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- African-American
Theme Wedding
- The
African-American Theme Wedding
Interest
in African-American theme weddings has been growing in the last
two to three years. It is inspired by a combination of the African
heritage, the African-American culture, and a Western-style
ceremony. What's unique about an African-American wedding? It
is truly a celebration of the marriage and the couple's roots.
Its symbolism can be expressed in different ways: in the selection
of the music (such as a gospel choir), in colorful attire for
the wedding party, in the display of the table decorations,
and by providing an ethnic feast, including the cake decorations.
The wedding party can wear tunic gowns, ethnic jewelry and head
wraps with colorful patterns symbolizing the African heritage.
The popular colors are red, yellow, orange and green. The newlyweds
can even ask their guests to dress in colorful ethnic attire
by adding a note in the wedding invitation. Entertainment for
the guests can include African dancers at the reception while
the guests are waiting for the arrival of the wedding party
(who are busy taking photographs) or right after dinner.
A
popular African-American tradition is known as "jumping
the broom" signifying that after the couple exchange their
wedding vows, they jump over, or step into their new life together,
and it usually takes place at the end of the ceremony. There
are many creative ways to celebrate this tradition. The guests
can sign the broom with well wishes before entering the chapel.
Or, a basket containing colorful ribbons can be placed at the
door of the chapel and the guests can tie a ribbon on the broom
as a personal contribution to its decoration. Arrange to have
the decorated broom delivered to the altar by one or two special
people at a specified time during the ceremony.
An
African-American theme wedding is very stimulating! The colors,
music, food and history all mix into a unique celebration of
both marriage and the African heritage.
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- Catholic
Style Wedding
- Get
Out your Calendar if You’re Planning a Catholic Wedding
Many
guests who attend a Catholic wedding are not met with many surprises,
that is, most Catholic weddings are as similar as attending
a Sunday mass. However, many guests may not realize all the
steps the couple took before they joined at the altar.
First,
the couple must spend a weekend retreat where they join tens
or perhaps hundreds of other future brides and grooms. If a
retreat is not an option, then a series of meetings at someone’s
home is usually scheduled. Members of the church who guide the
couples through a series of activities facilitate the retreat.
The goal is to bring meaningful topics to the open that many
couples shy away from discussing with each other, in hopes that
the couple can clearly see the seriousness of their commitment.
Some of the topics include financial expectations, raising a
family, religion, open communication and, of course, compromise.
The activities vary from an open forum involving all couples,
discussions in small groups, and individual assignments. Why
require all this? Too many couples are excited about planning
their wedding (and should be), and may overlook what marriage
really means after the honeymoon is over.
Next,
the couple must meet one or more times with the priest, or other
qualified member of the church, to discuss the results of a
written questionnaire. This questionnaire presents very personal
situations providing further intimate dialogue.
Taking
these steps signify the couple’s love and commitment to
each other and recognition that the church fully supports such
a union. Planning a Catholic wedding soon? Get out your calendar
to start reserving dates long before your big event.
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Chinese Style Wedding- Red
is Customary for a Chinese Wedding
A
Chinese wedding is a very special occasion filled with bright
red color everywhere--tablecloths, favors, dresses, ribbons
and more. That's because red represents happiness and prosperity.
There are many Chinese customs, but many of today's Western-influenced
brides prefer following more modern traditions such as wearing
a white gown instead of a red one.
The
morning of the wedding day is filled with many activities. The
homes are elaborately decorated in--you guessed it--red! The
Groom and Ushers drive decorated cars to the Bride's home so
they can escort the Bride to her new home. When the Groom and
Ushers arrive, the Bridesmaids greet them and ask the Groom
a series of sometimes-personal questions before being invited
into the Bride's home. Sometimes the bridesmaids ask the Groom
to sing or dance. All of this is in good fun. Once in the house,
the Bride and Groom formally serve tea to the Bride's relatives
in return for gifts. The wedding party and the bride and groom
then drive to the Groom's home. The Bride and Groom formally
serve tea to the Groom's parents in return for gifts.
The
traditional Chinese ceremony involves mostly close relatives
and friends and is not a high-profile event. It includes worshipping
the heavens, the earth and the groom's ancestors. The reception
is the highlight of the Chinese wedding where the feast is considered
highly symbolic. The Chinese Bride and Groom must be on their
toes at all times throughout the reception. The wedding party
plays many "tricks" on the couple--again just for
fun!
Additional
Chinese traditions are practiced today. Some include composing
The Three Letters and the Six Etiquette's, arranging for a good
fortune person to comb the Bride and Groom's hair, and preparing
red silk sheets on the bridal bed.
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-
Hawaiian Style Wedding-
The Pili olua e, "You Two Are Now One".
Aloha,
representing love, respect and compassion, combined with the natural
surroundings of tropical gardens, sweet smelling flowers, waterfalls
and summery weather, is why so many couples choose a Hawaiian-theme
wedding. Inform your guests about the Hawaiian theme in your invitation--they've
probably been waiting for the right occasion to wear that Hawaiian
dress or shirt for months now! Everyone will enjoy the beauty
of the outdoors, dining on Polynesian food and wearing colorful
leis. And you don't have to fly to the islands to have a Hawaiian-theme
wedding. Many beautiful gardens and beaches make perfect settings.
Endless decorations and favors can be added to make the bride,
groom and guests feel as if they are on an enchanted island.
The
bride and groom can wear island-style attire or choose very
traditional wedding attire--either way, the groom also wears
a Maile lei of tropical leaves, and the bride wears a Kaku,
flowers around her head, and a Pikake lei of white jasmine.
The bride and her attendants carry a beautiful bouquet of colorful
orchids.
The
Hawaiian customs are centuries old and are deeply rooted and
respected by the Hawaiian people. The ancient Hawaiian word
for marriage is Ho'ao (stay until dawn). Some of the Hawaiian
traditions include a ritual cleansing in the ocean at daybreak,
exchanging leis during the ceremony, a luau reception, including
hula dancers for entertainment.
Let
your imagination run with exotic island passion. Greet your
guests with leis. Fill coconut shells with orchid varieties.
Place seashells on the tables. Package favors with macadamia
nuts. Keep torches burning in the sand, and kick off your shoes.
Place your wedding invitation, a photo and a note in a bottle
and toss it in the ocean. Celebrate a truly special Aloha day
with your guests. E Nohu Pu'ana Iloko 'O Kealoha, or come together
in love, Hawaiian style.
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Italian Style Wedding- A
Toast to the Newlyweds at their Italian Style Wedding
"… per cent'anni" [ … "for a hundred
years"]
The Italians have many wedding customs and folklore for the couple
to choose which ones will be meaningful to them. Why so many?
Italy is a vast land; different regions had their own unique beliefs
and customs. Here are a few of them.
The
bride wore a veil for protection from malignant spirits, while
others wore the veil to symbolize virginity.
Folklore says the groom kept supernatural beings away on his
wedding day by carrying a piece of iron in his pocket. This
is because his happiness may provoke envy. In some small towns,
it was customary for the groom to walk to the bride's home and
they walked together to the ceremony. Meanwhile, the wedding
party and guests play fun tricks on them. In another town, the
groom waited for the arrival of his bride at the church door
with a special bouquet of flowers for her. In a tradition that
is followed today, the guests toss little bags of candy-covered
almonds at the couple to avoid childlessness. In another region,
the couple breaks a vase or glass at the end of their wedding
day; each piece representing the number of years they would
be happily married.
The
Italian-style ceremony usually starts early in the morning and
is most likely a religious mass. Upon arrival at the reception,
each guest receives a drink from the best man in preparation
for the toast. Then the elaborate feast begins (up to a dozen
courses) and the celebration may continue into the wee morning
hours or even the next day. Part of the fun includes the bride
and groom dancing from table to table, each time adding guests
to a line, dancing all the way to the cookie table. And don't
forget the delicious wedding cake and variety of coffee favorites.
The guests help the couple pay for their elaborate celebration
by participating in the money dance where each man dances with
the bride and drops money into her satin bag. Another way to
help is to have the best man cut the groom's tie into many pieces
and sell them to the guests.
Enjoy
decorative little boxes filled with sweetened almonds for the
guests. Release doves to the heavens. Sip sweet wine or expresso.
The Italian wedding is filled with romance, exquisite cuisine
and beverages to please everyone. The Italians believe that
good food equates with a good life "… per cent'anni".
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Jewish Style Wedding-
Celebrate a Jewish Wedding
Marriage is the ideal state for a couple. That is the Jewish
belief.
The
Jewish marriage is viewed as one of the most important events
in one's life. Jewish weddings can be celebrated at almost any
location. For those couples seeking the truly sacred and spiritual
experience, they marry in the synagogue or temple. If the wedding
is held outdoors, it is held under a beautifully decorated Chuppah
(the canopy) representing the couple's new home. Some ceremonies
are held in a parent's home to further recognize the strength
and support of the family.
During
the ceremony, the bride must wear a veil over her head, and
the groom must wear a cap (a yarmulke) and a white prayer shawl
(the tallith). It is common for the bride to walk up the aisle
escorted by her parents. A unique tradition at the end of the
wedding ceremony is crushing the wineglass. After the couple
is announced as Husband and Wife; the groom breaks the wineglass
with his foot, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in
Jerusalem of centuries ago. Many grooms opt to use plastic stemware
today to reduce possible injuries caused by breaking glass.
The
reception is a very joyous occasion--how can it not be? The
theme is to "sing, dance and be merry". Some of the
guests lift the newly married couple up on chairs when the couple
enters the reception or at the start of the circle dancing.
The wedding reception includes tasty dishes (the feast is called
the Se'udat Mitzvah) supplemented by a lot of grace and blessings
by family members and friends alike.
The
Jewish wedding is truly a significant family event supported
by centuries-old traditions. It's not unusual to hear about
an elaborate Jewish wedding celebration lasting throughout the
night, or occasionally lasting two or more days. If you are
the lucky bride or groom, it's not too soon to start your research
on the long list of protocols and brushing up on the terminology.
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Military Theme Wedding
- …
And the Guests Cheer as the Bride and Groom Kiss under the Arch
of Swords!
The
customary Military wedding is a delight to attend. The groom
and ushers are dressed in full uniform and exhibit military
decorum. As found in all weddings, love and joy are in the air,
while at a Military wedding, there is an additional element--pride
and honor--whether you are a member of the wedding party or
simply a special guest.
Most
Military ceremonies are short and sweet. What makes these weddings
markedly memorable is the Arch of Swords. After the couple is
announced as husband and wife, the uniformed officers face each
other in pairs just outside the chapel entrance, draw their
sword, if in the Navy or Marine, or their saber, if in the Army,
to create an archway. The couple exits the chapel under the
archway. It a perfect time to steal another kiss! Lots of cheer
and many clicks of the camera meet the couple.
Many
Military ceremonies are held on-site in the Military chapel
and the reception at the Officer's Club. These locations are
usually at no or minimal cost for the bride and groom. The celebration
ranges from a very simple, elegant setting, to an all-out extravaganza!
Be sure to inform the entire guests of the Military formalities
such as what to expect when entering the base, the code of conduct,
parking rules and especially identification requirements.
During
the ceremony, if the groom decides to marry in military uniform,
as opposed to a tuxedo, the bride stands to the right of the
groom because the sword or saber is worn on his left. If the
bride is in the service and in uniform, then it is acceptable
to carry a bouquet while walking up the aisle. As you guessed,
most brides prefer to wear the customary wedding gown. Only
commissioned officers may perform the archway.
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Protestant Style Wedding- A
Protestant Wedding Is One of Many Denominations
Are
you invited to attend a Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal
or Baptist wedding? Those are only a few of the long list of
denominations of the Protestant religious groups. In any case,
you will witness a marriage of holy union.
For
a Presbyterian or Methodist wedding, the ceremony follows The
Book of Common Prayer. If you attend a Lutheran wedding, the
bride and groom are allowed to create their own wedding while
the clergy or pastor attests only to its legality. Perhaps you
are to attend a Unitarian wedding. At this ceremony, the couple
has the freedom to create their own ceremony but with clear
guidance from the clergy or minister. The Episcopalians require
the couple to attend counseling before the marriage. Still following
along? If you attend a Baptist wedding, the couple has to closely
follow rules of the Church.
Most
elements of the Protestant wedding are common as seen in many
movies and on television. As long as the Bride or Groom is baptized
as a Protestant, the couple is qualified to marry. The ceremony
can begin by having the Ushers roll out a red or white runner
up the aisle. A red runner represents honor, while the white
represents purity. Many Protestant weddings follow the popular
traditions such as seating the mother of the bride when the
ceremony is to begin, followed by the bridesmaids, flower girl
and ring bearer and then the bride escorted by her father or
other relative. However, the bride and groom may decide to select
their own processional and the bride can even be escorted by
both parents or other special relative, or even walk alone.
In most cases, the ceremony will closely follow a Sunday mass
of the respective religious group.
Throwing
the bouquet and the garter, cutting the cake, the best man's
toast, and the sendoff are all a part of the great celebration.
Many Protestant couples are given the liberty to celebrate as
they wish. Perhaps this is a good time for the couple to consider
starting a new family tradition for weddings! It should be quite
exciting to be a guest and see how the couple expresses their
love.
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Renaissance Theme Wedding- A
Renaissance Wedding is Oh So Entertaining
Hear Ye! Celebrate your wedding with much pomp and circumstance
Couples
have been influenced by movies such as Braveheart, Lord of the
Rings, and Shakespeare in Love as a truly unique way to celebrate
their wedding. For reference, the Renaissance period is sometimes
called the Medieval period, although they are centuries apart.
The Medieval days of Camelot, Crusaders, and the Canterbury
Tales is followed by the Renaissance period (1400-1600s AD),
the days when Columbus sailed the seas and Henry VIII ruled
England. Except for true historians, most guests won't know
the difference and will be quite entertained by the lavish colors
and trinkets, such as dragon hearts, pewter goblets, armored
knights, countless candles, deep reds, purples intertwined with
gold or silver.
Guests
will be prepared for the eventful day when they receive their
invitation in ivory or beige and of heavy parchment, presented
in real calligraphy. The invitation will be bordered with heraldic
symbols and metallic embossing with phrases common of the period.
How
lavish will the wedding couple go? It's common to marry in a
home, a church or if possible in the woods. If in a church,
it is usually at one designed with lots of stone, stained glass
windows and pointy arches. Some couples say their vows just
outside the church doors as in the Renaissance tradition. They
can opt to marry at a castle or at a Renaissance festival. After
the ceremony, minstrels and musicians lead the processional
to the reception with their flutes and harps. A young man carries
the traditional Bride's Cup along the way.
The
bride's dress will not be white, but colorful, with long sleeves,
low cut with lots of ribbons throughout. A colorful wreath of
ivy, herbs, dried flowers and ribbons will be on her head, and
her hair will flow loosely. The groom (if willing) will be dressed
in tights (good luck girls), laced vest, a pirate's shirt and
boots. The wedding party will be dressed in Burgundies, deep
purples and dark greens of regal velvet--very similar to the
bride and groom's attire.
At
the Renaissance reception, several courses are served throughout
the day. Before, during and after each course, jesters, magicians,
and musicians entertain the guests. The food of the day includes
quail, pheasant, venison, boar, hot pie, and beef roast, along
with many types of cheese, and apple tart. The wedding cake
was not celebrated as it is today; instead, the guests brought
crackers and piled them up for the bride and groom to kiss over
the top.
Go
ahead and ride in on a steed. Watch armored knights in a jousting
tournament while dining at your reception. Try something new
for your wedding that will have your guests talking about it
for years to come!
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Western Wedding- Ladies
and Gentlemen, get reddy fur one heck of a wild west wedding!
Behold
the bride in her blue jean skirt and colorful shawl being escorted
off the decorated horse. She joins her groom at the makeshift
altar consisting of bales of hay and tins of wild flowers and
straw. You can't miss the groom with his big cowboy hat, rattlesnake
boots and suspenders (not to mention his silly grin).
A Wild West theme wedding is guaranteed to be a kick in the
pants. Invitations can look like they were delivered by pony
express. A chuck wagon, fat cigars, sheriff badges, dried flowers
and an old wishing well can help set the tone. The ceremony
is usually quite short--but not lacking spirtually--and is surrounded
by the beauty of the majestic mountains and the open prairie.
After the ceremony, when shadows start to fade and coyote' howling
is heard at a distance, a mighty fire is lit.
Soon the guests gravitate towards the aroma of BBQ beef and
pork ribs, corn-on-the-cob, baked beans and other fine fixin's.
The guests dine on picnic benches with checkered tablecloths
while listening to the violin and banjo play. If the weather
turns for the worse, a barn makes a nice alternative for the
reception and dance. Once the champagne is flowing and the country
band gets on stage, it's time to grab your partner and start
some good ol' fashioned square dancing, followed by bluegrass
and folk music.
A Wild West wedding can be as creative as seen on a Roy Rogers
or John Wayne movie or the TV series Little House on the Prairie.
Let your guests spit in the fire, clap their hands, and kick
up some dirt. In no time they will be wondered what happened
to the bride and groom. If they look yonder, they might catch
the newlywed's silhouette on the hay wagon trotting down the
winding road.
To order, or for more western wedding
ideas, go to www.WesternWedding.com.
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