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By Cindy O. Herman
When the Northern Lights flickered across the sky the night before Emma Zechman and Andrew Walter exchanged their wedding vows, at Willow Stone Farm outside of Mifflinburg, it felt like one more blessing being bestowed upon the happy couple.
Andrew and Emma knew each other in high school, but romance didn’t start until Emma, who was good friends with Andrew’s mother, started hanging out and having coffee at their house in 2019, after Emma graduated from high school and Andrew had graduated from college.
“I had a crush on him,” Emma admitted with a smile.
“She was coming over to have ‘coffee,’” Andrew said. “After a few times it was pretty obvious, it was a double motive.”
But it was a motive that he liked. In July he asked her to Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing Co., in Selinsgrove, and the rest was history, Emma said happily.
“We were just really good friends, and then it just happened,” she said.
Four years later, on June 3, 2023, Andrew proposed.
“We got engaged at my family’s beach house in Chincoteague, Virginia,” Emma said. “It was at sunset on the dock. It was really pretty. Just the two of us.”
They were beyond pleased with Willow Stone Farm.
“This is the best wedding venue,” Emma said. “They had it all planned out so perfectly. We didn’t have to worry about a single thing.”
They booked the house from Thursday to Sunday, allowing their bridal party to stay there and join in with prep work. They appreciated having all events in one area.
“They took care of so much for us. We weren’t stressed at all the day of the wedding. We could relax and enjoy ourselves. They’re wonderful people to work with,” Emma said.
EMMA'S ADVICE TO WEDDING COUPLES:
"Accept offers of help. We were really blessed with our village, with our people supporting us.”
Andrew teased Emma because she’d already started an Excel spreadsheet with wedding plans, but they both appreciated having a year to design the wedding with a minimum of stress.
“I think the only hard part was the seating chart,” Andrew said of trying to arrange happy groupings for 160 people.
“Yeah, that was stressful,” Emma agreed.
She also credited Kelly Snayberger, their Day of Wedding Coordinator, saying, “She was definitely the reason why everything went so seamlessly on our wedding day.”
Special touches included receiving communion together during the wedding ceremony. They also set up an In Memoriam Table honoring Emma’s mother and Andrew’s great-grandparents. And they tried to slow time just a bit.
“I was trying so hard to take a mental picture of the moment because it goes by so quick. I was like, soaking in the moment and thinking, I want to remember this,” Emma said.
“The weekend started, and it felt like it was, szhoom,” Andrew agreed. “There were no speedbumps. We were trying to create our own speedbumps.”
They both appreciated the rare opportunity to have all their loved ones gathered in the same time and place.
“It was awesome,” Emma said.
Both newlyweds shook their head at how much they enjoyed their wedding reception. It started with a coffee bar featuring a selection of coffees and teas while the bridal party posed for photos. Then after parents, bridal attendants and groomsmen were introduced, Emma and Andrew sailed in and enjoyed their first dance.
“It was really fun,” Emma said.
They personalized their reception with, of all things, donuts and funnel cakes. The donuts were supplied by Mammy’s Donut Shop, in Rebersburg.
“They made them the morning of the wedding,” Andrew said. Emma added, “Delicious!”
The funnel cakes were courtesy of Mifflinburg Hose Company, where Andrew volunteers. Regrettably, the bride and groom were too busy to try them.
“We didn’t get one.” Emma laughed. “But everybody said it was good.”
A special moment they enjoyed was a private Last Dance. While the guests were outside the venue getting ready for a sparkler exit, Andrew and Emma danced behind closed doors to “Tennessee Whiskey,” by Chris Stapleton.
“I remember listening to that song getting ready for our first date,” Emma said. “So yeah, it was just the two of us in there. That was a moment to be like, what just happened?”
Emma’s Gown: Van Cleve Bridal, Paoli
Andrew’s Suit: Tuxes-N-Tunes, Mifflinburg
Rings: Foss Jewelers, Selinsgrove
Flowers: Hickory View Farms, Mifflinburg
Officiant: Seth Derk, pastor at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Lewisburg
Photographer: Nicole Gessner Photography, Mifflinburg
Hair: Hairology Salon, Mifflinburg
Makeup: GLAM BY GIAVONNA, Catawissa
Day of Wedding Coordinator: Kelly Snayberger
DJ: DJ Big Andy, Lewisburg
Caterer: Carol Grove, Mifflinburg (Andrew’s aunt)
Cake: Our Best Friends Bakery, Mifflinburg
Donuts: Mammy’s Donut Shop, Rebersburg
Funnel Cakes: Mifflinburg Hose Company
As their first year of marriage rolls on, the Walters are preparing for their honeymoon. Because of Emma’s work schedule with the Shikellamy School District, they waited until this June.
“We’re going up the coast of Maine and stopping at three different Airbnbs,” Andrew said.
“I’ve never been there before,” Emma said. “It will be really fun. We’re excited.”
Both Andrew and Emma said they wouldn’t change a thing with their wedding.
“We were really lucky,” Emma said, remembering that the night before was when they saw the Northern Lights.
“Yeah, the whole sky was purple around here,” Andrew murmured.
“It was so cool,” Emma said. “It was just a really amazing weekend.”
Bridal Party:
Maid of Honor: Kyra Zechman
Bridesmaids:
Sydnee Walter
Janelle Walter
Julia Hornberger
Abigail Snayberger
Hailey Foresman
Shannon Roush
Best Man: Alec Chappell
Groomsmen:
Matthew Walter
Austin Walter
Owen Zechman
Jeremy Gunzelman
Cody Mabus
Cameron Roush
Parents:
Kenny Zechman and Bethany Zechman
Steve and Kelly Walter
Mr. & Mrs. Walter
Emma is a Speech Language Pathologist at Priestley Elementary, in Sunbury
Andrew is a Woodworker/Cabinet Maker with Haines Tree Farm, in Mifflinburg.
Your wedding day is one of the most important celebrations of your life - a joyful gathering of loved ones, a personal milestone, and, for many, a reflection of deeply held values. As sustainability becomes a priority in everyday choices, couples are increasingly asking: How can we celebrate responsibly? The answer: a sustainable wedding.
A sustainable wedding doesn't mean sacrificing style or sentimentality. On the contrary, it means making intentional choices that reduce waste and often supports local businesses. Whether you're going all-in or making a few green tweaks, here's how to plan a celebration that is as kind to the Earth as it is beautiful.
Start with one of the biggest decisions: your venue. Look for locations that prioritize sustainability, such as farms, gardens, or repurposed industrial spaces that use renewable energy, offer composting, or have LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Hosting your ceremony and reception in one place also cuts down on emissions from transportation.
If you're dreaming of an outdoor wedding, let nature do the decorating. Gardens, vineyards, and parks often need minimal décor, which means less waste and more authentic ambiance.
The average wedding dress is worn once and then stored away. Break that cycle by opting for a gown that tells a different story. Consider renting, buying vintage, or shopping
from designers who use eco-friendly fabrics and ethical labor practices. Brands like Reformation, Indiebride London, and Wear Your Love offer stunning sustainable options.
Want to keep it sentimental? Turn a family gown into a custom design with a local tailor, combining traditional with low-impact fashion.
Go digital with your invites and RSVPs - a trend that not only saves paper but also streamlines communication. Platforms like Paperless Post and Greenvelope offer elegant digital designs that rival traditional paper suites.
If you're set on printed invitations, look for recycled paper, soybased inks, or plantable paper embedded with wildflower seeds. Local letterpress studios often have eco-conscious printing options as well.
Flowers are a wedding staple, but they don’t have to be wasteful. Imported blooms contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Instead, choose seasonal, locally grown flowers, and work with florists who practice sustainable sourcing.
Potted plants, dried flowers, and even herbs can double as placesettings and guest favors. At the end of the night, donate arrangements to hospitals or nursing homes, or compost them responsibly.
Outfitting a wedding party can rack up costs and your carbon footprint quickly. Encourage mismatched attire so attendants can wear something they already own or will use again. Rentable suits and dresses are another smart option.
Brands like SuitShop and Rent the Runway offer sleek, sustainable styles that reduce waste without sacrificing style.
Your wedding menu is a great place to prioritize sustainability. Choose caterers who source ingredients locally and seasonally, and consider local meat options or offering a vegetarian or vegan menu (which has a far lower environmental impact).
Minimize single-use plastics by opting for reusable dinnerware, glassware, and cloth napkins. Bonus points if your caterer composts food waste or donates leftovers!
Sustainable weddings aren’t about saying "no" to celebration - they’re about saying "yes" to smarter choices. When it comes to drinks, go for local wineries, craft breweries, or distilleries. Bulk serving options, like wine on tap or large-format cocktails,
reduce packaging waste.
Your rings can shine without a dark backstory. Opt for vintage stones, lab-grown diamonds, or ethically sourced gems. Jewelers like Brilliant Earth and Catbird offer transparency about sourcing and sustainability.
When it comes to your registry, think beyond stuff. Many couples are asking for experiences, charitable donations, or contributions to a honeymoon or house fund. If you do want physical gifts, register with brands and local shops that focus on sustainability and longevity.
Encourage guests to carpool, use shuttle buses, or share rides. Promote biking or walking for those close by. Some couples incentivize green travel with small thank-you gifts or gift certificates to local businesses. You can balance the environmental cost of travel and energy by donating to reputable carbon offset programs. This is why, the more local abusiness is, the better it is for the Earth. Think of it as a wedding gift to our beautiful planet.
Waste is one of the biggest challenges of weddings. Reduce landfill impact with compost bins, recycling stations, and donation plans for leftover food and decorations. Communicate your intentions with signage so guests can participate in keeping the event green.
Want to go the extra mile? Hire a "green coordinator" or work with local vendors in the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, who specialize in low-waste events.
While digital dominates in many areas, film photography is having a nostalgic resurgence in 2025. Disposable cameras, Polaroid guest books, and vintage film photographers are capturing memories the analog way. Choose a photographer who uses sustainable business practices, like carbon-neutral travel and plastic-free packaging.
No wedding will be perfectly sustainable, and that’s okay. It’s about intention over perfection. Each choice, from your venue to your vows, can reflect your values in a way that feels right to you.
When you plan a sustainable wedding, you’re creating more than just a beautiful day. You’re modeling a future where love, joy, and responsibility walk hand in hand.
After all, in 2025 and beyond, green is more than a trendit’s the new white.
2025 will see more localized, hometown weddings over larger destination weddings. Smaller, more quaint locations and even weddings in restaurants are popping up more and more. The restaurants are a no-brainer as the trend for this year seems to focus on the food being the center of attention - ahem, second to the bride, of course.
Film is making a comeback in a big way this year. Look for stations with vintage Polaroid cameras and props over photo booths, which seem to have fallen out of favor for 2025. Photographers will have to go "old school" and swap out the digital camera for that 35MM feel.
Hand inked Calligraphy wedding invitations are in! What's more beautiful than receiving one of these classic invites in the mail? Look for local artisans with a steady hand or check out Etsy as they have hundreds of stores offering this service.
FASHION STATEMENTS!
Fashion-wise style, flair and personality are front and center this year. Bold color pallets, and pops of red will be a stand-out for 2025. Look for collections mismatched whimsical bridesmaids dresses, and don't be bashful with the bespoke embroidery, fit and personalized style!
Old-school, retro, however you say it - old fashioned cakes are back. Look for more architecture, more columns, like the cakes of yesteryear. Think geometric patterns and a vintage motif. If old-fashioned isn't your bag, dome shaped cakes are another cake trend for 2025.
What's the old mantra - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? A big trend that has been gaining more steam over the last few years are eco-friendly weddings. Little things can make a big difference, like renting instead of buying new, reusing items, or using items you find and sprucing them up. Throwing lavender instead of confetti is a lot more biodegradeable. Are you forgoing paper/plastic dinnerware for regular dinner plates and silverware? Go as local as possible to reduce transportation/mailing. Brides and grooms are becoming more and more focused on throwing weddings that are Earth-friendly and sustainable.
Drapery is all the rage with not only the dress but the venue. Romantic looks with lots of texture and layers and beautifully draped fabric everywhere you look.
This is usually geared more towards weekend weddings with multiple days of wedding fun planned, but activities like hikes and pickleball are popping up more and more. I was recently at a wedding that featured a ping pong tournament and a lemonade and ice cream social the day before the wedding, and it was so much fun! The caterers all wore paper hats and everything came with a cherry on top.
Gone are the days of solely seeing flowers on your reception tables. Couples are incorporating local and seasonal fruits and vegetables into beautiful floral designs using the colors and textures of nature's bounty as centerpieces and table dècor. There are so many local farmer's markets and roadside stands - farms in general, in our area, so you have a lot of options if you want to get in on this trend.
Verona Sunset is a vibrant orange hue that makes this year's bold color choices sing!
Some couples are opting to pull a "Pam & Jim" and say their vows in a private ceremony with a small group of family or friends around them before the big day. Then the main wedding day is more of a celebratory get-together, and the pressure is off. Of course, we won't tell if you don't.
tH e Bene F its o F Goin
l o C al
Wedding planning requires coordinating a laundry list of details that ultimately come together to make for a memorable ceremony and reception. Couples tying the knot have their work cut out for them, and one of the biggest decisions they will have to make involves choosing where to hold the ceremony and reception. Religious couples often opt for ceremonies at their churches, synagogues and mosques. Secular weddings can occur just about anywhere, with couples sometimes utilizing ceremony spaces adjacent to their reception rooms. The new trend for 2025 suggests smaller, more quaint locations.
As brides and grooms narrow down their venue options, they may want to give strong consideration to the benefits that sticking close to home can offer. Certainly there are advantages to be had hosting a wedding at venues many miles away or even in international locations, but there are unique perks to keeping festivities local. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study indicated 6 in 10 couples chose to get married in a place where they currently live; 23 percent opted for a hometown venue; while only 18 percent decided on a destination wedding. Here's a look at some of the perks of staying local.
One of the biggest benefits of a local venue is convenience for both the couple and their guests. Local venues tend to be easily accessible for those who live nearby, minimizing travel time.
e xpertise
Venue staff likely live in the area or are familiar with other services close by. They can offer valuable insight into what has worked before and what to avoid.
r
If florists and other vendors have to drop off items, they may not charge the same delivery fees if the reception site is close by.
Choosing a local venue keeps dollars in couples' own communities, which is a great way to support businesses in the town and the people that work for them. Your spending habits have power, and that’s especially true when you shop
local. Each dollar spent at a local business stays within your community, contributing to its growth. This concept is often called the “Local Multiplier Effect”. It means that money spent locally gets recycled back into the economy. This boosts employment and supports services we all rely on.
you d on't Have to s top at Just tH e v enue y
Go local as much as possible. The caterers, florists, bakeries, photographers, DJs, etc. around here are phenoms at what they do. You also have the added bonus of leaving way less of a carbon footprint, which is always a plus. Going local, all around, is a win, win, win!
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Planning the most romantic trip of your life begins with the perfect destination. According to Honeymoons.com, these are the top honeymoon destinations for 2025.
As an island named the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by the World Travel Awards 15 times, Saint Lucia is a refuge and an escape for lovers.
Bridechilla - Wedding Planning Podcast
thebridechilla.com
Apple - Spotify - YouTube
Whoever said that wedding planning is easy has obviously never planned a wedding! Bridechilla is about banishing the bull, prioritizing what truly matters and not sweating the small stuff, so that the experience is joyful rather than stressful. They've got you!
The Bouquet Toss Podcast thebudgetsavvybride.com
Apple - Spotify - YouTube
This ain't no ordinary wedding planning podcast. So many couples seem to be seeking permission to plan their weddings on their own terms. We're not here to tell you what to do or force any outdated rules upon you. Instead, we're diving into the history behind the many varied wedding traditions and trends, to share opinions and resources so you can have your day your way!
Unbridely - Modern Wedding Planning unbridely.com
Apple - Spotify - YouTube
Whether you're newly engaged, right in the thick of wedding planning or just a few days out from your big day, the Unbridely Podcast brings you the support and cheer squad you need to ditch the overwhelm, conquer your neverending to-do list and enjoy yourself!
The Wedding Where... theweddingwhere.buzzsprout.com
Apple - Spotify - YouTube
Join Amanda, owner of Officiating by Amanda, for this cheeky podcast as she shares stories of weddings that she's officiated, lessons she's learned, advice for the dating, engaged or married and ten years of hilarious stories. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and maybe you'll call in with your own stories. Let's hope not, though. Pull up a chair, put your feet up and let's spill all the tea!
Theories on the origins of the tuxedo vary significantly. Some believe that this formal garment was created by wealthy aristocrats attending an autumn ball in Tuxedo Park, New York. However, the Wall Street Journal has reported that the tuxedo might be a British invention, spearheaded by the fashion-conscious King of Wales Edward VII in 1865. No matter where the tuxedo originated, it has become standard attire for formal occasions, including weddings.
It may seem as though every tuxedo is the same, but that's not the case. Tuxes come in different styles, so those tying the knot or attending other formal functions can choose an option that fits their personality and physique. Here's a look at what sets tuxedos apart and some noteworthy tux trends.
Some may wonder what sets a tuxedo apart from a suit. One of the more notable differences is that tuxedo lapels are designed with silk, satin or textured grosgrain to provide that signature V-look, says Brides magazine. Suit lapels are made from the same fabric as the suit jacket. Tuxedos traditionally are held up with suspenders, while suit pants have belt loops for use with a belt. Suits are styled with a dress shirt while tuxedos are worn with a particular tuxedo shirt that likely has a spread collar, bib, decorative studs, and French cuffs fastened with cuff links.
Black tuxedos call to mind many things, including the fictitious British spy James Bond and, of course, traditional weddings. The classic black tuxedo with black tie can set an especially formal tone for a wedding, and grooms must decide if they prefer this classic look or something less traditional.
Men who want to set themselves apart can opt for what The Knot calls the most popular styles of tuxedo lapels. Notch lapels are the most common and feature two lateral points. Shawl collars feature a smooth, sleek looped lapel without notches or peaks. Peak lapels have the lower point of the lapel peak above the upper. Trying on the different jackets can give individuals an idea of which lapel look is best.
A traditional tuxedo will be black, although navy tuxedos have gained a following. But individuals can find a tuxedo in any color. Those who want to add some extra flair to their weddings may opt for a tuxedo in a color that coordinates to the season or aligns with what the rest of the bridal party is wearing.
The majority of tuxedos are made from wool and will have the silk or satin detailing as described. Newer trends include incorporating fabrics like linen or flannel, although these are rare and may be harder to come by.
People can set themselves apart with everything from lapels to tuxedo shirts to different colors, but only bow ties or neckties can be worn with tuxedoes. While bow ties once were the gold standard, those personalizing their wedding looks and taking liberties with style are increasingly opting for neckties. Gents can choose a necktie in a complementary texture that will coordinate with the elegance of the tuxedo. We still think bow ties are cool!
Grooms accustomed to buying suits off the rack may feel they can take the same approach on their wedding day. However, wedding day photos will serve as a visual record of the big day for decades to come, so working with a tailor to ensure the tux or suit fits perfectly is the way to go. A wellfitting suit may prove more comfortable throughout the day, and tailoring ensures grooms look their best.
Grooms can experiment with various textures and materials as they seek a wedding day tuxedo that suits their desires and demeanors. A velvet tuxedo jacket can set a sophisticated and unique tone, though such attire is arguably most suited to indoor ceremonies during colder months. The same goes for corduroy and tweed, as these materials tend to be a little warmer. Linen and seersucker tuxes and suits also can shed light on a groom's personality, and these might be best suited to warm weather weddings in outdoor settings.
Sometimes a tuxedo/suit ensemble is not complete without a pocket square. Matching the color of the tie and the pocket square is a classic look. Grooms whose brides are wearing a dress with some color can choose a tie and pocket square combination that matches the color in her dress. Socks also merit consideration and can provide another way for grooms to make a statement without drawing attention away from their brides.
'When is it appropriate to tip wedding staff and at what rate?' We've got you!
Florists, photographers, musicians, MCs, limousine drivers, caterers, and waitstaff are just some of the professionals couples will meet and rely on for their weddings. Each of these vendors will ply their trades in the hopes of contributing to a night couples will remember forever.
Vendors charge a certain fee for their services, but couples may wonder if they should offer tips as well.
A tip is never required but is always appreciated. That's why couples can build tips into their wedding budgets to thank vendors for the various services they provide. Here are some additional guidelines:
Familiarize yourself with the contract and determine if the agreement already includes a built-in gratuity.
A service fee is different from a gratuity.
Be prepared to offer something to an Officiant.
Members of the clergy may not be allowed to accept tips, but a donation made to a house of worship often is customary. A civil officiant is prohibited by law from accepting a gratuity in the United States, so keep that in mind if getting hitched at city hall.
and Waitstaff can be tipped 15-20% of the total fee charged, as can a Transportation Company.
Consider offering a predetermined gratuity for a Photographer, Videographer or Florist.
In the past, these small business owners weren't customarily tipped, but a cash tip always is appreciated. $50-250 is a standard tip.
Think about tipping arking Attendants anywhere from $1-5 the number of cars at the reception. Use your discretion (and kindness) when tipping Entertainers and Musicians. Generally between $25-50 per musician or DJ, etc. and setup staff is an adequate gratuity. If they put your wedding or reception over the top, make sure your tip reflects that.
Wedding Planners, Hairstylists, Makeup
Artists, Catering Bartenders
There are really no hard rules regarding wedding vendor gratuities. Couples can choose to bring cash along and enlist a bridal party member, or parent (or an Uncle) to take care of tipping the wedding vendors who helped to make their special day so memorable. Another tip for youremember to send "Uncle Mikey" or Mom or Dad a nice thank you card after you get back from your honeymoon!
85% of people surveyed thought smashing cake in the bride/groom's face during the cake cutting was horrible.
Some even claim there's a correlation there between whether the marriage will last, but there are no real numbers to back it up. However, there is a new trend at weddings that makes this tradition a little more fun. Place two jars on the cake table at the reception, one labeled "Bride" and the other "Groom". Then you ask the attendees to then fill the jars with cash at $1/vote. The fullest tip jar at the end of the time allotted for this small fun game is the one who gets the cake smash! It takes a lot of the blame off the bride and groom, and makes it a bit more light-hearted and fun.
The tradition itself comes from Rome, where brides had barley cake crumbled over them, symbolizing fertility and male dominance. I think I prefer the smashing.
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Lots of details require a decision when planning a wedding. Engaged couples may or may not enjoy tending to much of the minutiae involved in wedding planning, but the reception menu is typically one popular point of interest. Trends for 2025 point to, the menu as the new star of the show at any wedding, of course, second only to the bride!
When picking a wedding reception menu, couples typically get to sit down with their venue operator or caterer and take a taste test so they can decide what to include and exclude come the big night. That typically results in some happy hearts and full bellies. But there's more to picking a reception menu than taste, and the following are some pointers couples can consider as they aim to provide a tasty meal for their wedding guests.
RESIST THE URGE TO MAKE THE MENU REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE. Couples, particularly those footing the bill for their own weddings, may be tempted to pick exclusively foods they like for the reception. Though it's important that couples get to enjoy their first meal together after tying the knot, it's good to ensure that guests get to have an enjoyable meal as well. Resist any urge to let personal preferences dictate the menu, particularly if you have a restrictive diet. For example, vegans need not insist everyone eat a vegan meal at the reception nor should meat lovers insist that every plate end up with some red meat on it. Diversify the menu so people with various preferences can fill up and enjoy their dinner.
INQUIRE ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES. When inviting guests, ask them to cite any food allergies they may have when they RSVP. Many banquet halls and caterers are now accustomed to accommodating diners with food allergies, but the earlier that information is communicated, the more time couples have to pick delicious foods that won't compromise the health of guests who must avoid certain dishes or ingredients.
ALIGN FOOD WITH DEGREE OF FORMALITY. It's important that couples consider the ambiance of the wedding when picking a reception menu. A pig roast might be ideal for a backyard wedding, but something more formal is called for when dining in a lavishly decorated banquet hall. Couples should keep this in mind when choosing the menu. It's also notable that caterers tend to have a creative side, so they might be able to present certain foods in ways that match the vibe of the
wedding even if those dishes would not ordinarily align with the ambiance of the reception.
LEAVE THE EXPERIMENTATION TO THE COCKTAIL HOUR. If couples have certain exotic foods in mind, they can still serve those items but do so during the cocktail hour. Guests can simply turn down the chance to try exotic foods during the cocktail hour without going hungry. But a sit-down dinner should ensure every guest can enjoy something.
Many things stand out as memorable on a wedding day: the dress, the music, the adorable children who trip up or do some sort of zany antics down the aisle, and the food. Guests often look forward to a wedding to wish a couple well in their new lives together, but also to enjoy a great meal. Couples should give careful consideration to their wedding reception menu so everyone ends the night with great memories and full bellies.
An old German custom called Baumstamm
Sägen (pictured above) asks the couple to saw a log in half together, which symbolizes how they will work together to overcome obstacles. Another German tradition is a get-together called a Polterabend that happens before the wedding day. Guests bring the couple dishes, glasses, and anything else that may break and make a lot of noise in the process. This practice is supposedly done to make enough noise to ward off evil spirits.
Another noisy tradition, this one from France, is where close friends and family come and disrupt the wedding night of the bride and groom by going to their home after the wedding and making a loud ruckus. They bang on pots, pans, whatever makes noise and they yell, and cause the couple to come outside. The couple then will serve snacks and party with their guests.
It’s our goal to give you, your ceremony and your reception a one-of-a-kind look that’s in harmony with your personality and lifestyle. That’s why all of our weddings are custom-made and designed through one-on-one consultations. We will work with any budget to select the best flowers and designs for your wedding.
One old Irish tradition has the bride and groom dance at their wedding, but the bride's feet can't leave the floor. Evil fairies might come and snatch her away!
We have the opposite culture here, but in Mauritania, women who are getting married try to get as fat as possible before their wedding day for their groom. Pass the dessert please!
In Romania, the groom kidnaps his bride. It's sort of a game. If he can keep her hidden from her family and friends for a couple of days, she will become his wife. However, if she escapes or is taken, she will not marry him.
In South Africa, the parents on both sides each bring fire from their fireplaces to light the hearth of the newlyweds. May your hearth and your marriage be forever warm!
Weddings mark a turning point from one stage in life to another. The significance of that transition is perhaps one reason why couples and their guests dress so nicely for a wedding ceremony and reception. Formal garb is a wedding tradition, and guests anxiously await seeing which type of gown a bride will wear. No pressure, right? Here are some tips to help make your dress shopping experience the very best it can be.
In western cultures, white wedding gowns have been the standard since the nineteenth century and are believed to symbolize purity and grace. In eastern cultures, wedding gowns often have been elaborate, colorful creations that have their own symbolic meanings unique to various areas of the world.
Shopping for a wedding gown can spark mixed emotions. While it is exciting to try on some remarkable garments, there also is the pressure of knowing all eyes will be on you while wearing this couture creation. Narrowing down wedding gown prospects can take vision, time and patience. The following pointers can help when it comes time to visit bridal shops.
Many bridal shops operate by appointment only. That's because the staff wants to devote complete attention to a client, and having people simply walk in from the street can draw their attention away and/or lead to long wait times. Identify the stores you want to visit, and then call to secure your time slot.
Think about what your personal style might be and how you want to look on your wedding day. If you're not sure about the vocabulary surrounding dress silhouettes, look online and save images of dresses that you love. Then you can show the sales staff what you are thinking instead of going in empty-handed. If sustainability is a big thing for you, let them know.
Try on a few different styles even if you have a particular dress in mind. You never know if something might be a better fit for your body type or the scope and style of your wedding unless you give it a go.
Unlike off-the-rack clothing, most wedding shops will have to order your dress and have it shipped. Then comes a few weeks for alterations. KWH Bridal notes eight to 12 months before a wedding is a good time to choose and order a dress. Brides magazine says most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create.
There also are three separate fittings to ensure the gown will fit like a glove.
It's best not to arrive at the shopping appointment with an entire entourage. Pick, at the most, four people whose opinions you trust; otherwise, it could be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen. As a bride-to-be you'll already be anxious, and you'll want soothing, supportive people with you.
Know well in advance what you can afford to spend. Don't forget about additional costs, such as veil, shoes, alterations, undergarments, and any add-ons. According to many studies and surveys conducted at the end of 2024, the average cost of a wedding dress is about $2,000. Current trade tariffs and instability could send that number through the stratosphere for 2025. The good news is, you don't necessarily need to pay the entire amount right away. Most places request a deposit to confirm your order, which can be anywhere from 30% to 50% of the total price. Usually you pay the remainder when you pick it up. Some boutiques may offer an installment plan, so be sure to ask.
There are alternate ways to "go cheaper" without sacrificing quality. I paid under $400 for my dress. I bought it online and had alterations done locally and my best friend found vintage furs online to accentuate it. She found her dress at a thrift store we discovered on a trip. However you find your dream dress, we hope it makes you feel beautiful and lets you strut through your big day! That's what all great dresses do.
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Everyone knows that planning and putting on a wedding can be STRESSFUL. When the big day comes, we all want it to go off without a hitchwell except for the part where you get hitched of course - but we all know it can happen. Put your feet up and have some laughs on some other couples who have been there, or attendees who have seen some things! Hopefully these will remind you to laugh, and not cry should you have your own story to tell one day!
My wedding planning went swimmingly. Everything up to the day of the wedding went so smoothly, I should have known something would happen. Sure enough, I got hit with the giggles so hard, I spat the communion bread on the priest. I also nearly tripped over my dress, not once, but three times trying to get to the altar. Full of grace, I am.
- Kennedy Branch (Mt Pleasant Mills, PA)
My dad was the best man at his buddy's wedding. During the reception, when he was about to give a speech, he forgot the bride's name. He spent a good ten seconds hastily whispering to himself random names of girls that could possibly be the wife. Since he was holding the mic, everyone in the room could hear it. To others, it sounded like a long list of the groom's past girlfriends.
- Elliot Vargas (Spring Mills, PA)
At my wife's cousin's wedding, one of the bridesmaids feigned having a fainting spell during the ceremony because she disapproved of the woman her brother was marrying. She later got VERY drunk, and at the end of the reception, she screamed something none of us could understand, then stumbled into the desert table and pulled a chocolate fountain down on top of herself.
- David Hauck (Emporium, PA)
When my cousin Summer got married (about 15 years ago) they were married at a church that had just finished up a Vacation Bible School with a space theme. So, everyone goes outside to blow bubbles (no rice for this wedding) the bride and groom walk out and their limo pulls up with a 10foot long rocket ship attached to the top, stolen from a back room after VBS. Groom's cousin fessed up and we put everything back. Everyone got a big kick out of it.
- Kendra Branson (Lancaster, PA)
The main hostess for the reception of about 30 guests carried in the 3-tier wedding cake, rather than using a cart. She not only dropped it, but fell face first into it on the floor. First dead silence, then a few giggles, and then an emotional breakdown like I have never seen before. She was completely devastated from both the embarrassment and thought she ruined a big moment. We all eventually assured her that everyone had had some drinks and few cared about the cake. The best part was that she easily collected hundreds more in tips out of sympathy. Poor girl.
- Sheila Fisher (Mifflinburg, PA)
Do YOU have a story to share?
Tell us about it! Email: lseebold@dailyitem.com
Above: Kelvin & Callie Womer (Mount Pleasant Mills, PA)
Photographer: Rosenberry Media
Right: Nick & Miranda Becker (Catawissa, PA)
Photographer: Jandi Nelson Photography
There were so many beautiful photos to choose from this year. We wish we could feature you all.
Thank you!
