Creative Customs

Part of making your wedding unique and personal is breaking out of the traditional
mold and doing something different.  It doesn't have to be grandiose or expensive,
just little things that are representative of who you are as a couple AND as
individuals.  
Fun things that can set your ceremony apart from everyone else's.  
So get creative!  Show your style!  Tap into your imagination!

STEP OUT OF THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING BOX!
After all, it is YOUR special day so it should be anything and everything
YOU want it to be!

The Sea is a powerful metaphor for the depth of romantic love!  
Because the ocean holds such a great deal of power for each of us, the beach is a
beautiful and very spiritual location to marry.  Keep in mind that the sound of the
eternal waves of the ocean is part of the charm and romance, you can enjoy your
music later in the honeymoon suite.  If you have chosen to get married on the beach,
here are a few suggestions to consider, adding a little fun and whimsy to your
ceremony.

  • Use sea shells to define your ceremony space; either in the shape of a heart,
    circle or as a line that you step over when you are married.


  • Write your names in the sand, draw a big heart around them and step inside to
    wed.


  • Toss rose petals onto the sand and into the waves to let the ocean carry your
    blessing out to sea and the world.

  • Exchange leis as island people do to express love and respect and Aloha.


  • Have a Sand Unity Ceremony which combines grains of sand taken from
below the bride and grooms feet into a special container which
symbolizes the joining of their two lives.


  • Go barefoot and wear a wreath of flowers and/or tiny seashells in your hair.


  • Have a symbolic Wine Ceremony where the bride and groom drink from the same
    vessel.


  • Include your children in as part of a Family Blending in your ceremony.


  • Give flip flops to each guest as they arrive.
(Get sizes ahead of time and have extras on hand.)


  • Incorporate a Cleansing Ceremony into your wedding using burning sage to ward
    away all negativity and promote positive spirits.


  • The bride and groom each toss a bottle with a love note to each other or a rose
    with a wish into the ocean at the end of the ceremony.


  • Give each of your guests a small bottle of bubbles for them to blow as you are
    pronounced husband and wife.  The bottles can be decorated with your name and
    wedding date.


  • Consider releasing butterflies at the end of your ceremony.  It is very dramatic
    and beautiful. (It must be done in non-windy conditions, not a beach thing.)


  • Stand in a puddle of petals during the ceremony and/or give your guests little
    baskets or pails of rose petals for them to throw after the wedding.


  • If you have a summer evening wedding on the beach at dusk, give your guests
    sparklers to wave at the end of the ceremony.


  • During an evening ceremony, have tiki torches on either side of the bride and
    groom and have the guests each hold a candle.  The effect is beautiful...


  • Give each guest a disposable camera (they can be decorated to individual
    wedding specifications) and let them take their own pictures of the wedding
    couple as well as the beautiful surroundings.


  • Plan a bonfire for a continuation of your beautiful celebration at the beach.  
Great catered or picnic style!



Don't forget to consider the ELEMENTS in your wedding which, when balanced evenly,
will create a harmonious and joyful occasion for you and your guests.  
Because the elements affect all aspects of life, your wedding needs to have the same
balance of earth, water, air and fire that all life requires.



.: Earth :. The most basic of elements it represents the tangible, solid aspects of the
wedding such as the location, the food and wedding cake.  
Can also be encompassed by the Sand Unity Ceremony.

.: Water :. The ocean represents this aspect when you choose to marry on the beach,
in addition to also representing is the dynamics of your relationship, the flow of the
ceremony, your emotions and those of your guests.  The sound of the waves can set
the mood effectively, and music is a must have for any other location having a
profound affect on the general flow of feelings provoking tears, laughter and the
making of memories.

.: Air :. The wind itself will welcome you to the ocean's side..Air represents our
thoughts and purpose, ideas, the reason you wish to get married,
the theme or concept of your wedding.  Your vows are an important aspect here.  
Perhaps write some of your own personal vows or chose a special reading
to add to the ceremony and/or allow your guests to participate in honoring your
relationship by speaking and offering their good wishes.

.: Fire :. The passion, the chemistry, the power of your love for each other, the
energy flow of the day, and everyday for the rest of your lives together.


All of these elements interact and affect each other and need a natural balance.  The
reason you want to marry each other and the theme of your wedding = (air), affects
the dynamics of the day and the emotions = (water), love you bring for each other
which create energy and passion = (fire), this experience all happens at the wedding
location of your choice = (earth).

So you can see how important it is to bring all the elements of your wedding and your
new life together in a beautiful, harmonious and joyful ceremony which is in tune with
your own feelings, flowing naturally and in balance with nature and all life.


A Bride and Groom's love is like the sea that surrounds the land,
Those that love the sea can understand life as the tide ebbs and flows,
As the sun rises and sets, as the stars come out nightly to the sky...
For peace, beauty and serenity...

May you treasure each other always...
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