From Eveningsnews.com
Put a New Twist on Old Wedding Traditions
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Sep 7, 2005, 01:07
(NUI) - Getting married? As you plan your big day, you'll likely find out that today's weddings are less about sticking with long-time traditions and more about creating new ones.
These days, many brides and grooms are borrowing and modifying wedding traditions to suit their personal style and to make that special day even more so.
"To make ceremonies and receptions memorable as their own, couples are incorporating rituals from both the brides' and grooms' families, adding details to match their personality as a couple, or borrowing ideas from other cultures and religions," said Denise Dinyon, entertaining and etiquette expert for Lenox, The Gift Company.
For instance, brides of all faiths are adopting the Jewish tradition of having both the bride's father and mother walk her down the aisle, showing that the mother is equally important on this special day. And interfaith couples are incorporating the most cherished wedding traditions from both faiths into their ceremonies, from huppas to unity candles.
Hand-tied bouquets are becoming increasingly popular for bridesmaids to carry, as they are less expensive than traditional holder bouquets and are especially beautiful for spring or summer ceremonies. Dinyon suggests decorating the bridal party table with Gorham crystal vases, where attendants can place their bouquets during the reception. Afterward, they can keep the bouquet and take the vases home as gifts.
When it comes to gift giving, the tradition of thanking the wedding party still applies. Rather than giving identical gifts, brides and grooms are giving practical and more personalized gifts to each attendant, such as a monogrammed sterling silver pocket knife for the best man or an engraved picture frame for the maid of honor with a favorite photo of her with the bride.
Leading up to the wedding, couples are still registering for formal and elegant china, but are also adding whimsy with colorful mix-and-match items for the fun and casual entertaining they are looking forward to doing as newlyweds - from fruit- and floral-patterned Dansk serving platters to gem-colored Lenox Tuscany Seasons martini glasses.
Brides and grooms can find ideas, gift and registry suggestions, and ceremony necessities -from cake toppers to guest books - on Lenox.com or by calling 1-800-63-LENOX for department store locations in the area.
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