Giving Away the Bride

The father who "gives away" his daughter at her wedding ceremony is following an ancient tradition that has evolved over hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The custom dates back to the time when a daughter was considered property, and the groom had to pay a price to her family before he could be permitted to marry his intended.

Another theory is that it symbolized the transition of authority from the bride's father to her husband as she moved from the parental home to the conjugal home. Today, many brides follow this custom, but its meaning has emerged as an outward approval of the groom by the parents or family of the bride.

Brides who consider this tradition archaic, or who have lived independently for years before their wedding, can eliminate this custom entirely or revise it to include their mother, brother, stepfather or any other significant member of the family. Some brides even elect to walk down the aisle alone.

Throwing of Garters and Bouquets

The story behind throwing the garter and bouquet goes back as far as the 1300’s when people were particularly superstitious. It was believed that taking a piece of the bride’s clothing would grant the guests good luck. As you can imagine, through the excitement created at the wedding festivities, many guests would become driven to literally tear cloth from the bride’s dress. In an attempt to stave off greedy luck-seekers, many brides began to throw items to guests that could be easily removed from her person. This included her garter. Eventually, grooms began to remove the garter from their new bride, and tossing it to the men. This was done to prevent tipsy male guests from becoming impatient and trying to do the deed themselves. In an effort to help the women feel included, it eventually became customary for the bride to throw her bouquet at the female guests.

Marbelhead Lighthouse

Marblehead Lighthouse is one of Lake Erie's best known and most-photographed landmarks! It can also be the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Couples who are looking for a simpler but still distinctive way to celebrate their wedding may find this venue perfect. Although the lighthouse and nearby keeper's house are not open for such events, wedding parties with 50 or fewer guests may use the Lake Erie shoreline for their celebration. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse offer great views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys island and South Bass Island. Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822.

You're engaged!

Getting engaged should be one of the most memorable and exciting moments in your life. For t­he first few weeks after the proposal, you may both feel a little crazy with happiness and be bursting with anticipation. And why shouldn't you feel this way? You've met the man or woman of your dreams, and have decided to get married. Then it is time to get down to business and begin planning the wedding -- the official celebration of your love and commitment. As the two of you plan this wonderful day, you will hopefully continue to feel great joy, but you may also experience a few butterflies and a little confusion. After all, organizing a ceremony and reception is a big undertaking. You will have questions about anything and everything: from the meal (fish, chicken, or beef?) to the wedding gown (strapless, fitted, or empire-waisted?) to the reception music (live band, small orchestra, or DJ?) and much more. There will be issues about budgets, guest lists, and styles. In the end, however, it is important to remember what this day is really about -- a celebration of love. Stay focused, and take time to enjoy the process. Work as a team and be ready to compromise if necessary.

It's all about the groom!

Let’s face it—any groom will look handsome in a classic tuxedo. The real challenge, is in looking unique. This might take a bit more thought, however, and since most grooms would rather be planning a bachelor party than figuring out if a basic black bow tie is boring, I thought I would share a couple of my favorite ideas.

(1)Wear fun socks—black socks are the expected, but how about selecting a patterned pair or a pair in the colors of your favorite sports team. (2) Wear suspenders—not only do they look great with a slim-fit tux, dancing will be much more PG appropriate (no plumber’s crack). (3) Select a unique boutonnière—avoid the traditional rose and wear a boutonniere that shows off your favorite hobby like guitar picks or legos. You could also choose to have all the men in the bridal party wear a different bloom in your signature hue for unique looking lapels.

Wedding Cake

The wedding cake has always played an important part in this special day. 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. Thankfully, a young baker decided to put all the cakes together and cover them with frosting, thus the tiered wedding cake was born.

Wedding Photography

Many couples are choosing to do many of their photos BEFORE the ceremony. This gives the bride and groom more time to enjoy the party and allows the reception to follow immediately after the ceremony. Couples are also choosing a more photo journalistic style of wedding photography meaning they are opting for fewer posed pictures and more candid pictures that capture the moment. Once you have decided what you want, be sure to talk to your photographer. Check out my husband's website for more examples www.carusoimages.com

Peacock Feathers--Head to Toes!

This might be my final post on building your wedding around a peacock feather theme. I have found so many wonderful things I want to share with you, it has been difficult deciding how to stop. I definitely couldn't resist sharing this adorable way to carry out your theme--from your head right down to your toes! I absolutely love these shoes which could be worn by a bride as a surprise splash of color under her dress or by all of the bridesmaids. The peacock hair comb would add a perfect bit of color in everyone's hair. Please check out all the other creative items made by Louisa and sold at her Etsy store TheHeadbandShoppe http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHeadbandShoppe

More Peacock Wedding Ideas

Trying to think of a wedding favor for your guests that uses the peacock theme doesn't need to be difficult. Fill these cute little peacock decorated candy boxes with your favorite treat or order the candy bar wrappers to put around a Hershey bar! Take a look at lots of other creative favor ideas at Lisa's store on Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/shadow090109

Wedding invitations for Peacock themed wedding

If you are holding a peacock themed wedding, then you might be on the lookout for some great looking peacock invitations. I have spent a great deal of time shopping on Etsy and have decided the invitations pictured below are among my favorites. Check out Julie Chapman's shop for more ideas. http://www.etsy.com/people/hellodahlia

Using Peacock Feathers in Your Wedding

Trying to think of a special theme to use for your wedding? Looking for something new for invitations, table centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, floral arrangements? Consider using peacock feathers. Here are a few ideas worth checking out. The colors are beautiful. Take a look at these Etsy stores for more ideas. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ardesign http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rationale
http://www.etsy.com/shop/watermenot

Bridesmaid gift sure to please

One of the biggest challenges for a bride is what special gift to give to her bridesmaids. Many brides have decided they don't want to give the typical jewelry that is often only worn the day of the wedding. Make your ladies feel special with these custom printed and painted wine glasses.
Check out her shop on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/glasspizzazz

Creative Guest Book

Tired of the traditional book guests attending your wedding sign? Look at this this poster that makes a beautiful keepsake for years to come. Each guests signs a heart at the reception and then you can frame it as a memento. This is one wedding day keepsake that won't end up in a box in your basement! http://www.etsy.com/shop/kmberry

Guestbook alternative wedding heart poster - 16x24 - 120 guests

This poster makes a beautiful keepsake for years to come. Have guests each sign a heart at the reception and then you can frame it as a memento instead of a guest book. File is sent to you as high quality pdf to print. Customized for you with your names and dates

Include your dog in the wedding ceremony

If you are a dog lover, you are well aware of the important part they play in our lives. Wouldn't it be fun to find a way to include your favorite pet in your wedding ceremony? Check out this creative idea that allows your pet to walk down the isle as the ring bearer. http://www.etsy.com/shop/PillowsandMittens

Wedding Invitations

You might have noticed that I spend a fair amount of free time looking for creative wedding ideas to share with couples. Wedding invitations have come a long way the past few year. There are many fun, sophisticated, and original options available to choose from. The sample I am posting today is one of the most creative I have come across. Please check out Rebecca's website http://www.ohsochicdesigns.com/weddings.htm, etsy store front at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohsochicdesigns and facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ohsochicdesigns

A favor to be loved by all

Wish bracelets are believed to bring good luck. You simply tie the bracelet on, make a wish and then keep wearing the bracelet. When the bracelet finally falls off due to wear, your wish will come true. What better wedding favor to symbolize "tying the knot" and to wish your wedding guests good luck and happiness. The figure-8 knot represents the infinity of your love. If interested in learning more about this creative gift, check out the Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/madebydina

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Wedding favor guaranteed to be taken home by guests

Ever notice how many wedding guests leave their wedding favor on the table? Brides and mothers spend a great deal of time and money trying to think of the perfect little way to thank guests for sharing the special day with them. It can be very disappointing

at the end of the evening when they need to box them all back up and take home. Well, take a look at this creative idea. Everyone will be sure to take this because we all love a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Check out the link below to see other ideas http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maggiebelles

Clever way to display cupcakes

Many couples are choosing to serve cupcakes in place of or in addition to a large wedding cake. Cupcakes can also be used as an adorable favor for your guests. Look at this clever way of displaying your yummy treats. The clear cupcake boxes can be purchased on Etsy. Check out the Posh Box to order the boxes and then look at the web-site for clever ways to decorate them. This example is among my favorites. http://www.etsy.com/listing/74220410/clear-cupcake-favor-boxes-for-toppers

Including Babies in the Wedding

Many couples getting married have children and are looking for creative ways to include them in the wedding ceremony. The picture attached is that of my granddaughter who was eight months old when her parents married. We decorated a red wagon with white tulle and silk Gerber daisies. I even found a stuffed Gerber daisy to entertain her while and the ring bearer pull her down the isle. Since her Daddy didn't know her Mommy and I had planned this wedding surprise for him and the guests, the look on his face was priceless. I also attached a sign at the end of the wagon that read "Getting Married" for the trip down the isle. For the return trip up the isle, the ring bearer turned the sign over to read "Just Married". Warning, darling babies can steal the show!

I Do

Trying to think of something creative to use for your something blue? Check out these cute stickers that attach to the insole of your shoes. Imagine your guests surprise when they see them while you are kneeling at the alter or out on the dance floor. They also make a great photo prop. Check out Lesley's other wedding items at www.etsy.com/shop/yourethatgirldesigns They cost just $9.95.

Wedding Wands

Looking for something different to use at your wedding ceremony to celebrate your marriage? Anyone can use bubbles or confetti. Take a look at the wedding wands designed by Myra. Guests wave these as you walk back up the isle after being pronounced husband and wife. Consider looking at Myra's shop on Etsy. She will make them in ribbon colors of your choice and add a bell to help create a little noise too. www.etsy.com/shop/creationsbymyra

Including Your Children in the Wedding

Many couples are looking for ways to include their children in the wedding ceremony--his, hers and theirs. There are a variety of roles children can participate in at the ceremony and reception. Young children can be flower girls, junior bridesmaids or ring bearers. Older children can serve at ushers, bridesmaids, maids/matrons of honor, male attendants or best men. If the wedding ceremony is small, consider having young children join you at the alter while older children can give a reading, sing a song or play a musical piece. The children can also participate in a candle lighting or sand blending ceremony emphasizing the joining together aspect of the wedding ceremony. Check out other wedding element ideas on my website.

Cootie Catchers with a new purpose

Do you remember spending hours with your friends asking questions while a cootie catcher would tell your fortune or provide you with advice? I remember going through countless sheets of notebook paper attempting to learn just who I would marry and how many children I would have. Well, look at this creative origami-folded wedding invitation that gives your guests something fun to play with as they learn the exciting news of your upcoming special day. They can be purchased on Etsy. Please take a look at Melissa's website--http://www.oneLittleM.com

Selecting an officiant

A memorable ceremony is far more than selected words to be shared by two people. The officiant, along with reading the words, is responsible for creating the atmosphere at the ceremony. Some officiants chose dry, somber and serious wording for this special day. Personally, I love to create a ceremony that has energy, love, joy, and friendship as the basis. I believe the ceremony is the heart and soul of the wedding and will most likely be the most personal memory of this special day.

Sample Sand Ceremony Wording

As the minister or wedding officiant says the following words, the bride and groom alternately pour sand into the glass vessel to create a layered design in the sand.

Name of Groom and name of Bride--

"Today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand sitting before you symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you'll ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be."

Fancy shoes aren't just for ladies!

Grooms may also find it fun to wear a shoe that stands out in the crowd! The Spectator shoe may be just what he has it mind. The spectator is a style of low-heeled, oxford, semi-brogue or full brogue constructed from two contrasting colors. Typically the toe and heel cap and sometimes the lace panels are in a darker color than the main body of the shoe. This style of shoe dates from the nineteenth century but reached the height of popularity during the 1920s and 1930s.

Outdoor Weddings

Couples planning a wedding are often looking for unique outdoor venue options for both the ceremony and reception. Lakefront, wineries, gazebo, beach, garden, park, barns, and greenhouse are just a few of the locations they are considering. Outdoor photos are generally extra beautiful treasures due to the natural backdrop they provide. Foliage, blue skies, green grass, and sandy beaches all provide a wedding that both the couple and guests will long remember.

Surprise Wedding Entrances

Many couples are choosing to create a dance routine to be performed by the bridal party during the reception. Some are even dancing their way down the isle at the wedding ceremony itself. Couples are simply wanting to become more creative with entertaining their guests and making the day that much more memorable for all. There are many samples of wedding dances on YouTube that may help you put your own routine together.

Shoes

2011 is a great year for bridal shoes!

Brides are always looking for new ways to express their personalities on their wedding day. Bridal shoes can be a great way to show your personality and really make your wedding your own. The days of wearing plain white or ivory bridal shoes are gone. This year, bridal shoes can be in any color you love.

Wedding Favors

An increasingly popular  wedding favor trend is the candy buffet. This consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table.  Many couples will select candy in their wedding colors. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allows guests to fill small boxes or bags as take-home favors.