Put a Modern Twist on Wedding Traditions

Incorporating wedding traditions is fun! It's a way to celebrate and recognize the historical significance of marriage. But where do these traditions come from and how can we update them for modern society? Maybe this will help! Tradition: The Proposal History:  Formal contract between families. Often times the groom would send a group of friends or servants to state his intentions. The group would not continue on the journey if on the way they saw a monk, a nun, or a blind man. These were thought to be omens that the marriage would be doomed. If, however, they saw a nanny goat, a pigeon, or wolves, the union would be blessed with a lifetime of good fortune. Modern Twist:  Today, most couples become engaged as a matter of mutual agreement that, thankfully, has nothing to do with the sighting of omens. However, some couples still pay homage to the tradition by having the groom announce the engagement to the families after the bride-to-be has already accepted the proposal. Tradition: Diamond Engagement Ring History:  Medieval Italians believed that the diamond was created in the Flames of Love. Modern Twist:  Today, the diamond engagement ring is a symbol of the commitment made between two people and of their intention to become husband and wife. It should be noted that an engagement ring is not always a diamond. Today's rings can be of any stone the couple finds attractive. Tradition: The Bridal Shower History:  Originally intended to strengthen friendships between the bride and her female friends, in the 1890's, it evolved into an occasion for friends to present the bride-to be with small gifts. In fact, the gifts were placed in a parasol, which was opened above the bride's head, allowing the gifts to "shower" down upon her. Modern Twist:  Today, showers come in all styles. It isn't unusual for a bride to have a lingerie shower, a stock the bar shower, a kitchen shower, etc. The style of shower can range from traditional all female affairs to large parties or barbecues that include both men and women.  Tradition: Bridal Party History:  This tradition stems from the Anglo-Saxon tradition of a groom using "Brides knights" to ensure that the bride got to the wedding and got to his home after the ceremony without being attacked and the dowry stolen. As weddings became more elaborate affairs, the use of bridesmaids became more common. They were responsible for helping the bride get dressed and to help decorate for the ceremony. Modern Twist:  Today's bridal party usually consists of very close friends and family who have a special connection to the couple. It is not unusual for a bride to have a special male friend be an usher or a groom's sister to be an attendant. Modern brides thank their wedding party with small gifts of appreciation and friendship.  Tradition: Giving Away of the Bride History:  During times when arranged marriages were the norm, the bride was literally given to the groom by her father in exchange for some form of property. Modern Twist:  Today, the act of "giving away the bride" is used to show support the union. Many brides today chose to have both parents escort her down the aisle, or they choose to walk unassisted to symbolize their independence. Tradition: The Veil History:  During ancient times, weddings were arranged without the groom ever having seen the bride. It was thought that if the groom saw the bride and didn't like what he saw, he might not go through with the wedding. The veil was not lifted until after the ceremony. The veil was also thought to ward off evil spirits by disguising the identity of the bride. Modern Twist:  In this country it is unusual for couples to get married without having spent a great deal of time together. Today, the veil is a beautiful accessory that symbolizes modesty and purity.  Tradition: Wedding Dress History:  Wedding dresses were not always white. In fact, until the 1840's, when Queen Victoria got married in a white gown, wedding gowns traditionally blue. In Biblical times, blue symbolized purity and fidelity-a reason that Mary, Mother of Jesus, is often depicted in blue robes. Modern Twist:  Today, brides wear wedding gowns of all colors. It has truly become a matter of personal preference. However, the most popular choices are white and ivory. Tradition: Something Old, Something New History:  A Victorian rhyme that recognizes the importance of old friends, new beginnings, happiness, fidelity, and prosperity. "Old" stands for old friends; "new" represents the beginning of a new family; carrying something "borrowed" from a happily married friend represent borrowed happiness, the carrying of something "blue" represents purity and modesty. The sixpence in the shoe was worn to bring prosperity to the couple. Modern Twist:  Today, many brides still follow this tradition by incorporating treasured family heirlooms into their ceremonies for the borrowed or old; garters are often at least in part blue, while the wedding attire or jewelry can be the new. Many brides put a penny in their shoe, as sixpences are not very common!  Tradition: Kissing the Bride History:  In Roman times, kissing was a legal bond that sealed all contracts. Modern Twist:  Today, the kissing of the bride signifies that the marriage ceremony is complete and that the couple is now husband and wife. Tradition: The Groom's Cake History:  A rich, dense cake was presented to wedding guests to take home as a memento of the wedding. It also was believed that if a single woman slept with a piece of the groom's cake under her pillow, she would dream about the man she would marry! Modern Twist:  Today, often the groom's cake is still a rich, dark cake that is decorated to symbolize the groom's favorite sport's team or hobby. However, unlike in the days of old, the cake is usually consumed at the reception. Tradition: Wedding Favors History:  Because the bride and groom were believed to be lucky, anything they touched was also seen as a good luck charm. Small gifts were given to wedding guests to bring them good luck throughout the year. Modern Twist:  Today wedding favors are given as a memento of the beginning of the marriage. They can range from personalized candies to engraved frames to bookmarks to centerpieces. Couples still give favors to symbolically pass on the luck!  Tradition: Tossing of the Garter History:  In the old days, guests would follow the newly married couple to their room on their wedding night, wait for them to undress, and toss their stockings at them. The first to hit the bride and groom would be the next to marry. Modern Twist:  Today, the groom removes the garter and tosses to a group of single men. The one who catches it is believed to be the next to get married. An updated version, involves the garter being auctioned off with the proceeds going to the couple for their honeymoon! Tradition: Tossing of the Bouquet History:  This evolved from the old tradition of tearing a piece of the bride's dress for good luck. Single women would tear a piece off the wedding gown to ensure finding a husband. Modern Twist:  Today the bride tosses her bouquet to a gathering of single women. It is still believed that whoever catches the bouquet is the next to marry. Many brides choose to have their bridal bouquets preserved, and thus have a "disposable" bouquet ready to toss. Another modern twist on this tradition is dedicating the bouquet to someone special. The DJ can help you make this a very special part of your wedding. Tradition: Jumping of the Broom History:  Historically an African American and Appalachian tradition, a couple would have a broom placed in their path following the ceremony that they would leap over together to signify crossing from single life to married life. Modern Twist:  Many couples still honor this tradition by using a decorative hand-made broom, which is then kept as a memento of their special day.  Tradition: Bachelor Party History:  In 5th century Sparta, a groom and his military comrades would gather on the eve of the wedding to feast and toast to good fortune. Modern Twist:  While not held the night before the wedding, bachelor parties are still thrown and have been the setting for some pretty wild times! Though not always scenes of complete debauchery, they represent the last hurrah for the groom before he settles down to responsible married life. Brides will often have their own Bachelorette Party too!  Tradition: Honeymoon History:  Long ago, newly married couples would drink a fermented wine made from mead and honey for a month ("moon") following their wedding. Modern Twist:  Today the honeymoon is a vacation (not necessarily a month long!) for the newly married couple that usually immediately follows the wedding. It is a time for the couple to spend lots of time alone following the hectic planning of the wedding. Many couples choose very special places to commemorate their marriage. Use our local vendor directory to help find a travel agent or destination for your honeymoon. Tradition: Changing the Bride's Surname History:  Because in olden times, women were treated as property, her name was changed to signify the change in "ownership" form father to husband. It was also believed to be bad luck to marry someone who shared the same last initial. Modern Twist:  Thankfully, women are no longer viewed as property. Today's brides can choose the name they wish to use. More and more, brides are opting to keep their own names, either for professional or personal reasons. It is even common for today's brides (and grooms) to develop new names from a combination of both names! Tradition: Throwing of Birdseed History:  This is the more environmentally friendly version of throwing rice. It was believed that rice and wheat were symbols of fertility and prosperity. Therefore, wedding guests would throw them at newly married couples to bring them good luck and many children. Modern Twist:  Today's newlyweds are toasted in much the same way. However, today's wedding guests use birdseed, balloons, bubbles, the ringing of bells or the releasing of doves to shower the couple with good wishes. SOURCE : brideandgroom.com

Bridal Archetypes

By Style Network's Celebrity Wedding Planner, Donnie Brown

Brides come with many different personalities, backgrounds, and levels of taste. There truly are significant bridal personality types. Do you fit in one or more of these categories?

THE SUPER-ORGANIZED BRIDE

In your hand you always carry your wedding planner book completely intact and perfectly organized. It is filled with all the information you have collected over the years to make your wedding the perfect event. You have control of every detail, and when you meet with the right vendors, you book their services because they fit within your well-structured wedding ensemble perfectly. Your big day will go perfectly and will be a detail-driven and exciting event for all to see firsthand. For example, what would happen if an invited guest arrives with a date who was not RSVP‟d in advance? Well, the retentive goddess in you will meet them at the door and scold them like no other. That is, if you have finished directing the photographer through the post-ceremony photo shoot with a loud snap of your finger. Your reception would be nothing less than a seated dinner with lots of people, multiple courses including soups, salads, various entrée options, perfectly selected desserts and wedding cakes, and plenty to drink.

THE INCESSANT DREAMER

You have spent the past twenty-plus years cutting pictures from magazines and creating your dream wedding book. You finally wrangled yourself a groom and now you spend lots of time looking at many pictures in Martha Stewart‟s wedding publications. You love all of Martha‟s ideas, even those which are just not realistic. The tulip boutonniere is your favorite. Who cares if it falls apart before the men walk down the aisle? Martha said that it would be okay, so it will! I‟ll bet you even have a cake topper that you have been saving since you were six years old! It does not matter how tacky it is, just use it! It cost $1.99 in 1980, but now it is priceless! Your reception will consist of a buffet with many appetizers and other assorted cocktail treats and with fifty percent guest seating. You are terrified that your wedding attendees will simply sit down and not mingle and mix. After all, it is such fun to sit at an unset table or to stand and hold your glass with one hand and your plate with the other. Several guests will be sniffing their plates, because they will not have any way of actually getting the food into their mouths! However, it will be festive!

THE INDECISIVE SCHIZOPHRENIC

You have absolutely no idea what you want. You see sample after sample of ideas and still cannot make a decision. You leave with ideas and come back to the table needing more because none of the previous ones “spoke” to you. The voices were talking but nothing actually got through. You do not want a cookie- cutter wedding. However, you must see photos of something that you do want, even though you don‟t know what exactly it is that you want. I think that you know what I mean when I say that you do not know what you want, even though I know that you know what I mean, ya know? You will not have food at the reception because you never made a decision to begin with and the caterers finally gave up and took the evening off.

CROUCHING BRIDE, HIDDEN MOTHER DRAGON

You have an idea of what you want, but will never see any of your ideas come to fruition because of your mother dragon that lurks in the shadows demanding that this is her wedding and not yours. Consistently and continually, your mother tells you, “When you have a daughter, and are therefore paying for it, then you can decide.” Until then, you will do what “Mommy Dearest” says. Your mother will make it clear that it will be her sole mission in life to destroy the vendors or planner should they defy her wishes in favor of what it is you prefer. For your reception, you would love a selection of tasty, hot and cold passed hors d„oeuvres and a buffet presentation. However, your dear mother will have something to say about that as well. You will end up having a seated dinner with all of your mother‟s favorite selections, and you must like it...or else!

THE WANT IT BUT CAN’T AFFORD IT BRIDE or THE BEER-POCKET BUDGET BRIDE

You are pleasant and very sweet. However, you might bend the truth when you say that you will be faxing over the contract as soon as you hang up the phone with your wedding planner or vendors. You will not. You have every intention of making your payment installments on time. But, somehow you will not. Alternatively, when you say you will do your required homework and get your planner what they need in order to get their job done...you won‟t. Then, all of a sudden, two weeks before the wedding, you turn about face and scream when nothing is done on your timeline; you fail to realize that you are only behind schedule because of your indecisiveness. You just want to keep up with the other ten brides that you previously stood for as an attendant, even though your limited budget cannot afford the related expenses. Not to worry, you will find the funds somehow. You made money at the blood bank earlier in the day, but if you still fall short, perhaps your wedding planner or professional vendors will take pity on you and help you in some way. Overall, this is not going to be the most stress-free wedding you, your vendors or your guests will ever witness. You want an elegant buffet of carved beef tenderloin and a selection of sushi and shellfish. However, what you will have in the end is an array of beanie weenies and spam meatballs smothered in a lovely “Mad Dog 20-20” reduction.

Now, you may or may not find any of yourself in these above-mentioned categories. Or perhaps, you are there and everyone else sees it. Regardless, it was fun realizing that your own well-hidden neuroses happen to other people too, not just you.

SOURCE : brideandgroom.com

Prayer of an Engaged Couple

Lord Jesus, to teach us to love one another, You became one of us, taking as a tabernacle the body of Mary. You said: "Be one in each other, even as I and the Father are one." You have desired that [name] and I should live in You as with a single life, like two branches of a single vine, which Your providence has entwined. Let our love pass through You, that it may realize a perfect union, not only of our hearts but also of our souls, and that, growing from day to day, it may likewise increase our life in You. Help us to bring to our home enough beauty, health, thrift, strength, purity, and ideals, to make it a model of the new world we wish to build with You, and to give You priests, perhaps, but certainly apostles. 

With all this, let us never forget that it is through us that Your kingdom must be established--in factories, offices, shops, in all the places we frequent, in our streets and houses . . . on earth as in heaven. Have pity on all those youths and maidens whose hearts are wounded and whose dreams are broken. Guard the promises which have been made according to Your Spirit. And may Your blessing soon give us to each other forever.

Amen.

Villa Salud - Standard Wedding Amenities

1. Complete buffet set-up.
2. Presidential set-up with floral arrangement.
3. Couples table set-up with sofa.
4. Monobloc chairs with floor length seat cover and ribbon of motif of choice for Bronze and Silver package; Tiffany chairs for Gold package; and Ghost chairs for Diamond package on first come, first serve basis.
5. Round dinner tables with floor length cover, table runners and centerpiece.
6. Linen table napkin.
7. Dressed tables for gifts and bridal cake.
8. Use of complete set of chinaware, flatware, and glassware for the occasion.
9. Thematic backdrop set-up for the bride and groom. (Optional: Additional charge)
10. Menu Frames.
11. Table Numbers.
12. Signature Frame.
13. Pair of dove and decorative bird’s cage.
14. Red wine for slicing of cake.
15. BRIDAL CAR

• With uniformed driver 
• Flowers 
• “Just Married” tarpaulin
• Max. of 4 persons are allowed to ride  Residence to church and to reception only
• Within Taguig area 
• Additional charge if outside Taguig

   16. With (Toyota Hi-ace van/L-300 van) – for service of wedding entourage

• Maximum of 16 persons are allowed to ride (Within Taguig area only)
• Additional charge if outside Taguig.

   17. With PHOTOBOOTH – 2-Hours unlimited shots using high quality 4R photo prints.
   18. With MOBILE BAR – consumable cocktail drinks for 2 hours.
   19. P/A Sound System, Fog and Bubbles, and LED lights.
   20. Emcee.
   21. Singer (3 songs) during reception program.
   22. 3 tiered fondant cake (Dummy cake only) with 8 pcs. B-006 cakes (Edible).
   23. Purified drinking water and ice for the drinks.
   24. Trained and uniformed waiters and buffet attendants to cater your dining requirements.
   25. Overtime pay of waiters and waitresses of Php75.00/hour, in excess of 4 hours of service.
   26. Reservation fee of Php 10,000.00 upon booking. Non-refundable, Non-transferable, on any
         amount paid/deposited. 50% partial payment one month before function and full payment
         one week before function.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED:

1. Photo and Video Coverage 
2. LCD Projector Php 3, 500.00
3. Impressive Floral Arrangement (Wedding Entourage/Church) 
4. Physical Arrangement for Christian/Muslim Wedding Php 5, 000.00
5. Tiffany Chairs Php 100.00 each
6. Ghost Chairs Php 200.00 each
7. Photo gallery set-up Php 1, 000.00
8. Wish-tree set-up Php 1, 000.00

ADDITIONAL FOOD SERVICE:

1. Lechon (price depends upon the weight of cooked lechon) Php 6, 500.00-up
2. Chocolate Fountain (with fruits, mallows, cookies, cakes, etc.) Php 5, 000.00 (100 pax)
3. Additional Dessert Php 25.00/pax
4. Salad bar Php 60.00/pax

SOURCE : Villa Salud Catering Website

Related Post :
http://ejdthejourneybegins.blogspot.com/2015/04/reception.html
http://ejdthejourneybegins.blogspot.com/2015/04/drinks-on-rocks-mobile-bar.html

DRINKS : On the Rocks Mobile Bar

Original photo can also be seen here

Cocktails are also included at Villa Salud Packages. Our guests will definitely enjoy their consumable cocktail drinks for 2 hours. :)

Wedding Motif - RED

Red represents beauty in many languages and cultures. In China, it is associated with good luck and fortune. To the Hindu, red symbolizes joy, life, energy, and creativity. It provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety. It is the highest arc in the rainbow. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.

Wedding Rites : ARRHAE

The Arrhae

13 pieces of coins, loose or chained together, is presented by the groom to the bride as a symbol of his commitment being the head of the family to provide for their welfare. "Arrhae" is from the Spanish word arras, meaning "earnest money". 

What is a tradional Filipino wedding?

The Symbols of Wedding Rites

The Roman Catholic Wedding is the most popular type of wedding in the Philippines. All Catholic weddings are solemnized in a church, normally celebrated by a priest with a full mass that lasts for about an hour or less. It is followed by the picture taking inside the church, and then a simple or festive reception is given. The center of a Filipino wedding is the church wedding and the reception. A successful wedding will always be remembered and associated with the bountiful food that is served during the reception.

The Bridal Party

The bridal party marches down the aisle before the mass. The bridal party is consists of the following:

Bestman

Bestman is the first one to walk towards the altar and waits for the groom. Usually he is the best or good friend or relative of the bride or the groom.

The Groom

The Groom walks with his parents, approaches the bestman and waits for the bride.

Primary Sponsors

Primary Sponsors (Ninong and Ninang) - can be as many pairs as allowed, also called as Godfathers and Godmothers. They are expected to give support and guidance to the newly married couples.

Secondary Sponsors

The secondary sponsors consist three (3) pairs of male and female who will carry and perform traditional symbols of the marriage ceremony which are the candle, veil and cord.

Flower Girls

The flower girls can be as many or as few as you want, normally 2-3 girls from ages 3-5yrs old

Ring, Coin and Bible Bearer

Consist three (3) boys someone old enough not to loose or play the symbols, normally age 4-5yrs old The ring bearer carries the rings tied on a ring pillow. The coin bearer carries the arrhae tied on a pillow. The Bible bearer is optional.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Bridesmaid and groomsmen can as many or as few as you want, normally 2-3 pairs of young and unmarried friend or relative.

Maid of Honor

The maid of honor is chosen to be someone close to the bride, a unmarried relative or a friend.

Matron of Honor

The matron of honor is optional, someone who is related to the bride, such as her married older sister.

The Bride

The bride traditionally walks with her parents. The bridal march music is played as she walks down the aisle to meet the groom at the altar. The mass will then start once everyone are in their designated places.

The Symbols of the Wedding Rites

The Exchange of Marriage Vows

The priest blesses the rings, the arrhae and the bible and performs the exchange of marriage vows between the couple.

Rings - The circular rings symbolizes their eternal love to each other. The groom presents the ring to the bride as his symbol of love and faithfulness forever and then bride presents the ring to the groom and says the same vows.

Arrhae -13 pieces of coins, loose or chained together, is presented by the groom to the bride as a symbol of his commitment being the head of the family to provide for their welfare. "Arrhae" is from the Spanish word arras, meaning "earnest money".

Bible - the blessed Bible is handed over to the couple to remind them that God's word is a part of their union.

The Marriage Rites

After the marriage vows where the couple swear their love in front of God and man during the mass, the couple will be asked to kneel down to receive the traditional symbols that unites them as one:

The Candle - the lighted candle symbolizes God's presence in their union or marriage. The candle sponsors will each light the wedding candles located at each side of couple.

The Veil - symbolizes union of the two people being clothed as one. A long white fabric (tulle or lace) is draped and pinned on the left side over the bride's veil (head piece) across to the the right shoulder of the groom. The veil is worn over the bride's head to signify "submission" to the groom.

The Cord - symbolizes the bond of marriage, the couple being tied as one to remain as one forever.

The wedding songs are normally sang during the ceremony. And then the mass continues while the couple remains kneeling down. All the marriage rites symbols (candle, veil, cord) will be taken after the communion rites and the couple will be asked to sit and sign the marriage contract. When the mass has ended, the priests announces the new couple and the traditional "kiss the bride" is done. The primary sponsors are then asked to sign the marriage contracts.

The wedding ceremony has ended and picture taking of the bridal party follows. The exit march is done while the relatives, and guests waits outside the church to greet and shower the newly wed couple with more symbols like flower petals, coins and rice, to signify romance, prosperity and abundance.

SOURCE : http://www.bestida.com/bestida/a_filipino.htm

Reception

Villa Salud

Contact Person : Ms. Kathy

Contact No. : 09065240734

Booked : April 12, 2015

See Villa Salud Standard Wdding Amenities here.

See Villa Salud On the Rocks Mobile Bar here.

Host's Questions

Host's questions. And I'm sittin' here reminiscin' how it all started. :)

Wedding Rites : VEIL

The Veil

Symbolizes union of the two people being clothed as one. A long white fabric (tulle or lace) is draped and pinned on the left side over the bride's veil (head piece) across to the the right shoulder of the groom. The veil is worn over the bride's head to signify "submission" to the groom.

Starting on my Wedding Gown

Sneak peek ;)

How I asked my girls to be my BRIDESMAID :)

And of course, there are some funny responses... :D