Ways to Add Fun Cultural Twists to Nashville Ceremony Classics!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Let's face it, we love weddings. This site wouldn't exist if not for the fact that Ashley, me and the ABG team just love the whole kit and kaboodle of weddings from planning to the big day itself. I get teary eyed when the bride has her first dance with her groom or dad, I laugh and cheer when the bouquet is tossed, I've even come to love the lighting of the unity candle!! Traditions are wonderful, but sometimes it's fun to mix things up a little and put your own personal spin on things.
Today we hand the baton over to Nashville wedding planner, Sarah Willard, as she shares ways Nashville brides can add fun twists to their wedding ceremony.
Guest Blogger: Sarah Willard - A Music City Event
Weddings are steeped in tradition. Some are still eagerly embraced: the couple exchange rings as a symbol of their love and fidelity. Some traditions entice and annoy brides at the same time: the Bride and Groom cannot see each other prior to the wedding. Some are swiftly being carried away: the bridesmaids wear matching dresses (and yes, I have to say: thank goodness!). Some are quickly becoming a new tradition: slideshows of the couple growing up!Every bride has her idea of what traditions she does does not want. And every one of them wants something special and unique. It is always fun to incorporate new ideas even when – or maybe especially when - they are actually old!
A few fun traditions from around the world to think about as you plan your ceremony:
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.
In Scandinavian customs, fiddlers and horns accompany the wedding precession to the church. Have trumpeters or other musicians lead the procession down the aisle.
Source: http://www.ingebretsens.com
The familiar English tradition of a throwing petals before the bride as she walked to the church – or her groom – invoked a happiness for the bride for her new life.
Photo source: A Music City Event
One of the most simple yet elegant of ceremonies is the Moravian Wedding Ritual. The bridal couple together lights one large candle. The flame is passed along to the guest, each of whom has been given their own candle. Each guest lights the candle of the one beside them until the entire room is aglow. This is a wonderful way to include your family and friends. I recommend doing this at the end of the ceremony – then you recess awash in candlelight!
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.
Photo Source: Jonathon Campbell Photography
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!
Source: http://www.krisallan.com
Whatever you choose – or do not choose – to do, be sure that it reflects you and your fiance. It is your wedding after all!
Happy planning!
Sarah Willard
Thanks Sarah! For more great twists on wedding ceremonies you can visit A Music CIty Events' blog or Wedding Nouveau, another blog we LOVE for multi-cultural ideas.
We'd also love to hear from those of you who have incorporated any fun twists in your weddings - share it in comments!
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Posted on May 4, 2010 |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Inspiration & Trends, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
