Category Archives: Tradition

Bride Groom Tradition

Meshing Your Name.

November 13, 2012 – 4:13 pm

Are you one of those ladies who are pro women’s rights and wouldn’t give up your family name even after you’ve become a Mrs.? Is your husband secretly sulking that you don’t love him enough for not taking up your married name? If you are, and you don’t like the idea of a double-barrelled name (to be honest, it’s a little pretentious), you may want to give meshing a thought to keep everyone happy. That is, fusing your maiden and married name together (through Deed Poll) as a symbol of unity whilst maintaining your previous identity. Even the celebs are in on this trend so when TV presenter Dawn Porter, who’s married to comedian Chris O’Dowd (think the cute cop in Bridesmaids) changed her name, she decided on O’Porter. What’s yours?

 

Photo credit: Pixies in the Cellar 

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Tradition Wedding Ceremony

Alternative Unity Ceremony.

October 16, 2012 – 1:53 pm

Tradition has it that when a couple tie the knot, they’ll either light a candle or pour sand into a glass bottle to symbolise the two becoming one. It’s a tad overdone and to be honest, a little cheesy. The unity ceremony should reflect your personality so if tradition doesn’t cut it out for you, think about who you are as a couple and start your life as Mr. and Mrs. with a bang. If it’s art you’re into, create an abstract painting in your favourite colours and display it in your marital home or if you both like a good drink, party it up by mixing your own signature cocktail. It can be as wacky and original as you want it to be – one couple even put together a sandwich and took a bite to signify their union. Put on your thinking hats and get creative.

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): McKnight Media Photography via The Knot, Indie Image via The Knot, Patty Michaels Photography, Alix Klingenberg Photography

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Bride Tradition

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.

September 10, 2012 – 12:26 pm

It’s the popular age-old saying that derived itself from an English rhyme and carried on till the modern day (except for ‘A Sixpence in Your Shoe’ as it is predominantly a British custom). Many brides keep with the tradition to wear or carry an item related to the saying as a symbol of luck for their marriage. Don’t panic if it’s never crossed your mind or it’s the last task in your list. After all, it is a superstition that you can choose to believe in or not. And if you do, here’s a quick cheat sheet for you.

Photo credit: Print for Love of Wood 

 

Something Old = continuity. It’s meant to link you to your family or ancestors and your past.

  • Do you have a family heirloom that’s been passed on for generations? A hair-clip, a brooch you can clip onto your bouquet, a piece of material from your mother or grandmother’s wedding gown, a piece of jewellery, a hankie?
  • Is there an item in your childhood that gives you fond memories? Perhaps a bracelet that you got for your 10th birthday, your favourite hair clip that you’ve kept all these years.

Something New = optimism for the future. It represents prosperity and success in your new life.

  • This shouldn’t be a problem as there’s most likely no shortage of ‘something new’ on your big day. Your wedding gown, your shoes, your jewellery, your lingerie, the veil, the garter, your wedding bang and the list can go on.

Something Borrowed = borrowed happiness. This is from a family member of close friend who is happily married so you can borrow their good luck and fortune.

  • Instead of buying your own pearl necklace or earrings, borrow it from your Mum or best friend. It’ll also save you some dough.
  • You can even borrow your mum’s wedding gown if she was the same size as you when she walked down the aisle or the veil that your best friend wore on her wedding day.
  • Only occurred to you just before you walk down the aisle? Get your Mum to lend you her hankie that she was going to use to wipe away her happy tears or the bracelet that she’s wearing.

Something Blue = purity, true love and fidelity. Historically worn by the ancient Romans who thought the colour symbolised love, modesty and fidelity. Blue was also the colour worn by the Virgin Mary which represented purity.

  • This could be your garter, the lingerie, your sapphire engagement ring (think Kate Middleton), the sash for your wedding dress, embroidered monogram and wedding date inside your gown, blue crystals underneath your wedding shoes spelling out ‘I Do’, the forget-me-not floral bouquet or even your manicured nails.
  • If you’re thinking of this on your wedding day, simply sew a blue string inside your gown or round up the bridesmaids to write a message underneath your shoes in blue.
Tags rhinestones on wedding shoes, something blue, something borrowed, something new, something old, Something old new borrowed blue, wedding shoes | Permalink | Comment (0)
Bride DIY Projects Groom Tradition

The Garter Toss.

July 1, 2012 – 4:37 pm

It’s long been the tradition that the bride wears a garter underneath her wedding dress for guests to snatch as a symbol of good luck, an act that was widely disliked by many brides as well as grooms. Who’d want their wives to be touched all over?! The custom has evolved over the years and nowadays, modified into a somewhat tamer version. The groom removes the garter from the bride’s leg when she’s sat down and tosses it to the single lads, similar to the bouquet toss for the single ladies. Depending on how wild the couple are, the groom may even remove the garter with his teeth, although this may come with some disapproving looks amongst the older guests. Ignore them and just enjoy the fun and games. You only get married once so make it a memorable one.

DIY Garter:
Just because the garter is hiding underneath your wedding dress for most of the day doesn’t mean it can’t be sexy and pretty. Tantalize your man and make your own garter with the help of the Fifties Wedding tutorial. It’ll be worth it.

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Charlotte Geary Photography, Joie Lala, Wedzu, Lola in Lace – Etsy, Garrett Davis Photography, Elizabeth Perry Collections – Etsy

Tags bridal garter, DIY garter, flask garter, garter toss, garter tradition, lace garter | Permalink | Comment (0)
Bride Tradition Wedding Fashion

The Long and Short of Veils.

June 13, 2012 – 11:48 am

To veil or not to veil. That is the question that many brides have running through their wedding brain. Roman tradition has it that the veil, called the flammeum and was painted with fire designs, was worn to protect the bride from the evil spirits who might kidnap her before she’s even reached her husband. Then, you’ve got the other legend that has the bride covering her face with the veil as a symbol of purity, and because many marriages were arranged, having her face hidden meant the soon-to-be-husband can’t back out! Men, haven’t you heard of the saying, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’?!

In these modern times, the veil is now worn more as a fashion statement rather than because of its traditional links. Many brides even forgo the veil altogether (why detract the attention from your stunning gown?) and opt for either a birdcage veil or simply go au naturale (on the face that is). As with many parts of the wedding, there is no right or wrong answer. Go with what makes you feel comfortable.

 

The popular veil lengths:

The cathedral veil.  The kind you see in photos that seem to miraculously float in the air, all the time. It’s the most formal, dramatic and oh-so-romantic style as it’s floor length and should only be worn over dresses that are unfussy, otherwise you run the risk of looking like a headless chicken.

The Fingertip. This veil falls around the fingertips, roughly between 36-45inches long and works especially well with dresses that have a simple bodice but a detailed skirt. Remember Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen gown with the lace rimmed veil?

The Birdcage. They’re everywhere and if you’re going for a 1920′s vintage look, you’ll want to wear it. The netting covers the face just enough so that everyone can still see your gorgeous face. Classy and sweet, it’s the modern day bride’s answer to perfect veil. I love this look!

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Stephanie Williams Photography, Studio Rouge via Love My Dress, The Youngrens, Veils of Art, KT Merry Photography, Sloan Photographers, KT Merry Photography

Tags birdcage veil, cathedral veil, , popular veil lengths, veil traditions, vintage veils, wedding veils | Permalink | Comment (1)
Personal touches Proposals Tradition

Once Every Four Years. Make it Memorable.

February 29, 2012 – 12:09 pm

Photo credit: Dog N' Bird Tumblr

Gorgeous ladies, if you’re wondering when your man will pop the question, why don’t you put the matters in your own hands? Who says it’s only men who can make the move? Tradition has it that leap day aka Sadie Hawkins Day is the only day that women can propose to men, as by law, it was a non-existent day. So, how do you do it without making a fool of yourself?

1.  Make sure he will definitely say yes. He may not have taken the plunge for a reason so suss out what he thinks about marriage.
2. Buy a gift for him, not a ring. Depending on whether he is an alpha male or not, the act of proposing may just put a dent to his ego. Putting an engagement ring on his finger will just end it
3. Choose a place that’s special for both of you. Again, as I’ve mentioned many times before, do not propose in public. It could be when you’re snuggling up on the couch; a place where he’ll feel comfortable. Trust me, men do not have fantasies about how they’ll be proposed to, so for them, this very act will just make their heart beat that much faster. Also, don’t get down on one knee, unless you have a motif like Sandra Bullock in The Proposal.
4. Tell him you love him and how much he means to you. That should hopefully melt his heart.

Good luck!
Tags , leap year proposals, Sadie Hawkins Day, , wedding traditions, woman proposing to man | Permalink | Comment (0)
Bride Groom Tradition Wedding Photography

Breaking From Tradition: The First Look.

February 3, 2012 – 2:50 pm

Photo credits: Simply Bloom Photography

The reveal. The first look. The special moment when the bride and groom see each other before they legally tie the knot. The groom in a dapper suit waiting patiently for the beautiful bride to appear before his eyes. More and more couples are now defying tradition and making the most of the time before the ceremony to share their loving thoughts with each other, to hug and to cry and simply to spend some quality alone time before celebrating with friends and family and forgetting all the details leading up to the big day.

You can get your photographer to capture this magical moment or you can tell them to bugger off so that you can both soak in the emotions with no one in sight. You’ll probably feel a lot calmer and stress free when you do eventually walk down that aisle because you’ve expressed your love in private or had time to be left speechless and cried enough (remember to allow some time for your make up touch up!), so that all you care about is appreciating the moment.

An extra perk is that this way, you’ll have all the couple shots  out of the way, leaving the post-ceremony time to take photos and party with guests! Just make sure whatever you decide on, to follow tradition or not, is one that’ll make you both happy. It is your day. It only happens once. 

Excitement, tears + laughter.

Photo credits: Kevin Weinstein

Anxiety, awe-struck, love.

Photo credits: Heather Kincaid

 Thrill, happiness.

Photo Credits: Kevin Weinstein

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Bride Groom Tradition

The Tradition: See No Bride. See No Groom.

February 2, 2012 – 1:50 pm

Ever wondered why grooms are not allowed to see the bride before the wedding ceremony? Traditionally, most marriages were arranged and by banning the couple from seeing each other before they exchange their vows, there was absolutely no room for either of them to run away based on looks. If they were ugly, they had to live with it. Ouch. This tradition has passed onto the 21st Century: many believe it’s bad luck and the anticipation of seeing one another at the altar creates even more excitement when the couple eventually lock eyes.

If you’re a traditionalist, ask your photographer to capture romantic shots of you and your soon-to-be-hubby holding hands between doors or as one couple did, blindfold yourselves and whisper sweet nothings without actually seeing each other. Awwwwwww. My heart is racing for them.

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Brandon Werth via Emmaline Bride, Amy Karp via Grooms Sold Separately, Gina Leigh via PB Fingers, Leigh Webber Photography, Theo Civitello @ Theo Graphic, Melissa Young Photography

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