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Archive for the ‘Wedding Traditions’ Category

Not long ago, choosing white bridesmaids’ dresses would have been unthinkable.  White was reserved for the bride, or perhaps an adorable little flower girl.  But after Pippa Middleton stunned at her sister’s wedding in a white bridesmaid’s dress, a hot trend was born.  Or rather white was freed from years of restrictions!  If you want your special ladies wearing white on the big day, feel free.  Here are some tips for getting the perfect look for your wedding.

While the taboo of wearing white to a wedding seems as old as marriage, it’s really relatively recent.  In ancient Rome, attendants wore the same color gowns as the bride to confuse evil spirits that may wish to harm the happy bride.  Later, wearing white was seen as trying to compete with the bride. A woman who did so would have drawn attention to herself when it was supposed to be the bride’s big day.  Pippa did draw her share of attention, but she did not overshadow big sister Kate because of the choice of the dress.

• According to USA Today, Pippa’s Alexander McQueen was “clean and modern” and helped create a more thematic look.  The bridesmaids all wore white, as did flower girls.  It creates a very simple, yet stunning, effect.
• The bridesmaid’s dress should not be elaborate. It can contain some detailing that ties it to the wedding gown, like subtle beading, but it should not overpower.  Stay away from trains, bustles, and big embellishments, like mermaid-style skirts. It's not hard to pick out the bride however, as she's usually the one with the wedding veil.
• Differentiate the bridesmaids’ dresses by adding color wedding accessories.  This is a great way to incorporate your wedding colors into the ceremony.  Sashes, scarves, belts, shoes, or other accessories add a nice splash of color and distinguish these ladies as your attendants.
• White works very well on bridesmaids if the bride is wearing a different color. Blush pinks are popular, but we are starting to see a wider range of shades in wedding gowns.  Turn convention on its head and take color back!  The bridesmaids could also wear sashes or scarves that match your dress to tie it all together beautifully.
• Consider different lengths.  A cocktail or tea length bridesmaid’s dress may provide great contrast with the bride’s longer gown.
• Mix it up.  Say your main color is eggplant and you have four bridesmaids; you can have two wear an eggplant dress with a white sash, and the other two white with an eggplant sash.
• Flowers can also make sure the bride shines just that much more brightly.  She should carry the best, most elaborate bouquet; bridesmaids should carry a small, bright bouquet, perhaps in contrasting colors.  If you go too far with the white theme, your photos can look washed-out. Do add color, whether in the flowers or the accessories.
• Think about the type of wedding you are going to have.  White works very well with formal weddings, as with Kim Kardashian’s black tie affair.  It can also be a great look for sunny, simple country weddings.  It all depends on the style of the dress and the material.
• Before the wedding, ask your girls if they would wear nude colored underwear that fit well.  You don’t want bright pink panties showing up in your wedding photos.

The trend in bridesmaids’ dresses for 2012 is simple, timeless, and practical.  When you choose well, white dresses can meet all of these requirements and more!  You don’t need an Alexander McQueen or Vera Wang to pull of the white bridesmaid look; more and more bridal retail shops are offering a variety of cream, ivory, and white dresses.

Now that it is “acceptable” for bridesmaids to wear white, what about female guests?  That tradition still clings.  Unless requested by the bride and groom, it is generally not a great idea to wear an all-white dress.  You can wear a white dress with a design (such as a floral print) or a dress with a white bodice and colored skirt.  Brides still want to steal the show!

Related Articles:

• Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
• How to Thank Your Bridesmaids
• Black & White Wedding Ideas

Choosing who will marry you may not be as crucial as whom you will marry, but it is still an essential part of your wedding ceremony.  Your officiant will not only set the tone for the occasion, he/she will make sure your marriage is legal!  Many times, in the rush to set the date, choose the venue, arrange for food, take care of decorations, and meet with the band or DJ, we forget about who will be standing up there with us as we take our vows.  You may have read it once or twice in a wedding planning guide, but have you really thought about it? Who do you want with you on the most important day of your life?

The first step is to decide if you want a religious ceremony or secular.  If you choose a religious officiant, like a pastor or priest, they may require that you and your future spouse receive pre-marital education or counseling.  The religious or secular nature of a wedding is an important consideration, too, because it often affects the ceremony itself as faiths celebrate marriage in different ways.  In many religious ceremonies, there is a great deal of tradition and ritual, which may be just what you want. Or it may not be.  Your choice of officiant may be affected, at least in part, by the type of wedding you want.

Before you speak with possible officiants, think about what, exactly, you want them to do.  Yes, they will pronounce you husband and wife, but do you have other expectations?  Do you want him/her to plan or write the ceremony?  Help at the rehearsal?  Help ensure the ceremony runs smoothly?  Book another officiant for you if he has an emergency or is sick on your wedding day?  These details may seem small now, but they won't when you are walking down the aisle.

You should like your officiant.  If it is not possible to engage the services of someone you know, then meet with possible candidates and see how you respond to them.  Are they warm and personable?  Do they have a nice voice that will carry?  Do they speak well and fluently?  Do they seem happy about performing your ceremony?  More and more weddings today can be termed “nontraditional.” Will your officiant be open and accepting of blended families, of couples in which one or both partners has been divorced, of interracial, interfaith, or same sex couples?  Will he be willing to perform the ceremony in your chosen locale?  All of these questions, and more, are important to discuss prior to any agreement.

In the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, don't forget to dot your i's and cross your t's.  Make sure to book your officiant as soon as possible to ensure he/she will be available.  And do make sure he/she is legally authorized to marry you!  The requirements vary by state.  Check your state here to make sure that everything is in order.

Another consideration is the officiant's fee.  This, of course, will depend on the individual, the area, and the specifics of the ceremony, as well as how much responsibility the officiant has.  The fee can be as little as $50 or as much as $1,500.  According to the Bridal Association of America, the average fee for a justice of the peace is $50 to $100.  A retired judge or intern minister typically costs between $100 and $200, while a church official or professional officiant costs between $200 and $400.  If this seems high, remember that this is often the lowest fee among all the vendors you will engage, and it is the most important as well.

An option more and more couples are choosing is to have a friend or family member ordained.  This way, a loved one can perform the ceremony.  The Universal Life Church, for instance, ordains clergy for this purpose.  They have ordained more than 20 million people online.  The laws in your state may allow this or have conditions, so if you are interested, check the ULC site for more information.

Choosing an officiant for your wedding takes some consideration and time; don't settle for less than your ideal. It will make all the difference on your wedding day when you like both people who are waiting for you at the end of the aisle.

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Imagine leaving the chapel with your new spouse and walking under an arch of sabers.  There is no more dramatic and tear-inducing way to start a marriage!  Military weddings do much more than offer pomp and circumstance and pageantry; they honor patriotism, sacrifice, and service.  Men and women in the service vow to protect and serve their country; it is a very powerful and moving experience when they vow to love and honor their spouses as well.  A military wedding is memorable for everyone on the guest list, so start planning now!

As you might expect, military weddings carry with them a great amount of tradition, ritual, rules, and regulations.  But in many respects, planning a military ceremony is just like planning a “regular” one: you need to start early.  Just as desired venues get scooped up fast, especially during peak seasons, military chapels and halls are also booked well in advance.  It is advisable to book your chapel and reception venue a year in advance by applying to the chaplain’s office.  Check to make sure you are eligible for a military wedding as some rules apply.

If the service is performed at a military chapel or on academy grounds, the chaplain charges no fee, but do plan on making a donation to the chapel.  Some chapels allow another clergy person to co-officiate, so do ask if you would like to pursue that option – and you will have to pay that officiant’s fee.  Your chaplain may require pre-wedding counseling as well.

Speak with your chaplain about proper seating as there are some guidelines to consider.  Also ask about flowers and chapel decorations because rules vary.  The Chapel Altar Guild does arrange the flowers, candelabra, and other décor, and this is the same for every wedding.  You may have to provide your own reception decoration or even plan it yourself.  Part of the appeal of military weddings is the sense of tradition, and this extends to every detail, down to the decorations. And don't forget to look into matching wedding accessories as well.

Military weddings are gorgeous, and a large part of that are the uniforms.  Officers or enlisted personnel in the bridal party wear their uniforms (which may differ depending on the seasonal regulations or formality of the wedding).  A black-tie affair, for instance, would require dinner or mess dress uniforms, while a white-tie and tails event would require evening dress uniforms.  Non-commissioned officers wear dress blues or Army greens, and none of the uniformed service people wear a boutonniere.  Guests who serve in the military can choose to wear their uniforms or civilian clothing.

What if the bride is an officer?  Does she have to wear her uniform?  She may, but she may also wear a bridal gown, if she chooses.  Even the military knows not to mess with the dress.

There are also rules for the receiving line and reception.  For example, if the groom is uniformed, he must be before the bride in the receiving line.  Again, your chaplain is a great resource and can help you follow the regs – and have a great wedding!

The arch of the sabers (or swords, for the Navy) is optional, but it is often a highlight of the ceremony. Surprise; there are rules for this too!  In the Army, for instance, the couple exits the church under the arch.  In the Navy and Marines, the ushers usually form the saber detail, while in the Air Force, they cannot.  Regardless of the branch of the military, it is a stunning tradition.

From seating and decorations to dress and cutting the cake, there are rituals and traditions in every detail of the ceremony and reception. The rules and regulations may seem overwhelming at first, but chaplains (and handy websites!) are there to guide you through your military wedding preparations.

Related Articles:

• Remembering the Men and Women Who Serve
• Creative Groomsmen Gift Ideas
• Inspiration: Nautical & Sailor Style Wedding

The Hora

If you’ve ever been to a Jewish wedding, you’ve no doubt seen a cheerful dance called the Hora. This is a lively circle dance that is traditional at Jewish weddings and often at bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs.

The Hora came to America in the early 20^th century with Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. The tradition was kept alive and the dance is still being danced today at Jewish ceremonies. The word Hora comes from the Greek word khoros which is found in English words such as chorus and choreograph.

The dance is usually performed to the Hebrew folk tune of Hava Nagila. The title translates literally into “Let us rejoice,” and is very appropriate for festive occasions.

The dance is simple yet poetic and very entertaining to watch. At a wedding reception, the bride and groom would grasp an end of the same handkerchief. Then, they are seated on chairs. The men lift the chairs over their shoulders and carry the bride and groom around. The rest of the party forms a closed circle. They dance steps that resemble the winding of a grapevine.

To do the dance, enter the circle and grasp hands with the people on either side of you. Take a step to the side and bring your left foot behind your right foot. As the circle moves to the music, move your right foot next to your left foot. Alternate for the next set of steps—left in front of right.

As the music plays, the circle will pick up momentum. You’ll need to add a hop to your steps to keep up. The continuous circle will move as one into the center of the circle and raise their linked hands into the air. Then, everyone moves back to their original place and the circle continues moving.

There are, of course, shouts of joy and much animation during this celebratory dance. To really enjoy it, you must be a part of it. The spinning can get pretty wild, so often you’ll see women taking their high heels off and dancing barefoot. Don’t be surprised if the group breaks into hysterical laughter when they can’t keep up with the music. That’s all part of the fun.

Mezinke Tanz or The Krenzl

Another dance you may see at a Jewish wedding is the Mezinke Tanz, or The Krenzl. Krenzl, meaning crown, is a dance that is danced only when a mother’s last daughter is married. In this touching dance, the bride’s mother sits in the center of a circle and her daughters crown her with flowers and guests dance around them. In the Mezinke Tanz version, both of the bride’s parents sit in the center of the circle as their daughters present crowns of flowers. The guests dance around them along with the daughters.

These days modern Jewish couples may opt to include the traditional dances or not. It is up to them. But often, the dances are included not only to please parents but also to avoid disappointing guests who will be looking forward to the traditions being included. There is no hard and fast rule as to which dances a couple should include. Often, today’s couples will hire a band that knows all the traditional wedding dance numbers, but also plays a full array of oldies and current music as well.

If you enjoyed this article, you will probably like this post on Jewish Wedding Traditions.

It used to be that prenuptial agreements were viewed as negative documents that suggested the marriage was doomed even before the wedding began. But not anymore. While no one wants to focus on an untimely parting at such a happy time, smart people take a break from looking at wedding favors and are taking a look at the pluses and minuses of signing a prenup with their partner.

As the very helpful site Prenuptial Agreements (www.prenuptialagreements.org) notes, “All marrying couples have a ‘prenuptial agreement’ – it is known as ‘divorce law.’” In the event of a divorce, there are certain laws that will automatically kick in. They vary by the state you reside and/or were married in, but they are very specific about what’s going to take place at break-up. So, some couples want to take matters into their own hands and decide ahead of time, should the unthinkable split occur, how their assets and finances will be distributed.

You should contact a lawyer who specializes in prenuptial agreements if you are even thinking of creating one. And while this article is not intended to offer legal advice of any kind, there are a few reasons you might want to consider drafting a prenup.

If you are marrying for the second time and want to protect what you already have as far as money for your children’s education, the house you currently own, etc., you’ll want to get that set down in ink. Also, if you have a lot of assets or are making a great deal of money, you’ll want a say in where that money goes should you split. And the prenup can also be the deciding factor in discerning how much alimony must be paid out or can be claimed should the marriage break up.

But what if you’re not making much or don’t have many monetary assets? Should you still consider the prenup? A prenup can protect the partner who is not as well off financially from being cut off in the event of a divorce. Once you are accustomed to living in a certain style, it can be devastating to think about returning to a cold water flat alone. This will help secure your future.

There are other reasons to enter into a prenuptial agreement. Say you’re the owner of a small business. Do you know what would happen to your business if you and your partner split? Do all the years of hard work you put in before you met your spouse get split 50/50? If you have a prenup, it can state how much, if any, of your business can be touched by the other party.

One final reason behind the prenup that often surfaces in old Hollywood movies is to see if the person you are marrying really loves you or your money. If your intended refuses to sign the agreement, it may mean you should look at your situation more closely.

A sound prenuptial agreement is designed to protect both parties, not just one. So if you feel you’ve been asked to sign a document that is unfairly biased against you, get your own lawyer to look at it. And then take her advice!

Perhaps the loveliest part of the prenuptial agreement is what’s called the Sunset Clause. This little clause, when included in the document, allows that if you and your spouse are married a certain number of years, the agreement becomes invalid. That’s something to look forward to in your golden years!

Related Marriage Posts:

• Failure of the Institution of Marriage
• Prospects for the Future of Marital Therapy
• Working on This Marriage Consciously and Deliberately

The flower girl is one of the most adorable people at the wedding. Yes, she’s often cute enough to steal the show. And no one will mind. But if you’re in charge of the little darling, you’ll want to know what’s going to be expected of her.

Depending on the flower girl’s age, you’ll want to brief her about her responsibilities. Tell her how exciting it will be that she’s the bride’s special helper.  You’ll want to show her how to carry a flower girl basket of petals or explain what the bride will have her hold. Tell her that she’ll be walking ahead of the bride down the aisle at the ceremony and that she’ll get to sit down after that.

The flower girl duty is usually the highlight of any girls little life, so you won’t have trouble talking her into doing the right thing. She’ll probably talk about it for months before the wedding in excited anticipation. Just be sure you don’t overdo it with the build-up as the actual day may then be overwhelming for her. Just act casual about it and go on about your business. But don't forget her when it's time to give your bridal party thank you's, and give her a special flower girl gift for being your main little lady.

Now, the bride may not want her flower girl to throw petals. Maybe the venue doesn’t allow it or she’s just chosen to go with a bouquet. Be sure to ask the bride before mentioning it to the flower girl. She will remember exactly what you told her she’ll be holding, so get it right or risk tears. If she will be sprinkling petals, let her try with pieces of paper ahead of time at home. She’ll love the pretend play. Make sure she doesn’t dump a big bunch at the start and have nothing for the end of the aisle. No one will expect the flower girl to create a perfect layer of flower petals. Most times, a bride will have the petals put down ahead of time and the flower girl can just add a few extra touches as she walks down. Often with a big crowd and cameras, the flower girl will get shy and end up throwing nothing. It’s okay. Everyone will remember how darling she looked.

If you are the mom of the flower girl, you’ll pay for her attire. It may be a miniature bridesmaid dress or it may be an entirely separate design. You’ll need to find out which bridal shop the bride wants you to go to then get her fitted. You’ll pay for her tights and shoes as well as any veil or head dress the bride has chosen.

Keep your little lady occupied and don’t get her dressed until the moment before the photos are being taken. One spill of breakfast and her dress is ruined. Enlist someone to help keep an eye on her if you aren’t going to be at the session right before the wedding where the bridesmaids gather with the bride and take photos. Your flower girl should be a part of that time, as it will be very special to her. Don’t expect the bridesmaids or the bride to run around after her. And don’t ask a nervous mother of the bride or groom either. Ask a relative who is not in the party to keep her close by if you aren’t there.

When the time for the big walk down the aisle, your flower girl may be a natural. Or she may seize up with stage fright. If it looks like she may be hesitant, stand up near the altar and gently encourage her silently to come down the aisle to you. She may not do it perfectly, but no one will care. If she’s having a meltdown from all the excitement, don’t force her. Just take her off to the side and reassure her it’s ok.

Have something for her to do at the ceremony, like color, if she’s not going to be standing up with the bride.

More of the Bridal Party Duties:

• Duties of a Ring Bearer
• Maid of Honor Duties
• Bridal Party - Duties of an Usher
• Duties of a Groomsmen

Ever wonder why brides are expected to throw their bouquet at the end of their wedding? It’s a nifty little story that finds its roots in centuries past.

In the days of old, round about the 14^th century, brides and grooms got married with much less fanfare than today. The bride would usually just wear her best dress. And since she never planned on marrying again, she wasn’t as concerned as today’s brides are about preserving their wedding dress. Dresses were not as ornate and would not typically last for the next generation to wear, so there was no real reason to treat the dress with kid gloves like brides do today.

It was considered very lucky to touch the bride’s dress, and getting a piece of it to keep was considered the height of all luck. So, guest began to rip pieces off the bride’s dress while she was still wearing it. As you can imagine, this started to become a problem as brides were being attacked for a swatch of their dress at the reception. So instead, brides looked for things to toss to the crowds of guests that would not involve a mad rush at her apparel.

In came the bouquet toss. Brides began to toss their bouquets as a means of crowd control. All the single ladies would line up for a chance to catch the bride’s flowers. It was thought that the one who caught it would be the next in line to marry. Mad scrambles also ensued over the flowers, but at least the bride’s clothes were left intact.

The garter toss is an offshoot of the bouquet toss. Crowds of wedding guests often paraded through town after a wedding along with the bride and groom. Often, they’d follow them right into their honeymoon room. In an effort to avert the grasping and groping of the male guests who often went so far as to try to undress the bride in the bedroom, the grooms started tossing the bridal garter. Brides would have originally worn a garter to show their virginity was still intact. It was a symbol and she would have given the garter to the groom. But for crowd control, the garter started to be thrown to the crowd in hopes that they’d run outside and try to grab it. Many a drunken brawl ensued over the garter belt, but at least the bed chamber was cleared out so the bride and groom could be alone.

You may not have any rowdy crowds grasping for your attire at your wedding, but it can still be fun to line the single ladies up for the bouquet toss. Just be mindful that many women today choose to stay single and they may not want to be included in the tradition. Just keep it light when the time comes and ask the deejay or band announcer to ask anyone who wants to participate to come on up. No one should be pushed into going out in public to catch the bouquet.

Brides do not typically toss their real bouquet but instead have the florist make them a “toss bouquet” instead. With flowers costing what they do, brides choose to keep their bouquets and preserve them or at least bring them home in one piece.

More Wedding Traditions

• Tossing the Garter Tradition
• Cash Bar at the Reception - Tacky or Not?
• Who Pays for What at a Wedding?

Wedding veils are a lovely part of a bridal outfit. Your choice to wear a veil is a throwback to the days when brides covered their faces so the evil spirits that were thought to surround the wedding couple could not see her face to harm her. (That’s why bridesmaids originally dressed the same, so that the evil spirits would get confused and not know who the bride was.) All tradition and superstition aside, a veil just looks elegant.

What sort of veil should you wear? That all depends on your style and taste. There’s no saying you can’t wear any veil you like, but it does have to match your wedding gown, so plan to choose your dress (and make your final purchase) before selecting a veil. You may change your mind if you haven’t paid for your dress yet, so wait until it’s paid for to shop for a veil.

Go out shopping with an open mind. What you might think you like may be nothing like what you end up choosing. Try to wear your hair as you will on your wedding day the day you shop for your veil. You’ll get a better idea of how it will work with your do and if you will need to select either another hair style or another veil.

If you’re more on the petite side, you might want to go with a veil that’s a little smaller, shorter and less puffy. You don’t want to walk down the aisle looking like a cloud. You want people to be able to see you under your veil. Taller girls can get away with longer veils and fuller versions as well.

There are several types of veils. One is a short veil designed to be worn with a hat or tiara. This is typically just made of tulle, a see through netting. You can also opt for a long veil either entirely made of lace or made of a tulle or nylon fabric. It can end halfway down your back or be more of a cathedral train trailing far down the aisle behind you. Longer veils can either be taken off at the reception or bustled up. Most likely you’ll want to take it off. Whether you choose to cover your face with a blusher panel is up to you. That’s typically what the father of the bride will lift as he gives his daughter away.

If you want to wear your veil for the entire day, opt for something shorter and lighter. Tulle veils are perfect because they are so light and airy. You won’t even feel like you have it on. Choose to anchor your veil either with a tiara or with combs that are under the head piece. Your head piece will be either permanently attached to the veil or removable so you can just wear the top piece at the reception. Choose a head piece that you really love as it will be in all your photos both at the church and the reception. Go with pearls and satin or all rhinestones. It’s up to you. You can also incorporate satin or fresh flowers into a crown that ends in a veil.

As long as your veil matches in style and color with your dress, you can pretty much wear any style you like. Try not to have a pure white dress with a cream colored veil. It will look off. Ask the opinion of those closest to you. They may find that what you have chosen is perfect or that you should keep looking. Either way, their advice is very valuable.

Have fun selecting your veil. It’s the one time in your life that you will be able to wear such a lovely piece of finery. Select it with care and preserve it after the wedding for generations to come. A good dry cleaner can help you with preservation and care.

Feeling bold? You can always try and make your own wedding veil!

If you grew up in the southern United States, you’ve probably heard about and even seen many groom’s cakes. However, the rest of the U.S. tends to be a bit stumped when it comes to the tradition of the groom’s cake. Why have one? And when is it served? Is it required?

The groom’s cake enjoys a long history. A groom’s cake was a part of every wedding in ancient times. This cake, usually soaked in liquor and made of something decadent like dark chocolate, was included along with the wedding cake. It was an entirely separate cake that was not meant to be served at the wedding. It was supposed to be cut and at the end of the wedding sent home with guests. Single women were supposed to take their piece and sleep with it under their pillow so that they would dream of the man they would marry.

While modern brides and grooms may not believe that a cake will bring a mate to their single friends, they are choosing more and more to include the groom’s cake for the sake of tradition. It has long been a favorite tradition in the south and is now catching on in other parts of the country as well. If you choose to include a groom’s cake, it will be a lovely addition.

The groom’s cake is now being served as gourmet desserts at the rehearsal dinner or as an optional dessert at the actual reception. Or, some bridal parties are enjoying the groom’s cake after the guests have all gone home as a special treat.

What you do with the groom’s cake is up to you. If you want to include it, it’s perfectly fine to have it made of any ingredients you like. Ask the groom what his favorite flavor is and then work with that. Many bakeries are getting outrageously creative with their cake decorating. The popularity of cooking shows has caused bakeries to open the floodgates of creativity to outdo one another. So feel free to ask for a groom’s cake from your favorite bakery in any shape and style you can dream up. Is the groom a baseball fan? Have a cake made to look like Yankee Stadium. Does he love fishing? Do a cake in the shape and size of a giant bass. There is really no decoration a bakery won’t do for you. So get creative. Go with his favorite hobby or vacation destination as a starting point. Here are a few ideas that have been done:

Decide where you would like the groom’s cake to be served. If it will be cut up at the reception and sent home with guests, make sure you have cute little cake boxes on hand for the restaurant or caterer to place the pieces in. You can order lovely cake boxes just like favor boxes, find them online in just about every shape and size imaginable. Try to get a box that matches your cake’s theme or the theme of the wedding decor. Remember, the boxes will be brought out and placed in front of your guests, so make sure they are special. And make sure they’re sturdy so there are no accidents on the way to the car. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised to find an old tradition like the groom’s cake being resurrected for modern weddings.

More Wedding Traditions:

• Dollar Dance Tradition Cool or Not?
• Tossing the Garter Tradition
• Who Pays for What at a Wedding?
• Wedding Invitation History
• Wedding Superstitions

It used to be, in the days before active conservationists came on the scene, that rice was the thing to throw at weddings. No one gave it a second thought. It was supposed to signify good luck and prosperity to the happy couple. But instead, it was discovered that birds were eating the grains of rice and their bellies were becoming swelled. Apparently rice isn’t the best food for birds.

So careful brides switched over to bird seed. Wrapped in tulle or little bags, the birdseed can be fun and healthy for the birds at the same time. But it can be a little messy. Who wants to end up with bird seed in their expensive hairdo?

An alternative that finally makes sense is the inclusion of wedding bubbles. At the end of the ceremony, as the bride and groom exit the church, guests can blow bubbles at the departing couple. This solves all the problems!

Neatly packaged bubbles now exist for brides to purchase. They can be done up in ribbons or left as is. They now come in little white bottles in the shape of hearts or in other festive shapes. They include a tiny wand and soap bubble solution. Brides can now order them in bulk online for just pennies each. These cute little containers can be used as wedding favors to give away or just be used at the ceremony.

Some brides choose to wrap a bow or ribbon in their theme color around the tops of the bottles. It can be a cute touch, but if you find that your time is limited, you may want to skip this step. If you can’t imagine sitting down and tying ribbons to 150-300 miniature bottles, then skip the ribbon. They’ll look just as festive as is.

Bubbles are a nice way to go as there is no messy clean up. There’s also a nice photo opportunity when the bubbles are being blown. Instead of a whirling mass of birdseed flying in the air, guests will be seen oohing and ahhing over the lovely bubbles floating over the bride’s and groom’s heads. And the fun usually breaks out as guests turn into kids again and start blowing bubbles at each other, too.

It’s a great way to add levity to your ceremony and reception. Bubbles lend an air of freedom and lightheartedness. It sets the tone that the reception may be formal, but it won’t be stuffy. Guests just love when they see bubbles. There’s something about being allowed to blow bubbles in public that makes everyone giggle. Be sure to save several for your flower girl and ring bearer as they’ll really stay entertained by them.

You can shop online under “wedding bubbles” or you can go to a crafts store and pick up bundles of the little bottles all set to go. They usually come in packages of six or nine and are just a few dollars per pack. They have even shown up at the dollar store in the favors aisle. So you can cross off expensive birdseed packets from your list. These beauties are just a few cents each to bring home and they have a lot of eye appeal. It’s one trend that’s worth trying out.

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