong with today’s weddings.  What do you think of today’s traditions compared to some of these ones of the past? Will you be holding true to superstition and tradition for your own wedding?

Sources:

“A History of the American Wedding.” Random History. May 8, 2007. Web.  Jan 17, 2013.

Hudson, Sandie. “A History of the Wedding Ceremony.” Writing Historical Romance. Sandie Hudson. Oct 23, 2010. Web. Jan 17, 2013.

Stewart, Arlene Hamilton. A Bride’s Book of Wedding Traditions. New York: Hearst Books, 1995. Print.

“Wedding Traditions: The Aisle Runner.” Majestic Gardens. 2013. Web. Jan 18, 2013.

First Look Moments to Melt Your Heart

Nothing melts our hearts quite like an emotional first look moment between a bride and groom, as they see each other for the first time on their wedding day.  We have collected some beautiful photos to share with you that capture that moment of overwhelming bliss.  

More couples today are opting to see each other before their ceremony, whether it is because they want more time for photographs, or because they simply want to spend some time enjoying each others' company before the festivities begin.  

Another growing trend is where the bride and groom will speak to each other or pray together before the ceremony, but will not see each other until the ceremony.  This is quite often done with the couple standing back-to-back, or on opposite sides of a wall or door.  

We hope you enjoy these adorable first look moments!

Image Credits:  About to See Each Other for the First Time, Bride and Groom Ecstatic, Groom Wiping Away Tears, Bride Wiping Groom's Tears, Embrace, Bride and Father, Groom Covering His Face, Groom Shouting, Bride Covering Groom's Eyes, Opposite Sides of the Door, Holding Hands, Opposite Sides of the Wall 

Winter Wedding Accessories for a Stunning Celebration

When planning your winter wedding, there are so many possibilities for varying themes and styles.  You could have a traditional, glamorous, whimsical, or modern wedding.  With all of these different ways to personalize your wedding to fit your personality, it can sometimes be difficult to find accessories to use for your nuptials.  We have put together a few ideas to help you keep a consistent feel throughout your wedding, using winter wedding accessory collections.  You will find that by choosing a complete collection, it is easy to carry a certain feel through your entire wedding day.

If you are a traditional bride, or even a bride who just wants to feel like royalty on her wedding day, use simple lace and rhinestone accents in bouquets and table settings.  Your guests will be dazzled by the little things that make your wedding special.

As a glamorous bride, you will have your pick of dramatic accents for your wedding.  Feathers are a great way to add texture and draw the eye.  Use feathers in your centerpieces, hair accessories, and even your bridesmaids’ dresses to give your wedding a fun, glitzy feel.

The whimsical bride has a perfect opportunity during the winter months to use snowflake accents to add creative touches to a wedding celebration.  Try using glass ornaments as place card holders on your reception tables, and snowflake accents on your snowy-white wedding cake to make your guests feel like they are in a winter wonderland.

For the modern bride, a sleek platinum silver wedding is perfect for the white backdrop of a winter wedding.  Use silver bridesmaids’ dresses embellished with bows, rhinestones, crystals, or pearls.  All of these are wonderful accents to a silky satin fabric.  The same materials can be used as table runners and centerpieces for a contemporary feel.

Image Credits:  Royal Lace White Satin Wedding Accessories, Lace Wedding Gown, Snowy Castle, Feather Bouquet, Feathered Flair Accessories Collection, Wedding Cake with Feather Accents, Whimsical Snowflake Wedding Accessories Collection, Snowflake Design Wedding Cake, Snow Flurry Glass Ornament Place Card Holders, Table Centerpiece, Platinum by Design Wedding Accessories Collection, Bridesmaids' Dresses

Ideas for Lighting up your Outdoor Wedding

If you have decided to have an outdoor wedding then you will need to consider how to light the area. Lighting is a must if your wedding is in the evening or if it will continue into the evening hours. Lighting up your wedding venue can be simple and will also add a sense of romance and beauty to any outdoor wedding. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Create a path of lights that will lead the bride to the altar. You can do this with candles placed about every 12 inches down the aisle or you can also string twinkle lights to poles that are placed in the ground. For a beach wedding, tiki torches will make a great path of light. I also love the idea of creating an archway that goes the length of the aisle. With some wooden poles, wire and string lights you can create a breath taking archway that your guests won’t soon forget.

For the reception you will want to add candles or fireless candles to all of the tables. Add floating candles to a bowl of water that also has flowers floating in the water or you can fill the glass bowls with rocks that will accent your wedding colors or theme and then add the floating candles. If floating candles are not your thing then go with several different candle sizes placed strategically on a mirror surface. This will add elegance to any centerpiece. The candles will not only illuminate the tables but they will set the mood for your guest to sit down and enjoy there dinner.

Depending on the outside venue you are using, we recommend adding lights to all of the trees in the area. White twinkle lights on all of the trees will only add to the sense of romance as well as keep the area lit up for your guests. You can also hang candles from the trees. Add tea lights to mason jars and string them into the trees around the reception area to create a sense of whimsy. Whether the reception will be under a tent or under the stars, you will still want to string lights across the dance floor and reception areas. One of our favorite ideas is adding round paper lanterns to the ceiling of your tent or hanging them across the reception area. The round paper lanterns create a subtle yet beautiful light and they came in many different colors to match your wedding theme.

The above ideas are sure to get you started in the right direction. One more tip would be to rent a generator from a local party rental. You wouldn’t want the lights to go out on your wedding guests. Good Luck.

10 Tips For Fantastic Wedding Photos

Brides planning their wedding fawn over beautiful photos of couples in exotic places, sharing meaningful glances and lingering kisses. You may think that this style of photo is unattainable for your real life wedding - but golden light and lovely scenery, as in the image shown here (taken by Victoria Danielle Photography via Groom Sold Separately) aren't only for fairy tales.  Here are some tips to ensure your wedding photos live up to your romantic fantasy.

1. Have your photographer scope out the venue a few days before the wedding. Plan the locations where you want to have photos taken. Take note of architecture and scenery as well as color and light.

2. Make a list of shots you want, including people and decor.

3. During the reception, have your photographer focus on you while their assistant gets candids of the guests and shots of the decorations.

4. Devote at least an hour to your portrait session the day of.  This hour does not include photos of the bridal party or family members, so you will need to factor in time for those photos as well. Make it work by scheduling the photos either before the ceremony or during the cocktail hour. Remember that the best time to take photos is in the early evening, just before sunset. This is the time when photographers can capture that romantic golden light.

5. Schedule a post wedding photo shoot. It could be the day after or a month after. The point is to get all dressed up and have a couples session in your favorite location. This gives the photographer more time for creativity. Also, without the wedding day nerves and guests to entertain, you can get more natural photos.

6. Browse wedding photography blogs. Find poses and angles that you find interesting or beautiful and show them to your photographer. Creativity is important, but there is nothing wrong with gathering a little inspiration.

7.  Be willing to work with your photographer. You will have your list of shots and your ideas, but it is always a good idea to be open to new things.

8. Relax. Some people find that taking a shot, stretching or meditating for a few minutes, or doing a few silly improv warm ups can help ease their nerves. You will have more fun and it will show in your photos.
 

9. Be on time. To get the type of photos you want, you will need to stay ahead of schedule.

10. Take note of trends in photography, but also have your photographer take some traditional photos. Color and drama are big these days, but in 20 years you might wish you had something a little more understated to display.


- Jenna

Fabulous Flowers for Your Summer Wedding

Choosing the flowers for your summer wedding can be a difficult task. Why you ask? Well, because this is the time of the year when most of these colorful blooms are in season and readily available! It will be hard to choose just one of these beauties! Here are a few of my favorite summer wedding flowers to help you decide!

Sunflowers ~ This warm and friendly flower is a known symbol of peace and happiness. What better sentiment for your wedding day! These flowers are inexpensive and easy to maintain. They are especially appropriate for a late summer or fall wedding. Sunflowers are in season from July to September and come in colored varieties of yellow, red and white.

'Weddiquette 101' Your Top 5 Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

When it comes to wedding etiquette there sometimes isn't an easy yes or no answer. Making socially acceptable decisions when it comes to your wedding and pleasing everyone can be tough. So just remember it is your fiancé and yours big day, so you have the final say! Here are some of the top wedding etiquette questions I have come across according to our Facebook fans. Read on, chances are you have these questions too!

1. What is the etiquette for a second marriage wedding? Is it appropriate to wear a white dress? Should I have a gift registry?

Second marriage weddings are very prominent this day in age and there are no set rules on how to celebrate your special day. It is totally appropriate to wear a white wedding gown to your second wedding ceremony. The 'etiquette' on wearing white has relaxed over the years. As the bride, you should wear whatever you are comfortable in and feel beautiful wearing, including white!

A lot of couples who are embarking on a second marriage have already established a home with all the supplies and items newlyweds usually receive, so often they do not have a gift registry. It is acceptable to state on your invitations that you wish not to receive gifts. Or couples sometimes suggest that their guests make a donation to a favorite charity instead of gifts. But saying that, it is still very acceptable for you and your fiancé to register for gifts because your loved ones will want to get you something. Tailor your registry to your interests or hobbies. Consider DVDs, camping equipment or gift cards to your favorite restaurants.

2. How can I honor a loved one who has recently passed away during my wedding ceremony?

Many couples wish to honor an important loved one who has passed away during their wedding without creating a sad mood or making the ceremony feel like a memorial. A special way to honor these loved ones is with a memorial candle or vase engraved with their name or names. You may also consider having a short prepared remembrance read during your ceremony. Some couples also denote a missing parent or loved one with an empty seat in the front row with a rose placed on it.

3. Who is responsible for paying for the bridal party's attire?

It is usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids and groomsmen to purchase their own dresses and rent tuxes. That's why it is important for you to consider the cost of the dress you choose for your girls to wear. Some couples who are able will cover the cost of the ensembles but usually it is up to the bridal party themselves.

4. How do you politely tell your guests that you do not want children at the wedding reception?

Many couples wish to just enjoy some 'adult time' at their wedding and some reception sites don't allow children. It is perfectly acceptable to state that on your invitations. Consider using the following phrase, 'We kindly request adults only please' or list your reception as an 'Adult Only Reception'. Another option is to specifically address the invites to those invited (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. So and So). When you don't list the children's names or '& Family' your guests should get the point.

5. When should I send out my wedding invitations? What about Save the Dates? 

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their calendars, make travel arrangements and it is close enough to the wedding that it keeps the date fresh in their minds. This also allows for you to request that your guests RSVP at least 3-4 weeks before the wedding, giving plenty or time for a final head count for seating charts and the caterer.

Save the dates are appropriate to send out when having a destination wedding or if you have many out of town guests who will need to make significant travel arrangements. Send out save the date cards or magnets 4 to 6 months before the wedding.

Keep sending your wedding etiquette questions our way!

    




Image Credits: Bride and groom wedding invitations from www.funnyweddingmedia.com, Camping equipment, Gift cards, Bridesmaids, Messy Baby from Istock, Letterpress invitations from Paper Chez

Modern Grooms Accessorize with Style

Grooms and their groomsmen often get overlooked when discussing how to outfit a wedding party. Modern grooms and their buds want to have just as much fun with their wedding day attire as the ladies get to. Of course there will always be a time and a place for the sleek look of a traditional tuxedo, but more and more grooms are showing their sense of style with suits and fun accessories.

The cotton and linen suit is perfect for grooms who love a more casual style. Grooms can also be seen without their jacket and sporting rolled up shirtsleeves, a vest or suspenders, and a hipster style hat.

Other grooms choose to modernize their look with accessories. Shoes, with quirky Chuck Taylors being the most popular, are a common way for groomsman to show their style. If funky shoes are a little too much, there are always colorful socks. I have seen many groomsmen pictures lately with pant legs pulled up to reveal bright and fun patterened socks.

 Grooms and their groomsmen can also play up their look with patterned suits, brightly colored vests and ties. Tweed and plaid are hot for groom suits this year and spunky little bow ties are making a come back right along with it. This hipster style is one that is sure to make the bride swoon!

Grooms (or whoever is planning their outfit) are getting more and more creative with their boutonnieres. No longer just a simple rose and sprig of baby's breath - boutonnieres should be as stylish as the bride's bouquet. Buttons, feathers, brooches, and natural elements are popular ways to make a unique boutonnieres. I love this pinwheel bout shown below! Because boutonnieres are small and usually simplistic, they can be easy to make and add a lot of color and fun to an outfit.

Remember that it is your groom's day too, so let him show off his own style. You will end up with a look you both will love!

Photo credits in order of appearance: 1. Tan Suit -  Once Wed  2. Red Socks - One Wed  3. Bow Tie via The Neo Tradtionalists 4. Pinwheel Boutonierre found on Etsy

Will You Say 'I Do' with Something Blue?

Image credit: Garter from The Garter Girl by Julianne Smith

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe!

Who hasn't heard this popular wedding saying before? But have you put much thought into what it means or why people follow it. Is it a tradition? A superstition?

This saying has been around for awhile! The tradition can be traced back to the Victorian Era in England. This quaint poem is said to bring good luck to the newlywed couple. So while some consider this a superstition, I would call it more of an endearing tradition. Each of the items called for in this poem is said to bring good fortune and blessings to the bride. These items are said to represent things from your old life as a single gal to items that represent optimism for the future, support from your family and friends and items to represent wealth and financial security.

'Something Blue'

The color blue has a long standing connection with weddings and is used as a symbol of love, purity, fidelity, good luck and loyalty. Are modern brides still abiding by this tradition and following the old saying? Well you don't have to be superstitious to join in on this long standing wedding practice. This day in age brides are using the tradition to honor loved ones by including sentimental family heirlooms in their wedding or they are just having fun gathering the random collection of goodies! 

According to our Facebook fans, this tradition is alive and well! You guys are incorporating blue into your wedding in fun and creative ways. Some of the most popular ways you guys are adding that all important touch of blue is with garters, jewelry, sashes, shoes, undergarments and bouquet embellishments!

Image Credits: Blue shoes, Peacock garter from MyWeddingReceptionIdeas.com, Blue Bouquet image from HY Studio

Image Credits: Shoe decals from The Wedding Party Studio, Blue bracelets and garter from MyWeddingReceptionIdeas.com

So if you are an admittedly superstitious bride or if you just want to have a little fun accessorizing your wedding ensemble, jump on the band wagon and join in on this charming tradition.  From garters to bracelets, to special heirlooms, whatever the touch of blue is you add to your wedding it will certainly be special!

How will you say "I do?" - Traditional Vows vs. Creating Your Own Ceremony

Since the 1600s weddings in western cultures have begun with the words "Dearly Beloved" and included passionate phrases like 'til death do us part.' These days it seems like couples want their  wedding day to reflect who they are and be tailored to their personalities in every way. This includes the wedding vows. If you are still on the fence about whether you want to write your own, search the web, or go with tradition - consider the pros and cons of each approach.

Creating Your Own Ceremony

This is the most romantic approach to wedding vows.

The pros: These vows will be 100% unique. Even if you piece together phrases from pre-written ceremonies no other couple will have spoken the words before in exactly the same way. You can make them as simple and sweet or as passionate and lengthy as you deem necessary. 

The cons: Writing your own vows can be stressful. It is too easy to write too much or too little. You wouldn't want the groom to give a full page speech for the bride to respond with two sentences. Another negative side is the fact that some more rigid religions will not accept your vows.

Advice: Couples should sit down together and come up with some basic guidelines. Things to consider are; how long you want the ceremony to last and what you want to include. Be sure to memorize your vows before the wedding. It is a good idea to also include a little notecard that can be discretely tucked away into a pocket or bouquet for reference. If your religion does not allow you to write your own vows, you can always exchange them at your rehearsal dinner or reception.

Traditional Vows

There is something very special about speaking the same words that have created marriages for thousands of years.

The pros: Reciting your vows after the reverend is easy. The words carry the weight and meaning of tradition and while they are often simple. They are probably the words you spoke when playing wedding as a child so that element of fairy tale is definitely there. They are also perfect for vintage theme weddings that want to play on nostalgia.

The cons: Some couples find traditional vows to be a little bland. They may not suite your individual style, culture, or situation. Your bride may not want to say "to love, honor, and obey" for example.

Advice: If you love the meaning tradition carries and you want a low stress approach, go for it! Your guests may know the script, but they will also see how the words take on a new meaning when spoken by such a great couple! There is also comfort in the familiar.

It is completely acceptable to write some of your vows, use some portions from a pre-written ceremony, and tie in your favorite elements of a traditional wedding. Your vows are an important part of your wedding ceremony. While the promises are real and serious, that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with it too!

Good Luck!

Say 'I do' In Daring Colors

This just in...Not all brides are wearing white on their wedding day! Well you may have already caught on to this trend but according to our site's Facebook fans this is becoming more and more common. I've been hearing about pinks, and silver and aubergine! Whether it is a pop of color or an overall hue, brides are showcasing their personal style (and their favorite colors) on their wedding day. My preferred way to interpret this trend is to not go too crazy with your color selection, pastels and shades of silver gray and champagne can be sophisticated and elegant. Or if overall color is just too unconventional for you, consider a dress with colored embellishments and beading or a lace overlay. Sashes are also a great (and a more traditional) way to bring in the color to your wedding ensemble. 

Color themes are very big with weddings these days and brides are embracing them more than ever. Maybe that's why their colors are being carried through into their wedding dress as well. Check out our wedding favors and accessory collections pages to find items to match or compliment your wedding dress and color scheme!

Image Credits: Colored wedding dress from Wai-Ching Clothing, Pink dress image from The Bohemian Bride, Wedding dress with black sash, Purple wedding gown from Vera Wang, White and gray gown from Elizabeth Fillmore, Blue wedding gown,  Champagne dress with sash from Sino-Treasure, Coral dress from J Crew, Yellow sweater image from Bride.net