Traditions with a Twist ~ Par Deux
I got such a fabulous response to the first set of Ceremony Twists that I decided to add a second blog. :) Enjoy!
American Guest Books: Instead of using a traditional guestbook that you most likely will not look at after the wedding think "outside of the book" for your guests! Big ticket items right now include a framed photo of you and your fiance with a wide mat for guests to sign, a vintage poster board with your wedding date and names, or a scrapbook with places to insert instant photos of guests. Why not go a little further and have a Wedding Guest Note Tree? Decorate the branches to reflect your taste and style - jewels, orchids, or moss are great touches and instantly transform the feel of the tree. Have your guest write a note on provided papers. Have fun with your note's shape, doves (traditional symbols of love, happiness, and harmony) are my favorite.
In the Middle East the signing of the marriage contract is cause for even greater celebration. Traditionally done with its own party on the day after the wedding, the bride and groom go to the courthouse and sign their marriage contract. Family and friends are invited and there is much celebration, much music and dancing and song. Consider signing your wedding license - or having your pastor sign it - as part of the ceremony. How wonderful for your guests to actually witness this part!
In Japan, purple is the color of love and a young bride may choose to wear an elaborately-embroidered silk kimono covered in purple iris-flowers. Make this tradition your own - which conveniently falls into a very popular color right now! Use purple as a main color and pair it will bold yellows for the summer, or rich auburns for fall. Use irises in your centerpieces to incorporate a little about where you come from. Considering the Iris has been Tennessee's state flower since 1933, you can also give a little shout out to the lovely state we live in.
Flower Bouquet Toss: In Finland it is traditional for a bride to wear a golden crown and during the wedding reception she is blindfolded and spun around while all the unmarried girls dance around her – the one she places the crown on will be the next to marry!
Eastern European weddings set themselves apart from all others with music, song and dance.
Weddings are a time
to celebrate, to look forward with hope and courage and love. Weddings in Eastern Europe, as everywhere, symbolize the human spirit as nothing else can. Violins and lively gypsy music fill the air as colorful costumes twirl across the dance floor in a never-ending kaleidoscope of joy and happiness for all the world to witness. This could be excellent entertainment for your guests during dinner!