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23September2022NOCOMMENTS

Dracula Inspired Mountain Wedding – How to Organize the Wedding of Your Dreams

Although Romania has many other things to offer tourists, it is first seen as the land of Dracula, especially since the story of Vlad Ţepeş the Impaler and the vampire invented by Bram Stoker superimposed. So, might as well take advantage of it, says a Romanian monthly. The vampire Dracula and Prince Vlad Ţepeş left people a legacy that they still don’t know how to grow: Dracula! The best label in the field of tourism that Romania can benefit from at the moment. What do foreigners associate Romania with? First to Dracula, and only then to Nicolae Ceauşescu, Nadia Comăneci (gymnast), Gheorghe Hagi (footballer) or Ilie Năstase (tennis player). Foreigners want Dracula, want to know more about Dracula, see the places where Dracula lived, eat garlic while visiting Bran Castle, buy Dracula souvenirs, party in Dracula atmosphere bars. “Dracula” themed tourism began in Romania unofficially during the 1950s-1960s. Of course, Bram Stoker’s novel had not yet been translated into Romanian, so the guides of the national Carpathian tourist office, which had been completely reorganized in the early 1970s, only came into contact with the story imagined by the Irish writer only through what could be said by Western tourists (mainly Americans and British) who asked questions about the “castle of the Bârgău pass” (Pasul Bârgăului) described in the book.

Table of contents

1. Mountain Weddings and the Myth of Dracula

Even though Dracula was still unknown to most Romanians, authorities at the time did not hesitate to use the myth for publicity. In 1983, a hotel in the form of a castle (with towers, an interior courtyard accessible by a single entrance) was built between Bistriţa (city in Transylvania) and Vatra Dornei (city in Bukovina, in northern Romania). Since the two towns are connected by the Bârgău pass, the hotel was supposedly built on the approximate location of the castle described in the novel. Until 1990 it was called Tihuţa (another name for the Bârgău pass), although another hotel invented by Stoker, The Golden Crown, had been built in the town of Bistriţa (in the northwest of the Romania) precisely to serve as a point of reference for foreign tourists. In 2006, the hotel renamed Dracula unveiled a bust of Irish writer Bram Stoker.

Even if in Romania the myth of Dracula is better known through cinema than through literature, the opportunity for cultural tourism is immense. With or without a theme amusement park, places related to Vlad the Impaler and Count Dracula are numerous and interesting. In a world dominated by advertising, Dracula would have helped a crisis-prone economy immensely. There are already tours offered by various agencies, the best blending history with literary and cinematic myth. Thus, following in the footsteps of the favorite literary character, tourists can visit Curtea de Argeş (first capital of Wallachia, which also houses a famous monastery), Suceava )capital of Moldavia from the 14th to the 16th century), Snagov (monastery near Bucharest where Vlad’s body is supposed to be buried) or Târgovişte (capital of Wallachia from the 14th to the 18th century, where the Ceausescu spouses were shot during the Romanian revolution of 1989), in addition to Sighişoara (historic city, birthplace of Ţepeş), Braşov (big city of Transylvania, near Bran Castle, known as “Dracula’s Castle”), all these places being linked to the medieval voivode and the modern vampire. The myth has become so popular that foreigners come to Romania and choose to have a Dracula inspired wedding in the mountains, a celebration that overshadows everything with royalty and fresh air. The theme of the cultural wedding gives spouses the chance to relive the past for a single night, while being the main characters of a fantasy and royal story.

2. How to Organize a Mountain Wedding

Do you dream of a setting full of charm and authenticity? So why not get married in the mountains? Summer or winter, you benefit from a unique and authentic landscape, the perfect setting for your ceremony. Expanse of fir trees or snowy peaks, you commune with nature in a magical environment. Here are some ideas to help you organize your wedding in the mountains in summer and winter.

Getting married in the mountains is choosing a place that will delight you. Summer and winter, you have access to a whole host of places at altitude, each as charming as the next: chalet, hotel, reception hall. Be careful, however, not to choose a date during the winter school holidays. You could see accommodation prices skyrocket and put your guests in endless traffic jams. One of the most popular locations for a mountain wedding is the Bran Castle from Romania. A Bran wedding will overshadow not only with the magnificent landscape, but also with the history and myths related to Count Dracula, one of Romania’s most significant characters.

Think about your different reception venues, their accessibility and the possibility of parking for you, your guests and your service providers (don’t forget that if you only have one or two suitcases to carry, your florist will have a flower truck to manage). It is in your best interest to recommend carpooling to your guests. As for the end of the evening, providing buses, mini buses or shuttles is the ideal solution to avoid trips to the resort for your guests who would not sleep there.

Also, think about the weather. No matter the time of year, it can be capricious. Plan for the worst in logistics and everything will turn out for the best. And then finally, doesn’t a little snow during a winter mountain ceremony make the moment magical?

The particularity of a wedding in the mountains is that your guests will certainly come from afar. It is therefore necessary to anticipate the possible accommodations for, at least, the weekend of the union. They can arrive earlier or leave later in order to take advantage of the exceptional setting you have chosen. The best thing is to select the list of hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts or short-term rentals in advance in order to do the work for them. Make life easier for your guests, they will thank you. In addition, it will be necessary to think about the management and accommodation of the children during the various moments of the wedding (ceremony, cocktail party, evening).

Often, the reception venue offers/imposes certain service providers such as the caterer and the DJ. It’s a good way to simplify the organization of your wedding in the mountains. Most of the time you are not there. This makes preparation easier for you. For other professionals, select them as close as possible to your site: hairdresser, make-up artist, florist… And then if you want to completely delegate the preparation, including logistics, of your wedding, call on a wedding planner! They will present you with all their wedding services.

A wedding in the mountains opens all the doors of the local terroir. Choose a stone grill or a giant barbecue in summer with good blueberry tarts for dessert. As for a wedding in the mountains in winter, opt for a mulled wine cocktail, a tartiflette, Savoyard fondue or giant raclette for the dish and a chocolate and chestnut dessert. And if you prefer more refined dishes, you will find local fish such as perch or arctic char that will delight the taste buds of your guests.

Taking the time to offer your guests an activity they will never forget will make your wedding unique, original and memorable. For a Dracula’s wedding theme, try to wrap the entire wedding evening around a royal story, where every guest has a special role and everything is surrounded by mysticism and elegance.

3. Important Elements of a Royal Wedding in the Mountains

Between dreamy settings, breathtaking costumes and the 19th century, the universe of Dracula is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for your wedding theme. You could not have missed the novel of Bram Stoker or the myth of Vlad Tepes. Beyond the plots and the narrative interest of the story, what particularly is of interest here is the quality of the artistic direction and the details of the photogenics. These elements are a gold mine to draw inspiration to organize your wedding!

Let’s start with one of the key elements of the ceremony: your costumes…well, your outfits! For gentlemen, the groom or his guests, here are some examples of wedding accessories for men to remember to compose the Victorian costume: tailcoat, velvet, tailored trousers, silk waistcoat encrusted with semi-precious stones, cufflinks, silk scarf, Persian motifs, ascot…

Who has never dreamed of carrying out a photo shoot whose imagination allows you to escape for a few hours? In keeping with your wedding theme, this is the perfect opportunity to think about organizing an engagement session, an official photo shoot before the wedding or after it, on Dracula’s wedding theme. Studio sets, props, lighting, beautiful gardens… present the universe of the myth to your photographer, so that he can design the perfect photo shoot.

As for the decoration part of the wedding, use plenty of fresh flowers, candles and period candlesticks of different sizes. Orient the selection of decorative objects according to a predefined color palette that can inspire you: pastel and cold, warm and sensual. Prefer round tables with white tablecloths and lace napkins. For the service, choose dishes with flowers, golden borders, and crystal to bring this chic and royal side very characteristic. For the reception, offer light hors d’oeuvres, verrines with combinations of fresh products, preferably small so that your guests can help themselves and refill easily. A champagne fountain is also worth remembering. For the wedding cake, it is advisable to bring a touch of lightness, originality and a touch of modernity, by choosing a fruity nude cake with layers and garnished with beautiful flowers! Finally, to stand out, offer a tea corner with English-inspired service.

All in all, just listen to your heart and your desires: if you love the Dracula universe and dream of it for your wedding, don’t hesitate to follow these pieces of advice. All that’s missing is your guests, and all the elements will be in place to make your Dracula wedding a real success!

23September2022NOCOMMENTS

Weddo Agency

Planning

Wedding in Santorini – How to Organize a Formal or Symbolic Ceremony

Santorini is one of the most extraordinary places not only in Greece, but throughout the world. Looking at the photos taken on this island, it is difficult to believe that it exists in reality. Everything is heavenly in this place: magnificent weather, gentle sea, excellent hotels and an atmosphere full of sincere friendliness that attracts young people to perform a wedding ceremony.

In ancient times, Santorini was one of the centers of the Cretan-Minoan civilization, the end of which was put by a volcanic eruption in 1500 BC. A cloud of ash covers the entire island, but under it are perfectly preserved palaces and houses, which are still opened during archeological excavations.

There is a legend that the dead Atlantis was on this island in the Aegean Sea. The name Santorini comes from the name of the holy martyr Irene of Macedon – “Santra Irini”. On the island, a large number of churches are dedicated to it, and there are about 330 of them, in total. Each snow-white church is crowned with a blue semicircular dome. There is an absolutely fantastic beauty of the panorama: snow-white buildings against the background of a bright blue sky, ledges descending to the azure transparent waters, and between them domes of gentle cornflower color, as a symbol of the unity of earthly and heavenly life. This place was created by Providence itself in order to unite the hearts of lovers and overshadow them with heavenly blessing. You can organize a wedding in Greece on your own. However, it is advisable to consult a professional so that you do not have to endlessly solve small annoying problems yourself.

Table of contents

1. Wedding in Santorini – What Documents are Needed for a Wedding in Greece

In this earthly paradise, all conditions have been created to hold an unforgettable wedding ceremony and a magnificent civil or symbolic wedding ceremony. In order for the sacrament of the wedding to be successful and not cause any difficulties, you need to prepare the following documents:

birth certificates of future spouses (notarized copies);
passport (photocopies of the first page and a valid visa);
copies of all pages with marks on the national passport;
a marriage certificate or a notice from the registry office that there are no obstacles to its conclusion in the event that there has not been yet an official registration;
certificate of ecclesiastical celibacy (issued in the Diocese at the place of residence, certified by the Metropolitan);
baptismal certificate. If one of the spouses does not adhere to the Christian faith, his notarized consent to the rite of baptism of future children is necessary;
a wedding permit issued at the country’s consulate.

All documents, with the exception of the passport, require translation into Greek and certification with an apostille, a sign that is put on official documents that are not commercial. It certifies the signature of the person who signed the document, as well as the authenticity of the seals and stamps.

For the civil marriage registration ceremony, the same documents are needed, with the exception of a baptismal certificate and a certificate of church celibacy, and instead of a wedding permit at the country’s consulate, you need to obtain a registration permit.

The preparation process should be treated very carefully. In the absence of any document, the ceremony itself and the issuance of a wedding or civil registration certificate will not be possible. It is best to prepare a package of necessary documents in advance and, 40 days before the expected date, send it to the receiving party for detailed verification. All certificates must be received no earlier than 3 months before the scheduled date, otherwise they will be considered invalid. On the island you need to be 2 days before the wedding or registration to sign the necessary papers. It is worth spending a little time then to enjoy the exciting, unforgettable ritual that takes place on the open terrace with a magnificent view of the sea and is accompanied by a delightful sunset, if the ceremony takes place in the evening.

2. Wedding in Santorini – Where is the Ceremony Going to be Held

Most of the couples choose the Metropolis Cathedral, the bell tower of which rises above the entire city of Fira, the capital of the island. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with excellent frescoes, and a quiet courtyard creates a special and romantic atmosphere.

Another favorite place for a Santorini wedding is the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. However, any church in Santorini is worthy of becoming for you a special place for this joyful and significant rite. If your plans do not include such serious preparation for the organization of the ceremony, the best way out is to hold a symbolic wedding in Greece. In this case, the marriage is registered at the place of residence, and the holiday takes place in Santorini. The very course of the wedding celebration will not differ from the real one, except that the certificates issued to you will not have legal force.

Another beautiful tradition for which married couples come to this romantic island is the ceremony of exchanging vows of love. The wedding celebration itself is followed by anniversaries, the number of which depends on the strength of your feelings. The atmosphere of Santorini or any other Greek islands wedding, like a wedding in Thassos, is amazingly conductive to your hearts once again opening towards each other, and the sincere words spoken here, where the sea and the sky merge into one, have gained strength and were heard.

3. How to Organize a Santorini Wedding Step by Step

Step 1. Set a spending limit and a headcount. The most crucial step, however cliché it may seem, is to establish your budget. This can help you decide how many guests to invite, the place to pick (costs vary), the number of hours to reserve a photographer etc. Another consideration is the number of attendees; some locations can only hold 7–10 people, so if you want a more extravagant wedding, you should select a larger location. Similar rules apply if you reserve an eatery. The number of attendees also affects how much the wedding ceremony will cost.

Step 2. Find a wedding planning company. It is doubtful whether it’s possible to organize a wedding remotely, in another country, without resorting to the help of an agency. If in your country you can do everything yourself (find a restaurant and, if you wish, order a toastmaster), then it’s not possible the other way around. Plus, your organizer can ask 100 or 500 questions: where, how and why. There are two options here:

visit a travel agency or a wedding planner that coordinates international weddings. The ability to personally discuss is the key benefit;
If a grandiose wedding is planned, you can go to Greece to discuss everything in person. The drawback is that all issues will have to be handled over the phone or email. To locate a wedding planner in Santorini, search online.

Don’t be afraid of the language barrier. All agencies speak English perfectly.

Step 3. Pick a location and a time. Santorini has a lot of wonderful locations for a Greece wedding. Picking just one is incredibly challenging. Most of the sites are on villa grounds and differ in dimension based on the views that can be observed from each position. Rent varies depending on the region. Usually, tinier areas are less expensive. Also, feel free to reserve a room at the property that will host the wedding. Due to the ease of the transfer, this is mainly helpful if there are many guests. Choosing whether the ceremony should take place during the day or at sunset is a crucial decision. As soon as the site reservation and check-in time are complete, this time must be made public on the internet and at the registrar, so the sooner the better.

Step 4. Continue the banquet. If after the ceremony you plan to go on a boat trip on a yacht or for dinner in a restaurant, this should also be taken care of at one of the first stages. You should not worry – the organizers will also help you here. They will offer a lot of options and price ranges.

Step 5. Photographer. Obviously, a wedding wouldn’t be complete without a photographer! Since photographers from all over the world visit Santorini in the summer, the selection of photographers is higher. October is a popular departure month. There are numerous photographers in general; look for, select, and concentrate on reviews.

Step 6. Choosing a hotel. The first question is where to stay (for the bride and groom and, if available, for guests). The choice of places to stay in Santorini is huge. First of all, you need to understand whether you want to live on a caldera overlooking the blue-blue sea and an extinct volcano, or you just need a hotel room.

4. Wedding in Santorini – Organization of the Video and Photoshoot

Nature appears to ensure that this Greek island makes the ideal scenery for wedding celebration photos. Snow-white buildings against the background of the blue sea and blue sky create the impression that you, in the full sense of the word, got married in heaven. The organization of the filming process can be entrusted to the agency through which you will arrange the wedding.

What could be more pleasant than having a wedding in Santorini, because the agency is almost entirely in charge of organizing it: bouquets, church reservations, payment of taxes and fees, a stylist for the bride, wedding car rental, sweets, fruits and alcohol, rose petal baskets, musical accompaniment, photographer services and videographer. If you want to make some adjustments to any of the points, then you should inform the agents about this in advance, and preferably immediately during the first visit.

Every year, traveling abroad is becoming more accessible, and therefore you have a great chance to fly to Santorini as a tourist and get acquainted with the life of the island. This will help you better prepare for the future solemn event, as you will be able to accurately choose the place you like for the ceremony, hotel, temple and other related conditions. In addition, if you plan to spend your “honeymoon” right there on the island, then this will also be an advantage: you will already know exactly which hotel to stay in.

Photo sources: unsplash.com

4August2022NOCOMMENTS

Everything You Need to Know About an Interfaith Wedding

Weddo Agency

Wedding Ceremony

Everything You Need to Know About an Interfaith Wedding

The number of interreligious partnerships has steadily increased in recent years. Since not only the elements and processes of marriage and marriage rituals differ, but also the understanding of marriage in the various religions, brief introductions to some aspects of partnerships between Christian and non-Christian people follow at this point. The descriptions relate to the specific context and characteristics of religious traditions in more countries.

Table of contents

1. Interfaith Wedding – Practices and Situations in Other Countries

In practice, interfaith wedding celebrations are rather rare and they are usually not welcomed from the perspective of the respective religions. The majority of couples therefore opt for a wedding according to one of the two religious traditions, such as marriages between Christians and Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists. In an interreligious partnership with a Jewish person, marriage in the synagogue is out of the question. In both the Reformed and Roman Catholic Churches it is possible to incorporate non-Christian elements to varying degrees with pastoral sensitivity. Contrary to many other countries, in Switzerland, for example, a religious ceremony is only an individual addition, but by law it is not binding. Couples who want to get married in Switzerland must therefore have been married in a civil ceremony before the religious ceremony.

2. Interfaith Wedding – Rules to Follow

From a Christian point of view, there is basically nothing against a marriage of a couple of different religions. In order to be married in a Roman Catholic Church, one of the spouses must be a baptized Catholic and a member of the Roman Catholic Church. The other can belong to another denomination or no religion, in which case a dispensation by the diocese leadership is required. Further requirements are that neither of the two has ever entered into a sacramental marriage. In order to be able to get married in a Protestant-Reformed church, one of the two spouses must belong to a Reformed or another Protestant church. It is also possible for a non-Reformed couple to marry if they intend to lead the marriage in a Christian sense.
Church weddings differ in their elements depending on the denomination, but also in their theological understanding. The main difference between the Roman Catholic and the Evangelical-Reformed Church is that in the Evangelical faith the marriage ceremony is a marriage blessing, in the Catholic faith it is a sacrament. A sacramental marriage is fundamentally indissoluble. Under certain circumstances, a “natural marriage” between two non-Christians can be recognized by the Catholic Church as valid, i.e. sacramental. Before a church wedding, there is always a detailed pastoral conversation with the two – the bride and groom. In the Catholic Church, witnesses play a role in the wedding service, where they witness the wedding by their presence and sign the wedding document at the end. In a Protestant-Reformed wedding ceremony, witnesses and other people can also take on roles in the celebration in a participatory sense.

The marriage covenant is usually publicly proclaimed with a liturgical celebration in the church. In the Evangelical-Reformed Church this takes place as part of a Protestant service, in the Catholic Church as part of a Mass or a celebration of the Word of God. Important elements are the opening with the couple entering the church, prayers, readings, intercession and blessing. The actual wedding ceremony forms the central part, in which the bride and groom give each other the wedding vows or say the wedding saying or the “yes” word and exchange the rings. In the Evangelical Reformed Church the couple is blessed, in the Roman Catholic Church the rings are also blessed. In the case of a Roman Catholic mass, the ceremony ends with the celebration of the Eucharist, in the case of a Liturgy of the Word as well as a Protestant-Reformed service, the celebration ends with the “Lord’s Prayer”/”Our Father” prayer and a final blessing.

This is often followed by a social festival, where everyone eats and celebrates together. Depending on the size of the wedding party, it is also possible that only some of the guests are invited. According to the teachings of the Catholic Church, for the final realization of a sacramental marriage, physical consummation, i.e. sexual intercourse, is required in addition to the “yes” word. Only then is it considered indissoluble.

3. Interfaith Wedding – Muslim and Christian Wedding

A Muslim can marry a Christian. He has to be a role model and help his wife to live her faith, for example he has to drive her to church. Mutual children become Muslim. From the Islamic side, a woman’s conversion is highly recommended. When a Muslim marries a Christian, the marriage ceremony can be performed as described above. In addition, the hodja explains the difficulties of an interfaith marriage and the special duties of the man and the rights of the woman to practice religion. From an Islamic point of view, a Christian cannot marry a Muslim woman without first converting to Islam himself. Although this is very simple, it must be carefully considered, since there is only one entry but no exit from Islam. Basically, a marriage is for life. Divorce is possible according to Islamic law, but it is only considered the very last option if living together is really not possible.

Before the Islamic ceremony, the bridal couple must have been legally married. The hodja (or imam – prayer leader) submits the marriage form together with all the details of the bride, the groom and the two witnesses, i.e. two men or one man and two women. In Albanian weddings, both fathers are also present, in Turkish weddings the immediate bridal gift, called “small Mehir”, is also noted (e.g. money, gold jewelry, real estate). The ceremony usually takes place in a private apartment or in a “mescid” (mosque, prayer room). The hodja explains the rights and obligations of starting a family and asks the bride and groom whether they want to marry each other and whether there is no compulsion. If the witnesses can confirm the statements, they sign the marriage form after the bridal couple, and in the case of Albanian weddings both fathers as well. The hodja also gives his signature after asking the woman for her consent to the mehir – this dowry is given to the woman in the event of a divorce or the death of her husband. At the end of the ceremony, the hodja recites a dua: a prayer of blessing for the bridal couple, for their health and their future children. Afterwards there is a meal together or an aperitif. Usually only the closest family members are involved. A large social celebration in a rented hall often takes place later, and several hundred to sometimes over 1,000 guests are invited.

4. Interfaith Wedding – Jewish and Christian Wedding

The marriage of a Jew with a non-Jew has no binding force under Jewish religious law and is religiously invalid, even if it has been blessed by a hundred rabbis. In practice, however, the feelings are not always based on religious laws, which is why there are many Jewish-Christian mixed marriages. According to conservative estimates, this should be about a third of all marriages. A wedding celebration in a synagogue is excluded. The only way to legally marry a Jew would be to convert to Judaism. However, this is not easy and if the conversion is only to take place for marriage reasons, there will hardly be a rabbi who will support him. If the mother is Jewish, the children are considered Jewish under Jewish law, even if the marriage is not considered valid. Conversely, a Jewish father cannot pass on his Judaism to his children if the mother is not Jewish – even if he is a practicing Jew and the whole family observes the religious laws. If the mother converts to Judaism, then the children are also recognized as Jewish.

The marriage of a Jewish man to a Jewish woman is considered the most important moment in Jewish life – life without a partner is not a complete life. The Torah only sees the moment of maturity is reached with marriage. Marriage is preceded by engagement as an obligation to marry in due course. The “conditions”, such as the date and the financing of the wedding, the maintenance of the young couple and their consent are recorded in writing and after both have signed, a plate is broken. On the wedding day, the bridal couple fasts and the bride attends the ritual bath (mikveh). A rabbi leads the wedding ceremony in the synagogue. The celebration takes place under the “chuppah” (wedding canopy) and its elements are:

a blessing over a glass of wine that the bride and groom drink from;
the groom puts the ring on the bride’s finger;
the rabbi reads the ketubá, and the groom hands it over to the bride;
the rabbi says the seven blessings of marriage;
the bride and groom take another sip of wine and the groom crushes the glass with his foot.

At the end, the couple retires to a room and eats the first light meal after the fasting day. Only after the two have been alone for a while is the ceremony over. The course of the celebration may vary.

5. Interfaith Wedding – Hindu and Christian Wedding

About 85% of Tamils are Hindus, 10% Christians and 5% Muslims. The minority of the Tamil population in Sri Lanka has come together closely and there are basically no fears of contact between Hindus and Christians. Tamil Hindus can easily marry Christians and this is happening more often in Sri Lanka. If both are Tamil, there are no major cultural differences to consider, and since Christians are caste-free, caste does not need to be considered. Traditionally, marriage is mediated by the parents. Some points have to be right, for example the caste and the horoscope. Especially in the diaspora, caste differences are no longer so important and there are more and more marriages of different castes. The horoscope is also not so important in love marriages, because affection can override the astrological component.

Although a prerequisite for a religious marriage, it is not considered marriage for Hindus. Socially speaking, couples who only have the official blessing live in unmarried marriages. Marriages between Hindus and Christians are practically exclusively love marriages, because interreligious partnerships are hardly mediated.

The exact timing of the Hindu marriage ceremony is determined according to the horoscope. Certain days or months are unfavorable for getting married and so the possible dates are limited, especially if the wedding is to take place on the weekend. The ceremony usually takes place in a rented hall of a restaurant or a parish hall. The Hindu temple is usually too small for this and also requires ritual purity. The following are considered ritually unclean: anyone who has eaten meat or drunk alcohol, menstruating women, married couples whose child is less than a month old, mourners for a period of time. In a neutral hall, on the other hand, the cleanliness regulations are not as strict.

The bridal couple needs two witnesses, preferably parents or siblings. In addition, three more people are needed during the ceremony. Guests come in any number. The ceremony begins without a bride. The first puja (worship ritual) is for the elephant-headed god Ganesha with a request for a successful wedding ceremony. The next ceremony is for the pair of gods Parvati and Shiva, blessing the wedding necklace Tali. The groomsman leads the bride to the groom. He gives her the tali and a special wedding sari, which she then puts on. While the couple sits in the manvarai, the wedding canopy, the priest performs the lengthy puja with many recitations, after which they circle the sacrificial fire three times. The bride and groom then leave the ceremony site and give each other food, which concludes the actual religious ceremony. The guests will then receive a vegetarian wedding meal.

6. How to Organize an Interfaith Wedding

Nowadays, binational couples are more and more numerous. If this is your case, you will therefore have to think about organizing an interfaith wedding since your families probably do not share the same religion! But don’t panic, the language of love is understood all over the world. You will still have to make sure that there are no obstacles in your marriage if you marry someone of another religion. All guests should feel comfortable and welcome at such an important event. It’s not just two different traditions and religions that come together, it’s also two different languages, or sometimes more! It is therefore all the more important to plan your wedding from start to finish with the utmost care. Thus, all guests can feel at home.

It all starts with choosing the date of the wedding and sending out the invitations. Announcements must be written in both languages so that all guests understand them and do not feel excluded. It is a sign of respect for families, it shows that no country and religion is more important than another. It is best if invitations are sent out in advance so guests can plan their trip with time. It is also important that the bride and groom provide support regarding hotels, transportation, etc.

Regarding the speeches of the spouses or the family, it is obvious that all the guests will want to understand them. It is advisable to give your speech in your native language and then translate it into English or your partner’s native language. The couple can do it themselves or the translation can be done by a friend. You can also try your hand at a few sentences (or even the whole speech) in the native language of your great love, what matters is to show your good will! Guests will be pleasantly surprised by your initiative. It will make the moment even more unique and special! If you choose to celebrate a secular ceremony, it is possible to use a bilingual celebrant so that all guests follow the important moments. Another solution is to hire a simultaneous translation service and provide headphones for foreign guests. Of course, the ceremony of an interfaith wedding will be longer than a traditional ceremony. It is important to take this into account and discuss it with the officiant so that it is not too long and boring.

Respect for different cultures and religions must be present in all the details of the wedding. It is important that all visuals and texts on the big day are written in both languages. The invitation, the program of the ceremony, but also the wedding menu and the signs of your reception. After all, it is important that foreign guests are well oriented and feel at home.
It does not matter where the wedding is celebrated, it is important to remember that some typical and “normal” foods for the people of the host country, may be too exotic or strange for some. Your wedding menu could be a mix between your cultures, but always respecting the most sensitive palates. Pay particular attention to spicy seasonings. For the service, the ideal is to hire at least one waiter or butler who speaks English (or the language of your partner). Thus, all your guests can count on the assistance of a professional who can serve them best. They will also be able to ask all the questions they want about the menu.

A wedding isn’t meant to keep the dance floor empty, is it? So, be careful when selecting songs for your wedding. It is recommended that you prepare a list of the best music from each country with your partner. You can also include songs common to both cultures. Do not hesitate to ask your DJ to favor international music.

All in all, remember that the wedding is made up of a multitude of personalities, so it is essential to think of each guest. Strangers travel and schedule their schedules to experience that special moment with you.

Photo sources: unsplash.com

4August2022NOCOMMENTS

Weddo Agency

Planning

Vendors Needed for a Wedding – Planning Your Wedding From A to Z

Did you just get engaged? Congratulations! If you’re not sure where to turn or where to start when planning your dream wedding, here’s a comprehensive list of what to think about. Of course, this list is to be adapted according to your tastes and your needs; not all marriages need to be the same – and that’s good. Rather than spending hours gathering information from right to left, find all the information to know how to organize your wedding step by step, and manage the preparations as well as possible. From the choice of the date to that of the service providers, including the budget, the list of guests and the administrative procedures, launch yourself serenely into the preparation of the big day, alone or through an agency, but never without this guide!

Table of contents

1. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – Considering the View From a Perspective

It is not necessary to start planning a wedding the day after the engagement; it is also ok to appreciate the moment before launching. But before falling into the organizational stage, it is best to define and/or agree on the main lines, starting with:

the number of guests – at this stage it is not an exact number that you want but simply to know if you are in the register of “your immediate family and your close friends only” (say, 20 to 50 people), “the family community and colleagues” (50 to 100 people) or “everyone you know and your parents know! (sky’s the limit, up to 300 people or more!);
the budget – again, you don’t need an exact amount, just an understanding of what you have to spend. Do you have money to spare or can you count on gifts or other family support, for example?
the formula – are you thinking about a church ceremony followed by a reception in a hall? Is it more of a civil ceremony, either at the courthouse or in another location (celebrants travel everywhere)? Do you want something different: a wedding on the huge lot at your parents’ house, in a cottage on the edge of a lake, on a beach somewhere?
the date – sometimes the date is inflexible (because of a long vacation, your ability to take a vacation, or the availability of certain guests to travel) and it is the other factors (say, the location) that must conform to it. Sometimes the date can vary a little, for example depending on the availability of a place that you absolutely love and want. The idea at this stage is to know roughly when it would be, whether it is a month or a given season (example: in the fall of next year);

Note that many times people plan a wedding a year in advance, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. A memorable wedding can also be planned in a few months, probably with some compromises (i.e. your dream venue may already be booked). A “small” and simple wedding can be prepared in a few weeks.

1.1. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – Lists

Not everyone works the same way for the organization, but the important thing is to have a system to manage everything related to this project. It can be an Excel file, a binder, a folder on the computer, a Pinterest board, etc. Realistically, it will probably be a mixture of all of these! Be sure to save this list.

1.2. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Place

The place where your wedding will take place remains the centerpiece that you should reserve before anything else. The choice of location could determine other factors, such as the date, the style of reception or the number of guests (minimum or maximum). Places – reception halls, restaurants, inns, hotels – that are accustomed to hosting weddings can often recommend suppliers or have partnerships with them (for example a given caterer, DJ or pastry chef).

1.3. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Caterer

If the place doesn’t cater to food and/or drink, this is the 2nd biggest bite, pick up pretty quickly. Note that options other than a sit-down meal or even doing business with a caterer are possible:

a buffet;
cocktails;
the family prepares the food themselves;
a “potluck” formula;
a reception outside of mealtimes with only desserts or a candy table etc.

1.4. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Officiant

Whether it is for a religious or civil ceremony, the person who marries you is important and they should ideally have a good “fit” with you. You will need to meet her at least a few times beforehand.

1.5. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Photographer and the Videographer

It is good to reserve this (these) resource(s) quite early in the process, to ensure that people are available.

1.6. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Florist

This person can, for example, inform you about the availability of certain products according to the season and direct your vision…

1.7. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The DJ or the Band

Because music is important! Note that a super good playlist on Spotify is also possible.

1.8. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Clothes and Accessories

As these often require adjustments, it is good to give yourself time (several months) – talking as much about the clothes of the bride and groom as those of the procession and the close family.

1.9. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Baker

It’s not essential to have a traditional wedding cake (there are other options), but it’s part of what people remember! Bring pictures of what you like.

1.10. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Invitations

It is possible to have them printed, to have them calligraphy or to do it yourself! A good guide: it is usually recommended to send them 2 to 3 months in advance (not applicable in all situations). The actual number of guests will be fixed following the responses of the guests, which will notify all the suppliers for whom this number is relevant (caterer, pastry chef, rental, etc.).

1.11. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Decorations

Are there things to prepare for the room? A guest book, posters, banners, etc. Gifts for guests can also be entered in this category.

1.12. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – The Process and Logistics

How will transport work, what time the bride and groom should be ready, when the room will be available, etc. It’s time to choose “delegates”, that is to say trusted people close to the couple, who will be able to carry out various tasks: welcoming people when they arrive at the place of the ceremony, preparing the room, fetching things and bringing them to the reception venue… It is good at this stage to reconfirm this procedure (time of arrival, etc.) with all the suppliers. So far, you’ve probably given most of them deposits, but right before the wedding (or sometimes even the day of) it’s time to pay them in full.

2. Vendors Needed for a Wedding – How To Choose the Right Vendors for Your Wedding

It might be challenging to know where to begin when picking the best suppliers for your wedding. How can you be sure you can trust this supplier if you’re giving them a sizable chunk of your money? Will they deliver the service you require at the standard you anticipate? How can you be certain that your choice was the best one? These pointers can help you have faith in your wedding service provider.

The first thing to do is ask your recently married friends and loved ones for recommendations. Their experience is very useful. Also ask the vendors you book who they recommend for the different elements of your wedding. For example, photographers can often recommend videographers, hairstylists and makeup artists. Florists can usually recommend pastry chefs and decorating companies. Your place of reception can also help you by recommending some vendors to book.

Consult online the opinions of Internet users in relation to the suppliers you have chosen. Indeed, online reviews are a great way to get an idea of the quality of suppliers. Sometimes most people are only motivated to write reviews for the absolute best or worst experiences. How a vendor handles a bad review says a lot about thousands of 5-star ratings. When a good vendor receives a bad review, they always respond, apologize, identify what went wrong, and offer to fix the situation. Bad vendors make bad reviews worse by arguing with, or even worse, ignoring customers with a valid concern.

Check your potential supplier’s social media accounts to get an idea of their level of professionalism and general vibe. Do they post regularly? Reputable sellers know that the wedding industry thrives on social media. Being part of the conversation with regular posts indicates that your supplier knows the latest trends. Of course, a picture is worth a thousand words, but to get an idea of how your provider actually works, check out the comments section. Don’t just wait for a response to every comment, but keep scrolling until you find specific answers that can lead you to make a decision.

You’ve followed your potential supplier’s Instagram and Facebook accounts and they look cool. Great! Now it’s time to see their website and assure that they are legit. You are hiring wedding vendors, not web developers so you are not looking for the latest technology. Because of this, if your provider is serious about what they do, they will have a professional-looking website with information about their services. Check that your provider’s website has been updated recently with up-to-date contact information and contains useful details about their services, background and skills so you can make an informed decision.

Overall, as with everything else in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to weddings. The sellers’ costs vary based on their qualifications, the caliber of their work, and their professionalism. Avoid being tempted to choose the less expensive options if you want to have peace of mind on your wedding day; they are rarely a good deal.

Photo sources: unsplash.com

4August2022NOCOMMENTS

Modern Wedding Themes - How and Which Wedding Themes to Choose in 2022

Weddo Agency

Planning

Modern Wedding Themes – How and Which Wedding Themes to Choose in 2022

Have you chosen the date and place of your wedding reception? Now is the time to think about the decor. But for that, you have to choose a wedding theme! But how to define the wedding theme that corresponds to your couple? And besides, what are the trendy and modern wedding themes in 2022? Realization of wedding invitations, choice of dress, bouquet, decoration of the place of marriage (religious or secular) as well as the place of reception, the menu… In short, all the organization of the wedding can only take shape from when a theme has been decided.

Table of contents

1. Modern Wedding – How to Choose Your Wedding Theme

Choosing a wedding theme may, at first glance, seem complicated, yet there is nothing to panic about. The atmosphere is sometimes the result of a style, a trend, or it arises from a particular affection for one or more colors, a city, a country or a flower or even a symbol. Consider this theme as a common thread, which will support the coherence of this big day. Consultation with your other half is essential: the universe chosen for this wedding must resemble you. Try to choose a theme in line with the season (and avoid the spring-style wedding in the middle of winter), and which sticks to the place of reception. To help you see more clearly, make style boards, take photos and samples of what you want, and see if everything is harmonious.

2. Modern Wedding Themes and Ideas

1. A classic chic style wedding. This is the traditional wedding theme par excellence. White is dominant and the colors remain sober, the details and accessories chosen with care. If it is classic, this genre remains customizable, thanks to elements specific to your history, your common passions. A little gold, in the candlesticks, vegetational frames, dishes, invitation cards, menus… will make it more sophisticated.

2. A bohemian-style wedding. Bohemian-style weddings continue to appeal to bridal couples. This theme, as in decoration, is vaporous, authentic and dreamlike, conducive to elegance and fantasy. Trees, lace, wood, feathers, ribbons, natural plants mingle for a more beautiful effect. For the dress, the bride can afford a light but refined dress in silk veil, for example, with wide sleeves or thin straps, depending on the season. For the hairstyle, think about loose braids, soft buns, beautiful waves with a few small flowers or even a crown of flowers. In general, these weddings take place in gardens, parks, as close as possible to nature, which is highlighted in the evening by lanterns, photophores, garlands, paper lanterns… But if you must, for any reason whatsoever, organize your reception in an enclosed space, prefer natural materials: wooden tables, porcelain dishes, linen napkins, topped with floral arrangements.

3. A chic country style wedding. The chic country wedding is also always popular, moreover, it remains close to the bohemian wedding, since it has turned towards nature. On the other hand, it is a must to organize this reception in the green, in a farm, a garden with a barn nearby to shelter in case the rain invites itself in the evening.

4. A folk-style wedding. Your love for your native region is such that you want to make it the theme of your wedding. Then the folk style wedding is for you. Drawing from the typical colors of your region, its characteristic elements, for the entertainment, call on dancers, traditional singers, the atmosphere will only be warmer. For the modern side, prepare a wine reception/meal of revisited specialties.

5. The green wedding. Ecology is not a trend but rather a way of life that you will not turn your back on one of the best days of your life. The ecological marriage then becomes obvious. Its organization begins with the choice of the place of reception. Preferably a green space that will not require family and friends to travel too long distances. This could also be seen as a modern tropical wedding. For the decoration, the preference is home-made. Collect and divert different objects: glass jars to make candle holders with which your guests can leave, borrow the family furniture to install it in the reception room. Make way for light, neutral tones, such as brown, gray, bench, green… (shaded in a pretty monochrome they will create more relief), natural materials: wood, rattan, raffia, glass. Swap flower arrangements for potted flowers, field flowers or baskets of fresh fruits and/or vegetables. Choose recyclable materials. For the outfits, the bride and groom can opt for second-hand, vintage or not.

6. The vintage-style wedding. Nostalgics are fond of retro-style weddings, which are similar to green weddings, because they are based on the same codes: taking up furniture, objects and accessories that have a history and, if necessary, bringing them a little freshness. Choose your era, for example the 70s, go find some key elements such as disco balls. In another genre, why not take inspiration from an old-fashioned funfair with its delicacy stands and entertainment.

7. A minimalist style wedding. A modern wedding rhymes with a minimalist wedding. Again, it’s more of a philosophy of life: get rid of the superfluous, purify the space, to focus on the essentials. If you are in this state of mind, it is impossible to betray it on the wedding day. So, for the decor, turn to white: household linen, seats, ceramic accessories, geometric shapes for more modernity, some light wood for warmth. Many couples that want their wedding to be a minimalist one are choosing rooftops as their wedding spaces, because there is enough space and enough fresh air to breathe. But if there is a key word it is simplicity. And the same goes for choosing your outfits, orient yourself towards sober cuts, without fuss. The groom can wear an elegant and discreet suit, perhaps in linen, if the weather allows it.

8. An oriental wedding style. Do you want to get married in the respect of oriental traditions or more simply give an exotic air to your ceremony? The countries of the East each have their traditions, their colors, their dishes… Immerse yourself in that of your heart and remove those elements which for you embody it.

3. Modern Wedding – Trendy Colors for Your Wedding

The trendiest wedding themes of the year rely on colors and color combinations. The most used colors are:

White, for a chic wedding in an eco-friendly, oriental, cultural, minimalist, bohemian style… A symbol of purity and peace, white is luminous and has the advantage of sublimating any type of material or fabric. On a white tablecloth, imagine a vegetal table runner in green and white, bouquets of white flowers, give sparkle and elegance to your decor with a few touches of gold (candle holders, candlesticks and other accessories), play with the transparency of glass, plexiglass (for the chairs) and don’t forget that wood provides warmth.
Rose gold and white for a romantic, country chic wedding. The union of rose gold and white brings finesse and poetry. Let the white dominate and sprinkle it with notes of rose: compose bouquets of pink and white flowers, prepare place cards in rose gold or white and tie a pink flower to them, unroll the white tablecloths with a pink table runner, sprinkled with “gold dust”. Create a delicate contrast so as not to become sickening. The duo of colors can be present in your dress or if you prefer an immaculate dress, dress the bridesmaids in pink. You can even ask your guests to play a game of this color code.
Red for a wedding centered on passion and love. Red symbolizes love and passion, this will not have escaped you. Of course, it’s not about creating a total look, that would be too much. But rather, make it with subtlety: arrange beautiful bouquets of red roses on the immaculate tables, brighten up your menus with small roses or red hearts, use red napkins or use a red ribbon to tie a white napkin…
Blue and navy blue for an elegant, modern and exotic or a beach wedding. Blue, from turquoise to navy, leads the way offshore. And when you get married by the sea, the marine style is all found. Do not hesitate in this case to use elements that evoke this universe: sand, shells, driftwood… But blue can also give a decoration a zest of modernity, like denim blue, unexpected and relaxed, which in contact with certain materials such as crystal, gilding, pendants allows you to create a refined and unfussy decor.

To conclude, there are plenty of modern wedding themes and ideas to choose from. All you have to do is have a talk with your beloved one, think about your personalities and what best suits each other and then choose one predominant modern wedding theme. Also, don’t forget to follow the color palette that is strictly linked to your wedding theme. After all, your wedding day should be a once in a lifetime event and, therefore, you should be completely happy and satisfied with the choices you make.

Photo sources: unsplash.com

5July2022NOCOMMENTS

How to Successfully Write Your Own Wedding Vows

Weddo Agency

Fără categorie

How to Successfully Write Your Own Wedding Vows?

The exchange of vows: undoubtedly one of the most moving moments of a wedding… and one of the most disturbing too. To alleviate the anxiety of the blank page, here are some tips to help you write them as calmly as possible.

Table of contents

1. What are wedding vows?

A must in all wedding ceremonies (civil, religious, secular…) the exchange of vows is a beautiful moment during which the spouses commit themselves out loud in front of their loved ones. And bear witness to the commitments and promises they make to each other. If it is a key moment of the ceremony, it is because this time is very strong: the spouses prove their love in front of their guests and promise each other support and mutual comfort. To exchange your vows completely freely, a secular ceremony will be ideal. Indeed, the exchange of vows remains a very codified moment in the church (spouses commit themselves before God and the religious community) and at the town hall (spouses undertake to respect legal obligations). The secular ceremony allows for total freedom, both in tone and in the themes addressed… And allows an entirely personalized exchange of vows!

The exchange of vows is this moment when you must speak, each in turn, in front of your loved ones to express the love you have for your other half. In fact, why did you choose to commit to each other? This statement is directly addressed to the person concerned, and even if it makes you stress, relax, you are not taking an oral exam, you just have to let your feelings express themselves! In a secular ceremony, the wedding speech usually takes place just before the wedding rings are exchanged. The ideal is not to repeat what the officiant has already said about you. Prefer a wedding speech oriented on your feelings and personal anecdotes.

In a more traditional church wedding, the exchange of vows is summed up by consent. If you want to add a few more original touches, nothing prevents you from talking about it beforehand, with the priest who unites you.

2. Writing your own wedding vows – What form do wedding vows take?

Writing wedding vows is not an easy task – whether it’s your first marriage or your renewal of vows after many years together. Talking about your feelings, your expectations, the way you envision your engagement and your future life as a couple without spreading out too much… All of this can be complicated to put down on paper. Especially since it is risky to improvise your wedding vows. Indeed, the emotion will be such on the wedding that you will probably find it difficult to invent a text at the time. A text written in advance will give you the confidence to overcome the flood of emotions of the day.

First, make sure you have discussed with your spouse beforehand the form your vows will take. The length and tone of your vows should be similar so as not to create discomfort on the wedding day. Then, go out of your way to write your vows yourself. If the temptation is great to borrow from great authors or Youtube videos, it will take away the authenticity from your vows if they are just a copy/paste from someone else. Remember your vows! Once you have a final version, do not hesitate to clean them on a thick sheet of paper, in a pretty notebook, or even on an original support – like a ribbon! This will make a nice keepsake to keep throughout your wedding.

3. How to successfully write your own wedding vows

And you? How do you intend to declare your commitment to the loved one? What do you want to promise him? To help you write your vows, here are some rules to follow:

Rule number 1 – be inspired! What are you talking about ? What are wedding vows? Why should you write your wedding vows? It’s basically THE declaration of love to your darling. The one you are going to proclaim in front of the witnesses of your love, that is to say your guests;
Rule number 2 – again, be inspired! Don’t know what to write in your wedding vows? Here are some ideas of themes from which you can start: your meeting, his/her qualities, his/her faults that you like, your daily life, family, your commonalities, what you intend to change… or on the contrary what will never change, and, of course, your feelings. In fact, the inspiration is simple: it is YOU – you, the other, your couple;
Rule number 3 – agree with each other! Of course, you are going to write your wedding vows each on his own. But to be on the same wavelength, it is advisable that you consult with your partner on the length of the message and a minimum of common thread (without revealing anything about the content). Generally, people start their vows with a “I promise you”. But it could be: “I love you because…”, “I’m marrying you because…”, “I wish…”, “I want…”, “I say yes to…”. In short, it’s as you want it, be imaginative;
Rule number 4 – in front of whom? At what moment? As a general rule, vows are exchanged during: the religious ceremony, the secular ceremony but also the civil ceremony (to be confirmed with the town hall to insert this during the protocol) or even at the wedding party… But there is one thing that you need to know – there is no general rule! This could very well be done face to face: for the most modest of you. Indeed, as for the alliances, it is not obligatory to make your declaration of love in front of everyone. Only the exchange of consents at the town hall is mandatory in front of witnesses. Basically say “yes” in response to legal texts;
Rule number 5 – reread your vows! Just to be sure that your message is intelligible. Above all, it allows you to know if your speech is understandable. The ideal is to call on a neutral third party. But it’s not mandatory. You can also keep the scoop of the message for your man (or wife);
Rule number 6 – break the first rule and be genuine! Your wishes are personal. It’s not because you saw some wedding vows online that you have to talk about your meeting, and what your partner means to you, etc… that you must necessarily follow this path. If you like talking about how he stores groceries, then do it! If you feel like writing your wedding vows like a poem, then go! Or even a song against a background of scratches… so sing!

Depending on your sensitivity, your ease in writing and your ability to speak in public, you can:

write your wedding vows on a piece of paper and read them;
learn them by heart;
improvise and let your heart speak on the wedding day.

3.1. Preparing your wedding vows

The key word is ANTICIPATION! Immediately remove from your mind the “I will improvise when the time comes according to my feeling”. Why? Because the emotion of the event and public speaking will certainly destabilize you. And even if you are used to speeches. To prepare well, write down your ideas, even in bulk, in a notebook or in the notes on your phone. When you have an idea, write it down. When your other half has a little tic that makes you melt, think about putting it down on paper so you can talk about it on the wedding day… Write down everything! You can come back to them later to rearrange them. Remember that your speech should not be too long: 3 to 5 minutes is more than enough (about 40 to 50 sentences), since the celebrant of the ceremony also provides many details about your life together. Finally, nothing obliges you to prepare your wedding vows alone and confidentially. If it reassures you, you can write them with your spouse. The advantage is to be able to help each other and stay on the same wavelength in your writings. Moreover, take inspiration from the testimonials and advice for writing your wedding vows, which already exist.

Although you will have a large audience watching you, the key to a successful wedding speech is to keep it natural and simple. You must express your feelings by opening your heart spontaneously. When writing your vows, focus on your feelings, and ask yourself about your own story:

How did you meet?
What has his/her entry into your life brought you?
What are the defining moments in your history?
What are your best memories?
How do you see the future together?

To make your writing easier, stay in the timeline. For example, you can start your speech with:

“Our story began with…”;
“I always knew that…”;
“Now that we’re at it, I had to tell you that…”.

To find the ideal frame, play on the balance between: emotion and humor. A speech that is too humorous might not be taken seriously and perhaps even evoke a feeling of general unease if it is misunderstood because of too many private jokes elusive by ordinary mortals. Conversely, a speech that is too romantic and recited without emotion could be tiring. Find the happy medium and liven up your wedding vows with a quote, a reference from a movie or a song that everyone knows.

Well, what you’ve written satisfies you for your wedding speech? Perfect! All that remains is to re-read several times and practice. On the one hand you will be able to fine-tune a few details, on the other, you will avoid last minute confusion. Flowing wedding vows are better!

3.2. Alternative to wedding vows

If your church or town hall does not allow you to include your personalized wishes during your ceremony – and you are not organizing a secular ceremony – nothing prevents you from finding another solution. You can, if you wish, exchange your vows through love letters (letters can be read just before your wedding, for example). The spouses will thus read their letters at the same time. You can also write your vows and have them read to your spouse before or after the wedding. Or choose an existing text to read or recite together.

All in all, once your text has been written, do not hesitate to show it to loved ones to ask their opinion and to read it again aloud several times. The emotion will be at its peak on your wedding day, so you will have to take into account any breaks… If you can, try to memorize your text (if it is not too long, of course) if you don’t want to clutter up with sheets or a notebook on the wedding day. All that being said, good luck and have a happy and wonderful celebration!

Photo sources: vecteezy.com, isorepublic.com

5July2022NOCOMMENTS

Guide To a Successful Bachelorette Party

Weddo Agency

Planning

Bachelorette Party – Guide To a Successful Party Along Your Closest Friends

The bachelorette party has become an essential step before getting married. Organized most often by the best friend (or best friends) of the future bride, this gathering of best friends is a real ritual, which can take many forms. Marriage remains an important decision, both for women and for men, and it represents a radical change, the promise of a new life. Preparations for the wedding gradually lead the bride and groom to become aware of all the changes that this union entails. It will then be the moment to celebrate this new beginning. Bachelor party or bachelorette party – this is the party to organize that will mark the prelude that should lead to the best day of your life. Traditionally, the future bride does not take care of the organization of this party herself. The latter should, ideally, remain an unsuspected surprise. However, since the bachelorette party has become an essential step in the celebration of marriage over time, the surprise effect remains less obvious to maintain until the end. It is often up to the bridesmaids of the bride, the wedding witnesses or even the best friend (or best friends) to take care of this bachelorette party. Obviously, this organization and this preparation will always be done by following the preferences and desires of the star of this moment: the future wife. Depending on these preferences and desires, but also depending on the budget, the bachelorette party can stretch over a weekend, just as it can focus on an evening. Bringing together the friends of the bride to experience a last moment as a single woman, the key word of this particular event guides the organizers in the choice of activities, and there is no shortage of these.

Table of contents

1. What Is a Bachelorette Party – must haves

The bachelorette party is an important celebration since it is a question of celebrating the last moments of single life (administratively, of course!) before the big wedding day. The bachelorette party is organized by your wedding witnesses or by your wedding planner and therefore takes place a few days before your wedding ceremony. This is an opportunity to fully enjoy a day, an evening, or a weekend, surrounded by your closest friends. The origin of the bachelorette party dates back to the 1970s. At that time, the tradition wanted the future bride to gather several memories in a box and bury it. It represented the end of her single life. Two years later, or after the birth of a first child, the young bride unearthed her treasure to reminisce about its contents with her friends. For all these years, things have changed a lot and even if the ritual of the box is still practiced from time to time, more festive activities have taken over. From now on, this celebration can last a whole weekend (even longer for the most valiant). On this occasion, you can opt for a short trip, book a moment of relaxation in a spa or prefer to discover strong sensations to make your guests vibrate. The possibilities are many and the most original ideas are welcome as long as the cheerfulness is at the rendezvous!

2. Who to Invite to a Bachelorette Party

It is the future bride who establishes the guest list for her bachelorette party. Know that your bachelorette party team can be mixed. It’s up to you to invite your best friend or that cousin you’ve always had a good time with. Here are 3 rules to follow:

invite only girls that will be present at your wedding – a basic rule but not always considered: it’s not okay to tell friends “come to my bachelorette party” if they won’t be invited to your wedding. It’s a bit like showing a piece of ham to a dog and eating it in front of its nose: they will be disappointed (and risk biting you). So even if you want to shout your happiness to the whole world, it’s not worth taunting ordinary mortals either;
you are not obliged to invite the friends of your friends to your bachelorette party – just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to deal with each other’s halves. And for your bachelorette party it’s the same, your friends invites her friends, you invite your girlfriends, and if you don’t know well or you don’t appreciate the friend of one of them more than that, don’t force you to invite her, it’s your day, you do what you want. People often find themselves in the situation where they feel “forced to”, but they must not. Be selfish, she’s been invited to the wedding, that’s not bad;
the number of people you can invite to your bachelorette party – if at your wedding you will be forced to deal with strangers or even people you don’t like, no way to worry about these stories for your bachelorette party. At worst, if ever you do not want to invite certain people, get in league with your witnesses so that they take the side of saying that they made the list of guests themselves and that you were not at the running. If you are only 2, it will be just as good as if you are 20. The important thing on the day of the bachelorette party is to have fun!

Finally, contrary to popular belief, the bachelorette party can be shared with that of the future groom. So instead of organizing a bachelorette party on one side, and a bachelor party on the other, the party can be collective.

3. Who Organizes the Bachelorette Party

Traditionally, it is the witnesses of your wedding who are designated as the official organizers of this star day. They can then plan a totally surprise celebration, or follow your precious indications. And even if you want to be amazed, give them some clues, because you will certainly regret your bachelorette party if it is missed. There is also the idea of a wedding planner. These regulars can take charge of your bachelorette party and offer you a whole catalog of decoration and activities, each more unusual than the next. Finally, you can choose to organize your celebration yourself. In this case, you will be sure to have the moment of your dreams. Organize yourself well so you don’t feel stressed, in addition to the preparations for the wedding, which is fast approaching! Whatever happens, you can count on the help of your witnesses or bridesmaids and groomsmen. Remember they are there to support you!

4. Ideas for a Successful and Original Bachelorette Party

A bachelorette party is not organized to please the witnesses, but rather so that it is the bride-to-be who has fun. Nor is a bachelorette party (or bachelor party) an anarchic hazing that the bride will regret having entrusted to you. Finally, a bachelorette party is not a simple evening in a club where everyone goes about their business, or even worse, an outing where you allow yourself to bring your new boyfriend!

4.1. Ideas for a Successful and Original Bachelorette Party – A PhotoShooting

As for a bachelorette party, this idea constitutes more than a simple stage but a real rite of passage. In a few weeks, you will be married and your celibate life will only be a memory, of which you want to keep a memorable imprint. Because couldn’t the bachelorette party just be called bachelorette party. Why not call on a professional photographer or even a videographer to immortalize this unique moment. You will need to find an original frame unless you prefer to keep snapshots of your daily life. Let yourself be guided by these recognized shooting professionals. Photo shoot in the studio, or go bar hopping or go dancing while taking your professional photographer with you? The choice is yours, but in any case, these shots will have their place in the preamble of the wedding album, which will focus your attention in a few weeks.

4.2. Ideas for a Successful and Original Bachelorette Party – A Workshop to Learn and Live a New Experience

For a weekend, there is no shortage of activity ideas to experience a unique moment. And among the original ideas, workshops are in a good place to spend some time in a good atmosphere while learning or deepening one of your favorite activities. A make-up workshop, to prepare for the party that your best friend has prepared for you or even for the wedding itself. A cooking or pastry workshop, to make this moment of sharing the promise of being able to take advantage of this workshop once the wedding is pronounced. An oenology workshop or for sexier ideas, why not a striptease workshop. All ideas are possible, so let yourself be, because after all your friend in charge of organizing this bachelor party know you better than you might think.

4.3. Ideas for a Successful and Original Bachelorette Party – A Change of Scenery for a Weekend

The bride and groom are preparing for a drastic change in a few weeks. Why not anticipate this change by changing scenery for a weekend, taking only your best friends with you? Forget the groom for a day or two. There is no shortage of activity ideas, and depending on everyone’s preferences, you can then choose the ideal destination. No need to cross the planet to ensure a complete change of scenery. A trip to Budapest or even the Camargue, and you are already transported to a new universe. All you have to do is take full advantage of it. Find out more and simply let yourself be guided by your own desires. After all, it is you who are single and preparing to get married.

4.4. Ideas for a Successful and Original Bachelorette Party – Thrills Before the Big Thrill

You are about to live the most beautiful day of your life, and will therefore experience the great thrill of marriage. Isn’t this the perfect time to let loose on those thrilling previous weekends. Most often experienced in the open air, these intense sensations will be to share with your friends, and there will be something for everyone. Isn’t bungee jumping or a parachute jump the best way to let go and feel that adrenaline rush. As with bachelorette parties, you may prefer freefall jumps or even a first flight. And to say goodbye to your single life, why not choose other outdoor sports, such as zip-lining, canyoning or rafting. Laughter and thrills guaranteed.

4.5. Ideas for a Successful and Original Bachelorette Party – A Treasure Hunt

It is not a question of organizing a classic or traditional treasure hunt, but of leading the future bride to rediscover the places she has frequented. The organizers will be able to decide on familiar destinations (the old high school, the neighborhood bar, the convenience stores) while deciding on disguises or not. Good humor will be the big winner of this treasure hunt, the first prize of which is to share moments with friends. If you are in charge of these organization ideas, then it will take you time but also rack your brains to take the bride-to-be through all the places that are dear to her.

All in all, this ultimate single woman’s evening will leave you with an unforgettable memory. A memory, for which all your friends gathered on this occasion will show you their affection and their wishes of happiness for this new stage of your life, which is coming.

Photo sources: google.com.

5July2022NOCOMMENTS

What Does a Wedding Planner Do and Why Choose One

Weddo Agency

Planning

What does a wedding planner do and why choose one?

If you are organizing your wedding by yourself, you will realize that it is not at all easy to do it, as many people think. This is where people come in to answer the famous question: “What is the role of a wedding planner?” It’s not easy to delegate the management of the most beautiful day of your life to someone you don’t know. Your wedding is undoubtedly a very important day in your life, and it is not tolerated for anyone to spoil it. Everyone knows perfectly well how you feel, and you can be assured that it is normal to have doubts and apprehension at the start by entrusting the organization of the wedding day to strangers. But their job is to build a relationship of trust with the bride and groom because their ultimate goal is that you savor your wedding day without worrying about the smallest detail.

Table of contents

1. What does a wedding planner do?

The term “wedding planner” comes straight from the United States and it refers – obviously – to a wedding planner. Although historically, this profession has existed since the 16th and 17th century, the first agencies were really established in the years 2002-2003. From this period, the profession of wedding planner quickly developed throughout the world. The reputation of the profession, however, has not lived up to expectations. Although, thanks to the American influence, the reputation of wedding planners is golden, in reality, on the ground, it is something else entirely. The European wedding planner has long suffered from a poor image, due to lack of knowledge or recognition. Today, wedding planners have gained experience and seem more and more accessible. Luxury positioning is no longer the only option and this seems to be attracting new couples from various backgrounds. Although some a priori persist, the profession is beginning to be judged at its fair value and is much more complex than you could think.

2. What does a wedding planner actually do?

Your wedding is being orchestrated by the wedding planner. Additionally, it serves as your exclusive interlocutor prior to, during, and after the wedding. He must possess a multidisciplinary profile, including expertise in scenography, colorimetry, communication, relationships, planning, culture, and law. The field does in fact cover a wide range of occasionally unexpected tasks.

Aware of current trends, the wedding planner takes the time to introduce you to its network of service providers and to provide you with recommendations, ideas, and individual counsel. You have the option to choose them or someone else. A smart wedding planner will listen to you and have a sense of communication. Even if he takes care of everything, the service provider’s decision is supported by your needs and wishes. In order to relieve the bride and groom and save them time, the wedding planner must then arrange the numerous vendors and other key players in the event.

The bride and groom’s budget is negotiated and managed by the wedding planner. One of the wedding planner’s primary duties is this. The bride and groom’s suffering is frequently associated with monetary concern. There is no longer any need to worry with a wedding planner! He has several cunning tactics up his sleeve. He is a negotiator first and foremost. He is willing to deal when you wouldn’t. He has complete knowledge of the contracts, preventing any unfavorable surprises. Hiring a wedding planner can be a wise decision if you lack administrative experience and, more importantly, can help you avoid some conflict!

The wedding planner is ideal for controlling the flow of time and the order of events on the wedding day. Venues for weddings frequently require a late-night time. To avoid being caught off guard when the lights go out, it is crucial to schedule certain times for each event, such as the drink, the meal, the speeches, and the dance party. Being halted in the middle of a swing is quite annoying. A wedding planner works behind the scenes to invigorate and organize all the service providers, ensuring that everything goes according to plan on the big day.

The wedding planner is a great help on the wedding day, because he has eyes and ears everywhere. He ensures that the guests do not miss anything or that there are no logistical problems, for example. The service provider’s responsibility is to anticipate any unforeseen events. The bride and groom must take advantage of their guests without realizing anything.

There are so many other things that a wedding planner does, such as:

listen to its customers – each future bride wishes to be heard and understood; this is the essence of a wedding planner’s profession, and it is with this listening that their service begins: a first contact by email or telephone. First they seek to understand your wishes, your request, how you see the day of your dreams, the ceremonies, and depending on this they will send you proposals that meet your expectations. It is not possible for a wedding planner to ruin your wedding since they focus on listening to your wishes first and foremost;
set a realistic budget – often, bride and groom couples have no idea of the budget to allocate for their wedding. Most get carried away on the floral decorations of the centerpieces or even on the various reception places, but it is likely that they do not want to spend so much. The wedding planner removes this thorn from your side: it gives you visibility on the realistic budget to allocate for your wedding so that you can make your choices accordingly. They are people who have been doing this job for years today, they have extensive experience in organizing weddings, and they offer satisfactory alternatives adapted to what you are looking for;
help you choose the reception venue that suits you – choosing the ideal reception venue is an important step that takes a lot of time, but it is precisely the milestone that they prefer in the organization of the wedding. Their core business is to help couples who wish to have a beach wedding, for example, thanks to their knowledge of the land and the various reception venues, whether in Greece or in other countries. Do you dream of getting married in Greece, on a beautiful and peaceful beach? They can help you find these types of places, and many more;
manage everything from A to Z – when you hire a wedding planner to organize your marriage, the objective is precisely to delegate to avoid any source of stress and save time. To conclude the answer to the question “What is the role of the wedding planner?”, here is a list with some tasks entrusted to wedding planners by the couples who trust them. You’ll be surprised by how many decisions you have to make when planning a wedding, and how much help you’ll need to complete the project. Some of the important tasks they take care of: find the photographer, florist, caterer, musicians, DJ; organize the reception area from A to Z; set up the table plan; take care of invitations and wedding announcements; manage everything on the wedding day, from the coordination of service providers to the smallest detail; plan and book the honeymoon.

3. What does a wedding planner do – What are the advantages of choosing a wedding planner?

The wedding is certainly the most beautiful day of your life, however it tends to be a source of stress and complications when you embark on this adventure alone, so here are the primary advantages of a wedding planner:

serenity – indeed, a wedding planner will be there to relieve you of any cause of stress during the organization, he will be there to answer all your concerns and find solutions to all your problems;
the budget – a wedding planner will be able to organize the wedding of your dreams while respecting your budget, he will be there to tell you what is possible to do and what is not. He will make every effort to be able to offer you the best according to your desires and your budget;
providers – calling on a wedding planner means making sure you are surrounded by trusted service providers;
the coordination of the wedding day – the coordination of your wedding day allows you to let yourself be carried away by this magnificent day and to think of nothing but to say “yes”! The coordination done by a wedding planner allows you to make the most of everything you have organized for so long and share it with your loved ones.

4. What does a wedding planner do – How to choose your wedding planner?

Choosing a wedding planner agency for your wedding day means ensuring a foolproof organization, a trustworthy organization that looks like you. Choosing a wedding planner agency means choosing a know-how as well as a passion that is felt at every stage of your wedding. Each wedding planner is full of proposals, creative and attentive to your desires. Very rigorous, they leave nothing to chance and accompany you whatever your choices. The agency is surrounded by trusted service providers and passionate service providers. On your wedding day, each wedding planner agency masters the timing, takes care of you and your guests to ensure that everything always goes well. Finally, choosing to have a secular ceremony with a wedding planner agency means choosing a ceremony that suits you, with emotion, tears, laughter and sharing, a touching ceremony that will remain engraved in your memories and in those of your guests.

All in all, the wedding planner is, in short, the king of advice, communication, organization, coordination, budget management and adaptation! He should be someone you can trust and a shoulder you can lean on.

Photo sources: Shutterstock.com

2June2022NOCOMMENTS

Weddo Agency

Fără categorie

Beautiful Weddings – Ideas for Some Original Celebrations

Organizing an original wedding means thinking about the smallest details of the celebration. To achieve the goal you have set for yourself, you should take into consideration some pieces of advice. There are many original ideas that will make you stand out from the crowd. This article contains original proposals for the different aspects of your wedding celebration.

Table of contents

1. Beautiful Outdoor Weddings – Beach Wedding

Getting married by the sea, what a great idea! From the reception to the evening to the ceremony, weddings on the beach are particularly romantic. Behind this idyllic setting of water, sun and sand, there is also a good dose of organization! For a dream wedding, you should consider the idea of celebrating your union at the beach. Just imagine your loved ones` reaction when they discover the chosen reception venue on their invitation! Before thinking about decor on the theme of the sea, and atmosphere of shellfish and crustaceans, you will have to look carefully at the logistical aspects of your reception. Many couples turn to a wedding planner to help them organize their beach wedding. To help you in your efforts, here is some initial information.

Private or Public Location?

To start, you must choose between a public and a private beach. Getting married on a public beach is free, but you will need to submit a file to the town hall on which the place in question depends. Better to plan a year in advance to obtain your authorization and avoid the summer months because the beach will in no case be closed to the public. For more privacy, turn to the option of private beaches. There are many of them and they offer services that can make your preparations easier. Whatever the beach you are considering, check the access for the elderly but also to progress without difficulty in your lace wedding dress. Don’t forget to check the tide schedule!

The Ceremony on The Beach

The secular ceremony is the only one you can consider at the beach. The union before the mayor or before God can only be done at the town hall or in a place of worship. The advantage of the secular ceremony is that it can be completely personalized. You could choose your own wedding officiant, who may be a relative. For a more intimate ceremony, you could opt for an end-of-day schedule to avoid too many tourists passing through and the gazes of the curious!

Wedding Menu

If you’re planning a cocktail party at the beach, consider a wedding table decoration that’s weighted enough so it doesn’t fly away and platters to avoid ending up with sand-seasoned dishes. For public beaches, ask the town hall about the consumption of alcohol, which is not necessarily authorized. These places do not have water or electricity, so it seems wiser to provide a separate space for the reception, why not a room with a sea view to make the link between ceremony and cocktail. If you absolutely want to spend the whole evening on the beach, consider the chic picnic option for a wedding banquet that does not require too many logistics. Private beaches often have a restaurant or a hotel that will allow you to organize a quality seated meal or to have a backup solution in case of bad weather.

Wedding Decorations

Beach weddings generally require a special atmosphere, often light and bohemian. On the decoration side, there is the timeless marine wedding theme where light colors and pastel tones rub shoulders with shells, pebbles and fishing knots. Likewise, vintage furniture arranged on sand, fruits, flowers, candles, vaporous fabrics, umbrellas, bamboo or wood rugs and plants are ideal decorative elements for this type of union. On the other hand, it is very common in a wedding on the coast to include motifs that evoke exoticism. The sea invites discovery, travel, navigation to new cultures and new worlds. In this sense, Mediterranean, Oriental, African and South American references are excellent options. Also remember to match your stationery and especially your invitations to your wedding style. Thanks to your invitations, your guests will understand the theme of your wedding and the atmosphere you want to give it. You can therefore bet on announcements with drawings of corals, shells, starfish, fish, etc. In short, try to take full advantage of the natural elements that surround you to extrapolate its components to the decoration of your wedding: centerpieces with shell-shaped candles, starfish, fishing nets, illustrations of fish, blue glasses reminiscent of the sea, etc. The secret to a successful decoration? Let your imagination run wild!

2. Beautiful and Original Wedding Idea – Underwater Wedding

Are you looking for extraordinary experiences, do you like scuba diving and do you plan to unite with your soulmate soon? For sea lovers, why not get married…underwater? Many couples have already taken part in this unusual adventure.

If you feel like an adventurer of the depths and you plan to make your wedding an unforgettable moment, getting married underwater can be an interesting experience. Many agencies now give you the opportunity to make your wedding a unique experience.

In the same way that there are different types of weddings such as – for example – themed weddings, more and more couples who are passionate about scuba diving or simply betting on an original wedding, are now opting for underwater weddings. However, it is important to take into account some things regarding the preparation of such a wedding.

If you want to embark on this adventure, several options are available to you. Many agencies offer their services to make your dream come true. Regarding the choice of destination, know for example that the Caribbean islands can be a fabulous place. Moreover, some of them are authorized to receive couples wishing to marry underwater.

The choice of destination is therefore essential to ensure the success of your aquatic wedding. If you are still hesitating, the Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands or Mexico are perfect places guaranteeing you a dream setting. Do you know the Riviera Maya region located in the northeast of Mexico? Imagine being able to make your proposal on a Mayan site (an exceptional setting) and conclude with an underwater wedding! The Caribbean could therefore represent the ideal place where it is possible to organize the most beautiful day of your life.

In addition to the destination, you have to plan a few details in addition to the usual formalities for getting married. All underwater equipment is to be expected, from the wedding dress, to the wedding bouquet and the groom’s suit – it is a real organization. Of course, you have to be sure that your guests adhere to this wedding idea and that they are ready to dive with you. Distributing masks and snorkels to the guests to attend the snorkeling wedding can be an interesting option. The agencies you will use to organize your aquatic wedding will generally offer you preliminary training sessions.

If, for various reasons, you decide not to opt for an underwater wedding, getting married on the deck of a boat can also make more than one dream. Always in the idea of an original and memorable experience, getting married on a boat can, in fact, be a less difficult option to realize and plan than an underwater wedding and, however, unforgettable if you like the ocean. Getting married on a boat has 2 advantages because you will be in contact with the sea and your guests will not need to know how to dive to attend your wedding. A final option is to get married on the beach. Even if this idea is less unusual than an underwater wedding, the romance of such a day will certainly be there with the ocean in the background. The beach is a simple but really effective place to mark the occasion. To you, bride and groom, all you have to do now is choose what you like the most!

3. Most Beautiful Wedding Ideas – Themed Weddings

More and more brides and grooms are choosing a theme to celebrate their union.

Here are some perfect theme ideas for an original wedding.

3.1. Themed Wedding – Travel Wedding

Symbolize the trip by using a world map as a table plan! Same for your place cards, bet on small compasses, paper planes, etc. Your guests will be delighted to go on an adventure on the Thailand, California or Venice tables. Discover pretty centerpieces that will be in perfect harmony with your wedding theme: travel! Some ideas for decorating your room for your theme: globes, lanterns in the shape of hot air balloons, arrange here and there old stacked suitcases and old chests. For the stationery present on the tables, consider making menus in the shape of a passport or plane ticket. In an old suitcase, leave postcards available to your guests on which they can write their little words, and why not ask them to share a travel anecdote with you? For this beautiful theme of travel, also think of a globe to have your guests sign or an atlas.

3.2. Themed Wedding – Fall or Winter Wedding

Set the tone for your fall or winter wedding as soon as your guests enter the room where the wine reception and your reception will take place. Choose rich, dark tones to decorate your room such as browns, oranges, reds and yellows or beiges to tone down any colors. Often fall weddings have matching chocolate and light blue colors as their theme, as they go very well together. Decorate your room with pumpkins and other squashes and cucurbits of the moment: you will stay in the same color tones and your decoration will be all the more successful. Make your fall-themed wedding decoration unique and successful by combining colors and decorative elements that correspond to the season of fallen leaves, when nature is completely preparing for the change of seasons and the fall season: winter.

3.3. Themed Wedding – Country Wedding

The country wedding is ideal for lovers of nature and simple pleasures. If you opt for this decoration theme, start by imagining the exterior decoration. Lampions, lanterns, light garlands, bales of hay… Take up all the space in the garden to create dedicated areas, one for photos, another for the ceremony and a final one for the dining table. You can also add a space for children, so they can play and rest, in a teepee for example. If you love a chic country wedding decor, flowers and second-hand items are your best allies! Indeed, the rustic bouquet of wild field flowers will sublimate the centerpieces. As for decorative accessories, favor the second hand, and hunt for the decorative objects of your wedding in flea markets or garage sales.

3.4. Themed Wedding – Medieval Wedding

If your goal is to transform your wedding hall into a real Hogwarts hall, then work with precision, the details that will make the decoration of your reception hall exceptional. The predominant colors for a medieval theme are emerald green and ruby red. These colors can be mixed with a softer color like ivory white or off white. During the ceremony of exchange of vows, ask your florist to make an arch of flowers with drooping plants as well as a light drape which will make it possible to put your couple in value. In order to better direct your guests during the installation in the reception room, you can have your decorator create a seating plan in the form of an old map of the world. On your tables put a maximum of natural elements (ivy or wooden decorations) and sprinkle your tables with candles. Add more stature, by creating table legs out of beer barrels.

3.5. Themed Wedding – Chromatic Wedding

A chromatic marriage is a marriage for which you choose a main color, to which you can associate one or two complementary colors. It will start by choosing the colors of your choice, which will then be available in all the elements of your wedding. Indeed, the colors you have chosen will become the guidelines of your wedding. They will be found in particular in the decoration, but also in the accessories and the clothes of the guests and the bride and groom. The goal is to create perfect harmony! This is a wedding theme that is spreading more and more and has become very trendy in recent years!

All in all, there are plenty of choices and ideas for your dream wedding. Your wedding planner agency will take care of the things. All you have to do is find a theme that best suits your personality.

Photo source: shutterstock.com.

2June2022NOCOMMENTS

Weddo Agency

Wedding Ceremony

What Does a Bridesmaid Do – All About the Role of the Bridesmaid

For many people, the role of the bridesmaid is still a confusing one. They don’t necessarily know who is supposed to have this role or what their missions are. However, they should know that, originally, bridesmaids had a spiritual meaning. In ancient Rome, the bride and groom arrived at the church accompanied by a procession of people of the same age. They were dressed in the same way as the future spouses so the evil spirits could not attack them because it was impossible to differentiate them from the rest of the procession. Therefore, they were protected from their misfortunes. This tradition no longer exists. Especially since today no bride wants to have a guest dressed in white and even worse, in a wedding dress.

However, the concept of the procession and bridesmaids has been reinvented and now almost systematic, especially in the United States. This American custom has crossed the Atlantic to become part of the wedding trend in Europe for a few years.

Table of contents

1. What Does a Bridesmaid Do – Choosing the Bridesmaid

Often, it is complicated for the future bride to choose only two witnesses. Therefore, it is advisable for you to surround yourself with bridesmaids in order to give a special place to these women who have an important place in your life. Very often, these are people in your family: a sister, a sister-in-law, or a cousin, but it can also be close friends. In any case, you must choose people who know you well, who can be honest and, above all, available. In general, the bride and groom choose between 2 to 6 bridesmaids. But it is not uncommon to see the bride accompanied by 10 friends or family members, especially in Europe. First, it is important not to confuse witness and bridesmaid. The witness has legal value, because it is he who will have to sign the marriage register at the town hall and in your place of worship if you are also preparing a religious wedding. It is mandatory to have one or two witnesses from the point of view of the law. The bridesmaid has a purely symbolic value and is not mandatory. However, it is an emblematic role in your marriage and often just as important or almost as the best man.

2. What Does a Bridesmaid Do – The Role of the Bridesmaid

Who has never dreamed of being part of the procession of the future bride? Almost everyone, right? However, the role of the bridesmaid is to be taken seriously at a wedding. It’s not just about being present in the procession. The 3 watchwords of a perfect bridesmaid are: support, help and coordinate.

2.1. The Role of the Bridesmaid – Bride’s Personal Assistant

Indeed, this is certainly the most important role of the bridesmaid. Attention, you are not in the “Devil Wears Prada”, even if the future bride is sometimes very demanding and on the nerves. But it’s more about being present during wedding dress fittings and being honest with her about her choices. Also, you can be available for hair or makeup tests. Finally, and especially on the wedding day, you will have to be present during the preparations: dressing, hairdressing, and make-up so as not to leave the future bride to prepare alone. Especially since it will be an opportunity to drink a glass of wine to relax before the ceremony or ceremonies.

2.2. The Role of the Bridesmaid – Listening Ear of the Bride

Also, from an emotional point of view, your attention or your presence will be comforting for the future bride. It can be before, during or after the wedding. As explained by the elder people, when asked about the doubts that arise during marriage, the bride-to-be will certainly alternate between periods of emotional lows and highs. It is the role of the bridesmaid to be present in these moments of peaks or euphoria and to know how to support the bride in moments of hollows and doubts.

2.3. The Role of the Bridesmaid – Coordinator and Organizer

Get ready to become an event pro! It is before and during the marriage that certain tasks will be assigned to you. Starting with the organization of the bachelor party! With the help of witnesses, you will be in charge of preparing a bachelor party worthy of the name. This goes through the proposal of ideas, the purchase of accessories or the organization of activities that will please the bride. Even if, the witnesses will also take care of a large part of the coordination, you may be asked several times. Also, throughout the preparations, the bride may ask you for help with sending the invitations, preparing the guest gifts, or making the decorations. Finally on the wedding day, the role of the bridesmaid is to help coordinate the wedding and its smooth running. Your mission will revolve around several tasks: setting up the procession, welcoming and guiding guests, arrangement of the dress. Also, you may be asked to prepare the room, the final touches and the setting up of the decoration. The list cannot be exhaustive, but the goal is to be able to help the bride in the preparations and in the face of unforeseen events.

2.4. The Role of the Bridesmaid – Wedding Day Animator

Don’t worry, this is the coolest and most symbolic part of your role. Indeed, as a bridesmaid and therefore close friend to the bride, you will have the opportunity to prepare entertainment. With the help of witnesses and your fellow bridesmaids, you can prepare a speech, a surprise, a dance, or a game. The point is to bring a symbolic and complete touch to your role. Show that you were not only present during the preparations but that this role had a special value in your eyes.

3. What Does a Bridesmaid Do – How to Place the Bridesmaids During the Ceremony

Let’s focus on where your bridesmaids and groomsmen sit at the altar. Whether you have just a few close friends by your side or more than a dozen people on each side, getting them down the ceremony aisle – and organizing them once they get to the end – is an important part of the organization of the ceremony, which is often decided at the last minute. If your wedding is fast approaching and you still don’t know who will go where, don’t worry! When deciding how you are going to place your bridesmaids and groomsmen down the aisle, you have several options to choose from.

By height. This is the easiest option, as it avoids any injuries. Line up your bridesmaids and groomsmen by height, with the shortest being closest to the altar and the tallest furthest away. The exceptions are your girl witness and your boy witness, who should stand right next to each of you, regardless of size. Plus, this range is the most aesthetically pleasing, so if you’re worried about how it will look in photos, this one’s for you!

By your proximity. Take it easy with this option. Of course, you will start with your wife witness followed by your sister or sister-in-law, and from there it will vary. You can have your best friend, followed by your cousin, then another close friend, or you can swap the order around. Be careful, as the person standing at the end may feel aggrieved. How long have you known each other? Based on real facts (since the date of your meeting can’t be negotiated), this is another option that will keep people from feeling hurt. Determine how long you’ve known each lady or groomsman, then line it up them from longest to shortest friendship, with the most recent friends on the outer edge of the arrangement.

By age. Again, this could be very diplomatic or a bit tricky. In this case, you would put the oldest bridesmaid or groomsman closest to you, with the youngest on the outside edge.

Either side. Do you have an uneven wedding party or a huge guest list? To make things a bit more visually interesting (or to hide the fact that you have four bridesmaids and eight groomsmen), don’t split the groups based on groom’s group and bridesmaid’s group bridal party and instead coalesce your wedding party around the altar, with bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides. Want to make it even more fun? Instead of having them stand, surround the altar with living room furniture and turn your ceremony into a fashionable photo shoot.

4. What Does a Bridesmaid Do – How to Make the Bridesmaids Feel Comfortable and Enjoy the Wedding Day

Being a bridesmaid means having a long to-do list that takes up a lot of time, money, and energy. Not only can the job be overwhelming to take on in the months leading up to the big day, but it can also make you feel like you’re practically the wedding planner on the day of the wedding.

Most brides want their bridesmaids to not only have fun on their wedding day, but also to feel relaxed and stress-free. As you plan your wedding day, think of ways to be there for your bridesmaids most of the day so they can be there for you with full support.

1. Choose dresses with pockets for the bridesmaids. Your bridesmaids are going to spend eight hours or more in whatever dress you choose for them, spending most of the time running around, posing for pictures, and dancing the night away. An easy way to make them feel comfortable is to choose a bridesmaid dress with pockets (sometimes even hidden pockets) so they have a place to put tissues, makeup, and their phone.

2. Flat shoes. Once a person has blisters on their feet, you can almost guarantee that they will want to sit in a chair and not move a single toe. To ensure that guests can stand and run around, without their feet throbbing in pain, it is recommended a pair of good sturdy and supportive shoes. Even if you want your bridesmaids to wear a specific pair or style of high heels for photos, let them take them off after the photos are taken or the ceremony is over. Better yet, give them a pair of ballet flats, or comfy flip flops that they can put on right away and let their feet feel free.

3. Planned timings for cooling off. A wedding day may seem like the longest day in history. Ask any bridesmaid who was forced to wake up at 6 a.m. to do her hair and makeup for a ceremony that didn’t officially begin until 12 hours later. If you plan to start early, also allow time for the bridal party to relax, sit and, most importantly, eat throughout the day. If you run them around all morning and afternoon, right at the reception, you might find them napping in a corner.

4. Snacks. It has been said it above, and it will be said again: food is important. To protect your friends from tummy aches, stomach cramps, have unlimited snacks available all day. Choose healthy snacks that don’t contain too much sugar (you want to avoid blood sugar spikes) and will leave your bridesmaids feeling refreshed and energized. You should also encourage them to bring their favorite treats to snack on throughout the day.

5. Activities for their significant other. If your bridesmaids are bringing extra people who don’t know many other people to the wedding, they may feel uncomfortable leaving them alone for most of the day. Plan a few activities so the bridal party can get together for a lunch break or a mid-afternoon coffee break. This way, your bridal party members won’t feel distracted or guilty for not being fully available to entertain the person they’ve invited to the wedding to be their date. You could even ask the spouses to order coffees and deliver them to the bridal suite for a pre-ceremonial pick-me-up. Now they have a few minutes to see their partners, and you and the girls will get free coffee. Everybody wins.

6. A drinks bar. Hydrate your bridesmaids! A bottle of water is a must, but feel free to add champagne and cocktails as you see fit. Your bridesmaids will thank you — provided you can trust them to drink slowly and walk down the aisle well. It would be a shame to see them drunk during the ceremony!

All in all, the bridesmaids are mainly designated to help the bride during her preparations. Their main mission is to accompany you from your first steps in terms of organization: development of announcements, choice of dress, planning of speeches, etc. So take the time to decide who will be by your side to support you and advise you in your sometimes difficult choices.

Photo sources: shutterstock.com

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