Some of the office ladies and I just got back from a short vacation in Scotland! How strange it is to fly for several hours and then suddenly find oneself immersed (and yet, not a part of, by any means!) a new and different culture. Scotland is beautiful; rolling, green highlands, exciting lochs (we sort of saw Nessie…ask any of us about it when you come in!), and gorgeous, stately, proud castles.
Over the years, we have certainly seen our share of brides who have gone down the aisle to meet their kilted groom, and/or processing down the aisle with a bagpipe kilted musician. Which is really the most exciting part of my job: seeing families and couples enjoy the freedom of not being restrained by cookie-cutter wedding traditions. The growing trend of personalizing a wedding is booming. For example, we recently witnessed a wedding in which the bride wore a huge, bright-red, stunning ball gown style wedding gown! Her bridesmaids were in…white! Her groom wore a white suit, with red patent-leather shoes! You don’t believe me? Come on in and we’ll show you the pictures. Only a bold, passionate, and comfortable woman could pull that off, and she was. Personalizing a wedding goes well beyond simply attire. Our coordinator, Lela, once told me about a unique farewell that was given to one couple. Instead of bubbles or sparklers, they were jetted off with paper airplanes! Why? Because the groom was a pilot. I found that so extremely charming. Other areas that couples can show off their personalities are in the groom’s cake, wedding favors, and music. Are you a Russian family? Use bride and groom nesting dolls, symbolizing long life and fertility, as your table centerpieces. Is your profession in dentistry? Do “his” and “hers” toothbrushes for wedding favors with your wedding date inscribed on them. Tie a bow in your accent color, and voila: favors no one else has!
The sky is the limit (ask the pilot!) and your guests will always remember a wedding in YOUR style. I encourage all of the brides to really have fun with personalizing their weddings. It is a party you are throwing for your family and friends, so make sure they’ll never forget whose wedding from whose!
