Special Ceremony Touches

Sharing Of The Cup

A cup of wine (or other beverage) is symbolic of the cup of life. During the sharing of the cup, both the bride and the groom drink from the same cup, symbolizing their commitment to share all that the future may bring. All the sweetness life’s cup may hold for you should only be sweeter because you drink it together; whatever bitterness it may contain should be less bitter because you share it together

Candlelight Ceremonies

The romantic glow of candlelight can be absolutely breathtaking in evening or late afternoon ceremonies. If this idea appeals to you, you will need to check with proper church authorities to see if this type of ceremony is allowed and what fire regulations will apply, possibly affecting the location and number of candle you may use, have two candle stands decorated with ribbons and flowers on either side of the alter. You may want to complement that with a similar single candle stand at the end of several rows. You can have the candles lit by a pair of users before the ceremony, or have each attendant carry a candle down the aisle to make a dramatic entrance.

If you want additional symbolism in your ceremony, consider having a lit candle on both the bride’s and groom’s side, with a single unlit candle in the center. Once pronounced husband and wife, you each take your respective candles and, with their flames, blending together, light the Unity Candle, joining your lives as one. Whichever type of candlelight you choose to enhance your ceremony, double-check to make sure all candles are securely places in their holders before the ceremony begins.

Other Special Touches

· Incorporate symbolism in some way by carrying a family Bible, handkerchief, or fan that was married by your or the groom’s mother.

· In a church wedding, you can find out about having the church bells rung after you say your vows.

· There are creative alternatives to throwing rice, since rice is harmful to birds, consider throwing birdseeds instead. Dried flower petals and colorful confetti or streamers (in bio-degradable material) are affordable alternatives. Or add some fun by having the guests blow bubbles as the newlyweds leave the church. Sparklers (when carefully used and discarded) can be spectacular for an evening wedding.

· After being pronounced man and wife, add a romantic touch with the centuries-old European tradition of releasing white doves, the symbol of love, unity, and devotion. With a church ceremony, stage the dove release outside. Re-exit the church, and have the doves released as your guests look on. A flock of white doves makes a great alternative to throwing rice, and a spectacular send off. For information on white dove releases, check the wedding section of your phone book’s yellow pages, or call local florists and pet stores. This special touch may not be available in your area.

· Today’s ecology-minded brides, who are looking for new ways to do something special for their weddings and the environment, might consider the newest concept in weddings, and release a dozen of Monarch butterflies. These butterflies are specifically raised for this purpose, then carefully shipped overnight and released into the environment at the proper tine during the ceremony. This not only helps increase out diminishing butterfly population but also adds a dazzling touch to a garden wedding