Embrace your roots! - How to make your wedding unique...

When I talk to wedding couples they often ask me where I'm from... 

Once I tell them, they are usually eager to share with me that their grandma or granddad comes from Poland, Ireland,  England, Rumania, Russia or whatever country. 

It always fascinates me to hear these stories and I have often wondered why couples don't try to embrace their roots and use some of the old wedding traditions as a homage to their ancestors?

Weddings are about leaving your old life behind and starting a new life together, so what could be more fitting than keeping some of these old traditions alive? 


Every wedding tradition has a meaningful origin. We often 'keep up with tradition' even though we often don't even know where these traditions originate from... they just have become 'standard protocol'. Some of the commonly used traditions we use nowadays do not even have a 'flattering' reason.....  



Did you know, that traditions like the groom not being allowed to see the bride before the wedding, the bride wearing a veil over her face and the dad walking his daughter down the aisle all stem from the days when marriages were arranged? 

The groom often never saw his bride until the ceremony so all these 'precautions' were taken so that the groom couldn't change his mind and make a detour if he didn't like the look of his wife to be and equally, the dad escorting the bride down the aisle prevented her from escaping if she didn't like the groom. Not exactly a 'flattering tradition', is it? 

I have often wondered why especially these traditions are still going strong even though we're living in a day and age when we pick our own partners and set our own date... On the other hand we have forgotten other traditions that are truly meaningful and beautiful.... 

2013 has seen a huge increase in 'vintage style' weddings. A trend that still seems to be going strong for this year and 2015... so why not also incorporate some of the old traditions to make your wedding even more special and unique? 

Here are a few traditions from around the world that are meaningful, fun and provide some unique photo opportunities:

CUTTING THE LOG

Origin: Europe (Austria/Germany)

The freshly married couple has to cut a log of wood together 

Meaning: 

An old custom that symbolizes teamwork and equality. Cutting the log jointly represents harmony in the marriage, attentiveness, good communication and overcoming hurdles with each other's help

This custom can also be adapted. The wedding guests can draw a heart with the couple's names on a big white cloth and block the couple's way, either as they walk out from the ceremony or when the couple enters the reception. The sheet is held up or fixed in a door frame so that the couple has to 'cut their way free'. 

Another variation is at the ceremony for all guests that sit at the aisle either side to hold a piece of ribbon so that the couple's path is blocked and they need to cut their way free.... 

BREAD & WINE

Origin: European (Polish/German) but also in Jewish and Russian traditions

During or after the ceremony the couple jointly cut or break bread, feeding each other a piece and feed each other a sip of wine. 

Religious Meaning: 

At the last supper Jesus told his disciples to eat bread and drink wine as symbols of his body and blood 

Symbolic Meaning: 

The bread symbolizes that the couple will never run out of food, which could also mean money, creative 'food' to keep their marriage interesting and so on. The feeding each other symbolizes caring for each other. The wine represents bitter sweet things and therefore sharing the good and the bad times but also as a sign to stay positive in that the glass is always half full....

WEDDING TREE

Origin: European (Holland)

Guests are given a piece of paper with a colored ribbon either before the ceremony or at the reception to write down a wish for the couple. The wishes become the 'tree's leaves'.

Meaning: 

The tree stands for a strong, solid relationship, the wishes ('leaves') for constant renewal but also for harvest (successful marriage) and blessings as well as a new family tree

You can also adapt the wishing tree by using a canvas with a tree and people 'leaf' their fingerprint and their name 

HANDFASTING

Origin:  Pagan Worldwide

Meaning: 

Symbolizes everlasting love and fidelity. 'Tying the knot' originates from hand fasting

The rope or ribbon can be made of one or various colors. 


Each color represents a different meaning:






Red:         Fertility, passion, strength, lust
Orange:   Kindness, attraction, encouragement, plenty
Yellow:    Joy, balance, confidence and charm
Green:     Fertility, prosperity, charity, finances, health
Blue:        Patience, devotion, sincerity and tranquility
Purple:    Sentimentality, spirituality, power and piety
Black:      Wisdom, vision, success and strength
White:     Peace, purity, meditation and concentration
Grey:      Balance, neutrality and compromising
Pink:      Romance, happiness, truth, unity and honor
Brown:  Grounding, earth, home and talent
Silver:   Values, creativity, inspiration and treasure
Gold:    Wealth, energy, intelligence and longevity


BREAKING THE GLASS (PLATES)

Origin: Jewish, Russian, various other countries

At the end of the ceremony Jewish tradition calls for the groom to break a thin glass wrapped in cloth with his foot. In other traditions the couple jointly smash plates and glasses and jointly tidy up 

Religious Meaning: 

In Jewish religion breaking the glass means the destruction of the Holy Temple, i.e. of the self. Before a person is born he or she and their soulmate are one. Smashing the glass breaks both in half separating them but under the chupah the two soul mates have found each other again and start their life as one soul... 

Symbolic Meaning:  

Breaking the glass/porcelain plates is symbolic for the fact that glass/porcelain is fragile and so are relationships. It acts as a reminder to the couple to always treat their relationship with great care but breaking glass also means good luck! Tidying up afterwards means that the couple works together, helps each other and trusts each other...


JUMPING THE BROOM

Origin:  African, Caribbean, Wales, Scotland

At the end of the ceremony the couple jumps over the broom. It is said whoever jumps higher will be the decision maker in the marriage...




Meaning:

All the past problems and evil spirits of the old life are swept away so that a new clean life together can start. In Wales and Scotland the broom is held like a hurdle and if the couple make it without falling or the broom dropping their marriage is meant to be, if not...
It also means jumping for joy! 

Just the 2 of you? Read on for our Special Offer!

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The offer is valid for all bookings made until the 31st May 2014 for weddings or vow renewals in Cancun and only applies for couples with no guests. 

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Pep up your wedding!

To have a memorable wedding that's the talk of the town, isn't that what most couple would like?

Nobody wants to have a 'boring' wedding, - we all want our big day to be something ultra special and remembered for a long time. We want to think about our big day with a huge smile on our face, but the ultimate compliment of having hosted a great wedding is if our guests remember the fun time they had and keep talking about it for months!

Its not rocket science to know that money is always a big issue for planning a great wedding. We always put great importance on the venue, the dress, the decorations, food, flowers and everything that goes with it. There are color schemes to think off, decorations, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. Each wedding site has endless lists on how to plan the perfect wedding.

But... at the end of the day what is it really that makes your wedding totally special?

Its the same as with everything else in life .... Its the people who are there!

They are the ones that can make the huge difference between your wedding being a complete hit or yet 'another nice wedding'! Just think of the fun things people did to make their wedding extra special! Remember the video of the bridal party dancing down the aisle that went viral? Who hasn't googled funny things that happen at weddings and to get some ideas?

To entertain and give everyone a fun time is not exactly easy when you have a wide range of different people, different age groups, different interests, likes and dislikes. But what they all have in common is that they like to laugh and have a great time. So why not help things along a bit? We're not all born entertainers and planners and nobody minds if you 'cheat' a little bit to get some new ideas!

One of the things I stumbled across is how to be a fun Wedding MC. To be honest, I've never thought about it, but like with everything else, you need someone to pep up the party and to get things going. There will always be guests that are difficult to motivate or some too shy to 'let loose'. Why not give it a shot? Even professional entertainers admit they're always scouting for extra help and new ideas!

You may be lucky and things may happen naturally but all to often they unfortunately don't! So why leave things up to chance if you can help it along by having a witty and funny, organized wedding MC and make your wedding truly unforgettable?

Get more ideas on how to create a fun and memorable wedding reception at THE WEDDING MC!

Tell us your favorite speeches, ideas or fun games!

Legal ceremony versus non-denominational ceremony

If you are unsure what the difference is, read on! 

It is well worth debating over as there are several things to consider. In Mexico you have two options: 

The legal wedding (Civil Wedding) which can only be performed by a Justice of Peace, or, 

a non-denominational wedding (also known as religious or spiritual wedding) which can be performed by a Minister.

Legal Wedding also called 'Civil Wedding':

• All paperwork for the legal wedding needs to be translated into Spanish and must have an apostile (official seal) Please note that many countries require you to hire an official translator to translate your marriage license back into your home language! 
• You require passports and/or birth certificates, divorce certificates (if applicable) and blood tests. Some Hotels agree for you to have the blood test in your home country, check in advance if this is possible. Note that the blood tests must be done within a certain period prior to the wedding date to be valid. Any certificates have to be translated into Spanish
• You must be in the country at least 3 working days prior to the wedding
• You require 4 witnesses, names and copies of their ID's need to be submitted to the Justice of peace a minimum of 5 working days prior to your wedding date (Please note that once you submitted the names of your witnesses they cannot be changed at the last minute!) Most Hotels will take care of all this for you, however, you will require meetings with your wedding planner taking up precious vacation time.
• Most legal judges perform a standard ceremony and do not allow you to choose your own wording (check with your wedding consultant) 
• Most legal judges will also perform the ceremony in Spanish aided by a translator. Consider that it is not very romantic if you feel as if you are watching a tennis match, looking between judge and translator all the time! To get a rough idea of a legal ceremony, compare it to that in a town hall; - short and straight to the point!
• Most legal judges are booked out months in advance and have a very tight time schedule. On average they can only wait approx. 15 mins. before they have to leave for their next wedding. In Mexico we have this wonderful thing called the 'Mexican Minute' which can mean anything from 1 minute to 'whenever'. Delays are always possible, whether it's your fault or somebody else's!
• Note that under Mexican law, the bride's last name is not changed to that of her new husband's! If your name is 'Susie Smith' and your husbands surname is Williams, your married name would be 'Susie Smith de Williams'! In order to change your name, (depending on your local authorities) you may be required to apply for a name change!
• Legal Weddings are usually not possible on Sundays or local bank holidays (It is advisable to check the local bank holidays when planning your wedding date!)
• Also worth mentioning is, that although your marriage is legal in Mexico and also recognized by most countries, you will still have to inform your local authorities back home of your change in legal status! Most Hotels will do this for you but it is worth checking yourself, just in case!
• Always remember that obtaining additional copies of your marriage license will not quite be as easy as it will be back home! 

Tip: If you are a US citizen, check with your local authorities back home! Some Town Halls allow you to take the marriage license with you and have it signed by the Minister who performs your ceremony. On your return, your marriage license needs to be filed. 

Disclaimer: It is not the responsibility of the Minister to check the validity or guarantee the legality of the marriage license!   

Non denominational wedding, also known as 'spiritual or religious' wedding:

• No paperwork is required as your legal status remains unchanged. Note that some Hotels or wedding planners may ask for an ID, entry visa into Mexico (you get this on the plane) and divorce certificate(s), if applicable.
• Most Hotels state that you need to be in the country 3 days prior to the wedding ceremony, however, this is usually for internal planning purposes. If you are only in the country for a short stay, check with your Hotel if they can be flexible
• Independent wedding planners do not have to abide by this rule but check with your wedding planner to be safe! Depending on who you choose, you can actually arrive in the morning and get married in the afternoon if you wish!
• For couples without guests who do not require the service of a wedding planner, check with your chosen Minister! Most are very flexible and accomodating 
• Because the ceremony does not change your legal status, witnesses are optional
• You can choose your own Minister and depending on their service, can discuss the ceremony you would like, make special requests, i.e incorporate children, family and friends, etc.
• Unless specifically requested by the wedding couple, pre-meetings are not required and you can start your vacation the moment you arrive!
• Most Ministers have a small surcharge for weddings held on Sundays and local Bank Holidays or peak days, i.e. Valentines Day, 4th July, Thanksgiving
• Having a non-denominational wedding is an excellent option for couples to celebrate a wedding who cannot legally get married due to financial or other reasons (elderly couples who don't want to change their pension, gay couples in countries or states where a legal wedding is not possible, 'trial marriages', elopee's, etc.
• Extremely popular with couples who 'buckle' under the pressure of having relatives or friends take over THEIR wedding arrangements and who just 'elope' to celebrate their private wedding before the 'real' wedding takes place back home.
• Also great for couples on cruise ships who are usually not long enough in the country to celebrate a legal wedding
• Perfect for renewal of vows

Image by Cancun Wedding Photography

Author: Petra Maurus

www.minister-petra-maurus.com

Text may be used by others only with Author's credits!