You've heard the phrase "June Bride" but do you know why June is so popular for weddings? Since today is June 1, and we are entering the peek of wedding season, I had to stop and wonder why June is such a popular wedding month? After I got engaged I knew I wanted to get married in June in New Orleans- as silly as that sounds, I stuck with my guns!
To find the meaning of this tradition we once again look to the Romans. And, as it turns out being a June bride isn't as romantic as we June brides would have hoped. Leave it to the Romans to strip this tradition of any romance and have only practical meaning left in its wake.
Turns out Romans favored the month of June for weddings because that was the month dedicated to the observance of June, the Roman goddess of marriage. You may be thinking, "Yeah, okay that makes sense. So what's the big deal?" Well, the Romans didn't stop there with their practical traditions. June was also the ideal month for women to conceive a child. If the woman conceived in June that would mean she could still help with the harvest. A June conception would also mean she could deliver the baby and be back in shape just in time for the next harvest. That is of course as long as a second bundle of joy doesn't come along in the mean time. So for all you future brides: when considering your upcoming wedding plans and how romantic a June wedding may seem, bear in mind the real concern at the center of this tradition is getting the most out of you before you become pregnant and out of commission for a while! Now that's romance, right?
It was just the Roman who were concerned about the harvest; Cultures all over the world take harvest into consideration when planning a wedding. All over the world wedding are still heaviest during the Summer months rather than the Fall. Although the tradition for wedding season has stood the test of time within our culture, one tradition that has fallen by the way side is appearance of a full moon. Both ancient Greeks and Romans believed the moon controlled future fertility and getting married under a full moon would favorably position the couple in baby making endeavors. In the American wedding industry the idea of getting married under a full moon doesn't hold much weight, however the idea of letting the moon guide your future destiny is still practiced in other countries like Germany and Scotland.
Other traditions such as the day of the week or year to marry have also faded moving forward in the history of weddings. Weddings today usually take place on Saturdays, but for most of Christian history Saturday was actually considered a bad sign. An old Italian superstition says that a marriage performed on a Monday was "a sure route to having feeble offspring." (I had to quote that - It was too perfect a phrase to pass up!) Friday used to be the traditional date for a wedding, however Saturday is more convenient for weddings now-a-days. Another superstition surrounding wedding dates is for a Christmas wedding. If you wanted to get married around Christmas, make sure it takes place close to Christmas Day; if you peer back into European history you will find few weddings that took place on December 28. This date was considered a very unlucky day for a wedding because it was believed to be the day that Herod had all the children of Judea slaughtered in an attempt to ward off the arrival of Jesus Christ.
The next most popular wedding month you may ask? August. When I heard that I was shocked; Clearly this data does not come from Louisiana brides! Consider that your wedding history lesson for the day.
Showing posts with label Wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wedding. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
To Theme or Not to Theme?
Before you can even think about planning a wedding, or any event for that matter, you need to have a theme. A theme can help unify your event through color scheme, invitations, decor, and attire to pull off the atmosphere you desire. When brainstorming this unifying idea keep your location, wedding date, and personal style at the forefront of your mind. So how could you portray your chosen theme?
The Invitation
Before your guests even get to your wedding, the invitation serves as a hint for what is to come. Having a beach wedding? Perhaps you add a starfish graphic to the invitation. Going for an old Hollywood theme? Throw a splash of fire engine red on a sleek black and white invite. The invitation you choose will carry over into the event through the place cards, dinner menu, and ceremony program.
Color Palette
Use your color scheme as a support to your theme. Choose relaxing blues and golds for a country affair or vibrant pinks and oranges for a preppy party. Colors will set the mood for your guests. It will provided the energy intended and give the room life. I think every event should use as many colors as the host feels acceptable; why only have two colors when you can use the whole color wheel? That being said, there are limits. I believe three colors should be the dominant features: a neutral base and two compliments.
The Venue
In my opinion, the most important piece of this puzzle is the venue. The location for the ceremony and reception will speak the loudest to your chosen theme. For the traditional bride, your family church and a ballroom is the ideal choice. For a more modern & sleek bride, go for a museum or sculpture garden where you can embrace minimalism and clean lines. The laid back, eco-friendly bride may go for an intimate, relaxed garden wedding.
Bridal Attire
The wedding dress is a focal point of a wedding. I mean, as the bride, you get a standing ovation just for walking into a room in a beautiful white gown! You should choose a dress that fits the atmosphere and location of your event, as well as your personality. Don't choose a ball gown for an outdoor wedding, and don't choose a simple sheath dress for a formal black-tie affair. Keep your personal style and tastes present by making smart choices. If you're having a formal wedding but your personality lends more to backyard picnic, you can choose a simple dress design without the glitz and glamor, accompanied with a formal silhouette and fabric. There are hundreds of ways to let your personality shine through and still keep within a desired theme.
Keep in mind that it's your big day and you should make it your own. There are no rules in the world of event planning. Unless you are having a wedding in New Orleans- the second line is mandatory!
The Invitation
Before your guests even get to your wedding, the invitation serves as a hint for what is to come. Having a beach wedding? Perhaps you add a starfish graphic to the invitation. Going for an old Hollywood theme? Throw a splash of fire engine red on a sleek black and white invite. The invitation you choose will carry over into the event through the place cards, dinner menu, and ceremony program.
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| Beach by The Green Kangaroo |
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| Romantic by Wedding Paper Divas |
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| Outdoor by Wedding Paper Divas |
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| Formal by Bella Figura |
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| Retro by Storkie |
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| Modern by Wedding Paper Divas |
Color Palette
Use your color scheme as a support to your theme. Choose relaxing blues and golds for a country affair or vibrant pinks and oranges for a preppy party. Colors will set the mood for your guests. It will provided the energy intended and give the room life. I think every event should use as many colors as the host feels acceptable; why only have two colors when you can use the whole color wheel? That being said, there are limits. I believe three colors should be the dominant features: a neutral base and two compliments.
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| Photo Credit: Azul Photography |
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| Photo Credit: Charles and Meg Baisden Photography |
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| Photo Credit: Baltazar Photography |
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| Photo Credit: Emilie Inc. |
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| Photo Credit: John Labbe |
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| Photo Credit: Think Photographics |
The Venue
In my opinion, the most important piece of this puzzle is the venue. The location for the ceremony and reception will speak the loudest to your chosen theme. For the traditional bride, your family church and a ballroom is the ideal choice. For a more modern & sleek bride, go for a museum or sculpture garden where you can embrace minimalism and clean lines. The laid back, eco-friendly bride may go for an intimate, relaxed garden wedding.
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| Beach Photo Credit: Captured by Jen |
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| Rustic Barn Photo Credit: Smitten Photography |
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| Mountains Photo Credit: Twin Lens Images |
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| Garden Photo Credit: Jessica Claire Photography |
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| Cathedral Photo Credit: Zoeica Images |
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| Snow Photo Credit: Erin Hearts Court Photography |
Bridal Attire
The wedding dress is a focal point of a wedding. I mean, as the bride, you get a standing ovation just for walking into a room in a beautiful white gown! You should choose a dress that fits the atmosphere and location of your event, as well as your personality. Don't choose a ball gown for an outdoor wedding, and don't choose a simple sheath dress for a formal black-tie affair. Keep your personal style and tastes present by making smart choices. If you're having a formal wedding but your personality lends more to backyard picnic, you can choose a simple dress design without the glitz and glamor, accompanied with a formal silhouette and fabric. There are hundreds of ways to let your personality shine through and still keep within a desired theme.
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| Garden Gorgeous Photo Credit: Lisa Lefkowitz |
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| Elegant Bridal Photo Credit: Docuvitae |
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| 50's Hollywood Glamor Photo Credit: Docuvitae |
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| Modern Mademoiselle Photo Credit: Photogen- Inc |
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| Outdoor Social Photo Credit: Lara Kimmerer |
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| Vineyard Romance Photo Credit: Michelle Walker Photography |
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| Beach Style Photo Credit: Alison Bank Photography |
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| Princess and the Castle Photo Credit: Alexandre Weddings |
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| Country Casual Photo Credit: Watson Studios |
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| Second Line in Style Photo Credit: Artisan Style Photojournalism My Personal favorite-- keeping tradition alive in the greatest city with a New Orleans second line! |
Keep in mind that it's your big day and you should make it your own. There are no rules in the world of event planning. Unless you are having a wedding in New Orleans- the second line is mandatory!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
How Sweet it is to be Loved by You
A tasty way to sweeten any event is with desert. For the modern bride, the sky's the limit when it comes to the wedding cake. A few trendy and [sometimes] economic choices for brides who wish to be unique:
A candy bar:
This couple chose to do rock candy and jelly beans. I love this fun, colorful idea! In the world of candy, there are are millions of candy combinations.
Photo Credit: Stylemepretty.com
Assorted cupcakes:
A yummy alternative to traditional cake would be assorted cupcakes. You can do all sorts of non traditional flavors like red velvet, carrot cake, banana nut bread, funfetti, and german chocolate. This tasty treat is fun, youthful and another great way to add color.
Photo Credit: Michelle Walker Photography
A Cookie Bar:
What better sweet to add to a wedding reception than a cookie bar? Whether you do add this treat in addition to or in leiu of a cake, a milk and cookie bar is fun idea for a reception of any kind! Nothing says delicious midnight snack like milk and cookies. With so many fun combinations, this is a unique addition to any event. Photo Credit: Jasmine Star Photography
Photo Credit: Jonda Spurbeck
Old Fashion Deserts:
Another unique idea is to add in deserts from the family recipe book. This wedding featured apple pie pops, aka apple pie on a stick; Along with peanut butter cookies, cupcakes, and cookies. It's comfort food with a twist and an unexpected, memorable addition to an event.
Photo Credits (2): Max Wagner Photography
A Cake and Then Some:
It's your day... Have your cake and eat it too! No body writes the rules when it comes to weddings (or sweets!). Take a lead from this wedding and give your guests a little bit of everything. At this table you'll find yogurt parfait, cupcakes, cake, even fruit! Isn't love sweet?
Photo Credit: Amy Majors Photography
Photo Credit: Talia Events
Cakes Galore:
Can't decide on just 1 cake? Not a problem! Make your cake display an actual display. Arrange cakes of different colors and sizes and make your desert a main event. I love this photo because it looks architectural, modern but classic, with clean lines.
Photo Credit: Jasmine Star Photography
No matter which route you and your future hubby chose, make it a personal reflection of your style. For a casual, low key couple maybe some old fashion pies would compliment that atmosphere, whereas a youthful, fun loving couple may go for the milk and cookie bar. Keeping traditions alive and letting your personality shine will make any event a memorable success.
For me personally, I love the idea of tradition with a twist. I am attracted to the traditional wedding cake, but with a fun surprise. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I LOVE funfetti cake. For any of you unfortunate souls who have never come across funfetti or heard of this masterpiece, it is vanilla bread with sprinkles baked right into the bread accompanied with a buttercream icing that also has sprinkles. (Do yourself a favor and go to the store to pick up a box... yes box.. and make yourself a treat!) I think it would be so much fun to do a traditional cake, made of funfetti! Here are a few of my ideas of traditional cake for my upcoming wedding (Just imagine the funfetti inside!):
Photo Credit: stylemepretty.com
Photo Credit: Antonis Achilleos
This couple chose to do rock candy and jelly beans. I love this fun, colorful idea! In the world of candy, there are are millions of candy combinations.
Photo Credit: Stylemepretty.com
A yummy alternative to traditional cake would be assorted cupcakes. You can do all sorts of non traditional flavors like red velvet, carrot cake, banana nut bread, funfetti, and german chocolate. This tasty treat is fun, youthful and another great way to add color.
Photo Credit: Michelle Walker Photography
What better sweet to add to a wedding reception than a cookie bar? Whether you do add this treat in addition to or in leiu of a cake, a milk and cookie bar is fun idea for a reception of any kind! Nothing says delicious midnight snack like milk and cookies. With so many fun combinations, this is a unique addition to any event. Photo Credit: Jasmine Star Photography
Photo Credit: Jonda Spurbeck
Another unique idea is to add in deserts from the family recipe book. This wedding featured apple pie pops, aka apple pie on a stick; Along with peanut butter cookies, cupcakes, and cookies. It's comfort food with a twist and an unexpected, memorable addition to an event.
It's your day... Have your cake and eat it too! No body writes the rules when it comes to weddings (or sweets!). Take a lead from this wedding and give your guests a little bit of everything. At this table you'll find yogurt parfait, cupcakes, cake, even fruit! Isn't love sweet?
Photo Credit: Amy Majors Photography
Can't decide on just 1 cake? Not a problem! Make your cake display an actual display. Arrange cakes of different colors and sizes and make your desert a main event. I love this photo because it looks architectural, modern but classic, with clean lines.
Photo Credit: Jasmine Star Photography
No matter which route you and your future hubby chose, make it a personal reflection of your style. For a casual, low key couple maybe some old fashion pies would compliment that atmosphere, whereas a youthful, fun loving couple may go for the milk and cookie bar. Keeping traditions alive and letting your personality shine will make any event a memorable success.
For me personally, I love the idea of tradition with a twist. I am attracted to the traditional wedding cake, but with a fun surprise. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I LOVE funfetti cake. For any of you unfortunate souls who have never come across funfetti or heard of this masterpiece, it is vanilla bread with sprinkles baked right into the bread accompanied with a buttercream icing that also has sprinkles. (Do yourself a favor and go to the store to pick up a box... yes box.. and make yourself a treat!) I think it would be so much fun to do a traditional cake, made of funfetti! Here are a few of my ideas of traditional cake for my upcoming wedding (Just imagine the funfetti inside!):
Photo Credit: stylemepretty.com
Photo Credit: Antonis Achilleos
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Dress... How do you say yes?
When you first started planning your wedding, what was your first thought? The venue, church, honeymoon, color scheme??? For me it was the dress... Or, should I say THE dress. Even before I was engaged I dreamed about my wedding dress. I would sketch different designs, look at the most popular designers in magazines and websites, and of course DVR every episode of "Say Yes to the Dress". Now that the big day is approaching I cannot figure out what it is I want! You would think after years and years of looking I'd have some sort of idea-- but this is not the case. I've had a few appointments, which did not resemble even 1 episode of my favorite TV show, and I still haven't found THE one. After my fourth appointment, I got a better idea of what I was interested in. To my surprise it was nothing like 13 year old Ashley's ideas.
My absolute favorite designers are Romona Keveza, Amsale, Lazaro, & Alvina Valenta. I love styles that are classic, but have some sort of modern twist. The Romona Keveza L216 featured a more modern lace that has a small swiss dot design. I love the belt that comes with this style, but the Swarovski crystal belt, seen on style L239, looks amazing with this dress! It takes it to a whole new level. Style Naya from Amsale's 2011 bridal collection is a prime example of a classic bridal shape with a modern twist. From fabric to neckline, this timeless silhouette is updated for the 21st century bride who still wants to call herself 'classic'. Of course no post could be complete without talking about ball gowns. Every girl dreams of that princess moment and nothing says princess like a ball gown! The Lazaro and Alvina Valenta style below are breathtaking and simply unbelievable in person- and on the body! They transform you into another era of sophistication and fantasy. I had to include these two styles in this post because they are stunning examples of bridal wear at its best, but I know they are not for me. No one in their right mind would wear a ball gown for a June wedding in New Orleans! I broke into a full sweat just lifting it up to get it on my body! If it were for a cooler season, or location, I'd be sold on the Alvina Valenta AV9110. But for now, I'm keeping an eye out for my perfect dress so I can say YES!
AMSALE
Style: Aubrey
Silk Faille, Trumpet gown with asymmetrically folded neckline and ruched natural waist, vintage beaded brooch.
My absolute favorite designers are Romona Keveza, Amsale, Lazaro, & Alvina Valenta. I love styles that are classic, but have some sort of modern twist. The Romona Keveza L216 featured a more modern lace that has a small swiss dot design. I love the belt that comes with this style, but the Swarovski crystal belt, seen on style L239, looks amazing with this dress! It takes it to a whole new level. Style Naya from Amsale's 2011 bridal collection is a prime example of a classic bridal shape with a modern twist. From fabric to neckline, this timeless silhouette is updated for the 21st century bride who still wants to call herself 'classic'. Of course no post could be complete without talking about ball gowns. Every girl dreams of that princess moment and nothing says princess like a ball gown! The Lazaro and Alvina Valenta style below are breathtaking and simply unbelievable in person- and on the body! They transform you into another era of sophistication and fantasy. I had to include these two styles in this post because they are stunning examples of bridal wear at its best, but I know they are not for me. No one in their right mind would wear a ball gown for a June wedding in New Orleans! I broke into a full sweat just lifting it up to get it on my body! If it were for a cooler season, or location, I'd be sold on the Alvina Valenta AV9110. But for now, I'm keeping an eye out for my perfect dress so I can say YES!
LEGENDS BY ROMONA KEVEZA
Left: Style # L216, French Lace, fit & flare, chapel train
Right: Style # L239, Satin, Modified Mermaid with Swarovski crystal belt, chapel train
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AMSALE Style: Kendall Silk Radzmir, Trumpet gown with crystal beaded belt and origami crumb catcher at back. |
AMSALEStyle: Naya
Silk Mikado, Trumpet gown with asymmetrical neckline and crystal flower brooch
Silk Mikado, Trumpet gown with asymmetrical neckline and crystal flower brooch
Style: Aubrey
Silk Faille, Trumpet gown with asymmetrically folded neckline and ruched natural waist, vintage beaded brooch.
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| LazaroStyle: LZ3111 Ivory silk faced satin ball gown, ruched bodice, jewel encrusted band at natural waist, full gathered ball gown skirt, chapel train |
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| Alvina ValentaStyle: AV9110 Ivory/Oyster silk faced duchess ball gown with jeweled embroidered bodice, Ivory satin ribbon with jeweled detail at natural waist, pleated skirt with side pockets, chapel train |
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