Toronto Wedding Blog

11/19/2015 Comments

Should You Have A Receiving Line At Your Wedding ?

I had the pleasure of being the DJ/MC of a wedding that included music for the ceremony, cocktails and of course the reception. All the facets were at the same property but in different rooms. When it came time to transition from the cocktail area to the dinner/reception hall I asked the wedding party to get ready for the receiving line. I was met with a dozen blank stares. The what?

It looks like through my planning and coordinating with the wedding couple no one informed the rest of the wedding party that this was happening. Not only that but most of them were unaware what a receiving line even was. I understand that more weddings are putting tradition aside but I just assumed this was a gimmie.

There are a few pros and cons of having a receiving line as opposed to the wedding couple doing table visits during the course of the night

Pros

- It is a great opportunity to greet and thank every guest for coming to your wedding.
- Tradition dictates that if you are having more than 50 guest that it is warranted.
- You guarantee that every guest will get at least a minute of actual face time with both you and your partner.
- You can have the opportunity to have your photo taken with every couple before they enter the reception hall.

Cons

- If your guest count is a large one you could have an enormous line throughout your venue.
- You have to allocate a large amount of time which could in turn delay major aspects of the reception timeline and could hinder the plating and/or preparation of food.
- They may not be enough room to line up 200 or more guests at your reception venue.
- Parents , Step-Parents , Grandparents , Wedding Party and Wedding Couple may have issue with being included/not included.

At the end of the day whatever you and your partner decide just try to keep the above points in mind.
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10/13/2015 Comments

Your Wedding Vows

You should take your time when deciding on your wedding vows and personalize them to suit you and your partner and not be influenced by what other people expect you to do.

This is one of the most important parts of the wedding because it is after your vows that you will be officially married.

More and more people are becoming very creative with their wedding vows and this adds a personal touch that represents what you and your partner believe your marriage means to the both of you.

It is a chance for you to both express your true thoughts on why you are getting married and what it will mean for you in the future.

Here are the typical wedding vows Ö
I [your name] take you [your partners name] for my lawful [partner] to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Many people use these traditional vows as the foundation that they will modify to suit their needs by adding personalized touches where they like.

Some people find the traditional vows a bit too formal and the wording no longer appropriate to get the true meaning of their care for one another across. If that's the way you feel then changing them is the right solution for you.

These words are more important than all the wedding speeches combined so it is well worth spending as much time as necessary to come up with something that is really special.

Get ideas from the internet , books , poetry and songs. Bounce ideas off one another and you will soon know when you have hit the perfect combination that will lead you into your married life.

Just remember to never stop having fun because that's what it's all about , getting the most happiness in your life by sharing it with someone you love.

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9/15/2015 Comments

How To Plan YOUR Dream Wedding

Planning a wedding and keeping your sanity is not an easy task. Everyone knows that planning a wedding can be an extremely stressful and trying time, especially as the big day approaches.

One of the most important details of the wedding is the actual wedding date. This is usually the detail that is taken care of first. Factors in choosing a date include the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place and availability of friends and family on the assigned date.

It is also advisable to set a budget before you start to make plans. This way you're able to organize the details according to your budget.

Some venues where weddings are held offer discounts on days when traditionally, weddings are not held. Also, the time the wedding takes place also becomes a factor in the expense. For example, mornings and afternoon receptions are usually cheaper than receptions held in the evening.

Venues can offer discounts depending on the time of year. Just after the holidays could be a good time to hold a wedding if you are considering the cost. This time is not considered a 'peak time', therefore the price tends to be less expensive.

It is important to talk to your fiancée about the size of your wedding. Your dream wedding might not be your fiancées. So it ís necessary for you to discuss details such as the location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited to the wedding/reception, and the choice of entertainment.

It is important to reach an agreement on the guest list. If you want to keep the wedding an intimate affair, only family and/or friends would be invited. If you wanted to have the wedding of the century, friends and family, long lost relatives, the whole neighbourhood and high school buddies could be invited. When making the guest list, consider the space capacity of your chosen venue.

It ís a good idea to hire a professional to capture this momentous occasion. Sure, your friends can take good pictures and some of them may own a camcorder. But for this special occasion, you would want something special, lasting, and visually presentable. This way you could also share them with your friends and family.

Don't forget the cake! It's a good idea to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. Invite your family and friends for the cake tasting. This way, this task becomes fun for everyone!

Order wedding invitations. If you want to get creative, you can always print your own. This way, you can customize them, and add a more personal touch to the invitation.

Don't forget to start looking for a wedding gown months before the wedding so the bride has plenty of time to make a selection. Also, you should make arrangements to rent or buy a tuxedo or suit preferably in advance in case there is trouble with the fitting.

Couples who don't have enough time on their hands or just find the preparations that go into planning a wedding too overwhelming can always just hire a wedding planner. This way, everything gets organized and coordinated for them. But if you decide to go the wedding planner route, don't forget to add this cost into your budget.

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8/28/2015 Comments

Christian / Gospel Wedding Songs

Weddings are a joyous celebration of the love and bond between two people who have chosen to come together as one. They are sometimes conducted in front of an officiant, minister or priest, in order to celebrate the solemnity of the occasion and to make it more binding in the eyes of God and man. And what better way to celebrate that bond other than with music of Christian/Gospel wedding songs. Although the traditional wedding march is the common music that plays in the background, imagine walking down the aisle, looking all beautiful, while there is music playing that expresses exactly how you feel that special day. A Christian/Gospel wedding song whose words evoke a special meaning between you and your future partner. Now that would indeed be something special.

Religion & Music

Most religions consider wedding ceremonies to be a form of worship service, and thus, are very strict about preserving the solemnity of the event. This is the reason why most churches do not allow the playing of popular love songs during the wedding. So, how do you choose songs that are not only religious in nature, but also focus on values and ideals related to love and marriage? Well, this happens to be where Christian/Gospel wedding songs come in.

Christian/Gospel wedding songs offer a balance between a love song and a religious song, which is extremely perfect for wedding ceremonies and the receptions as well. These types of songs set the tone for the whole event, ushering in an ambiance of being not too solemn and not too informal. Hence, you can have the wedding song of your dreams playing as you walk down the aisle through Christian/Gospel wedding songs.

Searching for the Songs

There is quite a remarkable selection of Christian wedding songs that you and your future spouse can choose from. Choosing a song can be a challenging task, because there are a lot of very good songs out there. You would want to choose a song that carries a special meaning for you and your future partner, something that ís not so common that you've heard a hundred times at other weddings you've been to.

If you're not too familiar with Christian/Gospel wedding songs, you can opt to visit your local music or record store and browse through the available selections there.

Or, you can also surf the Internet. You will surely find a whole lot of sources for faith based wedding songs. Some websites even post lists for the most popular Christian wedding songs being used, which you can also check out.

If youíre going to hire a DJ or a vocal soloist for your wedding, you can also ask him or her with regard to the music selection they have available on faith based wedding songs. You can ask for recommendations as well, in order to limit your search. Have them play it in order for you to be able to make a decision whether you want to use it in the wedding or not.

Hiring Vocal Soloists

Hiring a vocal soloist for your wedding will indeed bring with it a more special and intimate touch. Accompanied by either a piano, guitar, or violin, singing faith based wedding songs live can definitely make your wedding into a more unique one.

The vocalist can sing the Christian/Gospel wedding songs you chose, be it during the lighting of the candles, before the procession, before the vows, during communion, etc. It all depends on you.

Christian/Gospel Music

Music happens to be one of the most important elements in a wedding as it sets the tone and mood of the whole event. Whatever faith based wedding songs you choose to play in your wedding, it will surely be imbedded in your memory forever. So choose something that corresponds with what you feel in your heart and has special meaning to you and your future spouse, because hearing it again would surely bring back memories of your very special day.

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8/19/2015 Comments

Your Wedding Theme

Whether it’s a traditional, formal or off-the-beaten-track wedding, you’re putting the whole event together yourself by planning its every phase. These days, with so much available on the Internet, it’s easy! All you need is some time and a clear idea of the feeling you want to get across.

Start with a theme and you’ll have a coherent image you can use throughout the entire wedding. You may be surprised, in fact, how potent just a word or concept can be, once applied as your marriage theme.

Love angels, for example? What could be more perfect than finding ways to incorporate angels in every phase of your wedding?

From the flowers to the guest favours to the vows, you can find a way to carry out the theme through the entire event. Is it to be a casual wedding of two Renaissance types? The Renaissance theme is compatible with the wedding ritual, and makes for an unforgettable event.

Getting married on February the fourteenth? Hearts and flowers are perhaps the most traditional and best beloved of all wedding themes!

When you’re planning your wedding, save time to choose the music with care. Get together with whoever is providing the music and talk about the right pieces for the two of you. There is nothing that sets the tone like music, and your wedding music will live in your memories for the rest of your lives.

The rings, the vows, the wardrobe all the choices you must make to create an intimately personal expression of your love, are made so much easier by following a theme. But the idea behind it all is what counts.

You can choose one word to describe the spirit you wish to be your wedding, as if the coming together of two hearts creates a separate entity with one quality.

Is it joy? Is it contentment? Is it a giddy, bubbly, mirthful adoration? Pick a word or a phrase and keep it in mind. It’ll tie everything together and make the experience more perfect. And your wedding theme can become a foundation throughout your marriage.

For your wedding.

For each other.

For your life.

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8/5/2015 Comments

Grooming The Groom(s)

While it goes without saying that most of the attention will be on the bride on the wedding day it is still very important that the groom looks his best also. If there are two grooms then THEY are main focus.

One of the best ways of doing this is by following some form of exercise regime in the weeks and months prior to the wedding to get in shape and feel more energized.

Neither partner should overdo it to such an extent that it could cause injury that might affect the enjoyment of the wedding day or the honeymoon thereafter.

By maintaining good nutrition in the months prior to the wedding his hair and skin will look a lot healthier and if he has been following an exercise regime and even his clothes will tend to fit better.

The groom(s) should also get their hair styled by somebody who they are comfortable with and is sure will make a good job before the wedding day.

Don't leave it to the last minute and make sure that you've decided on the hair style well in advance of the wedding day.

It's all about planning as this is the only way to be assured of a good outcome at the end of the day and the groom needs to be on that to-do list of things to get sorted just like everything else.

Don’t try new hairstyles if there isn’t enough time for it to grow back out should it ever need changing.

Too close to the wedding is not the time to start getting radical with things such as hairstyles.

Any other major changes in life can cause stress and this can be reflected on the grooms face and this will also be seen in the photographs so try to lead a steady and relaxed lifestyle prior to the wedding.

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7/25/2015 Comments

7 Tips On Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

The wedding vow is the promise the couple make to each other during the wedding ceremony. A wedding without vows is an unfamiliar sight.

Wedding vows are essential in any marriage ceremony. Now-a-days, modern wedding ceremonies offer the flexibility of allowing you to write and say your own vows.

If you decide to write your own personally meaningful wedding vows, then here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. When you write your own vows, you naturally start to think of all the good reasons why you want to be with the person you are going to marry. Writing your own vows makes the words you say more natural and from the heart.

2. If you don’t know what to say, or you don’t know how to start it, or you just want to add a few additional thoughts, then you can get ideas by reading books on the topic or performing a search on the web for free wedding vows.

You can look at a few of the sample wedding vows online and borrow some ideas or words from each to add to your own unique vows. You can also try taking a particular sample and just changing a few words to suit you. You can also take a wedding vow you really like and use it as is.

3. If you want a touch of artistic expression to your vows, try adding a few lines of poetry from the popular works by Gibran, Keats or Browning.

4. You may want to include some of the lyrics from your favourite song. Couple’s often have a song or tune that symbolizes their love for each other, sort of like the song that is danced to during the reception or after the wedding dinner.

5. While you are thinking about what to say in your vows, you may consider your lifestyles, your personalities and your interests.

7. Share with each other what you have written. You both can bounce back ideas; revive special moments you had with each other. This will help you discover what to include in your vows.

Make sure you let the Officiate or person who will be marrying you know ahead of time that you are writing your own vows. He or she can inform you about what must be included and may provide a few pointers.

One final thought. Saying your wedding vows during the ceremony can be frightening. You may be scared that you might mess up. Well don’t be. It’s okay to stumble a bit. You will be able to correct yourself. Know that writing your own vows and practicing a bit will help you both gain the confidence you need to do well.

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7/25/2015 Comments

10 Must Have Gift Ideas For The Wedding Party

A photo album complete with a picture of you and the bridesmaid or the entire wedding party can be another unique gift idea . You could purchase photo albums with the date of your wedding engraved on the front cover and start the photo album with a picture of you and the wedding party. This is a wonderful gift idea because the wedding party can place their photos from the wedding day in the album and will always have a precious souvenir from the day.

Gift certificates to a spa or a salon also make unique gift ideas for your wedding party . They most likely spent a great deal of time and energy in helping you to plan your wedding. The week prior to your wedding was also probably especially hectic with a great deal of last minute details to attend to and errands to run. While you will have your honeymoon to relax and renew your energy your wedding party do not have this luxury so by honouring them by presenting them with a gift certificate to a spa or salon you are giving them the gift or being pampered and the gift of relaxation.

A few more unique gift ideas for your wedding party gifts include handcrafted or homemade gifts. For example you could put together a CD of some of favourite songs. You could make the CDs different for each person and include a photo of the two of you on the cover and include a heartfelt poem on the inside of the CD cover.

You could also create a scrapbook for each person . You could either make the scrapbook a memory of your entire friendship together and include photos and other items from your various adventures throughout the years or if you plan ahead and take many photos documenting your wedding preparations, you could create scrapbooks as a remembrance of the wedding planning that you shared.

Any item that relates to a specific hobby that your partner enjoys is a great idea for a wedding gift . This is a popular choice because giving a gift that relates to one of his/her hobbies demonstrates that you understand their likes and that you want them to continue to engage in activities that they enjoy.

Another unique gift idea for is a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Assisting in your wedding preparations was probably extremely stressful and time consuming for the wedding party and they certainly deserve a night on the town and the opportunity to not have to cook for a night. This simple gift lets them know that you appreciate their efforts and that you want to thank them for all that they have done to support you.

Unique gift ideas can also stem from the wedding theme. For example if you are having a beach themed wedding you might want to give a gift of a tote bag, a beach towel and a novel to enjoy on the beach. This unique gift idea ensures that your friends will remember your wedding fondly the next time they are at the beach.

Although the tradition of exchanging gifts on the wedding day is beginning to fade, many couples still wish to honour this tradition. Many couples spend so much money on their wedding and reception that they feel as though they cannot afford the additional expense of buying gifts for each other. While it may be true that the couple cannot afford one more extravagant gift it is also true that a truly thoughtful gift for the groom does not have to be overly expensive. If the couple is partaking in this tradition it is advisable that they exchange gifts that truly reflect the personality of their spouse.

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7/23/2015 Comments

Being The Best Man

I have been blessed to have been a Best Man twice so far. They were about fifteen years apart and I admit freely that the first time I really sucked ( Sorry Michelle & Jeremy ) .
The second time however I was determined to do the job fully and to the best of my ability. The way I made sure that I took care of my Best Man duties was to research and compile the following list .

Contribute
You don’t really have to do any wedding planning but you should offer to help with anything that might be needed. Step in where you can lessen the weight of everything that is being put together.

Organize A Party
I guess this should really start with “ASK , if a party is desired”. This could be an Engagement Party , Jack and Jill , Buck and Doe or any other Pre-wedding event. Of course all the planning is not yours alone. Delegate essential tasks to the other members of the wedding in party.

Prepare
Make sure that the members of the Wedding Party have their wedding attire fitted. Let the Ushers know what their jobs are and where they will be standing.

Assist
When the big day arrives is when your main job starts :
- Organize and distribute final payment to vendors.
- Make sure all paper work is brought to the ceremony to be signed and witnessed.
- On wedding day you are most likely in charge of the safe keeping of the Wedding Rings.

Present The Rings
Present The Rings at the appropriate time during the ceremony. You may have to present the rings to the officiant or even to the couple . That aspect should be sorted out during the Wedding Rehearsal.

Make sure there are no last minute tasks left undone
Be at the reception early to finalize last minute tasks, greet the guest and get the Wedding Party ready for the Grand Entrance.

Toast
Most people are not fans of public speaking but this is the spot where the Best Man can shine. If toasts are not scheduled then this is a great time to step up and propose the first toast. An organized and witty Best Man Speech will help make your contributions memorable.

Be attentive
Your job is to help by being a contributing member of the events . Yes that will include dancing . It will also include attending to the wedding couple’s needs this will free them up to enjoy their reception.

After the reception
The wedding day is over but the Best Man should make sure that all rentals are returned
( tuxedos , decor , equipment etc )

This list isn’t the be all but it has helped me to be a contributing member of the wedding party as opposed to just a fixture at the head table.Can you think of other things not mentioned that should be taken care of by the best man?

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7/10/2015 Comments

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4/11/2015 Comments

Benefits Of Buying Blank Invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the most important decisions that the bride and groom need to make. Without wedding invitations, then there can be no guests. The bride and groom will have literally thousands of potential invitations to choose from. There are retailers everywhere and each offers different options. One of the most unique options however, is to purchase blank invitations. This offers the bride and groom many benefits that the preprinted invitations do not.

Blank wedding invitations are perfect for the bride and groom that have a tight budget. These invitations will be much less expensive than those that are preprinted. The bride and groom can then shop around and find the least expensive place to have the invitations printed or they may choose to print the wedding invitations on their own printer. These blank invitations can be printed in either an inkjet or laser printer, which offers the bride and groom endless possibilities while maintaining their budget.

Another benefit to purchasing blank wedding invitations is time. This is an excellent option for the bride and groom who are planning far ahead and want to have everything purchased and planned early. This will allow them to purchase the wedding invitations without having to have chosen the wording for the invitations yet. This is also an excellent option for the bride and groom who are on a tight timeline. Shipping for blank wedding invitations will be much quicker and the bride and groom can have them printed out quickly and send them out to guests sooner than preprinted invitations.

Blank wedding invitations also give the bride and groom the opportunity to decide on their wedding invitation wording and make sure it is exactly how they want it. Once they have finalized the wording, they can have the invitations printed. In addition, the bride and groom may choose to personalize their wedding invitations to suit different guests. Every invitation does not need to be the same. This allows the bride and groom to be truly creative with their wedding invitations.

The designs of blank invitations are just as diverse as those that are preprinted. This is perfect for the bride and groom who are using their invitations to set the tone of their wedding. An elegant invitation conveys to guests that the event will be formal. Since many couples are choosing special themes for their weddings, this is a great way to incorporate that theme into the wedding.

Wedding invitations are not only an important purchase, but it is fun for the bride and groom as well. The couple can hold the wedding invitations in their hands and it makes the entire event seem more real and that is exciting. It does not need to be a stressful decision. Blank wedding invitations offer the bride and groom endless possibilities and benefits. Time and money are both precious commodities that a couple can use elsewhere.

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4/3/2015 Comments

Spring Wedding Favours

Spring is a fabulous time of year for weddings. Many couples choose to have a wedding in the springtime because it is such a wonderful time of year when the plants start to flourish after a dormant winter. With the combination of a variety of flowers in bloom and the temperate weather, many couples feel as though spring is the ideal time for a wedding. These couples are also likely to want to give there guests wedding favours which are closely associated to the spring season. This article will offer a few ideas for wedding favours which would be appropriate for weddings in the springtime.

Flowers are one of the most obvious choices for wedding favours for a spring wedding. Spring is one of the best times of year for fresh flowers. There are a wide variety of bright and fragrant flowers which are available in the spring. Couples who get married at this time of year may have trouble choosing flowers for centrepieces and bouquets because there are so many options available to them. Because flowers are so plentiful this time of year, giving flowers as wedding favours is also a very common practice at spring weddings. The couple may choose to give fresh flowers because they are so bright and fragrant or artificial flowers because they will serve as a lasting memento of the wedding for the guests. With either option the couple may choose to give either a single flower or a bouquet of flowers tied with a ribbon matching the other colours used at the wedding.

Knick knacks such as ceramic umbrellas or ceramic rain boots can also be very cute wedding favours for a springtime wedding. These favours can also often be personalized to include the name of the bride and the groom as well as the wedding date. By personalizing the favour the couple makes the gift more appropriate for the wedding but by keeping the favour related to the season the couple makes the favour a really fun gift for the guests.

Real umbrellas can also be used as favours for a springtime wedding. In many locations, spring is typically a rainy time of year. A favour of umbrellas is a really practical idea because the guests are likely to be able to use the favour for years to come. One way to personalize this type of favour is to include a small tag on the handle with the name of the bride and the groom as well as the wedding date. The umbrellas can also be made more appropriate for the season by seeking out umbrellas in bright pastel colours.

A final idea for springtime wedding favours is simply candy. There are candies available in a variety of vibrant colours. While chocolate bars with personalize wrappers may be popular wedding favours year round, couples having a spring wedding may wish to select more colourful candies such as jelly beans or hard candies which come in a variety of colours. These candies can be distributed in see through containers such as votive candle holders or clear bags so the colours will be prominently displayed at the place settings. This type of wedding favour is not only a great deal of fun but it also relates very well to the season of the wedding and it is a favour which is likely to be greatly appreciated by the guests. While it is not a favour which will serve as a lasting memento of the wedding, it is a favour your guests will enjoy while they are eating the favour.

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4/3/2015 Comments

Wedding Reception Seating

Seating during your wedding reception is more important than it seems. You want your guests to feel comfortable and, for that, seating is critical. You can shape how much fun everyone has, since you can choose the best seating positions for your guests.

To begin your wedding reception seating plan, you will first need to know how many tables you will set up at your wedding reception, as well as how many chairs will be at each table. To find this out, contact your wedding reception facility and make sure to also ask them for a chart of where the tables will be at your wedding reception.

Although your seating chart should be prepared early, you shouldn’t finalize it until about two weeks prior to the date of your wedding reception.

Place card holders are not only attractive decorations, but they provide a great way to help your wedding guests with the seating. Your guests should be able to quickly find their seat. Each card should have the guest’s or couple’s names.

Seat people with similar interests at the same table. Think of a unique and fun way to identify each table.
Seat wedding guest of similar ages together.
Seat family members who don't see each other often to help them catch up on the latest family matters. You should only seat family members together, if they like each other!
Seat an even number of guests at each table.
Seat your wedding reception guests who enjoy dancing close to the dance floor.

To avoid possible conflicts, divorced parents should have their own tables. Seat them separately with their respective family members.

Keep small children next to their parents unless there is a designated children's room or table with a caregiver.

Don’t worry about a seating chart for a cocktails only the wedding reception. If it is a very small party, you can skip the seating chart altogether. For a formal dinner reception, a seating chart is essential. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide who should sit at which table. As you can see, proper seating is hard work, and it requires careful planning.

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3/1/2015 Comments

Jewish Wedding Traditions

The Jewish faith is one that is deeply rooted in tradition. A traditional Jewish wedding follows a number of beautiful traditions that date back for thousands of years. The traditions include the signing of the Ketubah, the use of the chuppah as well as traditional dances that are performed at the wedding. The rings exchanged during a Jewish wedding also have traditional connotations.

The signing of the Ketubah is the traditional start to a Jewish wedding ceremony. The Ketubah is a written agreement that not only asserts that the bride is not already married but also outlines the expectations that the couple hold for each other in the marriage. This ornate document can later be framed and prominently displayed in the couple’s home as a reminder of their commitment. After the bride and groom have signed the Ketubah, the groom takes one final look at his bride before lowering her veil and beginning the wedding procession. This tradition has biblical roots and recalls the story of Jacob who married the wrong woman because she was veiled and he did not realize his mistake in time.

The wedding party traditionally precedes the couple in the wedding procession. The bride and groom then proceed down the aisle together accompanied by both of their parents to symbolize that their union includes the union of both families and not just the bride and the groom. The couple ends their procession under a traditional canopy called a chuppah. This canopy symbolizes that God is present and that he is sheltering and protecting the couple.

After the couple exchanges their wedding vows, a Rabbi reads 7 traditional blessings. After the blessings the groom steps on a wine glass to break the glass in a symbol of human frailty and the suffering that members of the Jewish faith have endured and this with a final blessing from the rabbi concludes the ceremony. Unlike other traditional weddings, there is usually not a receiving line at the conclusion of a Jewish wedding. Tradition holds that the couple spends a few minutes alone immediately following the wedding so many members of the Jewish faith honour this tradition by leaving the ceremony immediately and waiting until the reception to offer their well wishes to the couple. This togetherness time was traditionally an opportunity for the couple to consummate the marriage but in modern times it is more of chance for the couple to reflect on their wedding ceremony and the start of their life together before the chaos of the wedding.

Even the rings that a couple exchanges during a Jewish wedding have traditional values. Tradition holds that the couple exchange very simple rings that are devoid of gems, engravings or other distinguishing marks. With nothing to distinguish the beginning or the end of the ring, it is a beautiful symbol of a love that endures forever with no clear beginning or end. This symbolizes both the couples love for each other as well as Godís love for his people.

A traditional Jewish wedding reception features many dances. An energetic dance called the Hora is performed at many traditional Jewish weddings. In this dance the bride and groom hold a handkerchief between them while they are seated in chairs and hoisted into the air by their guests. This dance is a celebration of the bride and groom and recognizes the significance of their union. If this wedding represents the last son or daughter of one of the parents to be married there are a few more traditional dances that may take place. If the bride was the last in her family to be married, she and her sisters may honour their mother in a tradition known as Krenzi. The mother is crowned with flowers and her daughters honour her in the form of dance. Also, if either the bride or groom was the youngest to be married both of the parents will be honoured through the Mizinke dance. In this tradition all of the guests circle the parents and shower them with flowers and praise.

The Jewish faith is a faith that is full of history and tradition. Many couples and their guests choose to honour these traditions by incorporating them into their wedding ceremony and reception. Many of these traditions are the defining moments of the celebration and they lend an atmosphere of historical significance to the wedding.

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2/23/2015 Comments

Walking Down The Aisle

Another dilemma that often comes up when planning a wedding is who will walk who down the aisle. Although traditionally it is the father that does this, the plethora of step-families has made it a more difficult decision. This is especially true when the step parents have been in the children’s lives for a long time.

Breaking tradition

A bride that has both a step father and a biological father may opt still to have her biological father walk her down the aisle. This can be a way to show her family bond as well as stick with tradition. In the case of a bride that hasn’t been close to her father, she may opt to have her step father walk her down the aisle. This is a newly emerging sight at weddings, and quite touching.

Of course, if the bride loves both of the men and wants to include them, there’s nothing wrong with having both walk her down the aisle. It honours her relationship with both men and lets them have the chance to hold her arm.

This also holds true for the groom. He can choose to escort both a step mother and his biological mother down the aisle at the beginning is she should choose to. Or the best man can do so, as is tradition.

If the father has passed on, the bride may opt to have an older brother or an uncle walk her down the aisle. Likewise, if the mother of the groom has passed, then a sister or an aunt may want to walk with him.

Dealing with difficulties

While this all seems like a loving and simple solution to include everyone in the wedding, some parents may still have issues with their ex-spouses. And this can lead to bitter feelings about your choice in who walks who down the aisle.

Should you fight for what you want? That’s entirely up to you. If walking with both fathers makes you happy, then you should do that even if the opposite partners are not pleased for whatever reason.

If you feel that it may cause more trouble than it is worth, then you may opt to stick with tradition. Just be sure to include your step parent in some other part of the wedding so they don’t feel left out because of biological status.

In the end, remember that it’s your day and your decision.

We would love to hear your thoughts.

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9/3/2014 Comments

4 Things to Prioritize When Planning Your Wedding on a Budget

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and planning it often comes with financial considerations. Many couples choose a budget wedding to save money, but remember—budget-friendly doesn’t mean cheap! With smart planning, you can have a stunning celebration without sacrificing quality.

Here are four key areas to focus on when planning your budget wedding to ensure it’s both cost-effective and unforgettable.

1. Wedding Photography and Videography

Capturing your wedding moments professionally is non-negotiable. While the cost of a wedding photographer can range from $1,000 to $3,000, relying on a friend or relative isn’t the solution. Wedding photos and videos are priceless keepsakes that allow you to relive your big day for years to come.

Budget Tip:
Reach out to local photography clubs or hobbyist photographers who might offer competitive rates. Book them for a pre-wedding session or engagement shoot first to ensure their style meets your expectations.

2. Wedding Venue

Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your celebration. While hosting your wedding at home may save money, it’s essential to consider your guests' comfort. A cramped space can cause guests to leave early, cutting the fun short.

Budget Tip:
Look for venues that offer discounts for off-season or weekday weddings. Select a location that complements your wedding theme, ensuring it’s memorable without breaking the bank.

3. Flowers

Wedding flowers can be surprisingly expensive, and it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Some vendors may use “less fresh” blooms on your wedding day, so choose your florist wisely.

Budget Tip:
Opt for flowers that are in season to reduce costs. Alternatively, consider a garden wedding where the natural surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop without the need for extra floral arrangements.

4. DJ and Entertainment

The two most common wedding complaints? Bad food and poor entertainment. Don’t let subpar entertainment ruin your day. Hiring a professional DJ or entertainer is crucial for creating an enjoyable and lively atmosphere.

Budget Tip:
Experienced part-time DJs and entertainers can deliver the same high-quality service as full-time professionals at a more affordable rate. Do your research to find someone who fits your vision and budget.

Plan Your Dream Budget Wedding
With proper planning, you can save up to 50% on your wedding costs without compromising on quality. The key is to focus on aspects that enhance the experience for you and your guests, ensuring your special day is as unforgettable as it is budget-friendly.

DJ XTC Entertainment is here to provide top-tier wedding DJ, MC, and lighting services in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and across the GTA. Our team of professionals will help make your wedding the celebration of a lifetime.

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