Wedding Reception Ideas

Wedding Reception Ideas

Truly unique wedding reception ideas are often hard to come by. In an age where many bride and groom wish for their wedding to be special and truly creative, finding innovative ideas for edding receptions is much sought after.
Much of what you decide to do for your wedding reception party will have to do with your overall wedding plan - your theme. Sticking with a planned theme can often make planning your reception more difficult. For example, throwing a Western cowboy themed wedding makes it difficult to throw a reception at a cozy ski hill resort without breaking with your theme.
The best thing to do is to plan the majority of your wedding events around what you want - your wedding ceremony location and particulars. Since location is probably one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding, we suggest looking at unique locations first and ask yourself (and the owner) whether those places would fit your wedding reception idea.
Some ideas might be:
Romantic restaurants
Small cruise
Ranch or private home
Sports venue
Private or rented movie theatre
Ballroom
Amphitheatre or outdoor venue (good in sunny weather locales)
Ski Lodge
Cornfield clearing complete with tents and large awnings
There are many ideas for locations for wedding receptions (and weddings for that matter). Once you have selected the proper location, find out if the location supports the number of people for your reception - the entertainment, refreshments, food and people. Why not try customized refreshments, themed wedding favors, even reception games. By being creative with location and your wedding theme, you will find that the rest of the wedding reception planning will fall right into place.

Wedding Poems

Wedding Poems

Many couples like the idea of incorporating poems into their marriage ceremony, but may be unsure how to go about it. For some, the idea of writing their own love poem is a great romantic notion, but comes with just a bit of writer's block. For others, finding the ideal poem (already written) is greatly desired but feels like an overwhelming task. For these couples, the good news is that others have already done much of the hard work.
Multitudes of collections have been compiled for the sole purpose of weddings. The trouble is of course, finding time to go to the local library and read them all. This is where a bit of solid research comes in handy; some websites provide brief descriptions or group poems by category. Many also provide the complete poems with copyright information. Because a wedding is not a public service and couples are not charging guests for attending, a simple acknowledgement of the author and creation date in the program will suffice. There are also a number of books on the subject. These can be useful in that many combine poetry options along with vows or other related ceremonial options that can compliment the reading.
For those who are interested in composing their own poem, but do not feel up to the task, there is help here as well! For poets-in-the-making, choices range from enrolling in a poetry course (such as online or through a community education program), to using one of the many tools to create customized wedding vows and poems, to simply winging it. If there is time and inclination, a short course on poetry writing can be very informative, provide feedback from participants and the instructor, and help reduce nerves. However, this may be a bit much for some, which is why websites, books, wedding kits are available that walk the couple through the process of writing their own poems or vows. These can be useful in that the couple can work together in developing a theme or direction for the poems, which makes the writing process much easier.
Winging it is also an option, while considering a few thoughts. Not everyone can write elaborate poetry incorporating perfect rhyme and rhythm--which is why free verse was invented. Using free verse or other, shorter forms of poetry may be the perfect options for those who want to express their feelings in original words but cannot face the thought of composing a sonnet. Consider reading a book or two on poetry writing to get a feel for the variety of poetry styles.
Lastly, whether you prefer an existing poem or taking pen to paper, keeping the purpose of the poem in mind may help selection and writing. The poem is incorporated to add a unique expression of love to the wedding ceremony and represent the couple. No poem is perfect for every wedding, but there is one out there that is perfect for you.

Jewish Wedding Traditions

Jewish Wedding Traditions

Filled with meaningful rituals and steeped in tradition, a Jewish wedding is symbolic of the beauty of the relationship of the husband and wife. There are many significant components of a traditional ceremony that will express the bride and groom's obligations to each other and the Jewish people. It's important to understand the traditions and the significance of following certain guidelines during the ceremony.
The wedding day is considered a personal Yom Kippur for the couple and allows them to have all mistakes forgiven as they merge their lives into one. There is traditional dress involved in this holy day. As guests arrive for the ceremony, the bride (kallah) and groom (chatan) greet the guests separately, as they won't be able to see one another before the ceremony begins. This part of the Jewish wedding tradition is called the Kabbalat Panim. Next in the ceremony comes the Badeken. This involves the veiling of the bride and groom. The wedding ceremony will then take place under the Chuppah, or canopy. The Chuppah is symbolic of the home the couple will build with one another.
The Blessings of Betrothal, or Kiddushin, is the part of the ceremony in which two cups of wine are shared by the couple after being blessed by the rabbi. According to Jewish law, a marriage becomes official with the groom gives the ring to the bride. The ring is traditionally plain, with no stones or embellishments. The rest of the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony involves the Ketubah, or marriage contract, the Seven Blessings, breaking the glass, and the festive meal. Carefully following these traditions is important to a Jewish couple. These meaningful rites of passage allow the couple to enter into the sacred bond of marriage and begin their life together. This beautiful and sacred ritual is an important tradition to the whole family.

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Japanase traditional wedding dress
Japanese traditional white wedding kimono is called shiro-maku. The term ” shiro ” means whitened and maku means pure. The traditional japanese wedding dress look beatiful and notbale. They are a symbol of the pure character of ladies. The wedding kimono really includes two diferent kimono. The whitened wedding kimono is worn for the wedding ceremony along with a elaborate wealthy patterned silk broacade kimono known as uchikake is worn within the whitened kimono at the wedding reception
White customs in Japanese reflect the broad diversity of ethnic groups within Japanese. Each ethnic group has different wedding dress and various marriage events and customs and within ethnic groups, individuals of various religious skills have different practices too.

In Japan, wedding events mostly are held throughout the spring season. Japanese wedding ceremonies are not so much popular however the traditional Japanese wedding dress are extremely famous in the majority of the parts around the globe. If you’re also wanting to improve oneself using the charming looks with the elegant Japanese wedding dress and add-ons, then you definitely must look at this article. In the following paragraphs, I’ll mainly target the outstanding options that come with the elegant Japanese wedding dress and wedding accessories.

Unique Asian Wedding Traditions Revealed

Unique Asian Wedding Traditions Revealed

Traditions are parts of culture and there they stay to follow especially in Asia where traditions vary from each country. We live in a modern world but still ancient beliefs are put to test because it is symbolic in the plainest sense of the word. Weddings are events where everything to do for a happy life is measured by following what the sages say discovering the simple rituals to save the day, so to speak. The modern thinkers dismiss the idea but when they are prepared to tie the knot they think otherwise. No harm in trying as the saying goes.

If you try to examine the word wedding, wed is a Greek word that means pledge and that strong word defines how they go on living together as husband and wife. Wedding rituals connote to a pledge made by the couple and there they start a brand new life.

In Japan, the bride wears a purple gown signifying the color of love and if you examine the dress it is an elaborately-embroidered Kimono silk covered with purple iris-flowers. For Japanese, love is sacred. It is unending. It is forever.

In China, the bride wears a bright red gown symbolizing luck. It is elaborately adorned with golden phoenixes, chrysanthemums and peonies believing to bring wealth and good fortune. The groom, on the hand wears a traditional black silk coat over a robe embroidered with dragon. But before the grand day, a whole roast pig is offered as an engagement gift. And fireworks are famous from Chinese weddings to scare off evil spirits for better lives.

In Indonesia, reception festivities only begin when the couple greeted the whole guests in line. They receive their guests until the very last one. This is still followed by some Asians but today it is not necessary so. The bride and groom are brought to a room waiting for everybody to arrive ready for the grand entrance.

In Korea, before tying the knot, they are brought to a Kung-Hap, a fortune teller to look into the couple's future. This is a must for Koreans but those exposed to modern world think otherwise.

Filipino tradition of throwing a spear in the front steps of the intended bride is no longer used, instead a golden ring is offered for their engagement. In some remote places of the Philippines the groom to be has to do household errands before the parents approve of him. It might take sometime but at the end approval is given.

In India, the parents of the bride wash the couple's feet with milk and water to purify their souls. This is symbolic and up to now Indians practice the ritual. During the ceremony both holds grains of rice and oats and green leaves symbolizing wealth, good health and happiness.

These are documented rituals common to most Asians but being in the modern world directs thinking to a practical point of view but still, traditions stay.

Customary Traditions for Brides-To-Be in Asia

Customary Traditions for Brides-To-Be in Asia

The history of medieval fashion dates back from 1066 and was highly influenced by the Royalty era. This is the time where Kings and Queens usually ruled the land. The upper class individuals were deemed as the only ones who could dress fashionably. Then there was this Sumptuary Law passed by King Edward III stating that only royalty were allowed to wear gold cloth and purple silk. Women from the lower class were banned from wearing expensive veils. Velvet, satin sable or ermine were only allowed to be worn by wives and children of the nobles.
The medieval trends changed with the reign of each king and queen. A lot of crusades had happened during this time and it greatly affected fashion. Silks, satins, damasks, velvets and brocades were already imported from the Far East at this time. Fashion in France, Spain and Italy had strongly influenced the fashion trends of Medieval England.
Medieval dresses also played a big role in society. There are many different types of dresses in this era. There is the princess dress, lady in waiting dress and much more. Another popular but most often overlook medieval clothing is the Lady Hunter Dress. The Lady Hunter Dress is usually worn when a lady goes hunting with the men in the woods. It is often worn with chemises and accessories such as a crown, jewels, purse, and sometimes with a sword. Thigh-high boots are recommended to be paired with this dress.
Perhaps people are wondering why this dress is called "Lady Hunter Dress". The wearer perfectly knows that this dress matches the hounds and the horse she has and completes her look. It makes the character projected more expressive and complete. The wearer would feel she is well equipped when going to the woodlands with this outfit.
The lady hunter dress is made of natural cotton. It has lacings on the sides and the sleeves are fitted well. It allows having light size adjustments easily. There are fine trimmings on the neck, sleeves, bottom and the belt which completes the perfect look. You could have a trimmed fabric belt used as an additional accessory. Sometimes this dress is worn with a bodice vest or pereline. The bodice is made of natural red flax material with beautiful lace silk trimmings on the side.
The lady hunter dress will suit both the young lady from any medieval European country or the heroine from the fantasy stories that we often read about. The only difference that can be seen is the headpiece. The lady from the medieval period can wear a headdress while the heroine can wear a striking crown or headpiece.
Regardless of the purpose of the lady hunter dress, women who donned this kind of medieval clothing still managed to wear it gracefully amidst the very rough terrain and conditions that they had to contend with. Similar to modern day outdoor wear for both men and women, the Lady Hunter Dress focuses on form and function which probably at that period was the reason why most females, especially from the middle and lower class, preferred to wear them compared to their usual line of clothing or apparel.

Asia is a land rich in literally thousands of cultures, all of which have their own traditions-especially when it comes to weddings. Each country, from Indonesia to Japan, Thailand to Korea all have customs and traditions each unique ad their own. Asia's land mass is surrounded by oceans and mountains, making it breathtakingly beautiful, no matter where you are. Asian marriage traditions are also as unique as the landscape. They don't simply connect the bride to the groom, but family to family. Wedding traditions in Asia are as varied as the many cultures and countries that make up the continent.
Let's look at 5 customary traditions for brides-to-be in Asia.
1. In Japan, many brides wear kimonos embroidered with purple flowers because purple represents love. Most ceremonies are in the Shinto religion where the natural spirits are asked to bless the couple's union. In traditional Buddhist ceremonies, a beaded string is braided together which symbolizes the two families becoming one.
2. In countries like India that have a Hindu culture, it's bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding and couples go to great lengths to avoid each other for days leading up to the ceremony. During the marriage service itself, it's tradition for the bride's parents to wash the feet of the bride and groom in milk and water. This is a symbolic act of purification to prepare the newlyweds for their life together. The couple will also hold items in their hands while the ceremony goes on - grains of rice, oats, and leaves, which stand for wealth, health, and happiness.
3. Gowns worn by Chinese brides are not white. Chinese believe that white symbolizes death. So, brides in this Asian country wear vivid red which is thought to bring luck to the newlywed. In addition to the bride wearing red, she will also typically have designs in her gown depicting phoenixes and flowers to symbolize wealth and fortune. The Chinese groom will don a black silk coat over an embroidered robe with a dragon on it. Firecrackers are set off during the wedding to ward off any evil spirits. Afterwards, expect a feast of roasted pig, a gift from the groom's family.
4. Back in the days in the Philippines, an intended groom would throw a large spear onto the front of the bride's house to show that she belonged to him. Today, the Filipinos stick to the more western tradition of a gold engagement ring. Although most Filipinos are of the Catholic religion now, some still follow traditions of old where the wedding lasts three day, with the couple declaring their love for each other each day and then finally being bound together with a chord to symbolize the final rite of marriage.
5. In Korea, they go all out on the wedding festivities. Oftentimes, a palm reader or fortune teller will be hired to gaze into the couple's future before they actually take their vows in order to see if they will live happily ever after. Because Korean weddings are so expensive and extravagant, they really want to make sure it's forever before signing the check for the party.