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• Jumping the broom. This tradition dates back to the 1800s and is believed to have origins in western African weddings and Wiccan communities.
• Handfasting unity ceremony. The handfasting ceremony tradition is a Celtic wedding ritual with medieval roots.
  It involves binding the couple’s hands together with ribbons or cords to symbolize their union.
• Chinese tea ceremony. During the Chinese tea ceremony, the couple pours cups of tea and presents them to parents and important family members, such as parents and grandparents.
• Ring warming ceremony. Believed to be an Irish or Gaelic wedding ceremony tradition, the warming of the rings takes place when the couple’s wedding bands are passed around by guests ...
• Burying the bourbon tradition. Burying the bourbon is a Southern tradition that’s said to prevent rain or bad weather on your special day.

 
 
Cord of three strands
This popular wedding ceremony ritual has Biblical origins. As described in Ecclesiastes 4:12, the cord of three strands (also known as God's knot) is the most difficult cord to destroy or tear apart. The three strands represent you, your partner, and God joining as one. You can use loose cords of any kind for this ritual, but if you want to turn the braid into a keepsake after your wedding day, you can easily find decorative unity boards made especially for this tradition on sites like Etsy and Amazon and DIY crafting sights.
  
Foot washing ceremony ritual
Foot washing is a Christian wedding ceremony ritual inspired by the Bible verses John 13: 1-17 in which Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. It is usually done to symbolize the couple's service, humility and commitment to each other. This ritual is usually do with a video rather than just pictures.

Breaking the glass
This Jewish wedding tradition takes place after the rabbi announces the newlyweds as a married couple. The groom steps on a wrapped piece of glass with his foot, which is followed by applause and a cheer of "Mazel tov!" from the guests. Tradition says that the couple will remain married for as long as the glass is shattered, while others believe it symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Stefana crowns 
At Greek Orthodox weddings, the stefana crowns are almost more important than your actual wedding rings. During the ceremony, crowns are placed on the couple's heads by the priest, accompanied by blessings. The crowns are then interchanged between the couple three times before being tied together with ribbons to symbolize an official unbreakable union. 

Saptapadi
This wedding unity ceremony idea is a performed at most Hindu weddings. The saptapadi, which means seven steps and resembles the seven vows of marriage in Hinduism, takes place around a sacred fire beneath the mandap—a square structure that is usually lavishly decorated with fabric and flowers. While holding hands, the couple walk seven steps around the fire, alternating who leads. Upon completing the steps, the couple are officially married.

Burying the bourbon tradition
Burying the bourbon is a Southern tradition that’s said to prevent rain or bad weather on your special day. Exactly one month before your wedding, dig a hole at your ceremony site and bury an unopened bottle of bourbon (make sure that it’s upside-down). According to the superstition, you’ll have sunny skies for your wedding day! Right after you and your spouse say “I do,” dig up the bottle and enjoy. While we’re not positive that this works, we can't argue that it makes for a priceless photo opportunity.

Water pouring ceremony
The water pouring ceremony is considered a symbol of good luck at Thai weddings. During this unity ritual, the couple are seated at a table and presented with headdresses or crowns, typically with a cord connecting the two of them. The couple then position their hands with their palms together and place them over trays to catch the water. Using a conch shell, their elder relatives take turns pouring blessed water over the couple's hands.

Unity candle ceremony
The wedding ceremony ritual of lighting a unity candle, which began about 30 or 40 years ago, represents the joining of two people and their families. Before the parents from both sides take their seats, they (traditionally the mothers) each light a taper candle and place it next to a pillar candle that remains unlit throughout the ceremony. After the couple exchanges their vows, they light the pillar candle using the flames from the taper candles, signifying several generations of commitment.

Sand pouring ceremony
The exact origins of this tradition are fuzzy, but sand pouring is one of the most popular wedding ceremony rituals around today. For this idea, the couple pours two separate vases of sand (usually in different colors) into the same vessel, creating a layered, one-of-a-kind pattern. From that point forward, it will be impossible to ever separate the colors, which represent the blending of two people forever. Many couples personalize this ritual by using sand from meaningful locations, and it's especially popular for beach weddings and destination weddings. Just make sure the main vessel has a top or cover. This is so the sand can not be moved or changed from the original ceremony.

Wedding ceremony time capsule
This is a newer wedding ceremony ritual, but I love the romantic notion behind it. Before the wedding, you and your spouse write love letters to each other and then seal or lock them inside a box during the ceremony. Traditionally, the letters are accompanied by a bottle of your favorite wine or champagne—and any other mementos you want to save as a keepsake. You'll eventually open the wine box or time capsule at a later date, such as an anniversary or life milestone.

Bottle of wine unity ceremony
Wine has been a symbol of life and prosperity for centuries. There are several variations of using wine during a wedding, especially at religious ceremonies, but a common option is to have two small carafes of wine, one white and one red. After exchanging rings, the couple pours the wines into a third carafe, creating a blend. They each take a sip of the mixed wine to represent their once individual lives now becoming one.
 
Unity tree planting ceremony
This wedding unity ceremony idea can be easily customized for any theme and personal style. It has no official religious or cultural ties, but the tradition itself symbolizes you and your spouse beginning a new life together. Taking care of your sapling tree (or whichever type of plant you choose) will remind you to nurture each other throughout your marriage, even when the honeymoon phase fades! Like flowers, trees symbolize different things—for example, cherry trees represent good fortune—so choose a type of tree that resonates with you the most. During this ritual, you and your spouse will take turns adding soil and water to the seedling. 

Paint pouring ceremony
If you're looking for a fun way to personalize your wedding ceremony, you'll love the paint pouring ritual. The concept is simple: you and your partner pour two different paint colors onto a blank canvas to symbolize your lives coming together as one. The end result is a one-of-a-kind piece of art hopefully that you can display in your home after you're married. 
A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of marriage vows by a couple, presentation of a gift, and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or celebrant. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers, or readings from religious texts or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony, as well as superstitious customs. Many weddings are religious events. Therefore, the influence of religion is significant. The "white wedding" in Europe and the United States, which has become mainstream worldwide, is deeply related to Christianity values.

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By hiring your officiant early in the process it will allow him/her to be more
prepared to officiate your wedding.
It will also give you a better opportunity to secure a high-quality officiant
before someone else books him/her for your wedding date.
And an experienced, high-quality officiant can often help you secure other
high-quality vendors for your wedding. If you don't already have a relationship
with this person, consider whether you like his/her style and whether you would
enjoy working with this person. Remember, your officiant performs the most
important service at the wedding. He or she is the one who will officially
pronounce you man and wife, which is the sole reason for the big event
in the first place (don't lose sight of this!).
You should feel comfortable inviting this person to share such
an intimate moment in your life.  
That person will come to mind every time you think of your wedding day.
Hire me today before someone else does!

Happy Ever After Wedding Officiants
Rev. Ida-May Hanson
352-431-0960
www.info@happyeverafterlife.com
www.happyeverafterlife.com
p.s. check out our Guest Book Comments for references.
( I have been performing weddings for over 15 years )

Paying-The-Piper
Paying-the-Piper is a phrase that could have innumerable origins, and is known to refer to pipers leading troops to war, the idiom, ‘he who pays the piper calls the tune’ and even perhaps to the myth of the Pied Piper of Hamlin. However, what is certain is that it also has a very specific meaning in traditional Scottish weddings. Scottish pipers have been around for centuries, and in fact after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 pipes were declared by the English as a weapon of war and the playing of bagpipes was banned in Scotland for the following 50 years.

Luckily today, the playing of bagpipes has much more romantic connotations. Many Scottish weddings have a piper; not only is it a beautiful Scottish tradition, it is also considered lucky, particularly when the bride and groom have completed their marriage ceremony and they are being piped into their dinner. The sound of the bagpipes was thought by many to keep away any evil spirits that may be hovering near by, and the piper’s music would protect the bride and groom as they entered into their marriage and bless their marriage with good luck. For this to be effective however, a kind of contact had to be observed; traditionally the piper was always paid for his services with a dram of whisky. Once he has seen the bride and groom safely to the top table, he is toasted by the groom and ‘PAID’ in a dram of whisky, legitimizing the contract and thus ensuring that the protection offered by the piper’s music was effective. The dram of whisky is offered in a Quaich, (special silver bowl type with handles on both sides) which in turn has its own unique purpose and traditions…
 
Having a Dram
One tradition that is often observed during both traditional and modern Scottish weddings is blessing the marriage with a dram of whisky, drunk from a ceremonial Quaich. A Quaich is a two-handled silver or pewter dish, often given to the couple as a wedding present and engraved with both their names and the date of the wedding. The Quaich is filled with whisky during the ceremony, and then once the bride and groom are ‘legally’ married they seal the wedding with a drink, and of course what is a more traditional Scottish drink than Whisky! But in modern times anything and everything can be used, from Irn-Bru to warm beer or cold tea!

Traditionally the bride is given the Quaich to drink from first, and then the groom must finish what she doesn’t.
Quaich is used for a specific reason however, and not just because it represents beautiful Celtic design – no, the Quaich must be held with both hands. This is extremely important as historically a marriage would often join two Scottish clans together, and these clans were not always on speaking terms. Because the Quaich had to be drunk with both hands it showed trust in the opposite clan and was a mark of honor and respect. The reason being if both hands were on the Quaich, neither were holding a weapon! Traditionally the Quaich would have been handed round all of the clan leaders present after the bride and groom had drunk their fill. Today it is usually passed around anyone and everyone in the wedding who wants a dram!
 
Modern Traditions
Many of today’s traditions reflect those of the past. For example, a typical Scottish ceremony includes “handfasting,” the symbolic act of tying a couple’s hands together to represent their union. It’s usually done with cords or ribbons made personally by the couple and is typically the main focus of their wedding day.
In 2004, some handfastings in Scotland became legally recognized as part of the wedding ceremony when the Pagan Federation of Scotland gained authorization to legally perform weddings. These weddings typically incorporate a handfasting as the main focus.

Another traditional custom is putting a silver sixpence in the bride’s shoe to represent wealth and financial security.
“It dates back to the Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his left foot for good luck. These days, a dime or a copper penny is substituted.”

There are gift-giving traditions in many cultures, and about a week before the ceremony, the mother of the Scottish bride will hold a “Show Of Presents” for her daughter. It’s like our bridal shower, and the bride’s friends bring gifts to help her in her new home. Presents are opened and the bride’s mother serves cakes and tea.

The bridal couple usually chooses either to be bagpiped down the aisle or traditional Gaelic hymns are played. The familiar “Highland Wedding Song,” which you’ve heard many times, is played at almost all Scottish weddings.

After the ceremony, everyone goes to a lavish reception feast, where the bride cuts the first slice of wedding cake.
Then they join in their first dance, which often begins with the bride and groom marching to the sound of bagpipes.
Soon the maid of honor and best man join in, followed by both sets of parents and finally by all willing guests.

One custom that hasn’t changed for more than 700 years is the custom of the groom carrying his new bride over the threshold of their new home.  The custom originated to keep evil spirits from entering his wife through her feet and also reflects the Roman belief that it was unlucky if the bride tripped on entering the house for the first time.  Back then they would arrange for several members of the bridal party to carry her over the threshold. Now it’s up to the groom.

Gifts of Jewelry
The luckenbooth brooch is a traditional Scottish love token. Usually made of silver, it’s engraved with two hearts intertwined or with a crown above one heart. It may also be engraved or set with stones.
The name comes from the luckenbooths of Edinburgh, where jewelry and trinkets used to be sold, including this type of brooch. Some couples pin this on the blanket of their first-born for good luck.
Some couples exchange either claddagh rings or gold rings with Celtic knotwork designs instead of plain gold wedding bands.

 
Technology has come a long way over recent decades. With each new change, life is made easier in myriad ways. However, this has an impact on the flow of timeless traditions. Weddings, for example, often benefit from the many strides forward made in modern gadgetry. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all couples are embracing what the future has to offer. Though plenty of people prefer digital options, there is a growing number of individuals looking to step back in time with their nuptials. 
If the idea of going retro with your wedding is appealing to you, there are several ways you can explore this option. Look over the variety of methods couples are employing to invoke the past with their events and see what may fit your big day. 

Photography
Of all the wedding services that have been improved by modern advancements, photography is at the top of the list. Once, the process of taking a few pictures and sharing them with others took a long while and involved all manner of chemicals and controlled environments. Even after hours of developing and processing, there was still no guarantee the photos would look the way they were intended. Digital photos made it so that couples can take thousands of pictures at a wedding and share them even before the ceremony ends. 
Still, there are many who believe something has been “lost” with the switch to digital methods. To recapture the aesthetic that only film can provide, there are many couples who are switching to classic cameras once more. Though it can be a bit more expensive in the long run, there is a lot to appreciate about the finished product of photos that have been taken, processed, developed, and printed by an experienced artist. Another fun way to pursue a retro feel with photography is by giving each table of guests a disposable camera and seeing what shots are revealed. 

Music
Another area of entertainment that has been vastly improved by digital advancements is music. Most people know that modern tech has influenced the way music is produced, with songs on the radio typically featuring the latest trends in audio design. However, how music is produced and played can also change the way that it sounds and feels. Audiophiles believe that listening to a song on a record far surpasses the experience of an MP3 file or streaming option. This is why couples are ditching laptop-based DJs for those who like to cart around crates of vinyl.
An entertainer who spins actual records can do a lot more than improve the sound quality of your wedding. If you want the event to recall eras of the past, then having a full DJ setup will give everyone in the crowd a sense of pleasant nostalgia. 

Décor
Themed weddings are popular with lots of couples. If you’re looking for that Old Time Feeling, you can consider diving back in time to a previous decade. Some younger couples tend to be easily captivated by periods that took place before they were born. Whether interested in the Hippie Vibes of the 60s, the Disco Tracks of the 70s, or the Synth-Based Soundscapes of the 80s and 90s, there are countless times and ways that can be explored. From the decorations you use to the songs you dance to, there are some exciting ways for you to create a vintage event. Many experienced DJ's can help you obtain the era your looking for with the proper music. 

Though modern technology has brought a number of amazing changes to the world, there will always be those who are fascinated with the devices of yesterday.  Whether you go all out with this concept or simply add a few specific elements here and there to invoke nostalgia, exploring the past can be a great way to plan for your married future. 
 

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Generally speaking, most weddings will follow a standard order, with variations based on the couple’s needs or the amount and type of elements and traditions that are included.
A basic wedding ceremony template for most weddings is:

1.          Processional
2.          Welcome
3.          Gathering Words
4.          Declaration of Intent
5.          Readings
6.          Charge to Couple
7.          Exchange of Vows
8.          Exchange of Rings
9.          Pronouncement and Kiss
10. Recessional

 
You can certainly make the ceremony more complex and more personalized than this, but this template is the bare-bones structure of a standard wedding ceremony script. Start with this order and add any additional elements, readings, songs, and traditions such as Honoring Those Who Can’t Be Here, Family Built Bouquet, Flower Girl Parade, Wine Box, Rose Ceremony, Blessing of the Hands, Ring Warming, etc. and where it makes the most sense. In general, you’ll want to place most of those additional elements toward the beginning of the ceremony, because the guests will expect that the exchange of vows will be one of the last items in the wedding ceremony order. But remember, this is your special unique wedding ceremony, MAKE IT YOUR OWN. Don’t let others influence your decisions. It should only be between you and your fiancée.

A bride's father wonders whether he is in the right after his daughter eloped, then said she expected her father to give her the money he would have used for the wedding for her honeymoon instead. The father told his daughter that the money was meant only for the wedding, not for the couple to use however they wanted. 

The Engagement
A couple got engaged after five years of dating and the father and mother were excited. They were ready to help pay for the wedding. They started planning immediately, but the daughter was hesitant and she didn't want to rush anything. The parents were understanding but informed their daughter that they would contribute $15k to the wedding when the time came. Not long after, the couple informed the family that they had instead eloped. In the end the couple did not feel the need for a lavish wedding ceremony and preferred a more private moment between just the two of them. Of course the family members were disappointed that there would not be a wedding, and they would not get to see the couple exchange vows, they weren't overly surprised. The bride didn't typically like being the center of attention, so they understood.

Bride Asks for the Money
The daughter later came to the father and said she wanted the money that he would have been useing for her wedding to go on a month-long traveling honeymoon. The dad informed his daughter that he would not give her the money, as it was not meant to be spent however she pleased. Instead, he intended it for the wedding, which would have been a celebration with all of their friends and family. This, of course led to an ongoing argument between the father and daughter, as they both were steadfast in their opinions of what should happen. When the father asked friends and others if he was in the wrong, the vast majority of people stated that he was not and that she should not expect the money to be applied to whatever she wanted to spend it on. On the other hand, a select few people were on the bride's side. They thought her father should not have assumed that his daughter would want a big party, and they felt he was putting unnecessary pressure on her. Lots of folks felt the day is about the bride and groom, not the family, and they should let them have the money to enjoy their first few weeks together as husband and wife.

Wedding Traditions
In the past, it was most common for the family of the bride to pay for the wedding, while the groom's family pays for the honeymoon and/or rehearsal dinner. However, many things have changed, and it's common for the cost to fall on the couple themselves or for the families to come to their own arrangements. Today's couples are choosing to elope than the generations before them. Some do this to save money, but other reasons include avoiding the awkwardness of seeing family members who disapprove of the marriage. 

Eloping can be the answer to getting married without spending much money, but families can be hurt when they find out about it after the fact. Communicate with your family as soon as you've decided, so everyone has time to prepare and accept it. After an elopement you could have a brunch or a small party afterward for people to come together and congratulate you. Consider having a photographer at your elopement so your family and friends can still have the wedding photos to look at.  So, there are no misunderstandings about how the money will be allocated discuss the budget and expectations with your family.

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Weddings should always be a memorable event for all. A new union is being formed, you get to catch up with friends and family you haven't seen in a long time, and everyone is hoping that there are at least one or two unexpected memorable moments. It could be a moment when the young flower girl forgetting to throw flowers as she walks down the aisle, or it may be a moment of poor wedding etiquette by someone who simply didn't know better.
Wedding etiquette sometimes looks different from what it did even a decade or two ago.
Here are some rules for the wedding day that may not have applied a few years ago.

Be Sure To RSVP 
While you should always RSVP to a wedding when attending or not, it is often much easier to do these days.  Instead of worrying about sending your RSVP back in the mail, many weddings allow you to do so online. There may be a link, a barcode, or an app where you can send in your meal request along with your RSVP. Regardless, be sure to do it promptly to make it easier on those planning the wedding.

Cash and Gift Cards Are Acceptable
Years ago, sending cash or a gift card as a gift was often seen as tacky and impersonal. However, today this is often what is preferred by wedding couples. It allows them to spend it on what they need most or apply it to their honeymoon budget. Whether you give cash or a gift, make sure it is on the registry or something you know they will love. Always remember to include the gift receipt in case the couple receives duplicates or if it's something they aren't going to use.

Avoid Taking Pictures at the Ceremony
Today just about everyone has a camera on their phones. Because of this, we like to document and share just about everything. However, during the wedding ceremony is not the time to do it. First, you don't want to share photos before the bride and groom have, as that would be incredibly tacky. Secondly, you don't want to interfere with the shots the professional photographer is trying to take by having your arm or phone in view of the shot.
Keep the phone put away during the ceremony, but feel free to take photos during the reception. This is often encouraged, and more and more these days the bridal party will even ask you to upload the pictures to social media with a specific hashtag.

Avoid Big Announcements 
A wedding day is about the couple, the bride and groom and no one else. Sharing any announcement that does not relate to the couple is a FAUX PAS that should be avoided. This includes announcements on social media or sharing with even a small group of people. Wait until after the excitement from the wedding has died down or the couple has posted there information before sharing your news.

Help Where You Can
The wedding day is about the bride and groom. If you are able, look for ways where you can help out. Don't be overbearing or a nuisance but rather step in and offer to help if needed. For example, you may offer to take your friend's daughter into the other room if she has difficulty staying quiet during the ceremony or offer to help someone in the wedding party to get ready by zipping up their dress or by helping with a last-minute beauty emergency.

While wedding etiquette may have changed some over the years, its reasoning has remained the same.
The wedding day is about the two people getting married, and these rules help ensure it stays that way.

Tips for the best wedding processional from a Wedding Officiant/Minister
 
Based on my 14 YEARS of experience as both a professional wedding officiant and an Event/Wedding planner, I
would like to provide you with tips to make sure you have the best wedding processional experience! 
Use these tips to help get the best photos of all your attendants and most importantly of YOU as you walk
down the aisle.

1. Try not to be backlit too much. Check it out beforehand so that you know for sure how the lighting will affect the photos. If the sun is literally behind you as you're walking down the aisle, the photos will be ethereal and a bit blurry. If you want crisp, clear photos, move your processional so the sun isn't directly behind you. If you’re not sure have your photographer check out your venue before the wedding rehearsal.
   
   
2. Leave plenty of time between attendants (grandparents, parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man). A slow processional gives your photographer and your family and friends plenty of time to capture each person or couple as they process down the aisle.
   
   
3. Encourage your bridesmaids to carry the bouquets at roughly the same height. This makes for lovely, consistent photos. I always recommend holding the bouquet at waist high, thumb knuckle in belly button.
   
   
4. If an animal or small child (ren) is part of your processional, make sure someone is identified as the "Helper" for these less experienced wedding party members. It's sweet to let a toddler walk down the aisle themselves, but it can be a bit overwhelming for them especially if everyone is giggling and pointing at them. Please be aware that on the day of the wedding what was practiced at the wedding rehearsal might not always work out. Be prepared of this then you won’t be disappointed when the child (ren) or animal(s) do not walk down the aisle the day of the wedding 
   
   
5. When walking down the aisle walk very slowly.  Work with your DJ or music person to find a special song that you want to walk down the aisle to. Don’t rush down the aisle. You have worked hard to put this wedding ceremony together, now savor the moment. With the doors closed or you out of sight, play the music for a few bars or a few seconds, then at the appropriate time, walk in. Don’t start walking just yet. Stand there for a few more bars or seconds and then look up & around and smile. Enjoy and let your guests enjoy that moment with you. Then start slowly walking down the aisle. Appreciate this moment and enjoy it. Your groom is waiting for you up there so make the anticipation greater by taking your time.  Walking fast, looking at the ground, with a scowl on your face makes for some uncomfortable photos. And remember your paying for all those photos.
   
   
6. Wear comfortable shoes! If your shoes are not comfortable to walk in, and all you're doing is trying not to trip & fall, you won't be able to be present and enjoy the moment. This will show in your photos. Maybe have two different pair of shoes. One to walk down the aisle and one for the reception.  Lots of outdoor venues (barns, parks, etc.) have a grass aisle so to walk down the aisle in heels should be out of the question.
   
   
7. For a more dramatic effect try pausing at the top of the aisle for three beats. Take a step then bring your feet together and then step again. Doing so will keep you from hurrying down the aisle. This gives a little more drama to the moment and heightens the excitement for the most important part of the processional: Walking Down Through Your Guests To Greet Your Beloved.
   
   
8. If you get nervous walking down the aisle, keep your eyes on your sweetheart, who will be beaming up front with a huge smile back at you. Or you can look at me, your wedding officiant.
   I will have a huge smile on my face to because I am so happy for you both!
   
   
9. Really take your time transitioning from walking down the aisle to getting into your spot by your officiant. Once up front give your escort(s) a big hug, and or kisses, etc. Make sure the escort knows how to hand you off to your Groom. (here the escort(s) can shake hands, hug, high five or whatever the escort(s) & groom are comfortable doing) Finally situate your dress, give your bouquet to your maid of honor (you’re going to need your hands free) and take the time to settle into your space. Look at your mate (not the minister or person marrying you) take a deep breath and get grounded. Don't rush right into the ceremony but listen to the words you, your fiancée & your minister have worked hard to put together for this unique & very special wedding ceremony. Your officiant should help you with this and not rush through the ceremony.
   
   
   
10. SMILE!

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Most milestones have a way of bringing out both excitement and dread. If you’re planning for your upcoming wedding, for example, you may be feeling some jitters about the event. Getting together and forming a union with your partner may be a joyous occasion, but the changes on can easily prove daunting. Anxiety about the future can cause problems in your present so you may find it best to take a step back and consider the most effective ways of managing this stress.
Look over these tips to learn more.

This Is a Normal Feeling
First it can be useful to remind yourself that this level of anxiety is completely and totally normal. Some people worry that feeling nervous about a wedding is a sign that it is not the right decision. I find this is generally far from the case. Unless you have had doubt from the start, the stress that comes about before your nuptials really normal and is more likely due to stage fright than it is a premonition about your future. Remind yourself often of this and it can lower your overall anxiety. 

Be Active
If you’ve been spending a lot of time planning your wedding, you may find that you have not been dedicating nearly enough energy to other activities. Whether you’re sitting on your computer  searching for inspiration or you are in your car traveling from one vendor to another, you need to remember to be active in other ways. Studies have proven that physical activity can greatly reduce anxiety. Activities from a trip to the gym, to a walk in the park will suffice, just as long as you take advantage of opportunities to be physically active. 

Manage Your Time Wisely
Anxiety might also surface when you are not properly allotting your time for your wedding plans. Though there is no “correct” way to put together, a big event like this, and experts in the industry tend to agree, that there is a general timeline that you should follow in order to handle all pressing tasks on your itinerary. Anxiety can easily strike when you feel the weight of responsibilities and don’t have enough availability on the calendar to handle it all. Many research's have suggested timeline and related info to use your time to the fullest.

Cut Back on Coffee
Do you tend to drink a lot of coffee on any given day? It might offer the perfect perk to get your morning going but studies have shown that caffeine can often do more harm than good. People who are reliant on caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee tend to have more anxious than those who don’t consume such drinks. This means you may want to cut back on your coffee in the months leading to your wedding to better manage your stress levels. 

Get Sleep
At the end of the day, the best ways to handle stress is usually the most straightforward. One way you should consider is to manage your anxiety is sleep. When you get proper sleep each night, it helps your body in countless ways. Not only does proper rest make it easier for your immune system to perform at optimal levels, and it can also help you gain control over your anxiety in a way that is much more difficult to achieve when you haven’t slept consistently.

In conclusion, whether you are stressed because of how much you have to do before your big day arrives or you are drinking too much coffee, there are plenty of ways to manage your anxiety. As long as you understand your options, you should be able to put together a plan that gives you the focus you need in order to manage the tasks at hand. 

What Is a Green Wedding?

A green wedding, also known as an eco-friendly or sustainable wedding, is a ceremony where the couple tries to reduce the event's effect on the environment as much as possible.  These days, green wedding ideas are plentiful, with more eco-friendly wedding decorations on the market & greener options for catering, invitations, and more.
  
Propose With Estate Jewelry rather than buying new diamonds.
Shop Sustainable Diamonds man-made.
Choose Eco-Friendly Invitations.
Create an Eco-Friendly Registry.
Choose a Charity Registry.
Pick an Eco-Friendly Venue.
Find a Dual Ceremony & Reception Area.
Marry in the Great Outdoors.
Rent your tuxedo.
Rock a Vintage Veil.
Look for Built-In Décor from Venue.
Be Conscious of Floral Arrangements.
Donate and Don’t Trash your Décor.
Opt for Sustainable Meals.
Reduce Food Waste.
Rent When You Can.
Gift Eco-Friendly Welcome Bags.
Give Edible or Plant Favors.
Don't Litter With Your Exit Toss.
Book an Environmentally Friendly Honeymoon.