Marry Me

"Marry Me" is a sweet new song by Train. Listen to it, and then imagine all the perfect times this can be played during weddings... first dance... the bride making her way down the aisle... or the new couple holding hands walking back for the recessional.  Romantic!

Marriage Contract

In the Jewish faith there is a marriage contract called a Ketubah, that defines the relationship in terms of commitment and financial aspects. Many couples today prefer o write their own contract reflecting their own joint perspective of their commitment, one to the other: The word Ketubah literally means "that which is written". It is a contract that a man makes with a woman, obligating the chatan (groom) to serve, cherish, sustain, and support the kallah (the bride) in truth.

This contract is separate from the marriage license and it is a very intimate ceremony that takes place prior to the wedding ceremony.

The contract itself has come a long way from plain old parchment. Check out Daniel Sroka's incredibly artistic work at Modern Ketubah - they are simply remarkable. So beautiful, something to definitely be cherished and framed, forever!

Are we Lost?

So now that you know the order you walk down the aisle in, where do you go from there?

I made this little football play sheet to show you who's where - for a Christian Style ceremony. This shows who's side is whom's, and the line of sight, which is important because you don't want to block any one's view of the ceremony.

A few things to keep in mind, bridal party always watches the ceremony, so while people are walking down the aisle, they watch that, then pivot slightly to watch the ceremony, etc. This way everyone is always at the same angle.

A little hint, at the point during the ceremony when the bide has to hand her bouquet over to the Maid of Honor. I also ask the Maid of Honor to put her arm out slightly so the bride can see it in her peripheral vision. And she can then remember, OH I need to give my bouquet to someone so my soon-to-be husband can hold both my hands. It makes a prettier dance. I think.

Have a great weekend! And to my Wedding Planning friends, work hard, and make their dreams come true!

Who's on First? Part 2!

So for a Jewish Ceremony things are done a little differently - however, some Christians have adapted some of the typically Jewish traditions to their ceremony. I think it's nice because the Jewish traditions really show how much family is involved in your lives.

A little explanation:

The Rabbi (R) walks down first, sometimes with the Cantor (C) which is optional, but a nice touch, the Cantor usually sings down the aisle and it's really beautiful!

The Cantor is followed by the Groomsmen (GM) either in single file or together in pairs. Then the Bestman (BM2) is next.

The Father of the Groom (FOG) along with the Groom (G) and the Mother of the Groom (MOG) are next -all together.

The Bridesmaids (BM) are next again, either single file or together. Followed by the Maid of Honor (MOH).

Then the Ring Bearer (RB) and Flowergirl (FG) either together (which I think is totally cute) or separately. Either way is totally fine!

Then the Father of the Bride (FOB) the Bride (B) and the Mother of the Bride (MOB).

All of the family members stand under the huppah (Jewish wedding canopy) which can be made from an Indian sari, or any kind of fabric that covers the bride and groom and their families. Just make sure that the creation will not offend any of the guests.

The bridal party doesn't usually stand underneath the huppah, but to the sides.

More tomorrow on the ceremony - now that you know the order of how to get up there, what happens next? Stay tuned!

Who's On First?

For some reason I've been asked very recently quite a bit the order that you are supposed to walk down the aisle - WARNING - Shameless Plug Ahead - if you were to hire us, we'd handle this for you.

But for those of you that are unable, here you go, the first ones to walk down the aisle in a Non-Denominational Ceremony or a Traditional Christian Ceremony goes something like this:

• Any Special People in your lives, Aunts, Uncles, God-Parents; followed by
• GrandParents of the Groom
• GrandParents of the Bride
• Parents of the Groom
• Mother of the Bride

Followed by:

Legend:
GM - Groomsmen
BM- Bridesmaids
MOH- Maid of Honor
RB- Ring Bearer
FG- Flower Girl
FOB- Father of the Bride
B- Bride

Tomorrow Traditional Jewish Ceremony! See you later, alligators!