What is proper these days is only held to tradition by what can be done in good taste. Tradition has been adapted to the "changing times" by the Bride and Groom interjecting a few new ideas of their own.

Here are a few trends that have found their way into ceremonies and receptions of weddings of the 90's.

• Many are following the Jewish tradition of the mother and father escorting the Bride down the aisle. This is a special way to honor your mother. It is also appropriate for the mother to escort the Bride, if the father is deceased or not a part of the family.
• The groom may escort his mother to her seat giving her a kiss and then taking his place at the altar.
• The groom meets the bride halfway down the aisle and they proceed to the altar together.
• Children of the Bride may escort or accompany her down the isle.
• After the recessional the Bride and Groom come back in and release the rows and greet their guests.
• Toasts are being offered not only by the Best Man, but also the Maid of Honor and other family members. Toasts are also offered in memory of loved ones that are not in attendance.
• Have your children accompany you in the lighting of the Unity Candle.
• An alternative to the bride and groom kissing to the clinking of glasses is to have balloons at each table with a message inside. When someone wants the bride and groom to kiss they break a balloon and do whatever it says inside the balloon, such as a funny story about the bride or groom. The message inside the balloon could include names of couples attending the reception and they would kiss when the balloon is broken instead of the bride and groom kissing.
• White doves are released by the bride and groom after they are pronounced Mr. and Mrs. symbolizing love, peace and faithfulness.
• Guests release live butterflies at the end of the ceremony instead of the traditional rice or birdseed. Bubbles and bells are also a new trend being used as the couple exit.
• Consider signing your marriage license after the lighting of the unity candle. This is a special way to allow your guests to witness this event. This can also take up some extra time during the music.
• Childhood pictures of the bride and groom are used as table decorations at the reception.
• Theme weddings.
• Instead of the traditional guest book, couples are matting their engagement picture and allowing the guests to sign the mat. Attractively framed this makes an excellent piece of art for the couples first home.

To see a WONDERFUL Collection of Marriage Ceremonies - Click on the links below
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                                                                                                         Brenda

Traditional & Contemporary Wedding Ceremonies - Religious and non-religious

Vows and Ceremonies of famous people!

Theme Weddings - Medieval, Celtic and more...