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9 Practical Tips to reduce the stress of Wedding dress shopping

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most anticipated wedding planning tasks. It is supposed to be an exciting and interesting experience for brides who get to choose one of the most important, and not to mention expensive, dresses that they will ever wear.

While all this sounds really exciting, it is quite often that we see brides who feel overwhelmed and confused with the entire process. As a bridal shop, we understand how the strain of deciding what you should go with for your big celebration, can really get to you. There is nothing unusual about it, as there are so many choices to look at. It is only human to wonder if you actually made the right decision or if you have considered all that you ought to have.

In this way, wedding dress shopping can get stressful, instead of being fun. We do not want that to happen to you. At Best for Bride, we like to do everything to make sure that every bride has a fantastic wedding shopping experience. So, this article is dedicated to helping you beautiful brides overcome the stress of wedding shopping, and here is how you can do it right.

#1 Fix your budget and the upper limit you can stretch to

This is an essential part of wedding dress shopping, as it sets a benchmark for you when you start looking for wedding gowns. There are dresses in all price ranges. Also, apart from the standard gown price, you will be spending extra on accessories and dress alterations. So, you should know how much you can afford to spend on all this in total, before you even begin looking at dresses.

Whether you visit a bridal shop, or choose to do your shopping online, you will only look at gowns you can afford, when you have a price in mind. This can save you the disappointment of falling in love with a dress that you just cannot afford. So, when you walk in the door and your bridal consultant asks you for your budget, make sure you give her the base price you’ve put aside for the gown, and not the total price you intend to set aside for the wedding gown to be ready to wear. If you are lucky, you will find a gown that requires minimum gown alterations to fit your size and vision perfectly. In this case, you can splurge on accessories or divert the remaining funds to another aspect. Otherwise, you will be glad to have set a reasonable expectation for the price, so that your wedding dress stays within budget.

#2 Research before you go shopping, but don’t get too worried if it has your head in a tizzy

Just check our website and you will quickly realize that there are several thousands of wedding dresses. Even more annoying is the fact that many of them look the same in pictures. So, how do you choose?

Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one feeling this way! The hundreds of choices in wedding dresses can really have you worried about what is right and what isn’t. But, look at the bright side. With so many choices, you are bound to find the right fit for your budget, that will also look like you want it to be. So, if you are brand new to the world of wedding dresses, don’t over-saturate yourself with too much information at once. First start off with fixing your budget. Then, analyze the various features that look good on you. Finally, check out dresses that have these features and appeal to you. We say this because it is more important to look at a dress for what it looks in reality, rather than for how it looks on the model in the picture. Remember that it needn’t look the same way on you, unless you look exactly like the lady in the picture! And, if you think you are still too confused, this is what wedding dress consultants are there to help you with. So, pop that stress bubble, will you?

#3 Familiarize yourself with wedding dress lingo

When you enter a bridal boutique, your consultant will ask you what you are looking at. It will save you time and energy if you have at least a general idea of few of the wedding dress terms that are floated around a lot. We suggest you take a quick look at this article that guides you through the most popular wedding dress silhouettes, and you will understand what your consultant means when she says “fit and flare” or “A-line.”

Although you needn’t know the technical terms for every single detail that you can expect to see on a wedding dress, a general idea of the popularly used wedding dress lingo will help you. If you know this you can easily convey the idea to your consultant. The other option you can consider is to take pictures of the dresses you like or those with features you have shortlisted, if you don’t know the actual names. This will save you a lot of trouble.

#4 Choose a shop with a good reputation

There may be hundreds of wedding dress shops if you look around, but not all of them will be equally good. The benefit of choosing a good bridal boutique is that the bridal consultants there will be experienced and well-trained to help you make the best choices. So, don’t discount the reputation of the bridal salon, when you start looking at options. When you are in the hands of a good bridal consultant, they will guide you to the best possible choices in wedding dresses.

They know how to pamper you and reduce your stress, so that the shopping experience is exciting and memorable. So, look around and go shopping at a wedding shop that has earned its reputation of being customer-friendly and delivering good quality service.

#5 Browse around by yourself first

This bride, in this article on the Huff Post, mentions that the best thing she did to alleviate the stress associated with wedding dress shopping was to go shopping by herself the first time around. This sounds like a great idea, as it will allow you to find things out for yourself, without having to seek approval from the people who accompany you.

Since you will be interacting with the bridal consultant all by yourself, you can really use this opportunity to understand what you favor and what you think would be the best. Let the entourage join you the second time, when you have a clearer idea of what you would like to wear. Just make sure that you use the first appointment to really look at all the choices available to you, and narrow down the list to what really appeals to you. Being in the salon and in the midst of real wedding dresses will also help you understand how the different styles look and feel, rather than judging by what you see in a picture. It will tell you how the fabric and structure of the gown are different from what you expect based on a photograph. When you don’t have to listen to another person’s opinion on it, it will give you a clearer perspective of what you actually want.

#6 Don’t bring a big entourage

Since we’re talking about the different ways in which you can cut down on wedding dress shopping, this has to be in the list. I’ve probably lost count of the times I’ve repeated this fact on our blog, but yes, it is only because this is very important. If there is one thing that is real from what you see on the various bridal shows on TV, it is the fact that you can have a tough time choosing your wedding dress if your entourage isn’t supportive.

Don’t feel obliged to invite everyone who wants to go gown shopping with you, or you will only be ruining your chances of finding the right dress for yourself. Choose just one or two people, and do so wisely. Make sure that these are people who know your personal style best and can give you honest opinions. More importantly, they should share your taste. Ultimately, your gown should reflect your personality, and only you know what you favor when you look in the mirror. Unless the person who goes shopping with you shares your idea of fashion, you will simply disagree and not have a productive shopping session.

#7 Be flexible with your ideas

After hours of researching online, you may have convinced yourself that you will settle for none other than just one silhouette or style. Don’t make this mistake! Especially when you have a seasoned expert in wedding gowns, in the form of your bridal consultant, to assist you with your choice. Wedding gowns are surprising in that way, you may find that the thing you least expected looks best on you. And bridal consultants have often seen this magic happening on their shop floor. So, they may be the best judge of what would look best on you, once you share your vision with them.

Our suggestion is to keep your mind open to ideas, and accept it when your bridal consultant suggests a dress for you. What is the harm in trying it on? It’ll be just a matter of minutes, but you always have a good chance of finding a fabulous gown when you least expected it. Although it may be different from what you ever expected, who is to complain if it makes up for this difference in how well it suits you?

#8 Don’t worry if you can’t decide on a single dress

Confusion is a given, when you consider that the dresses you look are all equally attractive and beautiful in their own way. We have seen brides who shortlist five or sometimes even more dresses and look at each of them longingly, unable to decide which one they should go with. This is why we suggest you start your gown shopping well ahead of time, so you have enough time to go back and make a choice.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are totally confused between two or more gowns, our suggestion is to click a few photographs of yourself in the gowns you love and go home and sleep over it. Wedding dress decisions should never be hastened, unless you are really pressed for time. Spend time looking at your pictures in each of the dresses and keep the focus on finding out which dress highlights your best features. This will help you decide which dress will be right for you. Once you make your decision, return to the boutique and purchase the gown you think has to be right. Let us just warn you of one small thing though! Don’t ever make the mistake of taking a look at any more gowns on this visit. It will only make the process more exhausting, and not to mention confusing too!

#9 Don’t second guess your decision

Once you choose your wedding dress and pay the bill for it, don’t ever second-guess your choice. The decision is made, and it isn’t worthwhile going back to it. Remember how certain you and all those around you were, when you stepped out in it? So, stick with it. Plus, think of the huge amount you’ve already spent on your wedding dress! It just doesn’t make sense to go back on your decision and go through the whole process all over.

We suggest that you immediately cross wedding dress shopping off the list and not pay too much attention to any of the new trends that you may later come across. Now, all you need to do is attend your alteration sessions and have the dress that you chose fitted to your measurements. Preoccupy yourself with the rest of the wedding choices like cake tastings and venue décor. These are also important facets that should be considered, and you should engage yourself in it whole-heartedly, now that the major part of your wedding shopping is already taken care of.

We hope these tips will be helpful for you. For more wedding tips, advice and help, continue visiting us on Best for Bride—your one-stop destination for everything bridal.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 5 Comments

All you need to know about wedding toasts

Image Credits: Madeleine Ball, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Take a minute to think of the many wedding receptions you’ve attended, and tell us how many of the toasts and speeches were truly memorable! Wedding speeches are considered an essential part of almost every wedding reception. With all eyes on the speaker, it can be a frightening experience for some. Now, if you are the best man or Maid of Honor, writing a wedding toast is definitely on the cards. So, when the couple ask you to honor them by speaking a few words on their wedding day, it can be one of your worst nightmares come true–unless you have always been great at public speaking or have always prepared for this opportunity! Nevertheless, it isn’t too difficult to prepare and deliver an effective toast with a few essential guidelines. In this article, we will look at tips for both the couple who have to decide who all speak at their wedding, as well as for the people who have to deliver these speeches. So, fear no more and read on to find out how to go about it.

Who usually performs a wedding toast?

Image Credits: Nan Palmero, via Flickr, CC By 2.0

The traditional practice is for the best man to toast the bride and Maid of Honor to toast the groom. So, they will mostly be the two people who the audience expect a speech from. So, if you have gladly accepted either of these roles, remember that you may have to speak on the day. If you are really uncomfortable speaking in front of an audience, it may be a good idea to mention this to the couple in advance, so they can plan accordingly.

Apart from these two people, there are many others who may and usually will speak at the reception. This usually includes the parents of the bride or groom (mostly the father), especially if they are hosting the wedding. Then, there may be other relatives or friends who would like to honor the couple with a brief message. The groom will also be expected to say a thank you note during the reception.

Tips for the bride and groom

#1 You do not need wedding toasts unless you are absolutely sure you do

We spoke about who are the people expected to give wedding speeches. This is the usual norm, but there is no compulsion to stick to it. The team on A Practical Wedding blog tells you to buck this traditional cast, if you want something different. Remember is that there is no need to have a toast at all. If you feel that it would be better this way, so be it. On the other hand, if you would like this to be a part of your reception, go for it. Don’t forget to think of how comfortable the person giving the toast would be. If it’ll be a nightmare for them and they would prefer to stay away from the stage, it is best to avoid it than embarrass them with doing something they hate, for your sake.

#2 Think well over who you should confer this honor on

You can imagine how inappropriate it would sound if the person at the mike were to start the speech with something like, “ I am not so close to the couple,” or something similar. Even worse, imagine how it would be if the speaker went on to embarrass the two of you with his inappropriate wit. So, make sure that the people who are invited to toast you are those who will do justice to the role. The best way is to choose people who are really dear to you, and ask them whether they would like to speak at your wedding. It is best to not compel anyone who is even remotely uncomfortable, as not everyone may be confident about speaking out aloud in front of many guests. If someone would like to think over it, give them enough time to come to a decision.

#3 Ask all those you love, not just those who are good at speeches

Is there someone in your wedding party who you would love to do your wedding toast, but haven’t asked because they’ve always shunned away from speeches? Why don’t you just ask them? Even the most reserved people often rise to the occasion, if they are really close to you and wouldn’t want to miss the chance to say a few special words on your big day. After all, they may make an exception for you as a few lines they say would be more meaningful to you than an impressive speech by someone who isn’t as close? So, don’t hesitate, just ask. If they decline the offer, you will still be better off asking than never knowing if they’d have liked it.

#4 Leave it to them entirely

Wedding toasts and speeches are supposed to be prepared in advance, but not with the approval of the couple. That spoils the entire intent. Rather than knowing everything that will be said and spoken, wouldn’t you prefer the surprise of hearing what your dear ones have to say about you, right when they say it? Lay off the pressure, and they will most likely do a great job. So, trust yourself when you choose the person to speak on the day, and then leave it to them to do the rest.

#5 Accept what you hear gracefully

Whether someone declines to deliver your wedding toast, or the toast doesn’t sound as impressive as you would have wanted it to, don’t feel bad about it. Remember that although the guest you asked is dear to you, the reason they don’t want to do a toast is not because they aren’t fond of you. It could just be that they aren’t comfortable speaking in public. And where the content of the speech is concerned, keep and open mind, pay attention and be happy for what was said. Don’t expect their speech to take a certain direction or be similar to what they’ve previously delivered on another occasion.

Now, that we’ve covered the part of the couple, let us move on to the other part of our discussion. Let us look at what makes an interesting wedding toast, and how you can prepare for it when assigned this important duty.

What makes an interesting wedding toast

#1 Start with a punch

Since you do not have forever to impress, it is necessary to pack your wedding toast with punch right from the beginning. For this, keep the message short, crisp and effortless. A quote, short verse or poem or a joke when chosen appropriately will help you grab the audience attention instantly.

#2 Keep it brief

The most memorable messages are short and sweet. Convey your best wishes to the couple in a personal way that they will appreciate, and finish it off quickly before anyone is too bored to listen any more. Even if you have known the couple for ever, and have lots of stories and trivia to discuss, this is not the right occasion. If you must, stick with one instance and leave it at that. Toasts and speeches that end in 5 minutes are usually best.

#3 Don’t sound too impersonal

The reason you have been chosen to say a speech is because you mean a lot to the couple. So, make sure your message is personal and from the heart. There is no harm in borrowing ideas off the internet or a magazine, but let the gist of the message be your own and make sure you say it with emotion, so it is worth remembering. If you have trouble remembering the lines, note it down,but never read it entirely. Keep it as reference, just in case you forget where you were going.

#4 It is alright if it isn’t funny

You know how everyone has that impression that the most memorable speeches have humor in them. If you are naturally humorous or can lace a joke into your message, definitely do so. But, never try to add humor just for the sake of sounding funny. It can sound like you are trying too hard, and may do more damage than good. Also, it is best to avoid personal and embarrassing jokes, that may not be appropriate for the situation.

#5 Don’t brag or insult

This is not the occasion for you to announce how hard you’ve had to work behind the scenes of the wedding, or what you’ve done for the couple. Keep the focus on them and also appreciate anyone else worth commenting. Never use your wedding toast as a chance to insult either the bride or groom, bring up past relationships or say anything offensive at all.

#6 Don’t be too nervous

If you are not very fond of public speaking, we can imagine how terrified you may feel. Remember that with practice, you will be better prepared to handle the situation. Prepare your script in advance, and practice it well. Don’t stress too much over how it will turn out. And when you are up for the act, don’t allow anyone’s reactions get to you. Just go with what you prepared, don’t make any last minute changes that may get you stuck with your lines, and you should be safe.

#7 Keep the audience in mind when preparing your speech

Although the actual intent of the toast is to congratulate the newly wed couple, thank all the people who made the wedding a success with a few extra lines thrown in, and make sure that those extra lines are relevant to the audience. If your speech contains instances that all the audience are unaware of, they can end up confused and perhaps, even bored. So, if you must share a story about the couple, make sure there are no loose ends. Additionally, it is necessary that you introduce yourself and add a brief line about how you are related to the couple, so all the listeners know who you are.

#8 Maintain eye-contact and speak slowly

Unless you are a seasoned expert, these factors needn’t come to you easily. However it is important, as this will help the audience follow all that you say and enjoy your speech much better. Look at the people around you, and specifically at the bride and groom when you mention them. Speak loudly and coherently, and speak slowly so everyone can easily follow what you say. If you speed through your lines, it can cause confusion as not all may follow what you said. So, remember the three golden words—slow, steady and clear.

#9 Conclude with a punch, just like you started it

Don’t let your enthusiasm wane as you reach the end of your speech. Make sure that you end your speech with a punch line that packs an impact, just like you planned the beginning of your speech. This is the right time to borrow an interesting saying, or use a quote that follows through with the rest of your speech, but lingers on in the minds of the listeners. Remember that there is only so much information that everyone will remember after your speech is over, and what you say at the end will mostly be the part that sticks. So, plan it well and you can create the impact you desire without much difficulty. Visit this article on Wikihow for some sample wedding speech endings to inspire you.

#10 Remain calm and contained even after it is over

You may feel like punching the air or even doing a somersault once your wedding toast is ever. Restrict the urge! Be calm and contained, and if you must, smile and let the feeling of a successful delivery sink in slowly. Save the antics for when you are alone, and you will end up making a much better impression.

That’s all there is to preparing and making a wonderful wedding toast. We told you it was simple and straightforward, didn’t we?

If you are planning a wedding in the near future, don’t forget to check out our online website for all your wedding needs. And, if you are attending one, you should check out our evening dress section for some great options.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 6 Comments

Dare to be different with a unique wedding dress

Is your fashion style unique or predictable? Do you always make heads turn with unusual and offbeat choices in what you wear everyday?

It isn’t too difficult to have a unique style statement these days, for there are diverse fashion options available. In fact, isn’t that every woman’s secret wish–to stand out of the crowd in something interesting and clever?

However, it takes guts to do the same on your wedding day!

There are traditional expectations from every bride. For instance, it is difficult for people to imagine brides in colors other than white. Take a look at this link for some interesting trivia on this practice. Conventional style choices do not end there. Despite the passage of time, few women are bold enough to deviate from these expectations and pick dresses that do not conform to tradition.

My intent is to explore such options—dresses that are designed as bridal wear, but with quirky, bold or daring elements that make them truly stand out. Take a look and tell us which of these would you dare to be different in.

Adeline from Sophia Tolli

Why wear white, when you can make heads turn in this cappuccino beauty? The dress has a textured bodice with ruchings that gather at the side. Intricate and artistically detailed hand-embroidery with crystal accents adorn the stylish sweetheart neckline. Another motif with matching details ornaments the side of the dress. Here, the ruchings gather above the dropped waist and then flow into a gently gathered skirt. The beautiful color is the wow factor, apart from the other amazing details. It flows and is very feminine, but with an unexpected punch of color. With a corset back and chapel train to finish the dress, it has everything necessary to make a lasting impression.

Lucia from Sophia Tolli

Glide down your wedding aisle with an air of mystery! The Lucia from Sophia Tolli will leave your guests mesmerized with its intricate and subtly bold details. This beauty is every bit bridal, despite its unconventional design elements. Done in ethereal chiffon, the gown has a hand-beaded illusion neckline over a plunging bodice. Makes it the perfect choice to show off your bold streak without causing a scandal. The chiffon skirt gathers into tight pleats at the waist that ripples down to full length. The back has a matching illusion detail that completes the dress in stunning style.

Mori Lee Meredith

An exquisite bridal piece, the 6859 Mori Lee is a stunning dress. It is remarkably different from the regular wedding dresses we see. The crystal beaded bodice has an almost Boho vibe with it’s double straps and textured detail. The two-piece crystal bodice ends at the waistline, and from there a tiered tulle skirt begins. With an edging of lace, this skirt is just as romantic as it is exquisite. Fun and flirty, it is a modest choice that is unique in its own way. One that is sure to charm a bride who seeks a statement wedding gown that can charm as well as impress!

Mori Lee tea length skirt

Have you ever wished that top of a dress went with the skirt of another to achieve your dream look? If you have, bridal separates are the choice for you! Mix and match couldn’t be more fun than this. Customize your bridal look by choosing the different parts of your bridal dress separately. When it comes to casual tea-length dresses, there isn’t much variety available. Fortunately, this Mori Lee 6843 saves you a lot of trouble. The tulle tea length skirt can be worn with any suitable bodice to custom-create the look you want. For more details on this dress, check out the Mori Lee bridal dress collection here.

Alfred Angelo 2644

Flowers are a staple at weddings. Many floral motifs have appeared in lace and as embroidery and embellishments in wedding dresses. However, seldom do we come across colorful floral prints in wedding dresses. If you are a big fan of romantic floral prints, this dress from the Alfred Angelo is just right for you. Soft pink roses spread all over the beautiful white organza skirt in this wonderful wedding gown. There is a bright pink sash defining the natural waistline. The smart halter-style bodice makes the dress as beautiful as a dream. Perfect for a warm spring or summer wedding. It is a great choice for an outdoor wedding, and especially for a garden venue!

The Alfred Angelo Signature 2607

Super-stylish and sexy, the Alfred Angelo 2607 is a dress for a diva! This little white wedding dress features all-over lace in a fitted silhouette and has a beautiful sweetheart neckline. The hemline is above the knee. Wear it to look smart and show off your toned figure. The best thing about this dress is that it is anything but typical bridal fare. As long as women seek little white dresses for their big day, an ultra-stylish choice like this Alfred Angelo beauty will continue as a hit. Whether you have a destination wedding in mind or plan to marry at city hall or a casual venue, this is the right choice.

Alfred Angelo Modern Vintage

Talk about getting the best of two worlds, this Alfred Angelo Modern Vintage is the choice for you! It features a detachable overlay skirt over a little white dress. The sleek inner silhouette makes it a sexy choice, while layers of tulle in the skirt have vintage flair. Fun and flirty, this dress will allow your fiance to fall in love with you all over again. Chantilly lace is used throughout the length, and it is elegant and classic. This dress is a budget-friendly choice if you want two looks—one for the wedding ceremony and the other for the reception. Dress up in conventional style in the overlay skirt for the formal ceremony. Then take it off and dance to your heart’s content at the reception.

Full-sleeve peplum style mermaid wedding dress from Sans Pareil

A dress that evokes nostalgia, the 1066 from the Sans Pareil collection is unusually bewitching. It features loose fitting sleeves that gather at the wrist in a lace trim. The high neckline and gathered waist with lace peplum detail fashion a vintage look. The dress is modest in every sense, offering coverage from neckline to the hemline. Nevertheless, the fitted silhouette and softly flowing white fabric render a glamorous effect. Being an unconventional look, it isn’t one that anyone will easily forget. With a gentle sweep train that completes the design, this dress will remain etched in the memories of the onlookers at your wedding.

Princess in Pink lace dress from Sans Pareil

Remember when you were a little girl and pink was your favorite color? If your love for pink continues to this day, the 1038 in soft pink from the Sans Pareil collection will capture your heart. While every detail from the lace details in the bodice to the silhouette are bridal, the color certainly isn’t. Although pink isn’t a typical bridal color, this muted hue is as exciting and enchanting as any other white wedding gown. The pretty shade works on most complexions. The simple structure and details form a vivid picture and will amaze the onlookers at your wedding.

Rainier from Sophia Tolli

Are you a bride who loves embellished wedding dresses? Especially embellishments that are strewn throughout the design? This wedding dress from the Sophia Tolli collection is one you will love. After all, who can resist a dress that is as captivating and obvious as the details on this gown! The bright silver floral motifs have an almost 3-D effect, as they scintillate on this dress. A scattering of sparkling embellishments further enhance the appeal of this romantic dress. If it weren’t for the colorful embroidery on this dress, it would be a typical traditional wedding dress. However this addition of color makes it an unusual choice. Nonetheless this dress has the drama and effect of a bridal gown. It will only add oodles of style to your bridal look.

Emeline Y11709 from Sophia Tolli

Black and white form an astounding combination, as we can see in this lovely dress from the Sophia Tolli collection. Elaborate spirals and vines in black hand-embroidery spread across the bodice and sides of this dress. They are also embellished with crystal and sparkle details that add to the opulence. The simple A-line silhouette thus looks flanked by black and white fronds on either side. The black embroidery motifs extend into the train as well. This makes the dress a beauty from the rear as well. A misty train finishes the effect in full style.

It can be pretty confusing when you have to make your wedding dress choice. Even the women who dress up in unusual, quirky dresses on other occasions choose safe dresses for their wedding day. There is a reason for this too. Your wedding day memories live on forever, and your wedding albums will be a reminder of what you wore on this day. With time, people change and so do their tastes and preferences. It is easy to end up with a dated look if you base your wedding day choices on the latest trends. Most of us don’t want that to happen.

However, you should also remember that your wedding day look should be an extension of who you are. It should reflect your personality and showcase who you are from within. Anything other than that wouldn’t do justice to your individuality. So, if you fall in love with a dress that isn’t traditional fare, don’t hold back. Go for it and you will have the satisfaction of being wed in a dress that screams you!

With the wedding fashion world growing and evolving, there are unexpected twists and new entries in fashion everyday. So, turn to the past and the present for inspiration. You will find the look that defines you. Don’t hesitate to stay true to yourself. Settle for nothing but a dress that actually brings out your best.

All the dresses featured here are part of our inventory at Best for Bride. Whether you prefer an unconventional look from this list, or wish to go for a traditional or modern choice, you will find it at Best for Bride. Apart from wedding dresses, we also have an impressive collection of accessories, bridal party attire and a range of wedding services. Check out our online store at this link. You will find everything you need for your wedding day and more at Best for Bride—the one-stop shopping destination for the modern bride.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 4 Comments

4 Fun and Meaningful Unity Ceremony Ideas to Consider Anywhere

Written by Rev. Julie Nourish from Custom Las Vegas Weddings

You may use these fun and interesting ritual additions to your ceremony anywhere you decide to get married. I am a wedding officiant in Las Vegas and I have performed each one of these ceremonies. Whether you get married in Vegas or decided to have your wedding somewhere else, these ceremonies.

To make your wedding in Las Vegas more memorable, consider these unique yet interesting unity wedding ceremonies to solemnize your wedding in the best way possible. These ceremony choices are great ritual additions that can truly define a lasting union between you and your partner.

Glass-Breaking

The glass breaking ceremony has been a Jewish tradition but theoretically anyone can incorporate it into their wedding ceremony. A ceremonial glass-breaking stands as a rite of passage signifying the lasting endurance of your marriage. Think of it to remind you and your spouse that feelings and the fragility of love is sensitive.

At the same time, the difficulty in bringing back shattered glass pieces is parallel to the unbreakable love characterizing your marriage. Glass-breaking, of course, helps signify that thought, in that the fragile nature of glass introduces feelings of resolve to make relationships work – quite like a symbol that reminds you and your spouse that your marriage will last forever.

Wine-Pouring

wine-ceremony — Courtesy of https://customlasvegasweddings.com

Wine has historically been used in wedding ceremonies. Using alcohol, specifically wine, as a symbolic means of solemnizing your union remains a novel idea. To facilitate this ritual into your ceremony, it’s important to have an eclectic mix of two kinds of wine: red and white.

The wine-pouring ceremony would involve you and your spouse taking turns drinking from a “common cup,” in which both red and white wine is combined. Said combination promises both an abundance of love, embodied by the red wine, and everlasting strength of marriage, represented by the white wine.

Rose-Giving

Roses have long been considered as a symbol of love. Roses have always fit the theme of weddings. If using this sentiment is something you and your spouse would appreciate, then certainly this ritual exchange of roses would work well.

Giving a rose to the love of your life may take on a world of lovely meanings: “please forgive me,” “I love you with all my heart,” and “you’re very special to me” being among the words you may intend to say. When done as a wedding ritual, rose-giving enables you to express your feelings of everlasting love even when you’re already at a loss for words.

Hands-Fasting

Hand-Fasting-Ceremony — Courtesy of https://customlasvegasweddings.com

Lastly, but certainly not the least interesting, the hands-fasting ceremony symbolizes the unbreakable bond between you and your spouse. It actualizes the idea of “tying the knot,” an idiom often used to refer to weddings. The wedding ritual is a simple yet distinctive way of making your wedding official – an interesting way to make your wedding permanent.

In case you and your partner are wondering, hands-fasting isn’t a symbol of bondage to one another. Rather, the ties that bind is intended to remind the both of you that marriage makes being there for one another as more than just an obligation – that it’s an agreement borne out of your souls’ perpetual connection with one another.

View more wedding ceremony article ideas here.