As any married couple can attest, a wedding day has a tendency to fly by. Couples have much to do on the day they tie the knot, which can make the day feel like a whirlwind.
Certain skills can come in especially handy on a wedding day, and the ability to manage time is certainly one of them.
As their big day draws closer, couples can employ the following time management tips to slow the day down a little bit.
• Create and distribute a schedule – A schedule can ensure the happy couple and all members of the wedding party know when and where they need to be at certain times during the day.
Include all pertinent information on the schedule, including when and where hair and makeup appointments begin, when transportation to and from the ceremony and reception site will arrive and, of course, the start time for the ceremony.
A printed copy can help, but a digital copy sent via text or email can guarantee
the schedule is accessible via smartphone at all times during the day.
• Collaborate with the photographer in advance – Couples can streamline wedding day photography sessions by collaborating with their photographer in advance.
During these sessions, identify the photos you want taken and then create a schedule of them so all members of the party know where they need to be and when. Some couples choose to schedule wedding party photos before the ceremony, while others prefer to have theirs after the ceremony has made it official.
Regardless of which option couples prefer, schedule these photos so no time is wasted finding wedding party members.
• Don’t forget to set aside time to eat – Anything can derail a wedding day schedule if forgotten when couples devise their initial plan for how the day will unfold. Couples might be less inclined to forget hair and makeup appointments and photo sessions because such components
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are integral to wedding planning.
But couples should not forget to leave time for themselves and their wedding party to eat. Schedule a breakfast for all involved (separate ones if couples insist on avoiding each other that day until the ceremony) to ensure no one sleeps in and throws off the timeline.
Include time to eat lunch if the ceremony is in late afternoon or early evening. If you forget to schedule time to eat, the timeline will almost certainly be thrown off at some point as it’s generally a long day and some sustenance will be needed.
• Go over schedules with vendors – In the weeks prior to your wedding, reach out to your vendors to check in and confirm the day’s timeline.
Do this prior to handing out a schedule to the wedding party so everyone is clear even if last-minute changes are made.
Couples have much to manage on their wedding days. Perhaps no component is more important to manage effectively than time. (METRO CREATIVE)
above: Maintaining and distributing a schedule of the day’s events, including hair appointments, transportation times to and from the ceremony and reception site, among others, can help couples keep their wedding day timeline on track.
Streamlining the wedding planning process can help couples feel relaxed and enable them to more fully enjoy their big day. Hosting a wedding ceremony and reception at the same location is one way to streamline and simplify the planning process.
According to the wedding resource Here Comes the Guide, all-in-one venues are preferred by the majority of modern engaged couples.
Couples contemplating such an approach can consider the following benefits to tying the knot and hosting the reception at the same venue.
Rather than having to coordinate with two places, all of couples’ attention can be directed to one location and working with one party coordinator. This can reduce the propensity for mix-ups.
Figuring out how to move between multiple locations and schedule hired vehicles and the like can be a chore. With one venue, guests simply arrive and are done with travel until the festivities end.
Sometimes there can be an awkward period between the ceremony and the reception. In such situations, a ceremony may end but the cocktail hour is still an hour or two away. A ceremony and reception in one locale can eliminate the gap, as such venues typically begin the cocktail hour a short time after the ceremony has ended.
Guests who may find it challenging to get to two different locations, particularly those who don’t drive or must rely on public transportation or a taxi, may find a single-location wedding more convenient.
Couples who want to exchange vows outdoors often can do so when they have one wedding location because the nuptials are taking place outside of a house of worship, which may not allow for an outdoor wedding due to the sanctity of the location.
With a single location, it makes it much
easier if inclement weather dampens the occasion because there is far less traveling involved.
Couples can keep in mind that a singlelocation wedding may come with some challenges. Unless it’s on the grounds of a house of worship, the wedding may lack the religious or spiritual component that some couples aspire to.
Weather can cause issues if couples had hoped to have the ceremony outdoors and must go with a Plan B, such as moving it into the same space as the reception, necessitating a turnover of the room. Couples also may be limited in photo backdrops, as there will not be two separate places where photos are taken, particularly if the wedding space is limited.
Hosting a ceremony and reception at a single location can benefit couples who want to streamline their wedding planning.
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.
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. Make a point not 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 can 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.
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 has something likable to eat.
• 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.
Picking a reception menu is a fun and filling component of wedding planning. Keeping some simple pointers in mind can help couples choose a menu everyone can enjoy.
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A couple’s wedding day is one they will never forget. Guests’ focus is squarely on the happy couple on the day they’re set to make their union official.
However, happy couples are not the only ones with important roles to play during a wedding.
Being asked to be in a wedding is a unique honor. With that honor comes responsibility, as each person in a wedding party can do their own part to ensure a couple’s wedding day is a success.
A maid of honor and matron of honor perform the same functions. The terms are simply unique because a maid of honor refers to a person who has not yet gotten married, while the term matron of honor is used for a person who has gotten married. Some brides choose a man to serve as man of honor.
Whatever title is appropriate, the person who serves in this capacity will help the bride plan the wedding, including being there to offer insight when shopping for a wedding dress.
This person also may coordinate the bachelorette party and periodically speak
with bridesmaids to ensure everyone is on schedule. The maid of honor will typically give a bridal toast during the reception.
Don’t let the title fool you, as many couples now choose to have a best woman. Like the maid of honor, the best man (or woman) may be asked to help with wedding planning and is typically tasked with organizing the bachelor party and toasting the groom during the reception.
The best man also can help to ensure groomsmen are on schedule with tuxedo fittings.
Bridesmaids stand beside the bride during the wedding ceremony. They can help with planning and help to resolve any last-minute issues that may arise on the big day, such as a vendor arriving late.
Groomsmen stand next to the groom during the ceremony and may be asked to help the best man plan the bachelor party.
Both bridesmaids and groomsmen also may be asked to help host events leading up to the big day, such as a shower or engagement party.
The roles of ring bearer and flower girl are typically filled by young relatives of the couple, such as nieces, nephews or cousins.
The flower girl walks down the aisle in advance of the bride, spreading pedals as she goes. The ring bearer carries the wedding rings down the aisle.
If they choose to do so, parents of the happy couple can help pay for the wedding. The custom of the bride’s parents paying the entire bill has largely fallen by the wayside, as many modern couples now pay for their own weddings.
If they want to contribute, parents can offer to pay for the engagement party and/ or rehearsal dinner, but such generosity is not expected of them.
Serving in a wedding party is a unique and humbling honor. The roles of each person in the party vary, and party members who want to do their best for the couple can study up on their responsibilities in advance of the big day.
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The process of planning a wedding involves the coordination of many different components, including people. It can be stressful and exciting.
Chances are the couple-to-be will be handling conversations with vendors they may have never worked with before.
It may be tempting to simply sign on the dotted line when hiring wedding vendors and hope for the best. But the process can prove more fruitful when couples prepare for it by compiling a list of questions designed to ensure they know what they’re getting into before they enter a contract.
Is the date available?
The most important question to ask is whether the vendor is available on the day you have chosen to get married.
The house of worship or place where you will be exchanging vows should be set first, and then additional vendors can be interviewed to confirm their availability and the scope of their services.
How long have you been in business?
How long a company has been in business, and more importantly how much experience they have with weddings, can be a telling detail.
Experience is not always indicative of ability, but vendors with long track records of success may prove easy to work with.
Are you insured?
Check to see if the vendor is insured. It can be a risky proposition to work with vendors who are not insured.
Will you be on site to oversee things?
From florists to private caterers to specialty performers, it is acceptable to ask vendors if they will be there the day of the wedding to manage things or if it will be a third party or another representative.
Confirm all pertinent details, including who will be there on the day of the wedding, in advance.
Is mine your only wedding that day? How do you handle conflicts?
Figure out if the vendor handles just one wedding per day or if they have staff to cover multiple weddings on a given date.
What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?
Understand how the vendor expects to be paid. Many businesses require a deposit up front to book the date. Some may want payment in full a week or so before the
wedding day. Others may enable you to make monthly payments for a set period of time.
Ask how the vendor handles cancellations, and whether any deposit or portion of the money already paid will be refunded.
When is the last possible date for making changes?
Know how long you have to make any changes to your plans, colors, music choices, or other details.
Are there any additional fees?
It’s important to determine if gratuity, travel, overtime charges, cleaning fees, or any other charges are included in the contract or if it’s open to additional expenses.
Do prices differ depending on time of day, month or year?
Certain dates are busier than others. Find out if the vendor charges a premium for holidays or particular times of the year.
Couples are urged to exercise due diligence and ensure contracts with vendors specify all details before signing on the dotted line.
(METRO CREATIVE)Couples are encouraged to prepare a list of questions for wedding vendors. They are designed to ensure the bride- and groom-to-be know what they’re getting into before they sign a contract with a vendor.
A number of variables affect how much engaged couples will spend on their weddings, from the bride’s dress and flowers to a photographer and disc jockey or band.
Personal preferences, location and the season in which couples get married are some additional factors that can affect the final cost of a wedding.
However, one aspect couples can count on regarding wedding spending is that the reception will likely require the most significant financial investment.
A recent Real Weddings Study by The Knot found that the average cost of a wedding in 2022 was $30,000. In addition to average cost, the study also revealed that the biggest investment couples make is the venue.
Couples indicated they spent approximately 37 percent of their overall budget on a wedding venue. Some couples may spend more than that and others may spend less.
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Regardless of how much is spent overall, engaged couples currently planning their weddings should know that the cost of the venue will likely end up costing the most of any component related to their big day.
Nerves are to be expected when getting married. It is exciting to be engaged and realize you have met that special someone with whom you want to share the rest of your life. But anxiety may creep in as the big day draws closer.
A lot of planning goes into a wedding, and often the pressure that comes with trying to create the perfect day can overshadow feelings of love and excitement. That is when wedding jitters may crop up.
Couples must recognize they’re not alone if they feel a little uneasy as their wedding day draws closer. However, there are ways you can address and tame jitters both before and during the wedding.
Step away from wedding-related tasks
Chances are you have spent months with the wedding on your brain. In fact, it likely has consumed your daily life. Take a day or two to do something unrelated to the wedding, whether you’re alone, with friends or with your future spouse.
Attend a fun event, go out to dinner, queue up several movies for a night in, or take a small trip. Keep wedding details out of the picture while you’re enjoying yourself.
Forget about being perfect
Wedding jitters often stem from being nervous about everything going to plan. You may put undue pressure on yourself to ensure everything is perfect. But perfection is impossible, and the sooner you accept that a thing or two will likely not work out, the less stressed you may feel.
You’ll be surrounded by family and friends who will help you roll with the
punches, whether that’s a torn hemline or a missing buffet item. Guests are here to celebrate you, not pass judgment.
Discuss large changes to come
Some couples feel jittery because they haven’t spoken about all of the changes ahead. These can include relocation, merging of finances and whether or not children are in your future, among other things. Stress can be tamed if you take a break from wedding planning and discuss these important topics.
Learn relaxation techniques
Learning to relax is important when dealing with anxiety. There are many different relaxation techniques to explore.
Some include meditation, yoga, deeptissue massage, exercise, or immersing yourself in a peaceful spot outdoors. Some people turn to reading or other hobbies to relax. Do not look to alcohol or medication as an outlet to alleviate stress.
Talk to someone
If anxiety about the wedding is eating you up, consider speaking with a professional therapist or even a close friend or family member. Sometimes a new perspective is all you need to calm the jitters.
Nervousness when planning a wedding is understandable. However, couples can take steps to tame jitters so they enjoy all that goes into tying the knot.
According to The Knot Real Weddings Survey, 57 percent of couples invited 101 or more guests to their weddings in 2023, suggesting that large weddings are again in style. The survey found that the average wedding size that year was 115 guests, and that only 13 percent of couples invited between one and 50 guests to their big day.
Warm weather weddings tend to lead to larger guests lists, as the survey found that weddings were largest in July, with such affairs averaging 121 guests. By comparison, November and December weddings averaged 110 guests. Geography also appears to affect the size of the guest list. Weddings taking place in the Midwestern United States averaged 139 guests in 2023, which was the highest among six regions noted by The Knot survey. Weddings that took place in the south/southeast and the west had the smallest average size among those regions, averaging 102 guests.
Destination weddings also tend to be smaller affairs. Domestic destination weddings in the U.S. averaged 77 guests, while overseas affairs averaged 69 guests in 2023.
After a formal wedding ceremony, complete with processionals and “I dos,” comes the part of a wedding that enables the happy couple to brush off the last vestiges of jitters and celebrate. A wedding reception marks the culmination of months or even years of planning. Oftentimes a hundred guests or more gather to dine, dance and toast to the prosperity of the newlyweds.
Certain components of a reception will prove more memorable than others. Food is one such element. The other component that tends to make a lasting impression is the music, which means couples curating reception playlists should do so with care and consideration.
Deejays and live bands can help couples choose music that fits the mood. But couples also can consider these tips when curating their reception playlists.
• Calculate your needs. Couples may wonder just how many songs they need for a standard reception. Unless you’re working with extra-long songs, like “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” or “Bohemian Rhapsody,” most songs are around three minutes long. That means for a four-hour reception you’ll need roughly 80 songs. However, plan for moments such as speeches/toasts and other breaks.
• Pair songs with key elements. Traditional weddings have certain minievents within the receptions. Music enhances these moments. Jot down ideas for the following components:
- Bridal party entrance
- Couples’ entrance
- First dance (wedding song)
- Mother/son, father/daughter dances
- Cake cutting song
- Garter/bouquet toss songs
- Spotlight dance
- Any other special element
• Select calm dinner music. After a day rushing around, most guests are looking forward to sitting down, conversing and, of course, eating. Cocktail hour and dinner music should be at a low volume and not too fast-paced. It certainly shouldn’t
drown out conversation. Musician Peter Lee Johnson performs violin covers of popular Top 40 songs, and his music may be an option when choosing songs to accompany food service. Postmodern Jukebox is a group of musicians who take modern songs and give them a bygone flair. Their tunes also can be fitting.
• Tie the music to the theme.
Weddings that follow a specific theme, such as a beach wedding, can be enhanced by music that coordinates to that theme. Think steel drum bands, Hawaiian stylings or even Beach Boys surfing songs.
• Be mindful of older guests. Some seniors may appreciate modern music, but they also may want to hear songs from the era when they were growing up. Pepper the song list with options across various decades to keep as many people on the dance floor as possible.
• Select a classic first dance song. Some couples opt to go trendy when selecting their wedding songs. However, certain songs have withstood the test of time. Such options include “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Here and Now,” “Stand by Me,” “Amazed,” or “Just the Way You Are.”
In short, keep in mind the age range of the guests and have a variety of music separated into different components of the reception.
Weddings can be as novel or traditional as couples prefer. Couples who go the traditional route will undoubtedly include certain spotlight dances in the reception.
The father-daughter dance is a staple of a wedding reception. According to the experts at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, the history of father-daughter dances can be traced back decades. The dance once was one last nod to Dad before the bride’s husband became the most important man in her life. Now it’s more symbolic of general love and affection.
Times have certainly changed from the first father-daughter dances and this tradition no longer carries the same meaning. In fact, despite what the name may imply, father-daughter dances needn’t take place with a father at all, especially if he passed away or is not in the bride’s life. She can choose any special person, whether a father figure, uncle, brother, mentor, etc. to honor during the dance.
Traditionally the father-daughter dance (and mother-son dance) takes place immediately following the newlyweds’ first dance together. However, some opt to have it after the toasts or before the cake cutting. Couples can make their preferences known prior to the reception and schedule these dances any time they desire, especially since they are frequently preceded by a special announcement.
While many brides prefer to dance to a slow-paced, heartfelt song, this needn’t always be the case. In recent years, some daddy-daughter duos have opted to put on shows with humorous dances or even entertaining showcases of fancy footwork to songs of all types. The song should match the vibe of the wedding. That said, certain songs seem tailor-made for the times during the reception when love and gratitude are expressed during these bittersweet dances.
Country
• “The Man Who Loves You the Most,” Zac Brown Band
• “My Little Girl,” Tim McGraw
• “Just Fishin’,” Trace Adkins
Big Band
• “Unforgettable,” Nat King Cole
• “The Way You Look Tonight,” Frank Sinatra
• “Swinging on a Star,” Bing Crosby
Indie/Singer-Songwriter
• “You’ve Got a Friend,” James Taylor
• “Let it Be Me,” Ray LaMontagne
• “Father and Daughter,” Paul Simon
• “Wildflowers,” Tom Petty
• “Constellations,” Jack Johnson
Rock
• “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” Guns N’Roses
• “When You Need Me,” Bruce Springsteen
• “Scarlet Begonias,” Grateful Dead
R&B
• “Ain’t that Love,” Ray Charles
• “Daddy,” Beyoncé
• “Dance with My Father,” Luther
Vandross
• “Love of My Life,” Brian McKnight Tried and True
• “Butterfly Kisses,” Bob Carlisle
• “Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong
• “Hero,” Mariah Carey
• “You Are So Beautiful,” Joe Cocker
• “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel),” Billy Joel
The exchange of vows is an integral part of many wedding ceremonies. Vows are promises made to one another that serve as the basis of the marriage commitment. Historians say some of the oldest traditional wedding vows can be traced back to manuals of the medieval church in England.
There are no formal wedding vows in the Christian Bible, but those who profess this faith typically incorporate the teachings of Jesus Christ into their vows.
Many modern couples prefer to exchange their own vows rather than share standard verses. This is particularly true for couples who will be having ceremonies customized to their own beliefs and relationship histories.
Writing vows enables the
soon-to-be betrothed to be creative, personal and speak from the heart. However, when faced with writing sentiments that will be expressed in front of others, nerves can set in. These tips can help couples draft vows more easily.
• Identify who this person is to you; put a label on your relationship. Is he or she a friend, partner in crime, confidante, or all of the above?
• Be sure to say, “I love you” in the vows. Many couples get so hung up on language that they may forget these most basic words at the heart of the wedding.
• Gush about all of the reasons for that love. Offer personal stories, anecdotes or something that will illustrate to the crowd why you want to spend your life with this person.
• Look to the future. Think about how you want to spend the years ahead. Paint a picture of what you envision your lives will look like, whether that includes children, traveling the globe, or other ideas.
• Make promises to one another. Vows are essentially promises, so come up with some you agree to abide by. These can include similar sentiments to ones that are shared in traditional weddings, or clever and humorous promises, such as to always do the dishes, or pick up clothes from the bedroom floor.
• Include stories that point out your collective strengths and weaknesses. Don’t forget to mention instances when things were tough and how you overcame them, and how you can use these lessons in your future as a married couple.
Couples who are writing their own vows should realize they do not have to rival the words of the most profound authors or learned scholars. They should be honest and simple and express the sentiments that mean the most to them as they embark on this new journey.
Weddings present an opportunity to embrace time-honored traditions. However, couples can be as traditionminded or as unique in their wedding details as they desire. There’s certainly room to let personalities shine through during both the ceremony and the reception.
Increasingly couples are seeking ways to set their celebrations apart from the scores that came before them. While one may not want to banish all customs,
there are several ways for couples to inject their own personalities into the proceedings. Here are seven ways to inject some personality into a wedding.
1. Have custom-designed rings made. Couples can work with jewelers to have rings made to their specifications rather than buying only what is available in the cases. Furthermore, the rings do not have to be matching sets. A couple can select ring styles that complement one another but may be slightly different in design.
2. Cut out the cake. Many couples just aren’t fans of traditional sponge cake with buttercream or fondant overlay, so why have that expensive, multi-tiered confectionary creation at the wedding? Instead, serve a more popular dessert. Dessert artists can whip up many impressive options and present them in dramatic (or cake-like) fashion such as a tower of decadent brownies or a stack of fruit-and-cream-filled crêpes.
3. Write the vows. Vows present an excellent way for couples to let their personalities shine through. Couples can showcase humor, compassion, quirks, and more with the messages they share with one another.
4. Customize table numbering. Seating cards traditionally guide guests to numbered tables around the reception hall. There is no rule that the tables have
to be organized by numbers, however. Those who like movies can name the tables by movie titles. A couple that loves to travel can make the tables destinations around the world. Keep in mind the catering staff may ask that numbers also accompany the alternative system for ease of serving dinners and keeping orders straight.
5. Make a grand entrance. Couples need not feel beholden to taking a limousine to and from their weddings. Fans of the movie “Batman” can rent a Batmobile replica. Those who couldn’t get enough of “Breaking Bad” may want to roll up in an RV. There’s also the option of a horse-drawn carriage or a sports car.
6. Serve custom cocktails. Traditional drinks can be given custom names that pertain to details of the couple’s lives or how they met. If someone is a microbrewer or makes his or her own wine, these boutique beverages also can be served.
7. Create a monogram. Use the monogram on save-the-dates, invitations, the home page of a wedding website, the ceremony program, and even on cocktail napkins at the reception. The continuity will help set the tone for the wedding.
Couples can allow their creativity and personality to shine through on their wedding day.
The fashion-conscious understand that the right jewelry can serve as the finishing touch to any look. Therefore, during weddings, when all eyes are on the happy couple, bridal jewelry can be especially important. Those who want to stand apart can look to these trends for their weddings.
After several years in which the mantra “less is more” has dominated, brides are now embracing the glam factor with their jewelry. Bold choices, sparkly items and statement pieces are favorites among modern couples, says Verstolo Fine Jewelry. Fading into the background has given way to bold earrings, bracelets and necklaces this year.
Riding on the coattails of the growing popularity of floral elements on wedding dresses, floral jewelry is big right now as well. Many designers are giving a nod to natural inspiration in their creations, and these pieces add a touch of grace and femininity to bridal style. In addition to floral jewelry made from metals and precious stones, some brides are opting for rosette floral ties made from ribbon or soft jersey fabric that are worn choker-style around the neck.
Pearls are the latest old-is-new craze in the bridal world and even in everyday attire right now, according to The Knot. Brides can wear pearls on their ears, wrists and neck, and pearls also are right at home on a bridal headband. Cultured pearls are a more affordable option than natural pearls, and can look just as beautiful.
Jewelry can be a way for the bride and others to showcase some color at the wedding. Why not make that “something blue” a vibrant pair of blue sapphire or blue topaz earrings? Couples also may want to opt for wedding bands with a pop of blue or another color rather than a plain band or a colorless gemstone, advise the style experts at Vogue.
Cuff bracelets have been a staple on fashion runways for some time, and they’re increasingly spilling into wedding fashion. Diamond cuff bracelets are popular among brides and mothers of the newlyweds, and can be thoughtful gifts for these special ladies.
Jewelry is a personalized choice and should match the style of the dress or other attire. Grooms and groomsmen also may want to make jewelry choices, although they typically are more subdued than those for the ladies. Sparkling cufflinks or a gemstone tie tack are understated choices that can add a pop of style on the wedding day.
Wedding celebrations honor the union between two people who have vowed to share their lives with one another. Although weddings join the betrothed, they also serve as a merging of two families.
Although a wedding is primarily about the happy couple, other important individuals merit some extra fanfare during these momentous occasions. A couple’s parents typically get their time in the spotlight, and rightfully so for their role in raising two individuals who will be sharing their love with one another. Many couples
aspire to recognize their parents during their weddings . The father of the bride tends to play a prominent role, and the father of the groom may toast the happy couple at some point during the weekend. But the following are some ways to honor mothers as well.
1. Wear something that belongs to her. Putting on a piece of clothing or jewelry that belongs to your mother is a subtle way to give her special recognition.
2. Participate in a special dance. Some modern couples do not want to feel beholden to wedding traditions, such as bouquet tosses or toasts. However, keeping with the tradition of mother-son and fatherdaughter dances is a way to honor mothers. In fact, the couple can take turns dancing with both parents as well as their in-laws so everyone gets equal recognition.
3. Give her the first look. Your mother deserves a sneak peek of the wedding gown or the full tuxedo package before the others. Spend time with her one-on-one in a quiet moment before the whirlwind begins.
4. Offer a special gift. Gift Mom with a present you pick out specifically for her. It may be something she can use for the wedding or wear or use everyday.
5. Choose her favorite flowers. Consult with mothers regarding which blooms they prefer, and then incorporate them into the wedding bouquets and centerpieces.
6. Play a favorite song. Honoring a
deceased mother at the wedding in a way that does not put too much of a damper on the happiness of the event can be challenging. One way to do so is to play Mom’s favorite song and dedicate the song to her memory.
7. Incorporate her skills. Rely on Mom to handle a task for the wedding that she is specifically trained to do or has a flare for. For example, if she is an expert seamstress, perhaps she can help design or sew attire? If she’s adept at crafting, maybe she can be in charge of making homemade favors or decorations.
Recognizing mothers during a wedding is easily done with some thoughtful touches.
