The decision to get married and to celebrate is a big step in your love story. Whether you planned the moment out together or there was an element of surprise to “popping the question,” you undoubtedly want to celebrate this milestone in some capacity. Before you get into the thick of planning for your wedding, consider these ideas and find the perfect way to savor the moment.
The Traditional Party
Hosting a gathering of close family and friends is one of the most popular options after getting engaged. Having this party is not only a perfect way to celebrate your coming union, but it also serves as an opportunity to introduce your families to each other in a more intimate way. You may also wish to use your party as a chance to officially announce your engagement to those who matter most. Though it has become commonplace for couples to have this type of event, you can easily forego the party if the idea doesn’t immediately appeal to you.
The Getaway
Planning your wedding will be a task that consumes a lot of your free time. While you still have the chance, go on a small trip to celebrate your engagement. A weekend getaway acts as the perfect way to bond with your partner before you need to dive into the details of seating charts and floral arrangements. Since you’ll likely want to be frugal with your funds at this point, seek out travel deals that work for your budget. You can even consider turning off your phones for the weekend and indulging in a staycation at home.
The Journey to Where It Began
Your engagement is all about the love your share with your partner. To celebrate this in a sentimental way, take a journey to where your story began. Returning to the place where you met can be a lovely way to recall how you felt the first time you encountered each other. If that place is difficult to return to, like a restaurant that closed or a college classroom you don’t have access to, get creative. Instead of going back to the exact spot, pick a place nearby and spend the time chatting about that first magical moment.
The Internet Announcement
Not all couples will have the time to throw a party or go on a trip to celebrate this moment. If you plan on making an announcement on the internet to let people know about your engagement, try turning this task into an activity you can share together. Instead of making a simple post with a picture of the ring, create an album of photos detailing some of your favorite memories from the course of your relationship. This offers an excuse to look through pictures together and reminisce about the long road you’ve traveled to get to this point.
The Shopping Spree
Sometimes, the best way you and your partner can enjoy your engagement is by doing something nice for yourselves. Treat yourself to a purchase or two that you have been putting off. If you already live together, invest in an appliance you’ve been wanting or finally grab a new mattress for your bed. You can even buy something that is focused around your engagement, like a decorative box to store your rings or cardstock to mail out official announcements to the people you love. Splurge a bit and see how treating yourself can heighten your excitement.
While there is no rule stating you need to celebrate your engagement, it can be important to stop and appreciate how far your relationship has come. Find an idea that best reflects your personalities and honor the moment in a way that is meaningful to you.
Plenty of wedding traditions have shifted, changed, or disappeared entirely over the years. Throwing rice, for example, was once considered a staple of a couple’s nuptials. According to historians, rice was thrown at couples who had just tied the knot as a way of encouraging good fortune, best wishes, and luck in the honeymoon bed. However, plenty of problems accompany this ritual. Outside of the mess it can make, uncooked rice is also deadly to most birds because it absorbs all available moisture in their intestines.
Instead of inadvertently killing a flock of local feathered friends on your big day, you may want to find other ways for guests to wish you good luck. Take a look at these popular alternatives and find a much safer fit for friends and family to send you off.
Flower Petals Vs. Rice
Want all of the fun of having something thrown at you without the negative environmental impact? Flower petals make a perfect alternative to rice for many reasons. First, they have a more appealing aesthetic quality. Your wedding pictures will look much more glamorous with colorful petals raining down on you. Second, flower petals are soft and won’t feel like a million little thumbtacks being thrown at your face. Finally, petals are biodegradable. Whatever is thrown will decompose or be used by other creatures quite quickly.
If you’re worried about picking dozens of flowers for this purpose, there are ways to make this entire experience eco-friendly. See if a couple is looking to get rid of floral arrangements from a wedding happening sometime before your own. Have someone remove all the petals and put them into bags to be handed to guests at the ceremony. The petals will create a beautiful scene.
Bubbles vs. Rice
Who says that what is thrown your way needs to fall immediately to the ground? Instead of giving guests ammunition to hurl in your direction, a perfect option to consider instead is handing out bubbles. When guests are blowing little bubbles at you and your partner, it can create a whimsical feeling that requires no additional cleanup. In fact, most of the little soap bubbles will pop before making it too far from the wand, so the entire experience is simple and lacks any of the mess of other choices.
Noisemakers
Though noisemakers are associated heavily with celebrations surrounding New Year’s Eve, you may want to think about using them as an alternative to rice. There is no rule saying you need to give the guests something that needs to be thrown or launched or carried on the wind. Noisemakers like whistles, kazoos, and other toy instruments can create a cacophony of sounds that come together joyfully and chaotically. Obviously, this option is only possible if your event is taking place at a venue without noise restrictions.
Smoke
Finally, there’s a perfect option for couples who like to make dramatic entrances and exits. If you want to use an alternative to rice that will make for captivating, flamboyant images, consider smoke bombs. Colorful plumes of smoke bursting around you as you exit the venue can create a moment that you and your guests will not forget anytime soon. Of course, this may require more strict coordination, as handing smoke bombs to anyone in the crowd could lead to disaster. Plan accordingly and check fire regulations before setting anything in stone.
Wedding rituals change at a pace that can be difficult to follow. If you want to find an alternative to the classic tradition of throwing rice for good luck, there are many perfect choices worth your consideration. Get creative and see what fits the vibe of your wedding best to discover a tradition that makes the most sense.
When you ask friends and family members to be a part of your wedding party, you are telling them how special they are to you. Of course, being a bridesmaid or groomsman can also be a stressful experience. If you want to make the process enjoyable for all involved, you must take certain precautions when planning your event. Consider these suggestions and see how you can make life easier for the loved ones in your party.
Start Introductions as Early as Possible
A wedding party can sometimes be an eclectic mix of people you have known throughout your life. You may be inviting a sibling, a cousin, a childhood friend, and a college roommate to come together and work as a group. However, these people may have never met each other before. Since the members of your party will need to communicate regularly, you must facilitate introductions as early as possible. One simple way to achieve this is by inviting all participants to a preliminary “welcome” gathering. A simple event like a brunch or hangout at your home will suffice.
If people are scattered in different locations and can’t physically meet early in the process, consider starting a group text. Not only does this provide the group with immediate contact info for each member, it also makes introductions as easy as sending a quick text message.
Clearly Explain Financial Expectations
You are likely spending a lot of money on your wedding. To save funds, many couples ask the wedding party to cover certain expenses, like purchasing or renting their own dresses and suits. Unfortunately, there are couples who expect more from their party members without making these demands known. For example, the wedding party will typically coordinate the bachelor and bachelorette parties. If you want the group to throw these preliminary events and pay for them, you need to make this clear from the start. Surprising the group with extra financial burdens can lead to strained relationships.
Give Everyone a Specific Task For Your Party
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your wedding party is assuming that everyone knows what jobs they are expected to handle. If you want one person to cover the shower plans and another to focus on booking rooms for the bachelorette party, you need to communicate this request. Delegating tasks is the only way to guarantee that everyone is on the same page. Remember, just because the maid of honor or best man traditionally takes on certain assignments does not mean your friends will automatically know what they are supposed to cover.
Be Open and Honest
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and couples often take their frustrations out on the people closest to them. If someone in your group does something that upsets you, it is important that you are open about your feelings. Keeping your emotions to yourself is an easy way for resentment to build and come out in other ways. When a friend buys shoes that don’t align with your vision, say something in a kind and supportive way. The more honest you are, the less likely it is you will explode over something small as the wedding date approaches.
Show Your Thanks For Your Wedding Party
Finally, don’t forget to show proper thanks to the members of your party. Whether you treat the group to a nice dinner or give thoughtful presents as a token of appreciation, you want to express your gratitude in a direct way. Small gestures can have a big impact and will remind your group why they agreed to take part in your special day in the first place.
Knowing how to treat the members of your wedding party is important for putting together an event that goes smoothly. As long as you show proper care, appreciation, and respect, you should have no trouble keeping everyone involved in good spirits.
With a new year comes new trends and ways of doing things, and weddings for engaged Canadians are no exception. Whether you’re in the earliest stage of your engagement or you’re planning to tie the knot soon, it’s important to know what’s happening with marriage events for 2022. Even if you’re just someone who loves all things nuptials, here are some things to know for the new year.
Choosing the Dress
An elegant white gown is a classic symbol for tying the knot. Look for more brides opting to move away from the traditional white dress to other colors such as cream, ivory, silver, champagne and rose. These color choices often extend to themes for the event, such as the attire for the rest of the wedding party, including groomsmen. Other trends include outfits that are more detailed and not limited to the classic wedding gown silhouette. Cocktail dresses, jump suits and mixed pieces are increasingly popular alternatives to the typical gown.
Celebrating Alfresco
During a global pandemic, social distancing mandates have impacted the ability to hold public gatherings. One workaround that you’ll see more couples moving toward is holding events outdoors, especially during the spring, summer and early fall. Look for more outdoor venue alternatives, not only for the wedding itself but for other related events such as bridal showers, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners. Outdoor spaces make it easier for guests to spread out and comply with social distancing requirements. Often nature provides the best backdrop for the special day.
Having Multiple Celebrations
Some partners will opt to move away from the big wedding with many invitees by throwing multiple smaller events with different guests. We’ll see engaged couples stay compliant with pandemic guidelines by having a small ceremony with their nearest and dearest. On other dates, they may have more informal get-togethers to celebrate with friends and family who weren’t at the ceremony. Breaking up the celebration into multiple, more low-key events is not only safer but may also result in significant cost savings.
Throwing Hybrid Ceremonies
Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, WebEx and other applications have helped facilitate virtual meetings for many people since the start of the pandemic. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram make it easier than ever for users to go live and share an event with distanced guests. Look for more couples to have hybrid ceremonies that have both an in-person component that observes social distancing guidelines and a virtual or online element for remote participants. Online guests may also get access to specially curated content such as photos, videos and digital party favors.
Celebrations Trends With Wining and Dining
Another trend in nuptials celebrations that will continue is creative menus. More celebrants are moving away from a traditional reception dinner featuring sparkling wine for toasting and wedding cake. Given outdoor and destination venues, a couple might opt for tasting menus composed of small plates with various types of cuisine that are appropriate for certain dietary restrictions. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a large, multi-tiered cake, some couples will opt for smaller, more individualized servings of desserts. From cakes to pastries and even frozen novelty treats that can be customized and personalized, this trend will continue to evolve in 2022. On the beverage side, some couples will opt for local brews over champagne as the party drink(s) of choice.
Despite the uncertainties of the new year, there are things still in the air besides a novel virus, including love. Canadians will continue to find new ways to solemnize their unions with different types of marriage celebrations. From wedding fashion to ceremonies to food and drink, it’s important to take note of emerging and continuing trends in the new year to personalize this major life milestone, especially in a changing world.
From taking off work to driving considerable distances, guests must often put in a lot of effort to attend a wedding. This is why many couples offer wedding favors as a gesture of appreciation. Though not a requirement, giving out favors can add another personal touch to your big day and provide your guests with something extra to feel excited about. Find inspiration for your own favors by looking over these approaches and discover the right fit for your event.
The Keepsake Approach favors
You and your partner are not the only ones who will want to look back and remember your big day. The people who come to celebrate your union may also want to cherish the moment for as long as they can. One way to encourage this is by creating favors that act as keepsakes. A small token of affection with pertinent details like your names, the date of the wedding, or a romantic phrase can be a perfect choice.
Keepsake favors are some of the most popular choices for couples because there are endless ways to go about creating unique mementos. Whether you use coasters, wine glasses, magnets, or an item that holds personal significance to you, this approach gives you the chance to get creative and deliver a favor guests will hold onto for years to come.
The Snack Attack
There is no shortage of food at most weddings. Still, you may want to give your guests an additional treat as the event comes to a close. This is your chance to showcase your personality by providing whatever snack you love to eat when you’re hanging around at home, whether it be something sweet, salty, or savory. What’s more, you can use this as an opportunity to highlight a local business or a close friend who likes to cook or bake.
The snack you offer as a favor does not need to be eaten immediately, either. If you’re hosting your event in the winter, for example, you can give out glass jars filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows. This allows your guests the chance to make some hot chocolate for themselves when they feel like sipping on something sweet on a cold night.
The Personalized Method Favors
If you have some additional money in your budget, you have the chance to go the extra mile with your favors by creating personalized items for each guest. One option worth exploring is hiring an artist to paint small portraits of the attendees in advance, then place each picture on a table in the reception venue. This creates a stunning decoration that showcases your family and friends in a colorful way and gives them something fun to take and display at home.
Customizing small items with the names or initials of your guests can also prove worthwhile. Monogrammed handkerchiefs or notebooks with engraved nameplates might cost a bit more, but the gesture can show your guests how much their presence means to you.
The Practical Angle
Giving out favors can also be a practical decision. If you think your guests will cut loose and spend the night drinking and dancing, consider offering a “recovery kit” as a gift. Include essential items like a bottle of water, packet of ibuprofen, and anything else that might help beat a possible hangover. Other practical gifts can include a travel sewing kit, small bottles of shampoo or body wash to use in the hotel rooms, or gift cards to a nearby coffee shop for a morning energy boost.
Giving out favors to guests might not be the most pressing aspect of your big day, but it can prove to be one of the most rewarding. Think about what your loved ones will appreciate most, and come up with small gifts that highlight how much they matter to you.
Many want a special big day and there is very little new ground to cover when it comes to planning a wedding. Thankfully, this is not an event for which you need to reinvent the wheel. Since countless couples have gotten married before you over the course of human history, it would be foolish to think that you could make your nuptials entirely distinct in every respect. Still, just because an event has happened many times doesn’t mean that you can’t make your own celebration more endearing by focusing on a few personalization details.
From selecting alternatives to classic wedding ideas like flower girls to adding a unique scent into the mix, you can create an ideal arrangement for your big day with a little thought. Consider these concepts and find the right fit for your vision.
Out With the Young, in With the Old
When looking to incorporate family members into a wedding, couples tend to push certain people into very specific roles. One of the best examples of this is the flower girl. If you’ve got a young girl in your family or group of friends, then your immediate thought is likely to be to ask this child to fill the duty of flower girl. However, there is no hard-and-fast rule stating that you need to ask a young girl to step into the role.
Whether you don’t have any children in your immediate family or you just don’t want kids at your event, an alternative choice to play around with is the concept of a flower grandma. Since grandmothers play a big part in many people’s lives and there’s no official duty for a grandmother to perform at a wedding, it makes sense to ask this important person in your life to toss around a few petals on your big day.
A Special Sensory Experience
As they move through the steps of planning their nuptials, many couples will focus on some of the five senses more than others. From selecting the right music to set the mood to choosing décor to add a visual feast for guests, sight and sound tend to dominate a lot of the decisions. However, smell is an incredibly important sense to focus on when it comes to making memories. Scent is the strongest of the senses when it comes to recollection, which is why it is so easy to be transported to a memory when you catch a specific aroma.
One way to capitalize upon your olfactory senses in this regard is by finding the perfect “wedding scent” for your event. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to fill the venue with a noxious cloud of cologne or perfume, of course. Instead, you should put a lot of thought behind which scent you will wear yourself. A little dab behind your ear and on your wrists will be enough to titillate your senses, allowing you the ability to relive your wedding day whenever you wear the scent in the future.
Remembering Those Lost
Though weddings are usually celebrations, there tends to be a twinge of sadness when it comes to all of the family and friends who cannot be present because they have passed away. Some couples will honor these individuals by listing them in the event program or having them mentioned by the officiant during the ceremony. To go beyond this, consider setting up a table in the reception venue with photos and trinkets related to all of the people you wish could be there to celebrate with you.
While it can feel like there’s no way to make a wedding your own, this is far from the case. As long as you get creative and think about all of the different ways you can customize the experience, it should be easy for you to create a wonderful and memorable event.
It goes without saying that 2020 and 2021 was a year unlike any the human race has experienced in recent history. One of the biggest changes caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus, for example, was the complete halt of the wedding industry. Though plenty of couples found creative alternatives like hosting their nuptials over Zoom, it seems that 2022 is looking much brighter for those planning to get married. One of the biggest trends experts are noticing so far is the rise of the wedding after-party. Though far from a new concept, the after-party has recently taken off.
The Reason for A After-Party
The main purpose of the after-party is to keep the festivities of the wedding reception going after the guests have to leave the venue. Since so many people were physically kept away from each other by the restrictions of 2020 and 2021, it makes total sense that the after-party has become so popular. People want to linger and get as much time in with loved ones as possible, and a party after the reception is an ideal way to accomplish this. If you think this might be a good idea for your own event, there are plenty of options to consider.
Plan From the Start
Though it takes place when the reception has concluded, you absolutely don’t want the after-party to be an afterthought. What this means is that you should factor the party into the budget from the very beginning. Being fun and spontaneous about keeping the party going might seem nice in theory, but you’ll need money to make it happen. Whether you go out somewhere or have the crowd come back to your house, cash will be needed for drinks, food, and whatever else your crew requires.
Consider the Etiquette
Depending on the size of the guest list for your event, you likely won’t be able to invite everyone to come to the after-party. While you don’t want to be rude and not invite everyone, you also have to be practical. A good rule of thumb would be to invite the people closest to you, like the members of the wedding party, direct family members, and friends you have known for a long while. Try not to be too strict, however, as it is likely someone who wasn’t invited will hear about the party and tag along.
Don’t include any information about the after-party in your formal invitation. Instead, create a separate list of guests you want to invite and send a text or email about the details.
Look at the Easiest Transitions
The arrangement of your after-party doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, you’d be better off planning around the easiest transition for your guests. If you have a hotel block reserved for guests, then an easy way to keep the party going is by hosting it in the hotel bar. As a precautionary measure, ask the management staff what time the bar closes and if it will be possible to keep it open a bit later for your guests. The less of a struggle it is to get guests from the reception to the next party, the better.
Get Ready For The After-Party
Jumping from the ceremony to the reception to the after-party can be a lot for some couples. If you want to have the most fun possible during the last leg of your wedding, factor in a small window to get ready. Give yourself an additional 20 or 30 minutes to change your outfit and freshen up in whatever way you need to. There will definitely be pictures at the after-party, so you don’t want to be caught by surprise in a state of disarray.
After a year like 2020, spending as much time as possible with loved ones can be a true joy. If you want to encourage this for your upcoming wedding, be sure to think about the exciting option of the after-party and how it lends itself to good times.
Though putting together a wedding can be a challenging process, plenty of couples take on the task each year. Naturally, the volume of people tying the knot also makes it easy to understand which issues are most common during the planning process. If you’re currently gathering details for your nuptials, then you may find it useful to review some information surrounding the more common pitfalls you could encounter. The time leading up to your event is going to be hectic, and preliminary considerations can make a world of difference.
Guest List Mistakes
Picking who should be invited to your wedding is a decision that comes down to two people: your partner and you. If you’re allowing anyone else control over this, then you increase the likelihood of running into some serious annoyances later. In the past, it was commonplace for couples to allow older relatives or anyone helping to pay for the wedding to invite a few people to the event. Nowadays, this is not exactly a common tradition. Since weddings cost a lot of money, inviting people you don’t know can put a damper on your joy.
While you might bump heads with your significant other over which guests to invite, you both have equal claim to the list. Though there’s no easy way to handle relatives who are demanding to invite guests of their own, you want to address this issue as early as possible to avoid more complicated problems later.
Entertainment That Fits the Venue
None of the decisions you make in relation to your wedding should exist in a vacuum. While you don’t need to make sure that every detail matches, there are some areas where overlap is key. Your entertainment, for example, should be selected based around things like the acoustics of your venue. If your ceremony will take place outside in an open space, then having a solo acoustic guitarist provide all the music is a great way to guarantee no one hears a single note.
Similarly, you shouldn’t spend a lot of money on a complicated sound system for a DJ if you haven’t checked local noise ordinances. A backyard wedding in the suburbs can easily become a target for the police should enough neighbors call to complain about the celebrations. However, looking over all of the details early allows you the flexibility of picking entertainment that perfectly fits the space where you’ll be getting married.
Major Assumptions With Major Mistakes
Making assumptions about anything while you plan for your wedding is another easy way to find yourself in hot water. For example, many couples create a guest list with the assumption that many people won’t actually be able to attend. Though it is true that you’ll likely have people decline an invitation, you don’t want to build any plans off that assumption. Inviting 200 people and assuming only 150 will come can play out poorly if you find all 200 guests have responded that they’ll be there. Always base decisions on what you know, not what you assume.
The Legal Aspect
This might seem like common sense, but plenty of couples forget to figure out the legal side of marriage in advance. What’s unfortunate about this is that a marriage is not actually binding if any of the legal steps are missed or neglected. To ensure that you’re following the protocol, review the local regulations surrounding marriage. Typically, this will only involve a simple action like determining what paperwork needs to be completed and turned in before the ceremony.
While there’s no way to avoid every possible problem as you plan a wedding, there are a number of mistakes of which to steer clear. Looking over the basics will provide the knowledge needed to make the best choices for your big day.
Marriage ceremonies are special occasions for family and friends to gather to celebrate a couple’s union. Even though a couple could go to the courthouse to formalize their union, a wedding ceremony provides an opportunity for friends to join with you and participate in related events such as the rehearsal dinner, reception and more. For a bride or groom, a sibling or bestie is often an easy choice for a maid of honor or best man. But for someone with many close friends, having all of them in your wedding party might not be feasible. Here are some other ways to formally involve your dearest friends.
Friends As Formal Witnesses
In Canada, two formal witnesses are required to make things official. Consider asking friends to serve as the official witnesses to your marriage. They can be acknowledged in the program. You can also include them in document signing as a part of the ceremony. It’s impossible to get married without completing this step, so think about this idea for two of your most special loved ones.
Ushers
Traditionally, once all groomsmen roles are filled, additional male loved ones may be asked to serve as ushers for the ceremony. Ushers do more than just pass out programs and show celebrants to their seats. They can be made a formal part of the program by assigning them the responsibility of seating VIPs such as the mothers of the bride and groom. There’s no rule that says the ushers have to be men or that they have to be affiliated with the groom.
Ceremony Readers
Perhaps you know someone who is really good at public speaking. Maybe one of your friends has a beautiful voice and would be honored to sing. Adding these loved ones to the wedding program to read scripture, offer a speech, or perform a selection is a great way to include them in the ceremony, especially when your wedding party is full.
Reception Emcee
Do you know someone who has the gift of gab? Suppose you or your partner has a close friend who is completely comfortable with a microphone and knows how to connect with audiences. This loved one could be a great emcee for your reception. They can keep the event moving while knowing how and when to inject humor with quick wit and clever anecdotal asides about you and your partner. Emceeing a reception ceremony is no small task, so this person would be fulfilling an important role.
Miscellaneous Roles
Wedding events contain many moving parts, and there are other roles that special people can be asked or invited to fulfill on your big day:
Wedding Planner: If one of your dear friends is an event planner or offers vendor services such as catering, patronizing their business is a great way to include them in the festivities.
DJ Services: Do you want the reception to have a party vibe? Hiring a friend to be the reception deejay is a good way to have that person contribute.
Photographer: There’s a good chance that you have a friend who does photography. Consider hiring them to document the day with official photos as well as candid shots during the ceremony and reception.
If you’re contracting with friends to provide services for your nuptials, it’s important that you formally acknowledge them in some way. This not only shows appreciation for their contributions, but it also advertises their services.
Celebrating with family and friends is one of the things that a couple-to-be can anticipate about a wedding. Inviting loved ones to be an official part of the ceremony and other events is one way to express your love and appreciation. Everyone can’t be in the wedding party, so consider these tips for involving your nearest and dearest.
A successful wedding is one that perfectly reflects the personalities of the happy couple. Naturally, this is not always so easy to accomplish. If you and your partner like to make jokes and take playful jabs at each other, then a serious atmosphere at your wedding might not be the right fit. Adding some humor to your nuptials is the perfect way to showcase your own silly dispositions on your special day. Best of all, there are plenty of points where a little bit of humor can lighten the mood and improve the flow of your wedding
The Vows
One of the best places to begin infusing humor into your wedding is during the vows. If you decide to write personalized vows to each other, then you have total control over what you include in this speech. Instead of focusing primarily on the serious and sentimental, try to include a couple of jokes or comments that will get the crowd smiling. Not only will it make this aspect of the ceremony more enjoyable, it will also lighten the mood and make it easier for you to deliver the rest of the vows.
The Speeches
Along the same lines as the vows, the speeches given during the reception can also make for a great place to include some jokes. Usually, the people giving speeches are members of the wedding party, like the parents of the couple, the best man, or the maid of honor. While you don’t want to ruin the surprise and read their speeches in advance, you should discuss the topic of humor with them. Jokes are par for the course with such speeches, but you want to make the experience accessible for all. Avoid inside jokes and other references too specific to be appreciated.
The Entertainment
When the reception begins, the duty of keeping guests focused and entertained falls on the vendors you’ve selected. Whether you have a DJ, a live band, or an emcee, you should talk to the contractor in advance to discuss the tone of the evening. Humor is subjective, so you don’t want to give the entertainer free rein over what he or she can say. Whether you want to keep it tasteful or allow for a bit of bawdiness, be direct about what you are okay with in terms of humor.
If you plan on having a photo booth at your wedding, you can also add a bit of silliness to the affair via the props you select. Ridiculous and oversized props like sunglasses, inflatable microphones, and plastic swords can make for wonderful photos and guests who can’t stop laughing. Some rental companies provide prop options, but you might need to go out and grab a handful yourself to ensure there is enough of a variety for everyone to play around with.
The Cake
Perhaps the easiest place to get a laugh from the audience is when the cake is brought out. The tradition of the couple smashing a piece of cake in each other’s faces is one that is not always incorporated into modern weddings. Still, including this ritual is a way of ensuring all of your guests are smiling and trying to get pictures of the mess. If you like a practical joke, it might even be worthwhile to consider bringing a fake cake to fool guests. Have a waiter drop the false cake and see how the crowd responds!
Though an important day in your life, there is no rule stating your wedding needs to be a dull or serious affair. If you want to add humor to your event, then all you need to do is figure out which methods are best for keeping the mood light. With a little thought, you’ll easily figure out the perfect points to include jokes, pranks, and silliness.
The decision to get married and to celebrate is a big step in your love story. Whether you planned the moment out together or there was an element of surprise to “popping the question,” you undoubtedly want to celebrate this milestone in some capacity. Before you get into the thick of planning for your wedding, consider these ideas and find the perfect way to savor the moment.
The Traditional Party
Hosting a gathering of close family and friends is one of the most popular options after getting engaged. Having this party is not only a perfect way to celebrate your coming union, but it also serves as an opportunity to introduce your families to each other in a more intimate way. You may also wish to use your party as a chance to officially announce your engagement to those who matter most. Though it has become commonplace for couples to have this type of event, you can easily forego the party if the idea doesn’t immediately appeal to you.
The Getaway
Planning your wedding will be a task that consumes a lot of your free time. While you still have the chance, go on a small trip to celebrate your engagement. A weekend getaway acts as the perfect way to bond with your partner before you need to dive into the details of seating charts and floral arrangements. Since you’ll likely want to be frugal with your funds at this point, seek out travel deals that work for your budget. You can even consider turning off your phones for the weekend and indulging in a staycation at home.
The Journey to Where It Began
Your engagement is all about the love your share with your partner. To celebrate this in a sentimental way, take a journey to where your story began. Returning to the place where you met can be a lovely way to recall how you felt the first time you encountered each other. If that place is difficult to return to, like a restaurant that closed or a college classroom you don’t have access to, get creative. Instead of going back to the exact spot, pick a place nearby and spend the time chatting about that first magical moment.
The Internet Announcement
Not all couples will have the time to throw a party or go on a trip to celebrate this moment. If you plan on making an announcement on the internet to let people know about your engagement, try turning this task into an activity you can share together. Instead of making a simple post with a picture of the ring, create an album of photos detailing some of your favorite memories from the course of your relationship. This offers an excuse to look through pictures together and reminisce about the long road you’ve traveled to get to this point.
The Shopping Spree
Sometimes, the best way you and your partner can enjoy your engagement is by doing something nice for yourselves. Treat yourself to a purchase or two that you have been putting off. If you already live together, invest in an appliance you’ve been wanting or finally grab a new mattress for your bed. You can even buy something that is focused around your engagement, like a decorative box to store your rings or cardstock to mail out official announcements to the people you love. Splurge a bit and see how treating yourself can heighten your excitement.
While there is no rule stating you need to celebrate your engagement, it can be important to stop and appreciate how far your relationship has come. Find an idea that best reflects your personalities and honor the moment in a way that is meaningful to you.
Plenty of wedding traditions have shifted, changed, or disappeared entirely over the years. Throwing rice, for example, was once considered a staple of a couple’s nuptials. According to historians, rice was thrown at couples who had just tied the knot as a way of encouraging good fortune, best wishes, and luck in the honeymoon bed. However, plenty of problems accompany this ritual. Outside of the mess it can make, uncooked rice is also deadly to most birds because it absorbs all available moisture in their intestines.
Instead of inadvertently killing a flock of local feathered friends on your big day, you may want to find other ways for guests to wish you good luck. Take a look at these popular alternatives and find a much safer fit for friends and family to send you off.
Flower Petals Vs. Rice
Want all of the fun of having something thrown at you without the negative environmental impact? Flower petals make a perfect alternative to rice for many reasons. First, they have a more appealing aesthetic quality. Your wedding pictures will look much more glamorous with colorful petals raining down on you. Second, flower petals are soft and won’t feel like a million little thumbtacks being thrown at your face. Finally, petals are biodegradable. Whatever is thrown will decompose or be used by other creatures quite quickly.
If you’re worried about picking dozens of flowers for this purpose, there are ways to make this entire experience eco-friendly. See if a couple is looking to get rid of floral arrangements from a wedding happening sometime before your own. Have someone remove all the petals and put them into bags to be handed to guests at the ceremony. The petals will create a beautiful scene.
Bubbles vs. Rice
Who says that what is thrown your way needs to fall immediately to the ground? Instead of giving guests ammunition to hurl in your direction, a perfect option to consider instead is handing out bubbles. When guests are blowing little bubbles at you and your partner, it can create a whimsical feeling that requires no additional cleanup. In fact, most of the little soap bubbles will pop before making it too far from the wand, so the entire experience is simple and lacks any of the mess of other choices.
Noisemakers
Though noisemakers are associated heavily with celebrations surrounding New Year’s Eve, you may want to think about using them as an alternative to rice. There is no rule saying you need to give the guests something that needs to be thrown or launched or carried on the wind. Noisemakers like whistles, kazoos, and other toy instruments can create a cacophony of sounds that come together joyfully and chaotically. Obviously, this option is only possible if your event is taking place at a venue without noise restrictions.
Smoke
Finally, there’s a perfect option for couples who like to make dramatic entrances and exits. If you want to use an alternative to rice that will make for captivating, flamboyant images, consider smoke bombs. Colorful plumes of smoke bursting around you as you exit the venue can create a moment that you and your guests will not forget anytime soon. Of course, this may require more strict coordination, as handing smoke bombs to anyone in the crowd could lead to disaster. Plan accordingly and check fire regulations before setting anything in stone.
Wedding rituals change at a pace that can be difficult to follow. If you want to find an alternative to the classic tradition of throwing rice for good luck, there are many perfect choices worth your consideration. Get creative and see what fits the vibe of your wedding best to discover a tradition that makes the most sense.
When you ask friends and family members to be a part of your wedding party, you are telling them how special they are to you. Of course, being a bridesmaid or groomsman can also be a stressful experience. If you want to make the process enjoyable for all involved, you must take certain precautions when planning your event. Consider these suggestions and see how you can make life easier for the loved ones in your party.
Start Introductions as Early as Possible
A wedding party can sometimes be an eclectic mix of people you have known throughout your life. You may be inviting a sibling, a cousin, a childhood friend, and a college roommate to come together and work as a group. However, these people may have never met each other before. Since the members of your party will need to communicate regularly, you must facilitate introductions as early as possible. One simple way to achieve this is by inviting all participants to a preliminary “welcome” gathering. A simple event like a brunch or hangout at your home will suffice.
If people are scattered in different locations and can’t physically meet early in the process, consider starting a group text. Not only does this provide the group with immediate contact info for each member, it also makes introductions as easy as sending a quick text message.
Clearly Explain Financial Expectations
You are likely spending a lot of money on your wedding. To save funds, many couples ask the wedding party to cover certain expenses, like purchasing or renting their own dresses and suits. Unfortunately, there are couples who expect more from their party members without making these demands known. For example, the wedding party will typically coordinate the bachelor and bachelorette parties. If you want the group to throw these preliminary events and pay for them, you need to make this clear from the start. Surprising the group with extra financial burdens can lead to strained relationships.
Give Everyone a Specific Task For Your Party
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your wedding party is assuming that everyone knows what jobs they are expected to handle. If you want one person to cover the shower plans and another to focus on booking rooms for the bachelorette party, you need to communicate this request. Delegating tasks is the only way to guarantee that everyone is on the same page. Remember, just because the maid of honor or best man traditionally takes on certain assignments does not mean your friends will automatically know what they are supposed to cover.
Be Open and Honest
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and couples often take their frustrations out on the people closest to them. If someone in your group does something that upsets you, it is important that you are open about your feelings. Keeping your emotions to yourself is an easy way for resentment to build and come out in other ways. When a friend buys shoes that don’t align with your vision, say something in a kind and supportive way. The more honest you are, the less likely it is you will explode over something small as the wedding date approaches.
Show Your Thanks For Your Wedding Party
Finally, don’t forget to show proper thanks to the members of your party. Whether you treat the group to a nice dinner or give thoughtful presents as a token of appreciation, you want to express your gratitude in a direct way. Small gestures can have a big impact and will remind your group why they agreed to take part in your special day in the first place.
Knowing how to treat the members of your wedding party is important for putting together an event that goes smoothly. As long as you show proper care, appreciation, and respect, you should have no trouble keeping everyone involved in good spirits.
With a new year comes new trends and ways of doing things, and weddings for engaged Canadians are no exception. Whether you’re in the earliest stage of your engagement or you’re planning to tie the knot soon, it’s important to know what’s happening with marriage events for 2022. Even if you’re just someone who loves all things nuptials, here are some things to know for the new year.
Choosing the Dress
An elegant white gown is a classic symbol for tying the knot. Look for more brides opting to move away from the traditional white dress to other colors such as cream, ivory, silver, champagne and rose. These color choices often extend to themes for the event, such as the attire for the rest of the wedding party, including groomsmen. Other trends include outfits that are more detailed and not limited to the classic wedding gown silhouette. Cocktail dresses, jump suits and mixed pieces are increasingly popular alternatives to the typical gown.
Celebrating Alfresco
During a global pandemic, social distancing mandates have impacted the ability to hold public gatherings. One workaround that you’ll see more couples moving toward is holding events outdoors, especially during the spring, summer and early fall. Look for more outdoor venue alternatives, not only for the wedding itself but for other related events such as bridal showers, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners. Outdoor spaces make it easier for guests to spread out and comply with social distancing requirements. Often nature provides the best backdrop for the special day.
Having Multiple Celebrations
Some partners will opt to move away from the big wedding with many invitees by throwing multiple smaller events with different guests. We’ll see engaged couples stay compliant with pandemic guidelines by having a small ceremony with their nearest and dearest. On other dates, they may have more informal get-togethers to celebrate with friends and family who weren’t at the ceremony. Breaking up the celebration into multiple, more low-key events is not only safer but may also result in significant cost savings.
Throwing Hybrid Ceremonies
Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, WebEx and other applications have helped facilitate virtual meetings for many people since the start of the pandemic. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram make it easier than ever for users to go live and share an event with distanced guests. Look for more couples to have hybrid ceremonies that have both an in-person component that observes social distancing guidelines and a virtual or online element for remote participants. Online guests may also get access to specially curated content such as photos, videos and digital party favors.
Celebrations Trends With Wining and Dining
Another trend in nuptials celebrations that will continue is creative menus. More celebrants are moving away from a traditional reception dinner featuring sparkling wine for toasting and wedding cake. Given outdoor and destination venues, a couple might opt for tasting menus composed of small plates with various types of cuisine that are appropriate for certain dietary restrictions. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a large, multi-tiered cake, some couples will opt for smaller, more individualized servings of desserts. From cakes to pastries and even frozen novelty treats that can be customized and personalized, this trend will continue to evolve in 2022. On the beverage side, some couples will opt for local brews over champagne as the party drink(s) of choice.
Despite the uncertainties of the new year, there are things still in the air besides a novel virus, including love. Canadians will continue to find new ways to solemnize their unions with different types of marriage celebrations. From wedding fashion to ceremonies to food and drink, it’s important to take note of emerging and continuing trends in the new year to personalize this major life milestone, especially in a changing world.
From taking off work to driving considerable distances, guests must often put in a lot of effort to attend a wedding. This is why many couples offer wedding favors as a gesture of appreciation. Though not a requirement, giving out favors can add another personal touch to your big day and provide your guests with something extra to feel excited about. Find inspiration for your own favors by looking over these approaches and discover the right fit for your event.
The Keepsake Approach favors
You and your partner are not the only ones who will want to look back and remember your big day. The people who come to celebrate your union may also want to cherish the moment for as long as they can. One way to encourage this is by creating favors that act as keepsakes. A small token of affection with pertinent details like your names, the date of the wedding, or a romantic phrase can be a perfect choice.
Keepsake favors are some of the most popular choices for couples because there are endless ways to go about creating unique mementos. Whether you use coasters, wine glasses, magnets, or an item that holds personal significance to you, this approach gives you the chance to get creative and deliver a favor guests will hold onto for years to come.
The Snack Attack
There is no shortage of food at most weddings. Still, you may want to give your guests an additional treat as the event comes to a close. This is your chance to showcase your personality by providing whatever snack you love to eat when you’re hanging around at home, whether it be something sweet, salty, or savory. What’s more, you can use this as an opportunity to highlight a local business or a close friend who likes to cook or bake.
The snack you offer as a favor does not need to be eaten immediately, either. If you’re hosting your event in the winter, for example, you can give out glass jars filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows. This allows your guests the chance to make some hot chocolate for themselves when they feel like sipping on something sweet on a cold night.
The Personalized Method Favors
If you have some additional money in your budget, you have the chance to go the extra mile with your favors by creating personalized items for each guest. One option worth exploring is hiring an artist to paint small portraits of the attendees in advance, then place each picture on a table in the reception venue. This creates a stunning decoration that showcases your family and friends in a colorful way and gives them something fun to take and display at home.
Customizing small items with the names or initials of your guests can also prove worthwhile. Monogrammed handkerchiefs or notebooks with engraved nameplates might cost a bit more, but the gesture can show your guests how much their presence means to you.
The Practical Angle
Giving out favors can also be a practical decision. If you think your guests will cut loose and spend the night drinking and dancing, consider offering a “recovery kit” as a gift. Include essential items like a bottle of water, packet of ibuprofen, and anything else that might help beat a possible hangover. Other practical gifts can include a travel sewing kit, small bottles of shampoo or body wash to use in the hotel rooms, or gift cards to a nearby coffee shop for a morning energy boost.
Giving out favors to guests might not be the most pressing aspect of your big day, but it can prove to be one of the most rewarding. Think about what your loved ones will appreciate most, and come up with small gifts that highlight how much they matter to you.
Many want a special big day and there is very little new ground to cover when it comes to planning a wedding. Thankfully, this is not an event for which you need to reinvent the wheel. Since countless couples have gotten married before you over the course of human history, it would be foolish to think that you could make your nuptials entirely distinct in every respect. Still, just because an event has happened many times doesn’t mean that you can’t make your own celebration more endearing by focusing on a few personalization details.
From selecting alternatives to classic wedding ideas like flower girls to adding a unique scent into the mix, you can create an ideal arrangement for your big day with a little thought. Consider these concepts and find the right fit for your vision.
Out With the Young, in With the Old
When looking to incorporate family members into a wedding, couples tend to push certain people into very specific roles. One of the best examples of this is the flower girl. If you’ve got a young girl in your family or group of friends, then your immediate thought is likely to be to ask this child to fill the duty of flower girl. However, there is no hard-and-fast rule stating that you need to ask a young girl to step into the role.
Whether you don’t have any children in your immediate family or you just don’t want kids at your event, an alternative choice to play around with is the concept of a flower grandma. Since grandmothers play a big part in many people’s lives and there’s no official duty for a grandmother to perform at a wedding, it makes sense to ask this important person in your life to toss around a few petals on your big day.
A Special Sensory Experience
As they move through the steps of planning their nuptials, many couples will focus on some of the five senses more than others. From selecting the right music to set the mood to choosing décor to add a visual feast for guests, sight and sound tend to dominate a lot of the decisions. However, smell is an incredibly important sense to focus on when it comes to making memories. Scent is the strongest of the senses when it comes to recollection, which is why it is so easy to be transported to a memory when you catch a specific aroma.
One way to capitalize upon your olfactory senses in this regard is by finding the perfect “wedding scent” for your event. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to fill the venue with a noxious cloud of cologne or perfume, of course. Instead, you should put a lot of thought behind which scent you will wear yourself. A little dab behind your ear and on your wrists will be enough to titillate your senses, allowing you the ability to relive your wedding day whenever you wear the scent in the future.
Remembering Those Lost
Though weddings are usually celebrations, there tends to be a twinge of sadness when it comes to all of the family and friends who cannot be present because they have passed away. Some couples will honor these individuals by listing them in the event program or having them mentioned by the officiant during the ceremony. To go beyond this, consider setting up a table in the reception venue with photos and trinkets related to all of the people you wish could be there to celebrate with you.
While it can feel like there’s no way to make a wedding your own, this is far from the case. As long as you get creative and think about all of the different ways you can customize the experience, it should be easy for you to create a wonderful and memorable event.
It goes without saying that 2020 and 2021 was a year unlike any the human race has experienced in recent history. One of the biggest changes caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus, for example, was the complete halt of the wedding industry. Though plenty of couples found creative alternatives like hosting their nuptials over Zoom, it seems that 2022 is looking much brighter for those planning to get married. One of the biggest trends experts are noticing so far is the rise of the wedding after-party. Though far from a new concept, the after-party has recently taken off.
The Reason for A After-Party
The main purpose of the after-party is to keep the festivities of the wedding reception going after the guests have to leave the venue. Since so many people were physically kept away from each other by the restrictions of 2020 and 2021, it makes total sense that the after-party has become so popular. People want to linger and get as much time in with loved ones as possible, and a party after the reception is an ideal way to accomplish this. If you think this might be a good idea for your own event, there are plenty of options to consider.
Plan From the Start
Though it takes place when the reception has concluded, you absolutely don’t want the after-party to be an afterthought. What this means is that you should factor the party into the budget from the very beginning. Being fun and spontaneous about keeping the party going might seem nice in theory, but you’ll need money to make it happen. Whether you go out somewhere or have the crowd come back to your house, cash will be needed for drinks, food, and whatever else your crew requires.
Consider the Etiquette
Depending on the size of the guest list for your event, you likely won’t be able to invite everyone to come to the after-party. While you don’t want to be rude and not invite everyone, you also have to be practical. A good rule of thumb would be to invite the people closest to you, like the members of the wedding party, direct family members, and friends you have known for a long while. Try not to be too strict, however, as it is likely someone who wasn’t invited will hear about the party and tag along.
Don’t include any information about the after-party in your formal invitation. Instead, create a separate list of guests you want to invite and send a text or email about the details.
Look at the Easiest Transitions
The arrangement of your after-party doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, you’d be better off planning around the easiest transition for your guests. If you have a hotel block reserved for guests, then an easy way to keep the party going is by hosting it in the hotel bar. As a precautionary measure, ask the management staff what time the bar closes and if it will be possible to keep it open a bit later for your guests. The less of a struggle it is to get guests from the reception to the next party, the better.
Get Ready For The After-Party
Jumping from the ceremony to the reception to the after-party can be a lot for some couples. If you want to have the most fun possible during the last leg of your wedding, factor in a small window to get ready. Give yourself an additional 20 or 30 minutes to change your outfit and freshen up in whatever way you need to. There will definitely be pictures at the after-party, so you don’t want to be caught by surprise in a state of disarray.
After a year like 2020, spending as much time as possible with loved ones can be a true joy. If you want to encourage this for your upcoming wedding, be sure to think about the exciting option of the after-party and how it lends itself to good times.
Though putting together a wedding can be a challenging process, plenty of couples take on the task each year. Naturally, the volume of people tying the knot also makes it easy to understand which issues are most common during the planning process. If you’re currently gathering details for your nuptials, then you may find it useful to review some information surrounding the more common pitfalls you could encounter. The time leading up to your event is going to be hectic, and preliminary considerations can make a world of difference.
Guest List Mistakes
Picking who should be invited to your wedding is a decision that comes down to two people: your partner and you. If you’re allowing anyone else control over this, then you increase the likelihood of running into some serious annoyances later. In the past, it was commonplace for couples to allow older relatives or anyone helping to pay for the wedding to invite a few people to the event. Nowadays, this is not exactly a common tradition. Since weddings cost a lot of money, inviting people you don’t know can put a damper on your joy.
While you might bump heads with your significant other over which guests to invite, you both have equal claim to the list. Though there’s no easy way to handle relatives who are demanding to invite guests of their own, you want to address this issue as early as possible to avoid more complicated problems later.
Entertainment That Fits the Venue
None of the decisions you make in relation to your wedding should exist in a vacuum. While you don’t need to make sure that every detail matches, there are some areas where overlap is key. Your entertainment, for example, should be selected based around things like the acoustics of your venue. If your ceremony will take place outside in an open space, then having a solo acoustic guitarist provide all the music is a great way to guarantee no one hears a single note.
Similarly, you shouldn’t spend a lot of money on a complicated sound system for a DJ if you haven’t checked local noise ordinances. A backyard wedding in the suburbs can easily become a target for the police should enough neighbors call to complain about the celebrations. However, looking over all of the details early allows you the flexibility of picking entertainment that perfectly fits the space where you’ll be getting married.
Major Assumptions With Major Mistakes
Making assumptions about anything while you plan for your wedding is another easy way to find yourself in hot water. For example, many couples create a guest list with the assumption that many people won’t actually be able to attend. Though it is true that you’ll likely have people decline an invitation, you don’t want to build any plans off that assumption. Inviting 200 people and assuming only 150 will come can play out poorly if you find all 200 guests have responded that they’ll be there. Always base decisions on what you know, not what you assume.
The Legal Aspect
This might seem like common sense, but plenty of couples forget to figure out the legal side of marriage in advance. What’s unfortunate about this is that a marriage is not actually binding if any of the legal steps are missed or neglected. To ensure that you’re following the protocol, review the local regulations surrounding marriage. Typically, this will only involve a simple action like determining what paperwork needs to be completed and turned in before the ceremony.
While there’s no way to avoid every possible problem as you plan a wedding, there are a number of mistakes of which to steer clear. Looking over the basics will provide the knowledge needed to make the best choices for your big day.
Marriage ceremonies are special occasions for family and friends to gather to celebrate a couple’s union. Even though a couple could go to the courthouse to formalize their union, a wedding ceremony provides an opportunity for friends to join with you and participate in related events such as the rehearsal dinner, reception and more. For a bride or groom, a sibling or bestie is often an easy choice for a maid of honor or best man. But for someone with many close friends, having all of them in your wedding party might not be feasible. Here are some other ways to formally involve your dearest friends.
Friends As Formal Witnesses
In Canada, two formal witnesses are required to make things official. Consider asking friends to serve as the official witnesses to your marriage. They can be acknowledged in the program. You can also include them in document signing as a part of the ceremony. It’s impossible to get married without completing this step, so think about this idea for two of your most special loved ones.
Ushers
Traditionally, once all groomsmen roles are filled, additional male loved ones may be asked to serve as ushers for the ceremony. Ushers do more than just pass out programs and show celebrants to their seats. They can be made a formal part of the program by assigning them the responsibility of seating VIPs such as the mothers of the bride and groom. There’s no rule that says the ushers have to be men or that they have to be affiliated with the groom.
Ceremony Readers
Perhaps you know someone who is really good at public speaking. Maybe one of your friends has a beautiful voice and would be honored to sing. Adding these loved ones to the wedding program to read scripture, offer a speech, or perform a selection is a great way to include them in the ceremony, especially when your wedding party is full.
Reception Emcee
Do you know someone who has the gift of gab? Suppose you or your partner has a close friend who is completely comfortable with a microphone and knows how to connect with audiences. This loved one could be a great emcee for your reception. They can keep the event moving while knowing how and when to inject humor with quick wit and clever anecdotal asides about you and your partner. Emceeing a reception ceremony is no small task, so this person would be fulfilling an important role.
Miscellaneous Roles
Wedding events contain many moving parts, and there are other roles that special people can be asked or invited to fulfill on your big day:
Wedding Planner: If one of your dear friends is an event planner or offers vendor services such as catering, patronizing their business is a great way to include them in the festivities.
DJ Services: Do you want the reception to have a party vibe? Hiring a friend to be the reception deejay is a good way to have that person contribute.
Photographer: There’s a good chance that you have a friend who does photography. Consider hiring them to document the day with official photos as well as candid shots during the ceremony and reception.
If you’re contracting with friends to provide services for your nuptials, it’s important that you formally acknowledge them in some way. This not only shows appreciation for their contributions, but it also advertises their services.
Celebrating with family and friends is one of the things that a couple-to-be can anticipate about a wedding. Inviting loved ones to be an official part of the ceremony and other events is one way to express your love and appreciation. Everyone can’t be in the wedding party, so consider these tips for involving your nearest and dearest.
A successful wedding is one that perfectly reflects the personalities of the happy couple. Naturally, this is not always so easy to accomplish. If you and your partner like to make jokes and take playful jabs at each other, then a serious atmosphere at your wedding might not be the right fit. Adding some humor to your nuptials is the perfect way to showcase your own silly dispositions on your special day. Best of all, there are plenty of points where a little bit of humor can lighten the mood and improve the flow of your wedding
The Vows
One of the best places to begin infusing humor into your wedding is during the vows. If you decide to write personalized vows to each other, then you have total control over what you include in this speech. Instead of focusing primarily on the serious and sentimental, try to include a couple of jokes or comments that will get the crowd smiling. Not only will it make this aspect of the ceremony more enjoyable, it will also lighten the mood and make it easier for you to deliver the rest of the vows.
The Speeches
Along the same lines as the vows, the speeches given during the reception can also make for a great place to include some jokes. Usually, the people giving speeches are members of the wedding party, like the parents of the couple, the best man, or the maid of honor. While you don’t want to ruin the surprise and read their speeches in advance, you should discuss the topic of humor with them. Jokes are par for the course with such speeches, but you want to make the experience accessible for all. Avoid inside jokes and other references too specific to be appreciated.
The Entertainment
When the reception begins, the duty of keeping guests focused and entertained falls on the vendors you’ve selected. Whether you have a DJ, a live band, or an emcee, you should talk to the contractor in advance to discuss the tone of the evening. Humor is subjective, so you don’t want to give the entertainer free rein over what he or she can say. Whether you want to keep it tasteful or allow for a bit of bawdiness, be direct about what you are okay with in terms of humor.
If you plan on having a photo booth at your wedding, you can also add a bit of silliness to the affair via the props you select. Ridiculous and oversized props like sunglasses, inflatable microphones, and plastic swords can make for wonderful photos and guests who can’t stop laughing. Some rental companies provide prop options, but you might need to go out and grab a handful yourself to ensure there is enough of a variety for everyone to play around with.
The Cake
Perhaps the easiest place to get a laugh from the audience is when the cake is brought out. The tradition of the couple smashing a piece of cake in each other’s faces is one that is not always incorporated into modern weddings. Still, including this ritual is a way of ensuring all of your guests are smiling and trying to get pictures of the mess. If you like a practical joke, it might even be worthwhile to consider bringing a fake cake to fool guests. Have a waiter drop the false cake and see how the crowd responds!
Though an important day in your life, there is no rule stating your wedding needs to be a dull or serious affair. If you want to add humor to your event, then all you need to do is figure out which methods are best for keeping the mood light. With a little thought, you’ll easily figure out the perfect points to include jokes, pranks, and silliness.
