Traditional Javanese Wedding Ceremony - Javanese Wedding Ideas

The nation of Indonesia is a land of many cultures. There are thought to be more than three hundred languages and cultures that make up the lives of the two hundred million people living there.

Indonesia herself is made up of more than 13,677 separate islands. Because of the wide variety of cultures, this has made an impact on ceremonies of marriage that are performed there. Every Indonesian wedding has a particular ceremony that is based on the family's cultural beliefs. The ceremony of marriage is not just a joining of two people, but a bond between the two families as well.

Before the Wedding

It is said that the mutual and sincere love that exists between a man and woman should ideally end in marriage. There are places in Indonesia where a couple marries because their parents wish it or because they themselves do. An ancient proverb of Java says, "Love grows as you get more used to each other." This is a lesson we can take for the present.

The Siraman Ceremony of Marriage

The word Siraman in English can be translated to mean to take a bath. The couple participating in this ritual strive to clean their bodies and souls. This ritual usually takes place in the afternoon, the day before, at the house of the bride for her, and at his home for the groom. The people who participate in bathing the couple is also very important. Elder woman are especially prized for the impeccable behavior and morals they display. When giving Siraman, there are usually up to only seven people involved.

Another important aspect of this Javanese ritual is the offering or the Sajen. The meaning of this is deep and symbolic. It is the request for protection from the Creator, our God. It is the way that ancestors are remembered so their souls live in eternal peace and to ask them for their blessings.

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A Javanese wedding ceremony is rich in symbolism and rituals and it a beautiful event in which to participate. If you are interested in finding out more about the cultural traditions along with the proper rituals that accompany it, do your research on the internet or by asking your friends and relatives of Indonesian descent. It will surely please the families involved as well as the couple who are ready to take their marriage vows.

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Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremony - What To Expect

Most people's idea of a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony comes from the hit movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Of course the traditions and the ceremony are far deeper than was shown on the big screen. The faith of the Greek Orthodoxy is very old and the wedding ceremony is a beautiful event in the life of the bride and groom.

One thing that should be realized is that the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is filled with symbolism. The wedding ceremony you see today is the same ceremony that has been practiced by the Greek Orthodoxy for hundreds of years. The biggest difference in a Greek ceremony and a traditional wedding ceremony is that the bride and groom don't exchange vows. Their mere presence in the church together shows that they have taken the sacrament of marriage very seriously.

The Start of the Wedding

Most Greek Orthodox weddings take place in the summer. It is typical for the guests at the wedding to wait along with the groom outside until the arrival of the bride. In Greece, it is common practice for wedding ceremonies to be scheduled back to back. This allows guests who are waiting to attend a ceremony to mingle with the guests departing from the wedding previously.

The groom awaits his bride with a bit of sweat on his brow as he holds the bouquet he will present to his intended. Once he turns over the bouquet to the bride, they then enter the church and the guests follow behind. Unlike conventional western weddings, there is no separation of the guests as to who sits on the side of the bride and who will be seated on the groom's side. Everyone sits wherever they can find a seat and when the ceremony is held in small venues, there are those who prefer to stand where they can have a first-rate view of the event.

The Betrothal and the Ceremony

There are two parts to the ceremony of a Greek Orthodox wedding. The first part is called the Service of Betrothal. The marrying couple exchanges their rings as the focal point of the Service of the Betrothal. The next part is the Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage. This part of the service has several aspects such as prayers and the joining of the right hands of both the bride and groom by the attending priest. Their hands will remain entwined for the rest of the ceremony to symbolize the newly wedded couple's union.

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Ideas For A Non Religious Wedding Ceremony

Let's face it, not everybody is into a church wedding or a religious ceremony. There are many people that want to get married without the religious trappings and traditions, but don't want to settle for a justice of the peace at City Hall. If this sounds like you and your intended, read on for some innovative ideas for a wedding ceremony that will linger in your guest's memories for years to come.

How About the Beach?

You can think about having your wedding at sunset on a beautiful, soft, sand beach. You can have your beach wedding somewhere that is near to you or you can opt to travel to another venue.You can be married on the beach in such breathtaking places as North or South Carolina with a traditional southern hospitality, you can say your vows on a beach on the California Coast with the Pacific Ocean crashing against the shore, or you can travel to a more exotic destination such as Hawaii or the Caribbean.

How About a Theme Wedding?

Ideas that will tie-in with yours and your fiancé's interests are numerous. If you both love to bungee jump, you can think of declaring your love for one another on top of the world and take the plunge when you are pronounced man and wife. If you like to dive, perhaps you can find an officiate that will be happy to join you together under the sea. Using your imagination and your creative flair will have you coming up with countless ideas.

It Doesn't Matter Where You Marry, It's Who You Marry

As long as you and your betrothed are in agreement, there is no reason you should limit your wedding to a church or a religious setting. The most important thing to remember is that your wedding day should please the happy couple. You need not worry about conventions and expectations when you are marrying the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.

The only thing that needs to concern you is ensuring that the person you choose to officiate at your wedding ceremony has the proper licenses needed in order to declare you are man and wife. After all, you want to be sure that you are legally married, so taking the time to see credentials should be a top priority before you say, "I do."

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African Wedding Ceremony Ideas - African Wedding Ideas

If your heritage as an African-American is important to both you and your fiancé, you may want to incorporate some of those customs into one of the most special days you will spend as a couple. There are many facets to an African wedding ceremony and deciding what aspects to include in your wedding day is something that you and your intended should talk about before you begin planning.

To get you started, you should do plenty of research once you have found out the traditions your family holds near and dear to their heart. Once you have some of that information, it can help you get started choosing the ideal components for making your day special.

Make a list of ideas that appeal to you such as rituals and ceremonies that are common in an African wedding ceremony. Choose at least three of these ideas to be the outline for your wedding and reception. If you don't feel comfortable building a wedding ceremony and reception yourself, you might think about hiring a wedding professional who can help you realize your inspirations and make them a reality.

You can create invitations that reflect the African flair of your wedding. You can also think about creating a newsletter detailing what your guests can expect when they attend and anything they can do to help with the participation. You may want to employ the services of a designer to create signature wedding garb for your special African wedding ceremony.

Many people are familiar with the concept of the "Circle of Love" from the blockbuster hit and long running Broadway play, "The Lion King." You can form a circle of love at your ceremony that will join you and your wedding party along with the guests into one entity, which will start your wedding day off with a sense of unity for everyone.

Use readings and prayers to honor those who have come before you such as your parents and your grandparents as well as any other elder who deserves recognition. This is traditional at most African wedding ceremonies and serves to show the respect that the young have for those older and wiser.

Be sure that you serve traditional African fare that will be sure to please all of your guests. You can also offer something a little less exotic for those who have a more timid palette. To really set the mood and get the party started you can hire drummers and dancers who will add cultural beats to get your guests moving on the dance floor.

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Wedding Ceremony Choices Abound

Nowadays, when a couple is ready to make a decision about which style of wedding ceremony they would like to have, they are faced with endless options. For many couples, they are moving away from formal religious ceremonies and are seeking out other ways to exchange their vows. However, the standard wedding ceremony program still remains very traditional.

In stepping away from tradition and opting for a non-religious ceremony, some couples are asking a friend or a family member to perform the ritual. However, an important part of the role for the person who officiates, is to provide guidance in preparing and crafting the wedding vows, as well as for the overall ceremony.

Should the bride and groom decide to simply take on the task of planning their wedding ceremony on their own, there are many considerations. In order to have a well-planned ceremony, there are certain elements that should not be overlooked, but which can be customized to reflect the couple's personality.

Some of these critical wedding ceremony components to consider are:

1) The processional for the entrance of the bride, the groom and other members of the party, if desired;

2) The music, poetry, literature or other marriage readings, including those from the Bible, as desired;

3) The witnesses who you wish to sign your marriage certificate;

4) The wedding vows, whether standard or custom written by the couple;

5) The exchanging of the rings;

6) The lighting of a unity candle of other type of unity ceremony;

7) Any type of blessing or benediction on the marriage;

8) Any community or familiar commitment to support and uphold the union;

9) The newlyweds' first kiss and the recessional during the exit of the bride and groom.

Another important aspect of planning the marriage ceremony is in choosing the special event location. This is not only proper for the solemnity of the occasion but it will also inspire the couple and reflect their personality. For those couples who wish to have their nuptial ceremony at the place where they, or their family worship, then their perfect location is already a given.

For others seeking a less traditional venue for the exchange of their vows, the choice can sometimes be quite a challenge as there are so many marriage locations and receptions sites to choose from. More and more often, many of the best reception sites also feature superb settings for hosting the marriage ceremony as well. This offers a very convenient option which simplifies the day for the bride and groom and guests alike.

While finalizing the plans for your wedding ceremony, be sure that you feel comfortable with the choices made since they will become lasting memories. Often, well-meaning friends or family members try to influence the couple, but the final decision should always align with the ultimate desires of the couple as it is a day of celebration in their honor.

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Wedding Ceremony Decoration

Wedding ceremonies are the most intimate, special part of the wedding. As it goes, wedding decorations are reflective of the couple and their personality. The wedding ceremony is where the attention will first go, and gives a preview of how the reception will look like.

Wedding ceremony decorations should be kept simple and within the theme of the entire wedding, so that the focus will all go to the event itself, and to the bride and groom. At most, churches or ceremony decorations should be muted and should enhance the location, and not be too loud or distracting.

Here are some tips for wedding ceremony decoration that you can use, for both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies.

1. There are many ways a ceremony can be made to look extra special for this special day, and one way is adding flowers. Place bouquets of flowers around the pillars of church, carefully tied with delicate and sheer ribbon. Flowers are also placed along the aisle in the church, by the entrance, and hung in various strategically chosen areas of the ceiling. By the altar, pillars can also be wrapped with lace and tulle, and touches of flowers but not too extravagant.

White is an excellent choice for wedding ceremony decoration flowers; it adds to the innocence of the whole event. You can add subtle color and make white the dominating theme with greens to enhance it, or using the two or three colors of your wedding theme. The colors used for venue decoration should never be too far from the colors of the bouquets used, so that there is harmony.

If you are getting married in Christmas, use Christmas wreaths to decorate the ceremony as well. Seasonal themes are a great way to decorate your wedding. Place wreaths on doors and a few on walls, so as not to overdo it.

2. Use soft lighting to give a romantic atmosphere. You can use Christmas lights to light the aisle, and use colorful metallic ribbons to cover the wire. Go ahead and use lights for a contrast, or use them in complementing colors with the rest of your theme.

Large candles are a great way to add lighting to the wedding ceremony. If the church is large, big candles are a good idea, to minimize small candles falling and accidents.

Torches should be kept at a minimum during wedding receptions, placing them in strategic places such as entrances and exits. Altar torches are a great idea to light up the ceremony.

Lights can also be hung on strings or thin ribbons to make outdoor venues more romantic. Tie Christmas lights to light up dancing areas, dining areas, and along the buffet table.

3. Colorful ribbons and lace in various colors can enhance the mood in the church. Use gold, ivory, or silver to drape around flowers, walls, and pillars. More contrasting colors such as deep purple, magenta, red, forest green and dark blue can be added in small amounts. This can be done using two strips of ribbon at the same time, with the gold one being the dominant, thick ribbon, while a thinner colored one is attached with it. Place them around chairs, behind pews, and to tie flowers onto the aisle.

4. Large ribbons in doorways make for a grand entrance and exit. From the outside and inside, ribbons can frame doorways or entrances.

5. Balloons are also a great idea to decorate wedding ceremonies. Balloon bouquets in soft colors such as white, pink, blue, yellow and mint green add touches of color to the venue. Balloons can also be tied to the backs of chairs or sides of pews. In indoor venues, you can also try letting some balloons float in the air.

Balloons can also be tied to a wire to form an arch over the wedding cake. Simply use wire to form a dome over the cake area, and tie small balloons around them. Corners of rooms and indoor venues can also use a bunch of balloons.

For outdoor weddings, balloons can be a minimal part of the entire design by tying balloons to pillars, gazebos, or tent poles.

When designing your wedding ceremony decorations, remember to keep it simple and use things that are reflective of you. This is your special day after all, and planning decorations does not have to be difficult if you keep these pointers in mind.

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Groomsmen Reception Gifts - Wedding Ceremony Ideas

If you are planning an original wedding such as a nautical wedding ceremony or something equally different and original then it is a must that for you to find a definitely unique favor that will be in harmony with your theme. The favor that you select must also be able to convey to your guests your appreciation and joy for attending your ceremony.

Also any wedding favor that can put a smile on your wedding guests is a perfect wedding favor. So for those brides and grooms who are planning for a nautical or a wedding by the sea than 'Come Sail Away' Handcrafted Wooden Bottle Opener is just right for you. Even if you are fond of the sea or you are living near the coast line and you wish your guests to feel the taste of the sea in your ceremony, then 'Come Sail Away' Handcrafted Wooden Bottle Opener is the perfect way to do it.

This also reminds me of some great groomsmen gifts and bridal favors to add to this. I think the personalized pub signs would go well with this type of theme. Also you could add a pocket watch to check the time while you are at sea and enjoying the wedding reception. If you need a little more you could add a wonderful silver flask that could be engraved to add style and class to the whole look. If you personalize the gifts they seem to mean so much more to the person who receives it.

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Unity Ceremony - Ideas and Tips

The Unity Candle Ceremony is a very symbolic and usually traditional part of the ceremony. When the lighting of the candles takes place it symbolizes the union of husband, wife and their families. This is a very essential part of most wedding ceremonies.

The unity candle set includes two taper candles and a large candle that are to be lighted. The candles are placed in a candelabra to make a nice display. The larger of the three candles which is called the unity candle is placed normally where the unity ceremony will take place. Then the bride and groom will take one of the taper candles each and then they will light the large unity candle together which symbolizes the unity of their new lives together.

Below I have outlined some tips and ideas that will help you customize your unity ceremony to your liking.

A great idea is to have your parents take part in the ceremony with you. Each one of the couples parents can light the unity candles with the couple to symbolize the new union of families.

The groom can also light one of the tapers before the ceremony, and after the bride is escorted in, her and her father can light the other taper to symbolize her fathers approval of the union.

If you have children it is a nice idea to have them help light the unity candle.

When lighting the unity candle you should let your photographer and videographer know where and when that way you can get the best pictures possible of the unity ceremony.

Before you begin your unity ceremony it is a very good and common sense idea to make sure your candles will light, if not then you'll have your first of many blunders.

A great idea is to have your best man and bridesmaid take part in the ceremony to symbolize the joining of new friendships and family.

Some new to be couples will have already had the taper candles lighted before the start of the unity ceremony to reflect the bride and groom as individuals.

Have one of your favorite love songs played while lighting the unity candles.

Exchange poems while your partner is lighting the unity candle.

Check with the pastor and make sure it is ok to have a unity ceremony.

But most importantly remember that it is your wedding day and just have a great time and be creative and fun while doing it.

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How To Plan Your Wedding Ceremony Music

Not all songs are created equal. The type of wedding ceremony music that you choose will be quite different from the wedding reception music. There is also the consideration on the type of wedding you will be having - whether it is a traditional religious ceremony or a less formal occasion, such as a garden wedding or beach wedding. In this article, we are going to be looking at music choices that would fit into a more formal and religious atmosphere.

What Type Of Music Is Needed For Each Segment

In a traditional ceremony arrangement, low-key instrumental music is usually played and begins about a half hour before the ceremony begins. This is called the Prelude. Most times, if you don't have any real choices in songs, the organist will play the typical wedding selections that other bride's and groom's have used. If you wish to pick your own Prelude songs, a few of the more popular choices are:

* Canon in D by Pachelbel
* Air From Water Music by Handel
* Ave Maria by Bach
* Greensleeves by David Chamberlain
* Waltz (from Sleeping Beauty) by Tchaikovsky
* We've Only Just Begun by The Carpenters
* Tonight I Celebrate My Love (For You) by Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
* Breathless by Kenny G

You will then need to choose what music you would prefer for your Processional (as you walk down the aisle). Some brides will elect to have traditional instrumental music such as Canon in D, Ave Maria, and of course the tune that everyone knows: The Wedding March (Here Comes The Bride). However, more and more of today's brides are chosing tunes from popular song artists. Here is a short list of Processional songs that tend to be favorites:

* Power Of Love by Celine Dion
* What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Kenny G
* Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross
* Grow Old With Me by Mary Chapin Carpenter
* Look At You Girl by Chris Ledoux
* From This Moment On by Shania Twain
* Because you Loved me by Celine Dion
* Only Time by Enya
* This I Swear by Nick Lachey
* Nadia's Theme by Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin, Jr.

During the ceremony itself, there will be breaks when you will need to provide solos, hymns or instrumental music, such as when you are signing the register. Some common pieces sung by soloists are:

* Wedding (There Is Love) by Stookey
* Ave Maria by Schubert
* Evergreen by Barbra Streisand
* One Hand, One Heart (West Side Story) by Bernstein and Sondheim
* Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof) by Harnick and Bock
* Ode to Joy by Bethoven

Finally the ceremony ends and the bride and groom turn to leave to the sounds of the Recessional. Here you will want a vibrant, joyous song or instrumental to play. You may choose from classical music or the more popular pop songs of today. A few examples are:

* Wedding March from a Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn
* Overture from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
* Bridal March by Hollins
* Ode to Joy by Beethoven
* Nothings Going To Stop Us Now by Jefferson Starship
* Beautiful Day by U2
* Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
* Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis

Tips For Planning Your Music Selections

Before you select any music, soloists or instrumentalists, you will need to get the answers to certain questions as follows:

1) Speak with your clergy member to find out if the religious venue you are considering provides an organist and/or choir. What other types of musicians are allowed and can he/she recommend anyone? Are other types of musicians allowed such as a harpist, flutist, guitarist, etc.? Can he/she recommend any soloists?

2) You will also need to determine if there are any restrictions on the types of songs and music played during the ceremony. In a very strict, religious church, you may be prohibited from playing any non-religious songs.

3) If the church or synagogue provides an organist or other instrumentalist, what is the fee that is charged for using them? What if you wish to use a friend or a particular organist rather than the one provided, are you allowed to substitute?

4) Determine what type of mood you want for your ceremony. Some couples want a more serious, solemn service, while other couples want a fun-filled, vibrant atmosphere. This will help you in your selection of wedding music, as well as deteriming the best soloist and musicians to hire.

5) If you have any friends or family members that are gifted musicians, you may want to consider asking them to provide the songs and music. It will provide an added personal touch to your ceremony. Be sure to thank them by presenting them with a small gift. In some cases, you may need to hire them just as you would any other professional musician, but it is usually much less expensive to do so.

6) Once you determine what music and songs you will be using, make sure all soloists and musicians have a copy of the music list along with when they are to be sung/played. If any of the songs or music are new to your performers, make sure you provide sheet music and give it to them early so they can prepare.

7) Purchase tapes and CD's of wedding music to listen to. This will help make your choices much easier.

As you can see, there are quite a few details to resolve when planning out your wedding ceremony music. The above song suggestions are the ones more traditionally chosen. However, there are alway new popular songs by song artists that can also be wonderful choices for a wedding ceremony. Keep your ears open for them. Hopefully, the above guidelines should give you a good start toward picking the perfect music that will personalize your own wedding.

Copyright 2006. Rose Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More, a website designed to help you plan your perfect theme wedding. Visit our site at: http://www.wedthemes.com for more tips about wedding music and bridal songs. Be sure to also check out our Wedthemes Wedding Gazette Blog at: http://wedthemes.blogspot.com.

Wedding Ceremony

The chapel were the ceremony was held was absolutely stunning. It needed little decorating as the wooden floors, the pews and the wooden rafters looked amazing as they were. Where you stand on the altar there is a huge window which looks out over the lake. The bonus of this church is that it was air conditioned and having the wedding on a hot summers day this was a great extra to keep everyone cool.

The wedding venue just put the usually pew flowers on the ends and the red carpet down the isle and it was perfect. The girls and I arrived at the chapel at about 2:25pm for a 2:30pm start. We were taken from the main reception down to the chapel by the horse and carriage.

The horse and carriage was something out of a Cinderella story. It looked like a royal carriage fit for a princess. I made sure the doors were closed to the chapel so no-one could see me arrive. I got a few disgruntle aunts about that but I was really worried that I would either fall out of the carriage or I would be crying when I arrived.

For the vows, we did a bit of research on the internet as I wasn't happy with what the minister normally does for the wedding. I found some vows that really touched me when I first read them and it just seemed like it was made for our wedding. The ceremony went for about 20 mins and while we were signing the register we had a singer who sang "From This Moment" By Shania Twain.

Once the ceremony was over, we all stood on the step and greeted our guests before the big group shot. At the wedding venue they have a tradition of getting everyone on the steps of the chapel and throwing rose petals in the air for a group photo.

After the ceremony we got the family and bridal party photos done. While this was happening we provided our guests with nibblys and drinks in the shade of the chapel near the lake. I had pink and black serviettes + I found this cocktail sticks with silver hearts on the end to have as well.

My husband and I took the horse and carriage back up to the reception and had some photos around the pool and on the staircase before meeting up with the bridal party before the reception entrance. By the time the photo's after the ceremony were over I was exhausted from smiling and was a bit over getting photos done as they take so many. The backdrop in all our photos are simply unforgettable.

Melissa has planned her own dream wedding and helped numerous family members and close friends plan their own weddings with great success.

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Wedding Ceremony Planning - How to Stay Cool While Planning Your Wedding

Planning a wedding ceremony is a huge and nerve wracking task even for the most calm and collected bride-to-be. In order to maintain sanity while you try to plan every detail of what may just be the most memorable day of your life, you need to focus not just on the details of your wedding, but also on the state of your well-being.

You don't want to get to your perfectly planned wedding day and find out that you are a stressed out mess. So while you are planning, keep in mind the following suggestions that just might help keep a bride calm and cool until the big day.

Tip #1 - Hit the Gym

Keeping up a regular exercise program prior to the ceremony will not only insure that you look stunning in your wedding dress, but will also give you amazing stress relief. A great cardio, pilates or yoga workout is a terrific way to clear your mind and get those creative juices flowing as you work out every detail of the wedding ceremony; from flower arrangements to seating arrangements.

Tip #2 - Relax With Your Favorite Music

A great way to relieve the stress of planning your big event is to listen to music. A terrific way to settle down when you are feeling pressure building up is to play some great music. You might even give yourself the energy to finish up the planning and paperwork regarding invitations if you listen to music that reminds you of those first few dates with your husband-to-be.

Tip #3 - Spoil Yourself at the Spa

Stress does nasty things to the skin. Pamper yourself at the spa with a relaxing facial, and get those hands and feet primped for the big day. A facial will not only make your skin look terrific, it is also an awesome way to relax.

Tip #4 - Make Time for Your Friends

When it feels like preparations are about to make you snap it is probably the perfect time to put a pause on the planning and spend a little time with your friends. Go for coffee, or a glass of wine, or even a chocolate sundae. Spending time catching up and laughing with good friends is an excellent way to relieve stress.

Tip #5 - Consider Canning the Wedding Ceremony and... Eloping!

If all of the planning still has you stressed out and miserable, perhaps a traditional wedding ceremony is not your style. Consider the possibility of canning all of the pomp and circumstance and settling for a much simpler wedding. All that is really required is a bride and groom, a couple of witnesses, and an officiator.

Although eloping takes away the formality, it also eliminates the stress. But regardless of how lavish you decide to make it, remember to spend time mentally preparing yourself for this commitment, and allowing yourself to fully enjoy your wedding day.

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Plan A Themed Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Many times, a bride and groom-to-be share interests important enough to them that they would like something other than a traditional wedding ceremony and reception. Perhaps they share a common interest in Civil War reenactment, Medieval or Renaissance recreation, or Science Fiction and fantasy. To these couples, it may be more meaningful to hold the wedding ceremony somewhere other than in the church with a traditional pastor. What follow are a few tips to help you plan your themed wedding reception and ceremony.

First of all, you need to check with your local community’s laws as to who may or may not perform a legal wedding ceremony. If there are any legalities involved, this could be taken care of simply by having a quick civil marriage ceremony before a duly authorized official or justice of the peace just prior to the actual themed ceremony. Or, if you can find a member of the clergy who was willing to perform the wedding ceremony in other than traditional garb, this is also a possibility. Whatever the case, be sure this point is decided well in advance of the nuptials. Of course, if the bride and groom are not looking to formalize their union for various reasons, they can still skip this step.

If you do have a special interest like those listed above, take into account whether you have sufficient friends or contacts who can help you in the preparations of nontraditional clothing like costumes for the members of your family who will be attending with you. That should be done well enough in advance of the wedding ceremony so that any of those not already familiar with this type of wear can be appropriately fitted and given time to get used to be unfamiliar dress. The day of the wedding ceremony and reception is NOT the first time to have them try and walk in a mode of dress they've never dealt with before. Also, be kind to your wedding party and guests. Take into account the time of year you plan your wedding. Don't force them to wear multilayered long dresses for the women and a long suit coat and trousers for the men in 90° or better heat if you're getting married outdoors in the summer.

Try to scout out a reception hall or other location that might be appropriate to the era you're trying to represent in your ceremony. In the case of a futuristic or non-historical wedding, this may not be a question so much as where to hold an appropriate wedding reception afterwards which allow for the kind of decoration you might want to do. Try and secure the reception hall, location and/or church as soon as you can to ensure that you have it for your special day.

The last consideration to a themed wedding is what kind of food you intend to serve at the reception afterwards. Depending on your budget and needs, will you be having friends and family prepare historical recipes for a medieval banquet or Civil War type ball? Or, can you find a caterer who would be willing to work with you in the preparation of this type of recipe should you wish to offer a sit-down dinner. Or, would it be more appropriate to offer a sideboard containing finger foods that your wedding guests can take advantage of throughout the following festivities?

Finally, is the site you have chosen "wet" (allowing you to bring in alcoholic beverages) or "dry". Be sure to follow these regulations closely or you could find that you are in serious trouble with the site should any unauthorized alcohol be found.

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Wedding Ceremony Unity Candles

Wedding unity candles are a traditional part of any wedding ceremony and celebration. Unity candles comes in many styles to suit any occasion. Below are just a few of the most popular Unity Candles.

The Modern Square Pillar Candles and Taper Candles, in whites and dulls go with any color tone and any party theme. These truly create a sensual and lovable ambience for the occasion.The Double Ring Unity and Taper Holders in sparkling brass and silver metals, give an elegant base and a rich artistic support for various designer candles to hold on until the last burn of the wick.

The melting wax that falls on the holders further enhances the effect and adds a tint of antiquity to the wedding party. Accessories including the interlocking rings at the base and the taper holders render a must-have appeal for ring bearers and bridesmaids.

The Sweethearts Forever Ceremony Candles bear artistically created hearts inspired by the hand colored photographs of ace photographers. The perfect background illustrations and lace details with ribbon and mauve resin flowers featuring the base, provide a resplendent ambience, besides a unique appearance on the wedding tabletops. A western panorama is created in your wedding ceremony with specially themed Western Fringe Ceremony Candles.

These unity pillar candles are nicely draped in special silk cord, silk rope miniature white Stetson and two horseshoes that symbolize good luck and fortune in future endeavors. The silver-plated unity candle holder with a heart motif is yet another unique way of expressing the relationship of love, passion, and idyllic communion amidst an atmosphere that is full of fun and frolic.

Completely styled for those rare occasions of your wedding ceremony including bridal shower and ring bearer occasion, are the set of frosted votive candles rightly imbued with the spirit of Love, Joy, Hope, Faith, and Trust. The Clear Glass Candle Holder is an ideal match for frosted votive candles that not only provide a stringent support base to this tender and subtly designed candle, but also inspire a romantic and passionate mood for the special day.

These are most sought after gift ideas for guiding the way of guests through the aisle, besides garden settings in a traditional wedding ceremony.The tarnish resistant Silver Plated Interlocking Heart Taper Candle holder has a tough and antique looks bearing two subtly designed heart shapes interlocked to symbolize unity, love and affection.

The exclusive candle gift ideas also include winter wonder ceremony candles, to become one unity candle, 50th anniversary unity candle, pearl unity candle, double heart ivory unity candle, enchanting moments white unity candle set and many more to give the your wedding ceremony that extra flavor and sparkle.For the traditional Church ceremony these wonderful and elegant

Unity Candles are just the perfect choice. When the meaning of two that become one "Unity Candles" these candles make great keepsake items of your special day.

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Arranging Perfect Wedding Ceremony Music - Top Tips And Advice

Wedding Ceremony Music

Your wedding day should be one of the most treasured memories of your life. Selecting the right wedding music for your ceremony will set the scene not only for your wedding but for the rest of your big day.

It goes without saying that music is central to any ceremony. If you want a religious wedding ceremony, choosing the wedding music is not really that difficult task since the church usually has standards concerning this. Plus the selection of hymns and religious music is a relatively easy task.

At an early stage, you've got to decide, at which points in the ceremony music is most appropriate. If you're of a particular religious persuasion, you'll probably have a ceremonial and service structure to assist your planning. Remember that most clergy will allow you a degree of flexibility in deciding the themes and actual selections of music for your wedding.

If you're organizing a civil or non-religious ceremony, it's probably best that you opt for some live music coupled with some recorded tracks. A string quartet is ideal for civil ceremonies as it can provide classical or contemporary background music during the pertinent parts of your wedding. You may want to include a favourite song or track into the proceedings and your venue organizer should normally be able to provide amplification and equipment to facilitate this.

It's worth considering the ages and religious persuasions of your guests. Do not assume that your guests are going to know all your favourite hymns. A sizeable proportion of them will hardly know how to sing, let along how to sing a hymn they haven't heard before. It's therefore worth having an organist and/ or choir present at your ceremony to guide your guests through the hymns and ensuring that they don't get lost in the words.

Remember, that apart from the obvious choice of an organist, which is normally provided via the church, you can also opt to hire live bands, musicians, or duos or trios to sing during the ceremony. We recommend the use of a string quartet during the ceremony as it can dramatically add color and character to the proceedings and moreover can alternate with a church organist to provide a really special event.

Want some ideas for ceremony instrumentals? What about the "Trumpet Voluntary" or "Trumpet Tune and Air", by Henry Purcell, or even the traditional "Here comes the Bride" by Wagner. We recommend that it's best to use the organist for the bride's entrance and leaving marches. That means that string quartets and other musicians can be used to enhance and liven up the intermediate stages of the ceremony.

Generally, Processional and Entrance songs should have a slow, graceful air about them. The song you choose for your ceremonial entrance should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to participate and celebrate your union. The traditional 'Here Comes the Bride', is the favored choice in most wedding ceremonies for a reason, it's upbeat and lively. The end of the ceremony Recessional is also a time for joy and celebration and very much sets the tone for the rest of the day. The top traditional choice for the recessional is 'Mendelssohn's Wedding March'.

When you're researching your wedding ceremony options, be sure to check out any venue guidelines with respect to ceremony music that could possibly impact on your music choices. If the ceremony is being held outdoors, check for electrical power outlets - as every band without exception will need to power their performance. If you're having a church wedding, you would have to stick to the church's guidelines, and remember that churches normally provide a reputable organist and choir for you.

Planning your ceremony music is an important aspect of your arrangements. Don't treat it as an afterthought. Wedding ceremony music gives the wedding a theme and sets the tone for the rest of your big day. It goes without saying that there would be no wedding without the ceremony and in our view; there would be no ceremony worth remembering without the music.

Anthony Coogan has been involved in providing classical and contemporary string quartet and ceilidh music in the UK and Europe for the last 20 years. String Quartets Live developed as a result of his classical music training coupled with his experience of playing at hundreds of weddings over the years.

http://www.stringquartetslive.co.uk

Wedding Ceremony Choices Abound

Nowadays, when a couple is ready to make a decision about which style of wedding ceremony they would like to have, they are faced with endless options. For many couples, they are moving away from formal religious ceremonies and are seeking out other ways to exchange their vows. However, the standard wedding ceremony program still remains very traditional.

In stepping away from tradition and opting for a non-religious ceremony, some couples are asking a friend or a family member to perform the ritual. However, an important part of the role for the person who officiates, is to provide guidance in preparing and crafting the wedding vows, as well as for the overall ceremony.

Should the bride and groom decide to simply take on the task of planning their wedding ceremony on their own, there are many considerations. In order to have a well-planned ceremony, there are certain elements that should not be overlooked, but which can be customized to reflect the couple's personality.

Some of these critical wedding ceremony components to consider are:

1) The processional for the entrance of the bride, the groom and other members of the party, if desired;

2) The music, poetry, literature or other marriage readings, including those from the Bible, as desired;

3) The witnesses who you wish to sign your marriage certificate;

4) The wedding vows, whether standard or custom written by the couple;

5) The exchanging of the rings;

6) The lighting of a unity candle of other type of unity ceremony;

7) Any type of blessing or benediction on the marriage;

8) Any community or familiar commitment to support and uphold the union;

9) The newlyweds' first kiss and the recessional during the exit of the bride and groom.

Another important aspect of planning the marriage ceremony is in choosing the special event location. This is not only proper for the solemnity of the occasion but it will also inspire the couple and reflect their personality. For those couples who wish to have their nuptial ceremony at the place where they, or their family worship, then their perfect location is already a given.

For others seeking a less traditional venue for the exchange of their vows, the choice can sometimes be quite a challenge as there are so many marriage locations and receptions sites to choose from. More and more often, many of the best reception sites also feature superb settings for hosting the marriage ceremony as well. This offers a very convenient option which simplifies the day for the bride and groom and guests alike.

While finalizing the plans for your wedding ceremony, be sure that you feel comfortable with the choices made since they will become lasting memories. Often, well-meaning friends or family members try to influence the couple, but the final decision should always align with the ultimate desires of the couple as it is a day of celebration in their honor.

Wedding Speeches is a memorable act that newly weds treasures for life and Mike Selvon's portal will expand your horizon on the wedding ceremony Visit us to receive your free gift and leave a comment at our wedding toasts blog.