THE WEDDING AND THE BLENDED FAMILY

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We can’t deny that the modern-day family is taking on new forms all the time, and the joining of two existing families is a common occurrence. These unions don’t come without their share of complications, so make the wedding as stress free as you can by involving all members as you plan this celebration.

FAMILY MEETINGS: Have the two families get together for scheduled meetings to discuss the plans, make assignments and to check progress. These meetings will not only allow everyone to gauge how things are being completed but an opportunity for the families to get know each other better while working as a family.

INCLUSION: There are many options of inclusion for children young and old. Grown or older children can serve as a groomsmen or bridesmaid. Considering their age and your existing relationship, you may even want them to stand as your maid of honor or best man. Youngsters, eight to fourteen years old, can be junior groomsmen or junior bridesmaids. Little ones, three to seven years old, are perfect as a ring bearer or flower girl. One trend growing in popularity is to have a child give the bride away.

Those children not participating in the actual ceremony can contribute in other helpful ways. Assign them to be in charge of: the guest book; directing guests; handing out programs, flowers, rice. etc. The reception is the perfect place to assign your young aspiring photographers and videographers to take lots of impromptu pictures and videos for your albums and social media.

RECOGNITION: The ceremony not only means saying “I do” to your spouse but to your new blended family as well. Many families are now asking the children to join them for a small part of the ceremony to express their love and commitment as a family. A small gift such as a necklace or ring is often presented to the children.

At the reception, show your love with a welcoming toast to your new blended family and don’t forget to put your own new spin on the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances.

Are you blending a family when you get married? Share your thoughts and ideas at http://www.bridespub.com Brides Pub, wedding plans start here.

Writing Your Own Vows

If you don’t want your vows to come out of someone else’s book, it’s a fantastic gesture to write your own.

Words from the Heart

Writing your own vows puts a more personal spin on the ceremony and gives you the opportunity to declare your love to not only your partner, but to the loved ones you’ve invited to share in the moment.

Be sure your partner is on the same page with this so there are no surprises. It will be more uniform and provide better flow during your wedding if you both create the vows yourselves, rather than only one of you taking this on. There’s no need to read your partner’s vows before the wedding, but it’s a good idea to ensure you have similar structure and visions for the vows. Decide on a date to have them both done so no one is writing them the night before.

Most likely you will meet with your officiant before the actual ceremony so be sure they are aware you will be writing your own vows. They will know at what point the vows fit best and they may even ask you about this before you tell them. Definitely read the vows aloud to yourself to be sure they sound well and if you’re comfortable, have a friend or family member read them or listen to them for you.

Most important: Be yourself. Think about the things you love most about your partner and why you want to spend the rest of your life with them. This is your moment to speak from the heart so take time preparing these thoughts and your vows will make the event all the more special.

Wedding Rehearsal And Party Before the Party

REHEARSAL   bridespub.com

The wedding rehearsal serves as a “walk thru” for the actual ceremony. It also presents the opportunity for the wedding party and future in-laws to become acquainted. The rehearsal takes place within a few days of the marriage and is usually held where the ceremony is to take place.

Those attending the rehearsal should include the clergy, the entire wedding party, the parents of the ring bearer and flower girl, photographers, videographers and musicians. All special requests and unique changes should be discussed in detail to avoid last minute surprises and mix-ups.

REHEARSAL DINNER

Immediately following the rehearsal, an informal dinner gathering is given. Traditionally, the groom’s family is the host of the rehearsal dinner, which can be as simple as wine and cheese or
as elaborate as a seven-course meal at the groom’s home or a favorite restaurant.

“Thank yous” and gifts for the attendants are passed out at this time. Appropriate toasts are made – including one from the best man to the bride and from the bridal couple to their prospective new parents-in-law.

What plans do you have for a rehearsal dinner?  Talk about this and many other bridal topics on our social network for brides.

Brides Pub © Copyright 2013

What Makes a Reception Fabulous?

After you’ve said your “I dos,” it’s time to celebrate. Do you know what makes a reception fabulous, though?

• The food: Your guests will be hungry after your ceremony, so make sure you have a great menu planned. Whether you have a formal seated meal or a less formal option such as a buffet, the important thing is to ensure that you have great food and enough of it. An experienced caterer will be able to provide a good experience for your guests.
• The entertainment: Music is a huge part of your reception. A DJ or live band can be a great choice, and will be able to gauge the crowd’s reaction to ensure everyone is having a good time.
• The decor: While you’ll have some decoration at your ceremony, most of the decor will be in your reception. From centerpieces to lighting, all will add to the mood you want to set. It’s also a great way to include a theme, if you’re planning one.

What do you have planned for your reception? Talk about this and other wedding planning topics on our social network for brides!

Brides Pub © Copyright 2013

How do I choose my bridesmaids?

Choosing bridesmaids can be a real minefield when planning your wedding.   If you have a lot of relatives and friends it can be especially awkward if there is someone that has assumed that they will be bridesmaid.   This could be a sister that you barely see or a friend you were very close with at college but have now drifted apart.

Start by deciding how many you want and work from there.  If you decide that you want 3 then think of the first three people you couldn’t wait to call or text when you got engaged as potential bridesmaids.  You will be shopping and making big decisions with them, so make sure that it’s someone you trust and get along with.If, after your have chosen your bridesmaids, you realize that there is someone that had expected to be asked that wasn’t, it is important to kindly let them know of your plans as soon as possible. Your honesty and kindness may enrich and preserve friendship and avert hard feelings. Make sure they are invited to all the fun pre wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Consider giving them another significant, yet fun, role in the wedding, such as directing people to sign the guest book, handing out programs or rice to be thrown. Emphasis that they have ‘gotten out of’ the hard work and brightly colored dress and need not worry about the cake tasting or organizing the hen party!     For more advice on planning your wedding go to our social network website for brides: Brides Pub.