7 Secular Wedding Traditions That Bring Meaning To Your Big Day

Jean & Bryan Wedding – Candle Lighting Ceremony – Bronx Post Office – by Karen Wise

If we’ve noticed anything after doing weddings for over a decade, it’s that each couple is completely unique and different from the next. How they choose to carry out their wedding ceremony is a beautiful demonstration of this fact. And many couples today desire a secular ceremony to signify their union. Here are seven non-religious wedding traditions that can be used to express your love and commitment to each other.

Unity Candle Lighting Ceremony
We talked about the sacredness of candle lighting in a Greek Orthodox wedding. The tradition doesn’t have to be based in a religion, however. The unity candle lighting ceremony is a beautiful way to honor your big day. Three candles are needed to perform the ritual – one for each partner and one to symbolize the new marriage. Before the ceremony, each set of parents lights a candle. Then the officiant reads a script, addressing the couple and their relationship. Finally, using the two smaller candles, the couple lights the larger candle to seal their union.
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Rashna & Sean Wedding - Ceremony - Bronx Zoo - Dideo Films Photography

Planning & Inspiration

Religious & Cultural Wedding Traditions and What They Mean

by Kate Murphy

Rashna & Sean Wedding – Ceremony – Bronx Zoo – Dideo Films Photography

One of the best things about doing weddings in New York City is the richness of diversity here. We get to work with couples that represent many religions and cultures from around the world. They want to incorporate elements that symbolize their faith and backgrounds during their wedding. Often times, a union is marked by the coming together of different beliefs and practices. Either way, it’s unforgettable to witness the bond of marriage center around something that is so important to two people. Here’s a look at various religious and cultural wedding traditions and what they mean.
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Long Stem Wedding Bouquet - via elle.com.au

Planning & Inspiration

Long Stem Wedding Bouquet Ideas For Every Type Of Bride

by Kate Murphy

Long Stem Wedding Bouquet – via elle.com.au

One of our favorite floral designs to collaborate on with brides is the bouquet. There are so ways to go with what is the most personal element of your wedding flowers. A forecasted wedding trend for 2019 is the long stem bouquet. We’re hesitant to use the word “trend” here, because it suggests that what is “in” now will be “passé” sooner or later. It is our aim to create designs that speak to a bride’s style and personality, something she can look back at years from now and still be happy with. This is what makes the long stem bouquet so wonderful. While it will bring dramatic flair to your big day look (heads will turn, we promise), it complements styles ranging from classic to romantic to modern. Here are fifteen gorgeous long stem wedding bouquet ideas for every type of bride.
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Summer Wedding Table Decor - via chicandstylishweddings.com

Planning & Inspiration

15 Pretty Summer Wedding Table Decor Ideas That Captivate The Eye

by Kate Murphy

Summer Wedding Table Decor – via chicandstylishweddings.com

The summer wedding season is full swing, and we couldn’t be happier. This is a time when lavish, candelabra centerpieces give way to décor that is more natural and garden inspired. We are not saying luxurious and striking table tops are out right now. Rather, designs are being filtered through a lens that has adjusted to the colors and mood that come with the warmer months. Looking for inspiration to make your special day unforgettable? Here are fifteen pretty wedding table décor ideas that guests will be talking about for years to come.
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Bridal Flower Crown - via heyweddinglady.com

Planning & Inspiration

Gorgeous Ideas For Wearing Flowers On Your Wedding Day

by Kate Murphy

Bridal Flower Crown – via heyweddinglady.com

We are constantly looking for imaginative ways to use flowers in our weddings. And for our brides, this can mean thinking beyond the bouquet and actually wearing flowers. Styling with florals is guaranteed to bring your big day look to the next level. Who is going to forget the bride who walked down the with freshly picked roses adorning her hair? From hair accessories to jewelry, we’ve rounded up the most gorgeous ideas for wearing flowers at your wedding.

Wedding Flower Crown

Let’s start with the most obvious – the flower crown. This onetime boho accessory has evolved and can work with any bridal style. Verdant greenery accented with berries and petite flowers radiates organic beauty. Make a romantic statement with voluminous, petal soft peonies and roses. A delicate ring of waxflowers is perfect a summer countryside wedding.
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Sara & Mitch Wedding - Ceremony Atmosphere - The Foundry - Craig Paulson Studio

Weddings

Sara & Mitch Exchange Vows Under A Beautiful Chuppah

by Kate Murphy

Sara & Mitch Wedding – Ceremony Atmosphere – The Foundry – Craig Paulson Studio

Part 3: Ceremony & Chuppah

Anticipation grew as guests took their seats to witness Sara and Mitch’s nuptials. In just moments, the couple would meet under beautiful, floral adorned chuppah. Sara describes how The Foundry’s industrial aesthetic helped guide the backdrop’s design. “I wanted to juxtapose hard and soft elements with the chuppah by pairing a sturdy foundation with romantic flowers and lots of greenery.” Her vision translated into a dark wood structure embellished with a lush mixture of roses, dahlias, nigellas, Queen Anne’s lace, and wax flowers in shades of blush, red, and white. Seeded eucalyptus, salal greenery and ruscus added a natural touch to the display.
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Planning & Inspiration