Dancing Down the Isle

When I first started watching this video I immediately thought they were going to ruin the wedding by dancing. However by the end of the video I realized I was smiling.

Like it or not, you have to give the bride and groom credit for originality and for keeping their guests entertained. :)

Please visit our sister sites for more great wedding advice DIY Merry Brides ♥ Merry Brides Twitters ♥ Merry Brides FAQ's

Fun Wedding Ceremony Program idea

I just saw this super clever ceremony program idea. The couple's wedding ceremony was held in a lovely grassy clearing and as guests arrived, they enjoyed sodas and fresh-baked cookies. The best part: The treats were served in a paper bags printed with the ceremony details—genius! I browsed around online and found similar treat bags available in bulk from Paper Mart; configure your inkjet printer and try printing them from home.


For more great advice follow us on For more great advice please follow us on Merry Brides Twitters

Interfaith Marriage - How to Plan an Interfaith Wedding Ceremony

By Cori Locklin 

Let’s face it – the world just isn’t as big as it used to be. As a testament to the earth’s seemingly shrinking waistline, more and more young men and women are finding true love outside their faith – and making it work. Yet no matter how progressive you and your families may be, the peaceful merging of two religions can prove an ambitious undertaking. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that love is the end goal, and get ready to celebrate a marriage made in heaven, er, make that two heavens.

Interfaith wedding ceremonies pose a few planning challenges. Here is some advice to get you started:

Do Some Soul Searching - If you’ve been neglecting your spiritual side, it’s time to get reacquainted. Assess your beliefs and the role you see them playing in your life. How important to you is it that your wedding ceremony reflects your religious background? How willing are you to compromise for your fiancé’s beliefs or family? Know your personal stance on faith and religion, so you can speak candidly with your fiancé and your families and make decisions accordingly.

Talk it Over - After you’ve come to terms with your own spirituality, you and your fiancé need to have an honest discussion about religion. Although you should have broached the topic at some point during your relationship, now a wedding ceremony and marriage loom, adding a sense of urgency. During your internal reflection, you may have discovered your own views altering a bit, and he may feel the same. Discuss together your values, and identify what traditions are most meaningful for each of you to incorporate into your wedding ceremony and marriage.

Invite the Families - Combining two sets of traditions while keeping the peace with both families can be tricky. Invite both sides to listen to your ideas and contribute their expectations for your wedding day. You’d be surprised how an honest group discussion can bring about solutions once deemed elusive. As the happy couple, you and your fiancé should be prepared to discuss openly your choices, but you should also be receptive to their viewpoints. Be honest, open and supportive, and make sure that your ceremony plans are agreeable (or at least livable) for everyone.

Get the Right Officiant(s) - While many officiants do not perform interfaith weddings – or only do so with restrictions – just as many specialize in interfaith wedding ceremonies. If either of you has a relationship with the clergy at your respective place of worship, consult with that him or her first. Even if your clergy is unable to perform the service, he or she should be able to evaluate your situation with an open mind and make suggestions and recommendations. Many religious and interfaith organizations maintain lists of clergy who will officiate at interfaith ceremonies. You will also find a valuable resource in your local newspaper’s wedding announcements. Search for the names of officiants who have conducted interfaith ceremonies.

Get Counseled - Counseling sessions, often recommended before a wedding regardless of the couple’s religion, offer a good opportunity for a bride and groom to not only learn about the other's faith, but also to consider ways to merge traditions or celebrations during the ceremony. Since religion won’t disappear after your wedding day, counseling sessions also offer insight to other situations that may arise in your marriage, including raising children.

Plan a Fusion Ceremony - Consult your officiant(s) and families for advice in designing a ceremony that incorporates both faiths and cultures. Determine which customs are personally significant, and select rituals and readings together. Continue this blending of cultures into the reception, and design a menu of personalized fusion cuisine – think egg rolls with a side of Spanakopita.

Reassure the Family - As your wedding plans unfold, remember to pause from time to time and check in with your families, especially if the news of an interfaith wedding was an initial shock for either side. Continue to keep them involved and informed throughout the planning process. Spend quality time together, and if logistics allow, plan some group get-togethers.

Reassure Yourselves - Along those lines – don’t forget to reassure each other along the way, as uncertainty can creep in with potential roadblocks and planning challenges. Don’t stress that you’re losing your religion, because your not. Remember to always keep the focus on the marriage of two people in love, and rejoice that you now have two great traditions from which to draw your spiritual inspiration. Delight in a spiritually rich life and future to come! 

RECOMMENDED READINGS 

Your Interfaith Wedding: A Guide to Blending Faiths, Cultures, and Personal Values into One Beautiful Wedding Ceremony

Joining Hands and Hearts: Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations--A Practical Guide for Couples

For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin

Plan a Spring Wedding - 29 Ways to Tie in the Season

Allison Wedding Gown - $ 599.00
Retail Price: 1399.00
You Save: $800.00


By Cori Russell

The tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising - what a perfect time for a wedding! Get started planning your spring themed wedding now with these inspiring ideas for spring weddings...

Spring Theme Weddings - Things to Consider

Daylight saving time -means the sun will set an hour later. Keep this in mind if you envision a sunset outdoor ceremony.

Prom factor - May and June are prime prom months, so be sure to book your transportation and locations early.

Variable weather - spring weather can be unpredictable. An unseasonably warm and sunny Friday can give way to a miserably cold and rainy Saturday. Be prepared for both extremes.

All in the Details - Spring Wedding Ideas

Invitations & Stationery

1. Add a spring motif - such as a tulip or butterfly - to your stationery suite

2. Consider color - use paper or inks in a spring color palette - pastels, greens, etc.

3. Get whimsical - find a fun, flirty font to evoke a festive spring feeling

4. An added touch - insert a sprinkling of silk flowers into each envelope

Location

5. Garden settings abound - take advantage of budding leaves and flowers with botanical gardens, mansions with lush grounds, or another venue with a pristine garden or courtyard.

6. Take it indoors - if an outdoor setting isn't possible - find an indoor venue with panoramic picture windows affording lots of sunlight and a bright airy ambiance.

Décor Elements

7. Color palette - 1) green and white - an elegant accompaniment to a garden setting. 2) yellow and green -another fresh, natural color pairing. 3) preppy - combine hot pink with green or mango (think polka dots and gingham). 4) chocolate brown - this trendy hue works well for spring - pair with pale blue or pink.

8. Go wild with patterns - create a playful effect - think gingham, polka dots, eyelet lace, swiss dots and stripes.

9. Add some greens - grasses and greenery are a natural for outdoor garden settings. Drape over arbors and incorporate in arrangements

Flowers

10. Seasonal blooms - classics include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially calla lilies and easter lilies), magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, apple or cherry blossoms. View our complete list of spring wedding flowers

11. Creative containers - put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like wicker baskets, watering cans, teapots, or urns.

12. Potted plants - potted arrangements create a natural, organic look. Best of all -you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding

Menu

13. In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb

14. Fresh produce - round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes

15. Elegant sides - serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat

16. Bar favorites - a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.

Wedding Cake

17. Coconut Confection - coconut frosting and fillings make a quintessential spring treat

18. Crazy for carrot - carrot cake with cream cheese icing is another springtime fave.

19. Light and fluffy - go with angel food cake and fresh strawberries or strawberry cream

20. Whimsical adornments - decorate with bright, fanciful details like ribbon, swiss dots or swirl patterns.

Attire

21. Loosen up - feel free to relax the dress code a bit, especially if the wedding will take place outside

22. Lighten up - lighter fabrics like lace or cotton create a perfect springtime look

23. Wedding gown - Add some color with a sash or detailed embroidery

24. Bridesmaids dresses - Pastels are a springtime classic. Keep yours fresh by choosing a color and allowing each of your maids to select a different hue. Or go in another direction with a bolder turquoise, fuschia or mango.

25. Avoid satin shoes - they don't hold up well under springtime showers

26. The guys - They'll look seasonably appropriate in tan suits, colored shirts and ties. For a formal evening affair, a basic tux always works.

Favors

27. Keep love blooming - with packs of flower seeds

28. Plant it - give miniature potted plants or herbs

Getaway

29. Horse-drawn carriage - this Cinderella-like getaway make a fitting finale to an ethereal springtime wedding


Author: Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell

For some additional wedding planning ideas please be sure to visit one of our sister sites: Fun Weddings, Merry Bridals, Merry Brides, Weddings By Ashlee

Planning Barbie's Wedding Wasn't This Stressful!

By Ciara Daykin

The more you dive into planning your perfect wedding the faster and faster time seems to be flying by. Before you know it you'll be making your grand entrance and then at the blink of an eye the wedding cake will be merely a pile of crumbs on your plate, and the shoes you shopped painstakingly for will be tossed in a box.

Your wedding day is THE DAY that means so much to you. You have so many emotions surrounding this event... love, excitement, joy, jitters, elation. Are you confused? Feeling overwhelmed?

Bridal Blues

Brides often experience post wedding blues. It's hard to explain the feeling but it definitely comes. I know I got it after my wedding was over. But it didn't mean I wasn't absolutely thrilled to be married, I was just sad because my wedding was over (and as you probably know by now, I really love weddings). The day you imagined for so long, and spent at least the last year of your life planning is all of a sudden OVER. Now your other girlfriends are celebrating their engagements and you're not "the bride" anymore. The droves of friends and family that were suffocating you all went home and it's finally just you and your new husband. But you keep reflecting on your wedding, was it what you had hoped it to be? Did your details dazzle??

Getting married is a BIG DEAL! Don't let anyone tell you it's not. Regardless of whether or not you and your honey have lived together, getting married is a big life change for any woman. Hence the reason we all feel the need to throw a lavish party. You need to celebrate this life change!

EVEN BARBIE NEEDED A LITTLE GUIDANCE

Sheryl Paul is a bridal counselor (who knew there was such a thing!) and the author of The Conscious Bride. Sheryl sums it up best when she says:

"...it has become something of a taboo in our culture to utter the words "grief" and "wedding" in the same breath. Yet how could grief and fear not be a part of this transition?! We have the bride and groom letting go of their singlehood and stepping into one of the biggest commitments of their lives; we have the mothers of the bride and groom letting go of their "little ones" and possibly facing their own disappointments about their wedding or marriage; and we have girlfriends freaking out about panty hose color when really they're scared about losing, at least temporarily, their lifelong friend. In short, a wedding, as the rite of passage that it is, involves a loss and a gain, a death and a birth, an ending and a beginning."

This book is a must read for all brides to be. It will really help you to understand that you are going through a big life change and that everyone around you is affected by your transition as well. This book will give you a lot of perspective and you'll finally realize why the little things, like the perfect shade of red for your bridesmaid dresses, are so darn important to you!

Bridal Advice:

Pick up a book that is going to nurture your bridal heart. It doesn't have to be this book, although I really do recommend it. As an expert wedding planner, the most important part of my job is helping my clients plan each detail of their wedding so that the climax of their emotional journey is truly the celebration that they deserve it to be.

Love and Bridal Bliss,

Ciara Daykin

Additional Wedding Reading Sites
http://www.merrybrides.livejournal.com
http://www.funweddings.blogspot.com
http://www.merrybrides.blog.com


Ciara Daykin is Calgary's premiere Wedding Choreographer. Brides wanting a dazzling, dashing, dream-filled wedding turn to Ciara for all their wedding planning needs. Ciara is a proud member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.
Sign up for Tips & Tricks for the Vibrant & Stylish Bride and Party Host at: http://www.fireflyoccasions.com/
Email: info@fireflyoccasions.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ciara_Daykin

Interfaith Marriage - How to Plan an Interfaith Wedding Ceremony

By Cori Locklin

Let’s face it – the world just isn’t as big as it used to be. As a testament to the earth’s seemingly shrinking waistline, more and more young men and women are finding true love outside their faith – and making it work. Yet no matter how progressive you and your families may be, the peaceful merging of two religions can prove an ambitious undertaking. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that love is the end goal, and get ready to celebrate a marriage made in heaven, er, make that two heavens.

Interfaith wedding ceremonies pose a few planning challenges. Here is some advice to get you started:

Do Some Soul Searching - If you’ve been neglecting your spiritual side, it’s time to get reacquainted. Assess your beliefs and the role you see them playing in your life. How important to you is it that your wedding ceremony reflects your religious background? How willing are you to compromise for your fiancé’s beliefs or family? Know your personal stance on faith and religion, so you can speak candidly with your fiancé and your families and make decisions accordingly.

Talk it Over - After you’ve come to terms with your own spirituality, you and your fiancé need to have an honest discussion about religion. Although you should have broached the topic at some point during your relationship, now a wedding ceremony and marriage loom, adding a sense of urgency. During your internal reflection, you may have discovered your own views altering a bit, and he may feel the same. Discuss together your values, and identify what traditions are most meaningful for each of you to incorporate into your wedding ceremony and marriage.

Invite the Families - Combining two sets of traditions while keeping the peace with both families can be tricky. Invite both sides to listen to your ideas and contribute their expectations for your wedding day. You’d be surprised how an honest group discussion can bring about solutions once deemed elusive. As the happy couple, you and your fiancé should be prepared to discuss openly your choices, but you should also be receptive to their viewpoints. Be honest, open and supportive, and make sure that your ceremony plans are agreeable (or at least livable) for everyone.

Get the Right Officiant(s) - While many officiants do not perform interfaith weddings – or only do so with restrictions – just as many specialize in interfaith wedding ceremonies. If either of you has a relationship with the clergy at your respective place of worship, consult with that him or her first. Even if your clergy is unable to perform the service, he or she should be able to evaluate your situation with an open mind and make suggestions and recommendations. Many religious and interfaith organizations maintain lists of clergy who will officiate at interfaith ceremonies. You will also find a valuable resource in your local newspaper’s wedding announcements. Search for the names of officiants who have conducted interfaith ceremonies.

Get Counseled - Counseling sessions, often recommended before a wedding regardless of the couple’s religion, offer a good opportunity for a bride and groom to not only learn about the other's faith, but also to consider ways to merge traditions or celebrations during the ceremony. Since religion won’t disappear after your wedding day, counseling sessions also offer insight to other situations that may arise in your marriage, including raising children.

Plan a Fusion Ceremony - Consult your officiant(s) and families for advice in designing a ceremony that incorporates both faiths and cultures. Determine which customs are personally significant, and select rituals and readings together. Continue this blending of cultures into the reception, and design a menu of personalized fusion cuisine – think egg rolls with a side of Spanakopita.

Reassure the Family - As your wedding plans unfold, remember to pause from time to time and check in with your families, especially if the news of an interfaith wedding was an initial shock for either side. Continue to keep them involved and informed throughout the planning process. Spend quality time together, and if logistics allow, plan some group get-togethers.

Reassure Yourselves - Along those lines – don’t forget to reassure each other along the way, as uncertainty can creep in with potential roadblocks and planning challenges. Don’t stress that you’re losing your religion, because your not. Remember to always keep the focus on the marriage of two people in love, and rejoice that you now have two great traditions from which to draw your spiritual inspiration. Delight in a spiritually rich life and future to come!

---

Useful Links:

Dream Honeymoons; Destination Weddings!

Top 10 Vacation Destinations!

Great Honeymoon Cruise Deals

---

More Great Wedding Advice

Fun Weddings
Merry Brides
Ashlee Weddings
Wedding Journal

For more ideas and inspiration for your wedding ceremony, visit Elegala.com's complete wedding ceremony planning guide. Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today's wedding trends and styles. For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin

Officiant's Gratuity

By WeddingSolutions.com

The officiant's gratuity is a discretionary amount of money given to the officiant.

Things To Consider: This amount should depend on your relationship with the officiant and the amount of time s/he has spent with you prior to the ceremony. The groom puts this fee in a sealed envelope and gives it to his best man or wedding consultant, who gives it to the officiant either before or immediately after the ceremony.

---

Fun Links

• Honeymoon Registry


• WeddingSolutions.com
  
• Create your own Wedding Website

---

Sponsors:

http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://merrybrides.wordpress.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com http://merrybrides.blogspot.com http://weddingsbyaslee.blogspotcom http://funweddings.blog.com

Unity Sand Ceremony - A Hot, New Wedding Trend

By: Sharon Vaz

If you've attended many weddings lately, or read trendy magazines or newspapers, you've undoubtedly noticed that the ceremonies are no longer just your Grandmother's and Grandfather's typical church wedding.

The Unity Sand Ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length, is a meaningful joining of two lives. In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously pours various colors of sand from a container, such as a seashell, into one special container symbolizing their coming together as one.

This unique celebration was recently brought into the public eye with the marriage of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter of the TV series, "The Bachelorette." Rather than the time-honored ritual of the Unity Candle Ceremony, the famous couple chose the alternative, Unity Sand Ceremony. Their decision has sparked a craze in weddings across the country.

The ceremony has controversial origins, some believing that it began with the Native Americans and some insisting the Hawaiians were the ancestors of the legend. Whatever its origin, the Unity Sand Ceremony is fast becoming a nationwide wedding ceremony trend.

The flowing sand and blending of the colors symbolize the bringing together of two lives into one. Some couples prefer to leave a small amount of sand in their respective container to show that even though they now function as one, they remain individuals.

A staple in marriages everywhere, The Unity Candle
Ceremony has long been a tradition for marriages both elaborate and simple. Usually, there is a single candle that both bride and groom light from a flame of their own single candle. Parents or other members of the wedding party often join in the candle lighting ceremony.

The Unity Sand Ceremony can also be altered in many ways to include family and friends. Besides the bride and groom, various colors of sand are given to wedding members who will add their sand to the couple's sand, all flowing into the container, creating a colorful and one-of-a kind symbol of unity.

In an age where couples are planning weddings that are unique to their beliefs and lifestyle, the sand ceremony can be personalized many different ways to fit the occasion. After the ceremony, the couple has a unique keepsake to remember their wedding day.

Hawaii has been a popular destination for weddings since airplanes became the preferred mode of travel. Its mild weather and sandy beaches create a perfect environment for the entire wedding party to be barefoot on the beach while witnessing the Unity Sand Ceremony - a tradition as old and exceptional as the islands themselves.

Not going to have a wedding on a beach? Don't worry. Sand is available online, or the couple can use sand from a destination they've visited or that has a special meaning in their lives. Distinctive containers designed to fit any religion or lifestyle can also be purchased online.

Many couples write their own vows for the ceremony, but passages from ancient Hawaiian or Native American weddings can easily be found on the Internet for the portion of your wedding relating to the Unity Sand Ceremony.

Whatever your dream wedding entails, consider incorporating the Unity Sand Ceremony into the celebration. You'll be sure to create memories that your guests will talk about for a long time to come.

---

USEFUL LINKS

• Elegant and unusual wedding and bridal shower favors


• Jewelry up to 75% off List


• Wedding Window-Create your own Wedding Website Free Trial Offer


• Bridal Lingerie

---

Sponsors: Merry Brides Wedding Advice Wedding Planning Articles Fun Weddings Weddings By Ashlee

Source: http://www.wedding-wisdom.com
Sharon Vaz is founder of www.mydivinewedding.com. Every bride dreams of having the perfect celebration on the day she gets married. At My Divine Wedding, we provide accessories and enhancements that add a personalized touch to your unforgettable event. Everything you need for your special day – from wedding favors to elegant unity sand ceremony kits – is here at your fingertips.