Weddings with Flair: Beyond Customary Traditions
So you’re getting married – nothing can be more excited – or nerve-raking than planning the wedding of your dreams! In today’s world marriages occur with people in all stages of life but one thing remains the same – weddings are a time-honored tradition where the bride and groom are free to express their love and devotion to one another.
Traditions are the ties that bind generation to generation and some parts of a wedding will never change – you will profess your love and devotion – you will ultimately say “I do” to your soul mate. But what if your circumstances are beyond traditional? Or what if you simply want a one-of-a-kind ceremony? Is there a way to express your individuality and still fall into the comfort zone of tradition?
The answer is yes!
The word wedding comes from a Greek word meaning “pledge”. And what better way to express your devotion and love than by bringing something beyond conventional traditions!
Want something more to express you undying commitment? Try the addition of the hand ceremony! This is when the bride takes the groom’s hand into hers, palm up as the officiant says some special words like “these are the hands that will work along side yours as you build your life togetherâÂ?¦” and “these are the hands that will love and cherish you through the yearsâÂ?¦” – make the words meaningful to you and your loved one to express your commitment to your union – and don’t forget to have the groom perform this too!
Want to include your children? Many times a marriage is not just the union of two people, but of their children as well. The Blending of the Sands is similar to the unity candle symbolizing the union of two families into one. A glass container filled with different colored sand is given to the bride, groom and each child. Each person pours their sand into one larger container as the officiant says some special words like “this is a symbol of your life-long commitment to not only each other, but to your childrenâÂ?¦” and “the pouring of these sands represents you and all that you were, all that you are and all that you will be for each other as one familyâÂ?¦” and “just as these grains of sands can never again be separated, so will your marriage and family be joined together as oneâÂ?¦” Then afterwards the container of blended sands will be a constant reminder of the promises you made when you said “I do”.
Having an interfaith marriage? Choose a neutral place to celebrate your big day and incorporate traditions from both religions. Or forgo religious traditions and concentrate on the union of two people beginning a new life journey together joined by love, devotion and commitment.
Tired of the same old wedding? Try a theme wedding. Make it special to both of you. Model your entire day from the ceremony to the reception based on a theme. Skip the church and say your vows on a beach – in a hot air balloon – in a park. Have a rock and roll or Cinderella theme. Choose a favorite movie, time period, hobby, sport or color scheme. Be creative but make sure whatever you decide it’s special to the both of you!
Not into the theme wedding? Try a destination wedding or a long weekend wedding. Many destination resorts have wedding packages to make your day everything you always dreamed of! And spreading wedding festivities over a three-day weekend allows guests to really feel a part of your big day!
How you decide to proclaim your love and devotion to your partner can be as individual as your relationship. Marriage is a life-long commitment – isn’t that special day worth special events that signify your unique love?
