Ella's Wedding Blog

Here are some popular rituals to express your love and compliment your vows.

1. Unity Candle
Unity candle is a common ritual where the bride and the groom each use a candle to light a larger candle that represents their union. A unique twist on this tradition, which will allow you to involve your guests, is to design a display where they can light a candle as they enter the ceremony. By the time everyone is done the room will be filled with the glow of candlelight and will make your walk down the aisle even more romantic and meaningful.

2. Handfasting
Handfasting is a tradition where the couple joins hands (right hand to right hand) and the priest or minister ties their hands with a ribbon. To add a personal touch use heirloom fabric and keep it as a reminder of your unity and commitment.

3. Tree Planting
If you choose to have your wedding at home then a tree planting is a thoughtful and meaningful touch for your ceremony. It is your wedding day, and you won’t want to spend time digging, so make sure that the tree is almost completely planted before the ceremony. Leave some soil on the side and as a couple place a bit of it on the top of the planting to represent you coming together as one. You can watch the tree grow with your marriage.

4. Blessing of Rings
Before you exchange rings, the bands can be passed among the guest (or only close family if you have a large wedding), so that they can share their wishes for your marriage. Once the rings are returned to the altar, they are ready to be exchanged with the love and support of your closest ones.

The summer is fast approaching, and what could be more romantic than a beach wedding.  Here are some tips to keep in mind in order to ensure that your special day doesn’t turn sour for you and your guests.

When you decide to have your wedding ceremony by the sea, timing is everything. Having the ceremony midday could result in heat strokes and agitated guests, but if you marry too late in the evening beware of biting bugs.  The perfect time to say your “I do’s” on a beach is in the late afternoon because most beach goers will be gone and your sunset photos will be gorgeous.

Also don’t forget to file for permits.  You don’t want to find out when it’s too late, that you’re not allowed to be there.

Beach weddings are romantic on a clear sunny day. However, the weather doesn’t always cooperate.  Make sure you’re ready and have an indoor back up plan.  Also, remember beaches are windy.  Keep your decoration simple and well secured.

Finally, don’t forget to give your guests a heads up that the ceremony will be on the sand and to wear appropriate shoes.  It’s a good idea to have a basket of personalized flip-flops ready for guest to grab (they can also serve as your wedding favors).

Stylish and comfy!

1. Finding a good photographer can be really expensive.  Try going to websites like www.craigslist.com. Leave a message saying that you are looking for a photographer.  You will get many answers, and most people are photography students, or graduates looking for their break, and are going to be much cheaper.
2. Decorate your cake.  Look for designs on the internet of what you would like your cake to look like.  Buy a plain cake and find a friend or a family member who can decorate it for you with fresh flowers, or anything else you would like to use.
3. Have your ceremony and reception at the same place.  Often you’ll be able to get a better deal and you transportation costs will be lower.
4. Buy your own alcohol.  Shop around to find great prices.  Most people will be willing to cut you a deal when you buy a few cases.  Also, you can return any left over alcohol and get some money back.
5. Buy larger flowers.  The bigger the flowers the less you will need for decorations and for your bridal bouquet.
6. Buy your dress rather than having it made, it’s going to save you a lot of money.
7. Buy shoes that you will be able to wear again.  The shoes don’t have to be white, but they should match the color scheme of your wedding.
8. Get your groom to rent or buy a suit rather than a tuxedo.  He’ll be able to wear the suit again, either to work, other weddings, baptisms etc.
9. Cut down on the list.  Big weddings are great, but they also cost a lot of money.  Sit down with your fiancée, and choose your closest friends and family members, people who you want to share your special day with.
10. Decorations can start at $2000 and go way higher. Use your bridal party to help you decorate, and save some mullah. Things like chair covers, and sashes and centerpieces can all be done with the help of your friends.
11. If your bridesmaids are your closest friends, ask them if it would be all right if they paid for their own dresses.  This would give them more freedom to buy what they like and feel comfortable in. However, ask them to stay with the colors of the wedding.
12. This is a technological era.  Use your computer to design your own invitations. This will make them more personal and you can get everything you want.  When you are happy with your design take them to a printing shop, it will save you some money.
13. Another way to save on invitations is to hand deliver them. It can be a really nice surprise for your guests!
14. Everyone loves a spring wedding, however, they usually cost quite a bit more.  Getting married during the off season (November-April) can save you money on the venue, catering, decorations etc.
15. Set a budget and stick to it!                   

Nowadays it is common for people other than the best man to speak and toast at weddings.  The maid of honor, groom’s or/and bride’s parents, and even bridesmaids are often a part of the speech giving at weddings.  The couple should decide a head of time who they would like to speak on their special day and in what order.

The best two times to have the speeches are during the meal (to provide some entertainment for the guests while they are eating) or after the first dance.  Either way, you’ll want to do it at the beginning… before the alcohol starts taking over.  Don’t forget to give a heads up to the speakers so that they are seated at their table and ready to go.

Toasting can be nerve-racking for some people, so here are some useful tips. Toasts should be positive and should end with a wish of happiness for the newlywed couple. The toast givers should always introduce themselves and mention their connection to the couple.  If the speaker has known the bride or the groom for a long time they should feel free to tell a few anecdotes, but keep it clean as the toast shouldn’t embarrass or make people uncomfortable.  The speakers must make sure to keep the focus on the bride and groom rather than themselves.  And finally: Keep it short! Three minutes is plenty of time to say what you want to say.