Monday, February 1, 2010

Discovering Wedding Tradition: Part Two


Its a nice day for a white wedding!

This week I would like to tell you about the white wedding dress. Prior to the Victorian era, a bride was married in her best dress, in any color except black or red. For centuries brides have dressed to reflect their social status; brides were not only reflecting themselves, but also their families and sometimes their country.

The white wedding dress became the fashion following the marriage of Queen Victoria, who wore an all-white gown.

Although this is the tradition in western culture, brides in other countries sometimes wear red, or some other type of traditional garment.

The wedding veil was worn for modesty since the 16th century, but veils had been used in the West for weddings long before this. Roman brides wore a veil to protect themselves from evil on their wedding day.

What is a dress and a veil with out a bouquet? Wedding flowers symbolize fertility and everlasting love. In the past brides carried nosegays with garlic, herbs, and grains to keep away evil spirits. Carrying ivy means faithfulness, Lilies of the Valley mean purity, and, of course, roses mean true love.

Dress by Vera Wang.

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Wedding Workshop | February 21, 2010


The Wedding Workshop: Affordable Elegance for the Modern Bride
Sunday, February 21, 2010
at the Sarasota Garden Club
stop by from 3:00p ~ 6:00p


The choices are endless and even the most organized bride has a dozen decisions to make at any given minute, and many are wondering how to keep the costs down. The Wedding Workshop: Affordable Elegance for the Modern Bride is a free, practical workshop designed for brides-to-be wanting to learn more.

The workshop features experts from a variety of traditional wedding service providers who will offer tips and advice on planning an elegant Sarasota wedding, while staying on budget.

There will be mini-makeup consultations, models showing off the newest trends in dresses and wedding style, hors d'oeuvres, wedding cake, 5-minute massages, and other demonstrations to get couples prepared for the big day. This is a truly interactive event, and anyone is welcome to attend. There is even a section of the show dedicated to the grooms!

Gifts will be raffled off to brides who attend.

For more information about The Wedding Workshop, email info@SarasotaWeddingCompany.com.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Discovering Wedding Tradition: Part One


Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
And silver sixpence in your shoe.

You have probably heard this a million times, but do you know why you wear these special items on your wedding day?

Something old symbolizes traditional values taken on by the bride and handed down from someone who is respected and married.

Something new usually is a shiny new penny, for good luck or good fortune. Alternatively, any item purchased to be worn on your wedding day (such as your dress, shoes, etc.) could be your something new.

Something borrowed symbolizes sharing in the happiness of an acquaintance who you admire.

Something blue, because blue symbolizes constancy. A common blue item is the blue garter.

Some brides try to incorporate all the "somethings" into one item. Such as blue earrings loaned to you by your grandmother. The earrings are old, but new to you!

It is considered good luck for a bride to carry all of these "somethings" on her wedding day.

I found this beautiful garter set on Etsy. One to keep, one to throw, and a handkerchief for the bride makes this a perfect set for all occasions and the most sophisticated brides. Get yours here.