10 Things No One Notices at Your Wedding
Here's a list of ten things not to worry about at your wedding. You might think that any little mistake or faux pas would be the end of the world, but trust me, the majority of little things that may go wrong, no one but you will notice or even care about.
1. If the cake topper is different than you remember, no one will notice.
2. If you miss a word or a line when you or your groom are saying the vows you each wrote, no one will notice (as long as you say "I Will" or "I Do" correctly).
3. If the flowers in the centerpieces are made up of only 7 lilies instead of 8, no one will notice.
4. If you forget to wear your necklace, earrings, or something blue, no one will notice.
5. If the napkins are the wrong shade of pink, no one will notice. The same goes for your nail polish.
6. If one of your bridesmaids walks down the isle with the wrong groomsman, no one will notice.
7. If the band/dj forgets to play "The Electric Slide", no one will notice (and someone might actually thank you).
8. If you walk a little too slow or a little too fast down the isle, no one will notice (as long as you're not sprinting like a track star).
9. If the best man doesn't say anything to embarrass you or your groom, no one will notice (and you'll probably be very relieved).
10. And last but not least... if Aunt Mary or Edna (supply the relative of your choice here) gets too big of a piece of wedding cake, no one will notice, and your Aunt will probably enjoy every moment of it.
So, as the saying goes, DON'T STRESS THE SMALL STUFF! This is your special day. Relax and enjoy it!
By Candy Friedman, WeddingShowerGifts.com
10 Things That Absolutely DO Matter at Your Wedding
1. You're feet! By all means, bring a change of shoes. No one will see the cute little sneakers you are wearing under that big dress! Wear them while you are taking pictures and dancing at the reception.
2. Have a way to pin up the back of your dress. If you plan on dancing, you will need to get all that fabric off the floor. Make sure it is really secure because you will get tripped on and stepped on plenty that day.
3. Thank your family! With the sea of faces you don't see very often, you may overlook the people closest to you.
4. Eat! Don't forget to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's going to be a long day and you don't want to get sick for the honeymoon.
5. Relax. Get your girls together in a quiet place, light some candles, play some soft music and reflect on the importance of staying in each moment.
6. Smile and avoid making silly faces. There are cameras everywhere!
7. Take time to pose for photographs. Don't rush through the photo sessions. While you will be ancy to get back to the party, your wedding photographs are an important keepsake for generations to come.
8. Your under garments. Make sure your corset does not make an appearance every time you move. This is the last thing you should be worrying about.
9. Don't drink alcohol. A glass before the ceremony might calm your nerves but don't drink that day. Everything goes by too quick as it is and you'll want to be 100% they're for everything!
10. Most of all, tell your guy how happy he has made you and how much you are looking forward to the rest of your lives!
By Brina Jannenga, WeddingShowerGifts.com
Wedding Ceremony
Many couples today are choosing to have a non-religious wedding ceremony, or be married by a friend or family member. Yet an important role of the officiant is to give you guidance in crafting your wedding ceremony, often following a predetermined format. If you are going the DIY route, I want to give you advice on creating a memorable and personal wedding ceremony.
Most wedding ceremonies contain most of these elements:
Wedding processional or entrance of the bride and groom, and wedding party if applicable
Music, literature, and poetry or wedding readings from the Bible
Attendants or witnesses to sign the wedding certificate or marriage license
Wedding Vows
Exchange of wedding rings or gifts
A blessing, benediction, community commitment to support the marriage, or officiant's sanction of the marriage
A first kiss as a married couple
A recessional
Some weddings also include a unity candle ceremony or other unity ceremony.
Unity Candle Ceremony
The Unity Candle: one of the most common ceremonies. The bride and groom each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle." They may blow out their individual lights, or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity. Stores are now selling elaborate unity candle setups, including a candleabra that holds the central unity candle higher than the others. You may also have your unity candle personalized with your names and the date, allowing it to be a keepsake from your wedding.
Variations: All guests are given a candle, and the first guest's is lit. Guests pass the flame until all are lit, and then the bride and groom together light their unity candle. This variation typically includes a proclamation that this ceremony represents the unity of friends and family supporting the couple in their marriage. Unity Candle Supplies
Unity Sand Ceremony
The Unity Sand Ceremony is known all over the world for its beauty and sanctity. Couples add this ceremony to their weddings as an alternative to the unity candle ceremony because it so elegantly captures the meaning of their two lives becoming one. And it creates a lasting keepsake of that special day.
Using different colored sands, the bride and groom each take turns filling a Unity Vase as they recite their chosen vows. The sand colors can be coordinated with your home décor, chosen based on colors you love personally or for any other special reason that is meaningful to you. At the end of the ceremony, the vase is taken home and sits atop a shelf, a table or a mantle, beautifully symbolizing the start of your new life together. If the bride and groom have children, then they would also be included in this ceremony with each having their own color of sand. Family members can also recite special vows as part of the ceremony. Sand Ceremony Supplies
Rose Ceremony
A simple unity ceremony where the bride and groom exchange roses. Other variations: the families exchange roses, the bride and groom exchange roses with their families, the bride and groom exchange roses, then present their mothers with the roses.
Wine Ceremony
The bride and groom each take a carafe of wine and pour it into a single glass, which they both drink from.
Water Ceremony
The couple each pour a different colored water into a single glass, creating a third color. Much like the sand ceremony.
Salt Ceremony
Indian weddings often include a salt ceremony, where the bride passes a handful of salt to her groom without spilling any. He then passes it back to her and the exchange is repeated three times. She then performs the salt exchange with all the members of the groom's family, symbolizing her blending in with her new family.
Breaking Bread Ceremony
The bride and groom tear off pieces of bread, and then each eat a piece. Sometimes the bread is also shared with family and friends. It symbolizes their future as a family together.
Garland or Lei Ceremony
The bride and groom exchange garlands of flowers. This is a common part of Indian weddings, where the ceremony is called varmala or jaimala, and represents a proposal by the bride and acceptance by the groom. It also represents their new unity, blessed by nature. In Hawaian weddings, the bride and groom typically exchange leis. The families may also exchange leis with the couple. Leis represent the love and respect you have for the person you are giving it to, and the unity of the new family.
Circling Ceremony
In Eastern European ceremonies, the bride and groom circle the altar three times, which are their first steps together as husband and wife. In Hindu ceremonies, couples circle the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents the unbroken committment to each other.
Broom Jumping Ceremony
An African-American tradition that has its roots in slavery times when slaves couldn't marry. Typically the family places the broom on the ground, and the bride and groom jump over it together. The broom can then decorate a place of honor in their home.
Lasso Ceremony
Lasso or rope is placed around the bride and groom's shoulders, usually by the officiant. Sometimes rosary beads, or orange flowers are used instead of rope. It can also be placed around the couple's necks, or wrists.
Wedding Colors
Your wedding color scheme should bring out your best features. Since your wedding decorations will serve as the backdrop for many of your wedding photos, it is essential that you select a scheme that won't clash with your complexion.
Choosing Colors That Work
The colors of your wedding can be anything you would like them to be. You should generally decorate your wedding much in the same way you would decorate your home. Add personal touches, splashes of color and try to keep as much of a theme going as possible.
Blue and brown - A duo for those who feel 'luminous' isn't their thing, this duo is soft and pretty yet rich and dramatic.
Red and pink - an unexpected and quirky color combination that works well together for the centerpieces or bridesmaids outfits.
Monochromatic colors - if multiple colors aren't your style then try showcasing a single color like yellow. Use the color in candles, flowers and linens to light up the event.
Brown and pink - Experts advise to try this 'pretty and distinctive' color combination as it's going to be a big hit for weddings, but it may not be for everyone.
Red and yellow - This color combo is for the bride who loves life (and unusual color schemes!) and is certainly not for the shy and retiring. Show off these striking colors together using flowers such as roses and daisies.
Green and yellow - These are popular because the subtle, yet striking colors complement each other so well (although they can be tricky with some bride's skin tone). This combination may appeal to all you natural types (even naturists maybe) wanting to bring an outdoor theme to your big day.
Red and orange- A good choice for a spring or summer wedding, this is a bold choice that certainly makes a statement.
Green and lavender- Soft and sweet is one way to describe this duo. Choose the shades carefully to avoid appearing too "sweet."
Turquoise and bright yellow - Mix these colors for a tropical wedding theme. Centerpieces and coordinated place settings in blues and yellows will help create the illusion of warm climates and the tropics.
Bright orange - Works well when soft peach tones, introduce gerberas or tiger lilies into bridal bouquets and floral centerpieces.
By Brina Jannenga, WeddingShowerGifts.com
