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.
The start of a new year offers plenty of opportunities to make big and necessary changes to your life. The beauty of being in a relationship is that it also provides a chance to strengthen the bond you share. As the new year dawns, there are countless actions you can commit to in order to get more out of the future together. Consider these ideas and find the perfect way to make the transition to the next year one that produces both a sense of meaning and feelings of accomplishment.
Keep Each Other Guessing
Spontaneity is key to a healthy relationship. While routine can provide you with comfort and stability, breaking your patterns has a way of invigorating your spirit. One way you can achieve this is by promising to surprise each other at least once every month of the coming year. Take turns scheduling unique date nights or grab little gifts on an impulse — whatever you think will delight your significant other. Not only can this keep your relationship fresh, but it can introduce you to activities that you might not have discovered otherwise.
Discuss Relationship Resolutions
Personal resolutions tend to revolve around ways to become a better version of yourself. Similarly, you can work together to create a relationship that is stronger and more prepared to handle the tests of time. Talk about what you each feel your shortcomings are as a couple. From handling arguments poorly to being too frivolous with funds, setting a concrete goal as a unit can lay the groundwork for a year filled with positive strides in surprising new directions. Shared objectives can also be about the next step you’ll take together, like getting engaged, having children, or buying a home.
Setting resolutions together doesn’t mean that you cannot also make a few on your own. A relationship is strongest when both parties feel their best. If you want to get in better shape, eat healthier meals, or spend more time outside, set your own goals and see how it leads to a more cohesive union.
A Resolution toLearn About Each Other
Pursuing individual hobbies can help people in a relationship retain a bit of autonomy. However, sharing your passions with your partner is a wonderful way to grow closer. As a fun resolution for the new year, consider setting aside time now and again to chat about your interests. Talk about what you love, listen to what your partner enjoys, and discover new facets of each other. You might even discover that you have some shared interests that you never knew about, which can be a delightful surprise when you’ve been together a long while.
You can also take this idea to the next level by trying each other’s hobbies. If your partner likes to attend comic conventions, take a trip along to the next gathering. If you love a certain band, get tickets for the two of you to see a show the next time they’re on tour. Even if you have no genuine interest in the activity, you’ll be able to make your partner feel like you care.
Give Some Space
Finally, don’t forget to give each other space when needed. If you’ve been together a long while and cohabitation is part of the arrangement, you may crave personal time. Even the healthiest relationships require partners to take time away from each other. Whether you give each other room to go out with friends on a routine basis or you just leave the house so your partner can take a nap, there is a lot to be said for respecting each other’s boundaries.
Though there is no wrong time to make positive changes in a relationship, the beginning of a new year has a way of setting the right tone. Consider what will work best for you and your partner to lay the foundation for a wonderful year ahead.
Large bouquet of different colored flowers, specifically tulips.
At one of the most prominent weddings of the 21st century, the flowers for the bridal bouquet were carefully chosen. Kate Middleton selected the ones that were important to her family and to the Royal Family. Myrtle was chosen as an emblem of marriage and love, and specifically, the sprigs of myrtle came from a plant grown from the myrtle used in the bouquet of Queen Elizabeth II. Kate chose ivy, the symbolization of fidelity and affection. The hyacinth was representative of “constancy of love.” Sweet William was for gallantry, and the lily of the valley for the return of happiness.
You don’t have to be royal to make a wedding bouquet that’s representative of your partner and yourself. Flowers aren’t only for weddings, either. You may want to use this list when you need to choose a spray for your grandma’s funeral.
The Meaning of Roses
You probably know that red roses are for love. Practically everyone gives these flowers for Valentine’s Day, but roses come in many different colors. Say what you mean by choosing different colors for the bouquet you bring to your loved one:
White – innocence and purity
Yellow – joy and friendship, or a new beginning
Orange – enthusiasm
Dark red – unconscious beauty
Light pink – grace and gentleness
Coral – friendship and modesty
Lavender – love at first sight
Dark pink – gratitude or appreciation
Pale peach – modesty
Yellow with a red tip – falling in love
More Flowers With Meanings
Here are some other popular flowers and greenery that you can choose to say something special:
Bachelor’s button – blessedness
Bay – glory
Chrysanthemum – cheerfulness
Daffodils – regard
Daisy – innocence
Ferns – sincerity
White jasmine – sweet love
Lavender – devotion
Mint – virtue
Red poppy – consolation
Sage – wisdom and mortality
Yellow tulips – hope and cheery thoughts, friendship
White tulips – an apology
Pink tulips – confidence and happiness
Purple tulips – the color of royalty, used to express admiration for someone’s accomplishments
Violets – faithfulness
The white carnation symbolizes pure love. Pink carnations are symbolic of a mother’s undying love. Legend suggests that the pink carnation first appeared from the Virgin Mary’s tears. Purple carnations are for unpredictability. Light red carnations are for admiration; dark red carnations are a sign of deep love and affection.
Another suggestion for symbolic flowers is to host a garden party with your friends and have each one bring a flower or plant that has meaning to the person. Make a pretty flower garden or create a mixed bouquet to remember each other. It would make a nice housewarming gift or a memory for a new bride.
Make a Special Message
Flowers aren’t just for weddings, funerals and special holidays. Take home a bunch of flowers to your loved one anytime to make a special memory. Know the language of flowers to send the right message any time you choose.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is a flower bouquet worth? Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “the earth laughs in flowers.” Christian Dior believes, “after women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.” Say something special with flowers.
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.
The start of a new year offers plenty of opportunities to make big and necessary changes to your life. The beauty of being in a relationship is that it also provides a chance to strengthen the bond you share. As the new year dawns, there are countless actions you can commit to in order to get more out of the future together. Consider these ideas and find the perfect way to make the transition to the next year one that produces both a sense of meaning and feelings of accomplishment.
Keep Each Other Guessing
Spontaneity is key to a healthy relationship. While routine can provide you with comfort and stability, breaking your patterns has a way of invigorating your spirit. One way you can achieve this is by promising to surprise each other at least once every month of the coming year. Take turns scheduling unique date nights or grab little gifts on an impulse — whatever you think will delight your significant other. Not only can this keep your relationship fresh, but it can introduce you to activities that you might not have discovered otherwise.
Discuss Relationship Resolutions
Personal resolutions tend to revolve around ways to become a better version of yourself. Similarly, you can work together to create a relationship that is stronger and more prepared to handle the tests of time. Talk about what you each feel your shortcomings are as a couple. From handling arguments poorly to being too frivolous with funds, setting a concrete goal as a unit can lay the groundwork for a year filled with positive strides in surprising new directions. Shared objectives can also be about the next step you’ll take together, like getting engaged, having children, or buying a home.
Setting resolutions together doesn’t mean that you cannot also make a few on your own. A relationship is strongest when both parties feel their best. If you want to get in better shape, eat healthier meals, or spend more time outside, set your own goals and see how it leads to a more cohesive union.
A Resolution toLearn About Each Other
Pursuing individual hobbies can help people in a relationship retain a bit of autonomy. However, sharing your passions with your partner is a wonderful way to grow closer. As a fun resolution for the new year, consider setting aside time now and again to chat about your interests. Talk about what you love, listen to what your partner enjoys, and discover new facets of each other. You might even discover that you have some shared interests that you never knew about, which can be a delightful surprise when you’ve been together a long while.
You can also take this idea to the next level by trying each other’s hobbies. If your partner likes to attend comic conventions, take a trip along to the next gathering. If you love a certain band, get tickets for the two of you to see a show the next time they’re on tour. Even if you have no genuine interest in the activity, you’ll be able to make your partner feel like you care.
Give Some Space
Finally, don’t forget to give each other space when needed. If you’ve been together a long while and cohabitation is part of the arrangement, you may crave personal time. Even the healthiest relationships require partners to take time away from each other. Whether you give each other room to go out with friends on a routine basis or you just leave the house so your partner can take a nap, there is a lot to be said for respecting each other’s boundaries.
Though there is no wrong time to make positive changes in a relationship, the beginning of a new year has a way of setting the right tone. Consider what will work best for you and your partner to lay the foundation for a wonderful year ahead.
Large bouquet of different colored flowers, specifically tulips.
At one of the most prominent weddings of the 21st century, the flowers for the bridal bouquet were carefully chosen. Kate Middleton selected the ones that were important to her family and to the Royal Family. Myrtle was chosen as an emblem of marriage and love, and specifically, the sprigs of myrtle came from a plant grown from the myrtle used in the bouquet of Queen Elizabeth II. Kate chose ivy, the symbolization of fidelity and affection. The hyacinth was representative of “constancy of love.” Sweet William was for gallantry, and the lily of the valley for the return of happiness.
You don’t have to be royal to make a wedding bouquet that’s representative of your partner and yourself. Flowers aren’t only for weddings, either. You may want to use this list when you need to choose a spray for your grandma’s funeral.
The Meaning of Roses
You probably know that red roses are for love. Practically everyone gives these flowers for Valentine’s Day, but roses come in many different colors. Say what you mean by choosing different colors for the bouquet you bring to your loved one:
White – innocence and purity
Yellow – joy and friendship, or a new beginning
Orange – enthusiasm
Dark red – unconscious beauty
Light pink – grace and gentleness
Coral – friendship and modesty
Lavender – love at first sight
Dark pink – gratitude or appreciation
Pale peach – modesty
Yellow with a red tip – falling in love
More Flowers With Meanings
Here are some other popular flowers and greenery that you can choose to say something special:
Bachelor’s button – blessedness
Bay – glory
Chrysanthemum – cheerfulness
Daffodils – regard
Daisy – innocence
Ferns – sincerity
White jasmine – sweet love
Lavender – devotion
Mint – virtue
Red poppy – consolation
Sage – wisdom and mortality
Yellow tulips – hope and cheery thoughts, friendship
White tulips – an apology
Pink tulips – confidence and happiness
Purple tulips – the color of royalty, used to express admiration for someone’s accomplishments
Violets – faithfulness
The white carnation symbolizes pure love. Pink carnations are symbolic of a mother’s undying love. Legend suggests that the pink carnation first appeared from the Virgin Mary’s tears. Purple carnations are for unpredictability. Light red carnations are for admiration; dark red carnations are a sign of deep love and affection.
Another suggestion for symbolic flowers is to host a garden party with your friends and have each one bring a flower or plant that has meaning to the person. Make a pretty flower garden or create a mixed bouquet to remember each other. It would make a nice housewarming gift or a memory for a new bride.
Make a Special Message
Flowers aren’t just for weddings, funerals and special holidays. Take home a bunch of flowers to your loved one anytime to make a special memory. Know the language of flowers to send the right message any time you choose.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is a flower bouquet worth? Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “the earth laughs in flowers.” Christian Dior believes, “after women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.” Say something special with flowers.
