WEDDING NOTES™ - Wedding Day Energy

It will be an exciting and event filled day, but it is also a long day and one that can leave you very, very tired once the adrenalin rush subsides.  Your day may begin with hair and makeup appointments and even if the wedding is an evening one, you'll be busy all day with cameras flashing and video rolling. Here are some suggestions that can help conserve the energy necessary to get through the day in style.

*Get a good night's sleep the night before.  If your rehearsal and groom's dinner are the night before the wedding, it may be tempting to stay out late and party, but try to get home and snuggled in before the midnight hour.

*Eat breakfast!  Go for a combination of carbs and protein.  The carbs will give you an initial burst of energy to get you going and the protein will keep you feeling full longer.  Not a fan of a big breakfast?  Try a combo of whole wheat toast, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt.

*Stay hydrated.  Although drinking plenty of fluids can increase bathroom trips (which combined with nerves are not fun for brides in gowns), it is important to have enough fluids in you.  Being dehydrated can result in headaches, weakness, dizziness and can make you cranky.  Don't try to front load all the fluids before noon.  Consume water throughout the day.

*Pack some snacks.  You may get busy and have no time for lunch.  If yours is an evening wedding, you may go all day without food.  Take neat finger foods that can be nibbled like trail mix.  Avoid any messy foods that can drip on your clothing or may get stuck in your teeth.  Stash some nibbles in the limo or whatever mode of transport is taking you to the reception.

*Try to avoid a caffeine binge.  Avoid those energy drinks.

*Eat dinner.  You paid for it, enjoy it.  And watch the alcohol intake. You've worked hard to create a memorable wedding for your family and guests.  A bride with too much to drink is not one of the memories you want to create.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Writing Your Own Vows

As a special way to make their wedding unique, some couples are attempting to write their own vows. If that is in your plans, here are some things to keep in mind as you consider this.

• This can be a huge undertaking.  It is like being an author/poet and public speaker at the same time.  Some people can pull it off and others can't.  Think about it clearly before you commit to making it an integral part of your ceremony.

• Make sure it's even possible.  Many churches don't allow personalized vows.  Couples are required to recite a specific and traditional set of vows.  Even officiants who OK the concept may want to have final approval of what you have chosen to say.

• Start early.  You may have learned to cram for finals in college, but this is not the time or place to just "jot down a few ideas the night before and wing it".

• Make sure that both of you are on the same page.  The bride may have something serious and somber in mind, while the groom is thinking funny and light.  Talk about the tone of the vows that will work for both of you.  Pick a common theme to guide you both.  Consider this - do you want to know what he/she will say before the ceremony or is it to be a surprise?

• Feel free to copy words or ideas from books or plays.  Quote a famous poet or author whose work resonates with you.

• Remember that you are speaking before a large audience.  Don't make the vows so personal that no one knows what you are talking about.  Your guests have been invited to witness your vows in order to make the marriage bond public.  If you have more material than works in the profession of vows, save it and use it for toasts during the reception.

• Don't go on and on.  Note how long it takes to say required vows and time yours accordingly.  One minute or so is usually enough.

• Practice, practice, practice.

WEDDING NOTES™ - IT'S OFFICIAL

Legal issues related to weddings have a long history.

At one time, the mere act of living together made a man and a woman husband and wife.  But over time, unions required more legal status.  As civilizations developed and matured, laws were enacted that shaped the traditions and requirements.

The earliest known marriage certificate in existence is of a Hebrew marriage in Egypt in the 5th Century B.C.  By the lst Century A.D. Jewish religious laws stipulated that a marriage without a contract was neither proper nor legal.  The certificate defined a husband's duties and provided for the wife should he divorce or predecease her.  It detailed the date and place of marriage and since surnames were unknown, the bride and groom were carefully identified.  The groom was responsible for writing the certificate, which had to be read publicly at the wedding.

The early Christian church adopted this custom and adapted the text by adding the obligation that the wife "love, cherish and honor" the husband.

For ancient Romans, the kiss was a legal bond.  They held a betrothal ceremony at which the bride and groom joined right hands.  The bride received a ring and then the couple kissed.  The Christian church incorporated much of the betrothal ceremony into the marriage ceremony - including the kiss.  It was transformed into the liturgical kiss of peace, which was to remind the couple of the sanctity of their union.

We are reminded that marriage is both a civil/ legal union and a personal commitment of two individuals to share their lives.  Our consultants can help you understand the origins of many of our current traditions as well as guiding you in creating some new traditions of your own.