Our Wedding Ceremony
The Actual Ceremony
Okay, so neither Scott or I are religious, so we're going to be married by a judge or a non-denominational officiant. Since we'll be outside, I think the unity candle idea is out due to wind. Although maybe it would work if we did hurricane lamps, but I'm not terribly attached to a unity candle ceremony. I'm not into the sand idea; no offense to anyone, but it reminds me of a kiddie project with the colored sand.
The one idea that I've come across that I like it the Wine, Letter, and Box ceremony. Basically, during the ceremony, the officiant puts letters that the couple has written to each other and a bottle of wine in a box and seals it. It isn't to be opened until an anniversary, or the marriage is in serious trouble. The idea is that they'll read the letters, drink the wine, and hopefully remember the love they had. The original idea is Dutch I believe, but there's a modernized version here.
I think I want to modify the ceremony a bit. In addition to writing our own letters to each other and including a bottle of wine, I'd like to also include a few wedding pictures, possibly a copy of the DVD, and also I'd like to incorporate notes from our guests. They'd write down any thoughts of us, memories, advice, something funny. Anything that they think we'd enjoy reading over the years. The notecards would be included in the ceremony programs which will probably be at the chairs, or I might put them in the welcome bags. Obviously writing a note isn't required, but I feel like it would be a fun and nice sentiment. All that would be put into the box and sealed.
Another tradition, brought up to me by my mom, is to do a type of Quaker or Jewish marriage document. The vows are printed on a large sheet of paper, and there are lines underneath it for all the guests in attendance to sign, showing their support of the marriage now, and to support it in the future. We think it's a great idea, so I'll be designing the document (I think).
The one idea that I've come across that I like it the Wine, Letter, and Box ceremony. Basically, during the ceremony, the officiant puts letters that the couple has written to each other and a bottle of wine in a box and seals it. It isn't to be opened until an anniversary, or the marriage is in serious trouble. The idea is that they'll read the letters, drink the wine, and hopefully remember the love they had. The original idea is Dutch I believe, but there's a modernized version here.
I think I want to modify the ceremony a bit. In addition to writing our own letters to each other and including a bottle of wine, I'd like to also include a few wedding pictures, possibly a copy of the DVD, and also I'd like to incorporate notes from our guests. They'd write down any thoughts of us, memories, advice, something funny. Anything that they think we'd enjoy reading over the years. The notecards would be included in the ceremony programs which will probably be at the chairs, or I might put them in the welcome bags. Obviously writing a note isn't required, but I feel like it would be a fun and nice sentiment. All that would be put into the box and sealed.
Another tradition, brought up to me by my mom, is to do a type of Quaker or Jewish marriage document. The vows are printed on a large sheet of paper, and there are lines underneath it for all the guests in attendance to sign, showing their support of the marriage now, and to support it in the future. We think it's a great idea, so I'll be designing the document (I think).
Quaker Marriage Certificate from OriginalsPaperArt
Ceremony Decor Ideas
So I think this will be the idea we're going for with the ceremony. It looks simple and easy to set up, but still striking and classy. Submerged orchids on the aisle and manzanita branches tipped with orchids at the altar area. I don't know if we'd do the arbor/canopy idea, we might put a table there with more submerged orchids. Advantage of being in Hawaii, orchids are cheapish so I can probably get away with having them everywhere.
from MyWeddingBlooms blog
from MyWeddingBlooms blog
Closeup of what the branches would look like.
from Designs by Hemingway blog
I like these dogwood boxes too, instead of the manzanita branches.
I think we can make something similar to the dogwood branch boxes using wooden vases and matsumata branches, like this. Or maybe use curly willow branches. Something like that.
wooden vases from Event Essentials (flower arrangement not included)
matsumata branches from save-on-crafts
from Nettleton Hollow blog
Adding some orchid stems would be a nice addition.
from The Treasured Petal blog
A bamboo arbor or canopy is another idea.
Having a chiffon draping would be nice, and somewhat simple. No tulle, please, *barf*.
from LaFleur Weddings blog
from Yvonne Design blog
from The Bride's Cafe
from Designs by Hemingway blog
A capiz shell curtain might be interesting and unexpected.
