Wedding Bits and Hints
Best Man He walks down the aisle with the maid/matron of honor and stands next to the groom during the ceremony. He holds the bride's ring until the officiant asks for it and he signs the marriage certificate as a legal witness. At the reception, he proposes the first toast to the bride and groom. Bouquet For ancient Greeks and Romans, the bouquet was a pungent mix of garlic and herbs or grains. The garlic was supposed to ward off evil spirits and the herbs or grains were to insure a fruitful union. In ancient Poland, it was believed that sprinkling sugar on the bride's bouquet kept her temper sweet. Bridesmaid You may have up to 12 bridesmaids (depending on the size and formality of the wedding). The bridesmaids pay for their own gowns, share the responsibility for the shower, contribute to bride's gift from all bridesmaids and attend the rehearsal and dinner. Budget Tip Saturday night is the most expensive time to hold your reception and the hardest night to find everything you want available. To save money and frustration, consider a Friday or Sunday night, Saturday or Sunday afternoon or a week night. Morning and afternoon weddings also call for lighter fare, so you'll be able to save on the menu as well. Cake The wedding cake has always played an important part in the wedding. Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride's head to symbolize fertility or abundance. Many other cultures dropped wheat, flour or cake on the bride's head, and then ate the crumbs for good luck. The early British baked baskets of dry crackers, and every guest took one home after the wedding. In medieval times, guests brought small cakes and piled them on a table. The bride and groom then attempted to kiss over the cakes. Eventually, a young baker decided to put all the cakes together and cover them with frosting, thus the tiered wedding cake was born. Ceremony A wedding ceremony can be held anywhere from your local church to a park, lake or backyard. You can invite as many guest as you wish as cost is not determined by head count. The type of ceremony -Civil or Religious- will have an impact on the cost. To save money consider having an officiant preform your ceremony at the reception site so you can avoid paying an additional location fee. Disc Jockey You should call on D.J.'s as soon as you know the date of your wedding. This will help make sure you can secure the best there is as some D.J.'s are booked up to one (1) year in advance. It is a good idea to make sure the D.J. you hire is a professional. Once you have selected the D.J. he should sit down with you and go over the whole evenings' events. (i.e. first dance, bouquet toss, garter throw, best man toast, etc.) The D.J. is much more than background and dance music. He is the one person with the power (the microphone). He is the one who motivates and moves your guests. Dress Flower Girl This young lady carries the basket of flowers down the aisle or sprinkles flower petals down the aisle for the bride to walk upon. Flowers You will purchase more flowers for your wedding than most any other occasion in your life. In addition to the bridal bouquet, you will need the following: * Bouquets for bridal attendants * Boutonnière for groom * Boutonnière for ushers and fathers * Corsages for mothers * Flowers to decorate the church * Centerpieces for reception * Bouquet and flower petals for flower girl * Additional floral decorations for buffet tables & cake Gift Exchange Consider setting aside time before or after the wedding to exchange personal gifts to one another. This may be a great opportunity for you two to take a moment to say how much you appreciate each other. Groom's Attire Your attire, and that of your groomsman, should complement that of the bride and bridesmaids as well as the overall setting and surroundings of the wedding. When considering formal or casual attire, always use good judgment. Imagine fondly looking back on your wedding pictures in the distant future. How would you like to remember yourself on your wedding day? Dashing in a classic tuxedo? Sharp in a tailored suit? Casual in a colorful shirt? The most important thing is that you complement your beautiful bride while feeling confident, comfortable and in command. Once you have picked out a style, be sure that the proper measurements are taken and alterations are made accordingly. Also, always be sure that you and your groomsman try on everything several days prior to the event. This way, any additional alterations can be made or missing elements can be identified and replaced. Don't Forget: It is also a good idea for you and your groomsman to schedule a hair cut a few days before the wedding so that you are fully "groomed" for your big day! Groomsmen These friends or relatives of the groom walk with the bridesmaids down the aisle. They pay for their own attire rental. Groomsmen Gifts Traditionally, the groom gives his groomsman gifts as a sign of his appreciation for their friendship through the years and support at the wedding. Be sure to put some thought into these gifts as they are a reflection of your long-lasting friendships. Your groomsman will be sure to appreciate your thoughtful gesture. Popular Traditional Gifts Cuff Links Key Chains Daytimers Sports Bags/Backpacks filled with cool stuff Cigars Note: Depending on the circumstances and your budget, you may want to offer to pay for their tuxedos. Honeymoon The first weddings comprised of a groom taking his bride by capture. He would take her somewhere hidden away so her relatives and villagers couldn't find them. There they stayed for one moon phase and drank mead, a wine make from honey, to make them more amorous. Thus, the word "honeymoon" was born. Today, the honeymoon is the time when the couple can get away for awhile. Planning your honeymoon itinerary is very much like planning your wedding. You will need to share your dreams and work together towards making that a reality. Talk about places you have always dreamed of visiting. Talk about your ideal experience. Is it adventurous, exciting, relaxing? Here are a few key things to remember: Set a realistic budget for the Honeymoon Keep it simple, your honeymoon should be relaxing and rejuvenating Do your research, understand your options, and have a good idea of the specific activities and excursions you would like to pursue Try to commit to your locations and solidify your dates prior to the wedding. Kiss The first kiss a bride and groom share at the close of the ceremony has carried special significance through the centuries. Many cultures believed that the couple exchanged spirits with their breath and part of their souls were exchanged also. Maid of Honor/Matron of Honor Before the wedding, she helps with addressing the invitations and plans the bridal shower. On the big day, the maid or matron of honor helps the bride get ready, adjusts her train and veil during the ceremony, holds the groom's ring and the bride's bouquet, and signs the marriage certificate as a witness. Continue on Page Two |
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