Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Wedding Tradition Wednesday-Attendants Attire

Why are there attendants and why do they all dress alike? Initially it was only the groom who had attendants at his side. His groomsmen were there to help him fight off other suitor’s who might attempt to steal his bride. This type of potential battle is the reason why his bride stands to his left (Practiced in Christian cultures only, a Jewish bride would stand to her grooms right). A tradition that is still practiced today once was established only to free the groom’s sword arm (his right hand) in the event of someone trying to steal away his bride.

What about all of those bridesmaids who continue to wear dresses that are identical? Some wedding parties have altered this tradition slightly but the majority still chooses the same style of dress. Yes, I know you have heard complaints about wearing a dress that is not the most flattering choice but imagine wearing a bridal gown identical to the bride? Sounds kind of wacky doesn’t it? The tradition of wearing the same dresses developed from a time when the Bride’s attendants wore identical dresses to that of her own. This was thought to ward off evil spirits and to keep unlikely suitor’s from stealing the bride away on her way to the wedding ceremony. By dressing alike it was thought that it might confuse the evil spirit as to which one the bride really was in hopes that this would get the bride to the ceremony safely without harm.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Colored Wedding Dresses

Who say’s you have to wear white to your own wedding?? More and more brides are dropping the traditional white dress for a more up-to-date bold look by walking down the aisle in colors! Whether it is blue, green, pink or even bright red, weddings are becoming more and more personalized by adding a little flair to the event. This is something that would really set your wedding apart from any other you’ve been to and keep your guests talking about your wedding days after the event.

If this look is too daring for, but you still want to add a little something extra to your wedding attire, try for colored shoes. Dye your wedding shoes your favorite color to add a little pop to your look without going over the top. Some brides are choosing to dye their shoes blue to cover “the something blue” on their wedding day checklist. Or you may also try another trend by tying a colored sash around your waist as well. This option was used recently at Jennifer Garner and Ben Afflecks wedding, you can view this picture on the left. This still allows you to maintain the white dress look with just a splash of color. This colored sash could be used accentuate the color of your bridesmaid dresses.

Friday, July 15, 2005

The True Meaning of Marriage

The vows, “For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,” seem to not mean very much in today’s society. The high percentage of marriages that end in divorce solidify this. Many take marriage lightly and figure after one argument, it’s time to get a divorce. Today’s couples don’t seem to work through their disagreements, but one couple proves the true meaning of marriage, as they celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary making them the world’s longest married couple.

This is one relationship that today’s newlyweds and even couples, should take notes on. The couple admits, that it wasn’t always an easy road, it took a lot of hard work, but they worked through their arguments together. They never went to bed angry at one another and always kiss and cuddle before going to sleep.

This is a very sweet love story and it is very refreshing to hear that people can actually withstand the trial of marriage. I wish all of you many many happy years of marriage, hopefully in 80 years, you will become the world’s longest married couple and can teach everyone else your secrets to making a marriage last. You must read the rest of this amazing love story.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Wedding Tradition Wednesday-Bridal Veils

There are so many traditions out there that every bride tries to satisfy for their wedding day. Many don’t know why they have to do these, but that it is a rule in the Bridal Law book that each must be satisfied to have a successful wedding and marriage. You may ask yourself, where did this wacky tradition come from? Well each Wednesday I will try to enlighten you with a little history behind some of these wedding traditions.

Why does the bride wear a veil? This is a staple to just about everyone’s wedding attire, but why do you wear a veil to your wedding? Well, the true origin is unclear, there have been many different explanations for this, but many feel the veil came before the wedding dress. One explanation is many centuries ago a groom would throw a blanket over the head of the woman of his choice when he captured her and carted her off. It is also thought that the veil was worn to protect the bride from evil spirits that could be floating around on her wedding day.

The lifting of the veil at the end of the ceremony used to symbolize male dominance. In many traditions today, the father will many times lift the brides veil when she arrives at the alter. Although today, many veils that are worn don’t even cover the face. The majority of weddings I have been to, the brides haven chosen a veil that doesn’t cover the face at all and just drapes down the back of the dress.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Bridal Jewelry as Attendant Gifts

One of the most stressful things about the final stages of planning your wedding is what kind of gift you should give to your bridesmaids? The average dollar amount a bride will spend on her attendants is about $34.00 for each girl. That seems like a lot until you start shopping for that perfect gift and find out that $34.00 doesn’t really get you all that far. How can you make your dollar stretch, yet still give her a gift she’ll use again and again?

One of the best gifts to give to your bridesmaids is jewelry. In fact, there are many styles available that will look great worn on your wedding day and look just as good when wearing it to work or for a night out on the town.

The classic look of a pearl necklace with colored ribbon is a very popular style. It is traditional and sweet, not to mention can be a fabulous coordinated look by adding a colored ribbon that matches your wedding day ensemble.

A more contemporary use of colored pearls and crystals may be strung on a microfiber-filament, or illusion wire. This gives a floating effect and offers a fashionable look with a traditional feel. More contemporary styles of pearl jewelry are available in many colors that not only match your bridesmaid’s attire, but also offer a beautiful piece that can be worn again and again.

Giving jewelry solves the dilemma of how to accessorize your beautiful bridesmaid dresses. It is also a gift that your attendants will wear for many years to come – thinking of you and your special day each time it’s worn.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Dramatic Back Wedding Gowns

When you are saying your vows, dancing the night away, and hugging each and every guest at your wedding, what is the one thing that everyone is focusing on and taking pictures of? The back of your dress!! So why not give the audience something to look at and jump into the new trend of gowns that have dramatic fancy cuts or unique detail in the back. It all started with Hollywood A-listers such as Hilary Swank and Melanie Griffith wearing backless gown's on the red carpet to this years Oscars.

This is a way to add a little flair and something extra special to your wedding dress without feeling too overexposed. It is also a good way to cool off if you are having an outdoor wedding. Many are also adding a splash of color by having lightly colored roses trail down the back of their dresses as well.

Friday, July 01, 2005

One Wild Ride to the Courthouse

Imagine you and your loved on your way to the Courthouse to be married, happy go lucky in love and the next thing you know the jaws of life are removing you from your car! According to the South Bend Tribune, this recently happened to one unlucky couple in Indiana who thought this was going to be a day to remember, and boy was it. Both couples were injured in a car crash and taken to the hospital, but ended up getting married that same day still battered and bruised from their recent accident.

They arrived a little later than expected to the Courthouse, but nothing was going to stop them from getting married that day! This is sounds a little crazy to me, what is postponing the wedding one day going to do, but it looks like some people will do anything for love. This is one day they will never forget!