Marriage Traditions That Are Enduring

Today's popular wedding traditions have evolved over hundreds, even thousands of years of people joining together in some form of matrimony. Some wedding traditions that have endured are based on blessing the couple with good luck; others are a means for the couple to convey their feelings for one another. Regardless of the wedding tradition itself, all wedding traditions share the same essential symbols of unity, happiness and prosperity; messages that stand the test of time.

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

The saying, "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” is a popular rhyme that has been used since Victorian times. The "something old" represents the bond to the bride's family and her old life; "something new" represents the couple's new life together and their future hope for happiness, prosperity and success; "something borrowed" from a happily married woman is meant to impart similar happiness to the bride; and "something blue" represents fidelity and constancy.

White Bridal Dresses

Wearing white also dates back to Victorian times when Queen Victoria abandoned the usual royal tradition of wearing a silver gown, instead choosing to wear white. Before that time brides simply wore their best gown, rather than a special wedding dress . The popularity of white can also be attributed to it symbolizing purity and virginity. White was also thought to ward off evil spirits.

Throwing Rice

Showering the couple with rice is an ancient tradition. As rice is considered a "life giving" seed it is thought that by throwing in on the couple they will be bestowed with fertility and have many children. Many churches now forbid it on their property but there are some safe alternatives to throwing rice .

Sharing the first piece of wedding cake is a wedding tradition with Roman roots. The Romans believed that by eating the wedding cake together a special bond was created between the couple. The wheat used to bake the cake was symbolic of fertility and a "fruitful union", while the cake's sweetness was thought to bring sweetness to all areas of the couple's new life.

The ceremonial kiss that concludes the wedding ceremony is said to represent the couple sharing and joining their souls. In Roman times the kiss "sealed" the couple's agreement to join in a life-long commitment.

The wedding tradition of the groom wearing a boutonniere originates in medieval times when a knight wore his lady's colors (through flowers) as a statement of his love. Flowers and bouquetshave long been used in weddings. In addition to adorning the bride with flowers to promote good luck and good health flower meanings allow the bride to express her feelings for the groom. Orange blossoms signify purity, daisies loyalty, violets modesty and red roses signify true love.

Placing the wedding ring on the third finger of the left hand has two possible origins; ancient Egypt or 17th century Europe. The Egyptians believed the "vein of love" ran directly from the ring finger to the heart, therefore the ring was placed there to denote eternal love. During a 17th century wedding ceremony the groom would slide the wedding ring part way up the bride's thumb, index finger and middle finger as the priest said "In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit". As the ring finger was the first free finger, the ring was placed there.

How To Choose Your Final Music & Song Selections For Your Wedding

Now at last your dream has come true and you’re planning your once-in-a-lifetime day, your wedding day! You have picked out your dress, the flowers you love, beautiful surroundings and you’ve just booked the location. Now it’s time to add the magic – your music!

Choosing the musical selections for your wedding is a creative process that unfolds naturally as you develop a sense of what feels right to you. One of the first things you can do is, sort through and evaluate the music and songs you love. From there, you can compare your musical styles with the lists from the musicians and DJs you interview. You have plenty of time to listen to music and savor the possibilities until your final planning meeting with your musicians/DJ (which should take place 4-6 weeks before the wedding).

Remember, you have lots of time! Your final decisions don’t have to be made until the final planning session. Keep an open mind – open to suggestions and write down your likes and dislikes, for each part of the wedding. That way you should feel confident in whatever decisions you make, knowing you’ve combined the best of both worlds: listening to your heart and listening to the professionals. Balance is key, but also remember that you can play whatever music you love even if it isn’t their choice. It’s your wedding and your dream (come true)!

Wedding Trends for 2010/ 2011

2010/2011 Wedding Trends

The following trends have been compiled from hundreds of sources in both North America and Europe to guide your selections and inform you of the vast array of options available.

Wedding Dresses

Romantic, flowing dresses in floor-length styles remain popular. Brides today choose dresses with flowing, soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and delicate floral details. Most dress silhouettes are refined and include the delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and lace. Gowns with crystal, cubic zirconia, and/or pearl embellished bodices are very popular at the moment.

The modified A-line skirt also remains prominent on the fashion runways (slim through the waist and flared at the bottom) although many designers have included ball gowns and tea-length styles in their lines as well. Strapless gowns are perennial favorites, but this season has brought back the off-the-shoulder look for brides who want to accentuate their neckline or draw attention to gorgeous jewelry.

Wedding Accessories

Shorter trains and veils (especially the bird cage veil) are popular as are pretty boleros, and shawls. For colder weather, brides choose wraps of faux-fur, velvet, heavy satin, or pashmina. Light weight fabrics, including organza, lace, tulle and chiffon, make perfect wraps for the Spring or Summer bride and reduce sun exposure on bare arms and shoulders.

Pearls, rhinestones, and crystals remain the top jewelry choice for necklaces and earrings. Crystal brooches are also a popular accent for wearing on the dress, in the hair or on the bouquet handle.

Wedding Hair Styles

There are no clear trends in hair styles, although wearing the hair in long romantic waves or loosely pulled back are popular choices for brides with long hair. Hair ornaments such as hairpins, brooches, and hair vines made with crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and/or silk flowers are also popular.

Beautiful tiaras and combs made with either rhinestones, crystals, or pearls have been the trend for many seasons and seem to be getting smaller as more crystal-embellished dress styles take center-stage. Some brides are placing their veils directly on their hair or using a single silk flower for a simple, classic look. Visit our hair gallery for hundreds of hairstyle ideas.

Brides aren't just wearing white and ivory wedding shoes these days!

Wedding Shoes to Suit Your Style

While your shoes should be a good match to your dress and the setting of your wedding, they should also reflect your personal style. For example, a funky, trendy bride might consider bridal shoes with chunky heels; while a romantic at heart might love a pair of lacy white "granny boots" as her bridal shoes. Your day, your style!

Brides aren't just wearing white and ivory wedding shoes these days!

Pink Chic: A Look For All Seasons

**Always use a cleaner before applying any make-up, try Bare Escentails Face & Body Scrub, it gently exfoliates while removing tough, dry skin along the way. **

Pink Chic


Using slight colors such as pinks and lilacs, create a subtle and natural glow for the bride-to-be. 
To Get This Look: 
Foundation: Use Bare Minerals Original Foundation ($25) w/Multi-Tasking Concelear ($18). This light dust foundation will keep that natural look and cover blemishes without feeling like your pores are clogged.
Eyes: Use Bare Minerals Whisper, Exotic Tara, Water Lily & Midnight Eyeliner ($53) to create the soft, sultry look. They come in a back making it easy and affordable. Use the Whisper as your base color for your eyelids and the Waterlily as your accent color. Line your eyes with both the Waterlily (lightly) and the Midnight Eyeliner, make sure your lines do not connect and that your bottom lid is only outlined until it meets your iris.
Lips: Bare Minerals SugarCookie 100% Lip Gloss ($15). This natural shine, gives off a peach pink shine.

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Book Your Appointment Today!!! Schedulicity is Fun & Easy! 

Top Fall 2010 Wedding Dress Trends: For The Modern Bride

With the newest season of wedding gowns coming to stores within the next month, the excitement is almost unbearable! Why you may ask? Because this year it's all about the "princess" look, though modern styles and sleek silouettes are still in, 2010 is all about the fairy tale wedding. It's all about the fitted corset tops and sheer tulle overlayed with goregous crystals, how can one not love the classic yet modern ballgown! For the more classic look it's time to go back to the 50's, with the knee lengthed minidress!

There's plenty of options for the 2010 bride...here are some of the most popular styles of the season:

'50s Style Knee Length Dress Playful, sassy and still plenty romantic, the '50s style knee length dress is great for petite brides who want something non-traditional for their wedding. Mary's Designer Bridal Boutique's Fall 2010 wedding dress collection features cute and sophisticated dresses at an affordable price. A fuller skirt and sleeveless bodice adds a fun and playful twist to any wedding.

Tiered Skirts

Tiered skirts are a top trend for the entire 2010 wedding season, and Fall 2010 wedding dress trends focus on layers and layers of rich organza and chiffon fabrics, coupled with a satin, beaded bodice. Tiered skirts are perfect for brides who want the princess-style wedding without going overboard with the style. Look for tiered skirts not only on the classic white wedding dress, but also in black, dark green and dark blue for the 2010 wedding season. Seen pictured above Maggie Sottero Jenna Available NOW at Mary's Designer Bridal Boutique.

Sweetheart Necklines

For the bride that wants to wear a strapless dress for the wedding, the sweetheart neckline is one of the top trends for the Fall 2010 season This neckline can be very flattering for almost all body types, and the season's styles include wrapped chiffon and lace bodices inspired by the famous 'bandeau' dress and fitted bodices with oversized sashes and bows. Dress Shown Above Maggie Sottero RD1068 NOW Available at Mary's Designer Bridal Boutique.

Asymmetrical Dresses If you like one-shoulder dresses, Fall 2010 wedding dress collections feature several asymmetrical dresses and one-shoulder designs to create a modern, chic and sophisticated look. These dresses draw attention to the neck, shoulders and upper back. Shown Above Sottero & Midgely Gracie NOW AVAILABLE at Mary's Designer Bridal Boutique.

Feathers

From peacock plumes to exotic bird feathers, aviary embellishments add a very modern twist to the classic wedding dress. This fashion-forward look is reintroduced in many Fall 2010 wedding dress collections with some dresses designed with full feather skirts, and others with simple feather accents around the bodice. Custom Gowns can be made at Mary's Designer Bridal Boutique, where we make your fantasy a reality.

Slimming Down For Your Big Day

The Wedding: Your Big Day That You've Been Dreaming About Since You Were A Little Girl...

It's Around The Corner 10 Weeks and Counting But That 10 Pounds You Wanted To Lose Is Still There!

So What Is The Best Kept Diet Secret?

Plan and Simple fact....there is no secret to dieting for some people it works and for other it does not. You know your body and how it takes to certain foods, if high carbs are a tradition on your dinner plate than that's probably where you should start! Carbohydrates (as everybody) knows can really pack on the pounds but there are good carbs that you need to help your body maintain a safe and healthy diet. For example, its always good to start your breakfast off with a kick try eating whole grain foods in the morning to give you energy, then cut out the bag of potato chips and bring on the beans and nuts! Both great sources of good carbs and good protein, which keep you buring fat throughout the day!

Some Points To Live By...Or Until Your Wedding Day!

• Avoid processed foods wherever possible.
• Balance your meals with chicken, lean meats and fish.
• Cut down on the fatty foods and the high fat dairy foods but still ensure that you have plenty of protein.
• Drink plenty of water every day, carry a bottle around with you and top it up frequently.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• If you don't already do it, try to exercise regularly, at least two or three times a week. Perhaps you and your partner could take dancing lessons? Yoga is a great way to exercise and keep you calm and relaxed.
• Introduce fibre into your diet such as whole grains and brown rice.
• Make sure you eat a good breakfast every day.
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Reduce your salt and your sugar intake.
• Start walking and try not to use your car if you don't really need to.

Treadmill, Elliptical, or Sleep?

Well I can answer that one for you...SLEEP! But when it comes to the big day I would be wishing I had been running and cutting that fat off! Putting 25 mintues to 30 minutes a day into working your butt of will give you BIG results, no matter the size. The Elliptical machine works wonders for women, toning the buttox, thighs, and even arms! It's an intense workout that can jump start your body into a more toned, defined, sexy woman....giving you the PERFECT shape for that PERFECT wedding gown!

Within 3 weeks of using the Elliptical I saw a dramatic change, dropping inchs while toning! With the Treadmill you get a slightly differnt look, this would be your fat burner....if you want to lose only pounds than the treadmill is for you! But if you want to tone your body while losing weight the Elliptical is the perfect machine! And if you don't care than SLEEP as much as you possibly can!

What About The "Day Of," What Should I Eat?

• Be sure to eat a little something before you leave for the church, you don't want your stomach rumbling through the service.
• Drink plenty of water. By all means drink coffee but don't go overboard.
• Make sure you have a good breakfast, nothing too big or heavy.
• Take a few little snacks with you to nibble on but avoid anything crumbly or sticky.

Remember, on the day it is important to eat and drink something. Lack of fluid can cause dehydration and the last thing you want to happen is one of you passing out during the photographs.

It is important that with your wedding day in mind, you are mindful about your fluid and calorie intake. As long as you are both careful and plan sensibly you will look and feel wonderful on the biggest day of your lives.

Congratulations!!! We are rewarding ourselves!

Thanks to all of our client's for voting for us AGAIN!!!!

It is our pleasure and pride to help each bride find their perfect wedding dress and make their dreams come true!

Thank you for letting us be a small part on your wonderful day!

DIY: Dream, Inspire, Yearn

Your weddings just around the corner, you've been trying to budget but no matter how many numbers you add or subtract you still end up passing that magic number. So the question is how do I stay within a budget and still have the wedding of my dreams?

Do-It-Yourself!!!!!

There are many creative ideas that can help you save but also can be a great way to make memories with your bridesmaids or your groom-to-be.

DIY: Guestbook

Normally, the guestbook is used to keep track of everyone who came to the wedding, but when you create your own there are endless opportunities to have a timeless piece. Most people, when they sign a regular guestbook they just leave their name and address but with your imagination a guestbook can become so much more!!!!

Ceramic Platter - Guests sign a white ceramic platter (or frame, mugs, tiles tray, etc) using Pebeo Porcelaine 150 paint markers.Guests sign, draw and design on your platter and then it is baked in the oven at 300 degrees for a half hour. This makes it completely permanent and dishwasher safe. However, it is not recommended to actually serve food on this paint, even though it is non-toxic. I'd imagine that most people will keep this as a keepsake instead of a functional item anyway.

• Silver Engraved Platter - Like the ceramic platter above but cool in its own way, you can purchase a "silver" platter with a diamond tip pen so that guests permanently engrave their names and messages into your platter.

Aprons, Frames and More - A great idea is to have your guests sign the back of the engagement photo at the reception or you can use the cardboard backing from a photo frame. Make sure to use permant markers that won't run, if writing on a semi-gloss pictures make sure to check with your local store to find the best pen. Similar wedding guest book alternative ideas are shirts, pillows, ornaments, tapestries, wall-hangings, table cloths and table runners.

Individual Cards - Another fun option is to set out small cards and matching envelopes. A sign could explain to the guests to write a bit of marriage advice, quotes or anything they'd like to share on the cards. The cards can then be simply placed in a decorative basket. The beauty of this wedding guest book alternative idea is that the messages are private so guests feel more free to write what they want. It is tons of fun for the bride and groom to later open all these tiny cards with personal messages inside. The cards get more and more funny as the night goes on too!

DIY: Centerpieces

Easy Fruit Centerpiece - Instead of using tons of marbles or crystals that run up the bill when it comes to creating your centerpiece, you can use your favorite fruits. Fruits can bring a beautiful aroma to the table and as well it can complement your wedding colors. You can also customize it by using different vases, flowers, leaves, and even sliced fruit!!!

Mason Jar Centerpiece - One of the cheapest do it yourself wedding centerpiece ideas is to arrange your flowers in decorated mason jars. Mason jars are cheap, available anywhere and come in several sizes to create a variety of wedding reception centerpiece arrangements. After all, spending hundreds of dollars on vases is a waste if the flowers are the main visual element of your wedding centerpieces.

The Pros & Cons Of Writing Your Own Vows

Have you ever thought about whether or not you should go with the standard traditional wedding vows or write your own? Do you even know what the actual traditional wedding vows say? Well thanks to The Knot, I found a great article that can start us with seeing what the traditional vows are and whether you think you they are something you would like to use at your ceremony.

Catholic Wedding Vows

"I, ___, take you, ___, for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part."

Or:

"I, ___, take you, ___, to be my husband/wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

Episcopal Wedding Vows

"In the name of God, I, ___, take you, ___, to be my husband/wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death -- this is my solemn vow."

Hindu Wedding Vows

Traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies are elaborate and complex. The bride and groom recite many beautiful words to each other, often including the vow-like phrases: "Let us take the fourth step, to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust. Finally, let us take the seventh step and become true companions and remain lifelong partners by this wedlock."

Jewish Wedding Vows

In a traditional Jewish wedding -- Orthodox and sometimes Conservative -- only the groom speaks his vows, which can be recited in both Hebrew and English. The original vow is (in English transliteration), "Haray at mekudeshet lee beh-taba'at zo keh-dat Moshe veh-Yisrael," which translates into, "Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel."

In Reform, some Conservative, and other contemporary Jewish ceremonies, the man and woman both recite vows, slightly altered from the traditional Hebrew version: "Haray ata mekudash lee beh-taba'at zo keh-dat Moshe veh-Israel." Another version of non-traditional vows is a phrase from the Song of Songs: "Ani leh-dodee veh-dodee lee," which means, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine."

Muslim Wedding Vows

Most Muslim couples do not recite vows, but rather heed the words of the imam (cleric), who speaks about the meaning of marriage and the couple's responsibilities to each other and to Allah during the nikah, or ceremony. At the end of this ritual, the couple consents to become husband and wife, and they are blessed by the congregation. However, some Muslim brides and grooms do recite vows -- here is a common recitation:

Bride: "I, ___, offer you myself in marriage in accordance with the instructions of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him. I pledge, in honesty and with sincerity, to be for you an obedient and faithful wife."
Groom: "I pledge, in honesty and sincerity, to be for you a faithful and helpful husband."

Protestant Wedding Vows

"I, ___, take thee, ___, to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith/myself to you."

Quaker Wedding Vows

"In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my husband/wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife so long as we both shall live."

Russian Orthodox Wedding Vows

Many branches of the Orthodox church use silent vows during the ceremony -- an introspective prayer in which the couple promises to be loyal and loving to each other. In the Russian tradition, however, vows are spoken out loud: "I, ___, take you, ___, as my wedded wife/husband and I promise you love, honor, and respect; to be faithful to you, and not to forsake you until death do us part. So help me God, one in the Holy Trinity, and all the Saints."

-- The Knot

Not satisfied...well let's get starting on writing our vows!!!

1) Where did you meet him/her? What was it like when you first met? What feeling do you remember having at that exact moment? Was it love at first sight?

These are all questions you want to be asking yourself because this exact moment is what lead the both of you to this point in your life.

2) When did you realize you were in love? At what moment did you and him exchange those first words?

3) What does he/her do in your life that makes it better? Think of your Before And After.

4) Where do you see yourself together in 10 years? 20 years? etc....

5) Do you want to keep part of the traditional vows?

Keep your mind and emotions open, think about what really brought you to this point in your life, and how your significant other has helped you there.

Send in your examples of wedding vows you've written and we will post them right here!!!!

marysbridal@aol.com