Just A Few Food-Tastic International Wedding Traditions

In Italy, wedding guests each receive five sugared almonds, like those coveted Jordan Almonds from my all time favorite movie, Bridesmaids. Each candy represents a different well wish for the bride and groom: health, happiness, wealth, fertility and longevity. The almonds also serve to remind the couple that life has both a bitter side and a sweet one. These sugar coated almonds have also been used to shower the bride and groom during their grand exit as a newly married couple. Edible confetti? A must.

 

In South Korea, the bride and groom's families toss chestnuts and dried dates to the couple, which the bride attempts to catch in the skirt of her wedding gown. It is believed that the fruits and nuts gathered in her gown represent the number of children that the couple will have. Hoping to have a large family? Extend the traditional invitation to your friends, too.

 

 

One of Japan's most famous wedding rituals is called the san-san-kudo, when the bride and groom take turns sipping sake from three different cups of varying sizes stacked on top of each other. The first three sips (san) represent three couples: the bride and groom, and the bride’s parents, and the groom’s parents. Ku, which means "nine", is considered a lucky number. This moment seals the marriage and represents the couple's newly formed and unbreakable bond.

 

 

Janice Hussey, Food-Tastic Friday Blogger

Share a bit of your love story!

What better way to personalize your wedding than to share with your guests the real reason why they are there in the first place! I am a total hopeless romantic so I love to know the cute details about how you two met, when you started dating, awesome dates that you have been on, how he proposed, etc. and I know that all of your other nosey guests are interested too! I think the best way to do so is through pictures. Having a power point video of a bunch of pictures and a playlist of your favorite songs is a great way to do that, or incorporate some picture frames of the two of you for the centerpieces at each table. I've even seen a table runner made of pictures going down the tables as well. This also gives guests something to look at while they are sitting down with their drinks or waiting for dinner. You can also share some fun facts about the two of you in a "bio" section of your programs. Or you could make it simple and list out some of the important dates on a chalkboard for guests to see as they are walking in. "December 12th, 2010: the first day we met. January 5th, 2011: our first date. October 3rd, 2014: He asked, I said yes!" etc. And then my personal favorite, I attended a very fun wedding this summer where the man that ordained the bride and groom was also the person who had introduced them as kids many years ago! He cracked a couple jokes about the two and told a few funny stories about them during the ceremony, it was very sweet! I personally think it is a cute idea to add a little personality into the ceremony or to your vows to liven it up a little bit. Everyone's love story is very different and unique, and it is a perfect touch to share a little bit of it on your big day!

 

Your personalization blogger,

Jenny

Introducing Elegant Affairs' new look

Since its inception in 2005, our first logo was text based then a few years later our logo changed to incorporate three wedding photos. Even though I loved that logo so much but celebrating our 10th Anniversary this August it was a time to change.

For nearly a year I have have been thinking how we can take Elegant Affairs to the next level and finally during the Seattle Wedding Show in January; Rachel, Kim and I really started to put our plan in action. Stemming from our Secret Garden themed booth, we came up with how we wanted Elegant Affairs to reflect who we are now.

Coming up with font styles we liked and a color palette the next step was to find a designer who understood our vision and then I found Sofie Boyer. From our first conversation she got what we were looking for and quickly came up with a design and we couldn't have been happier.

So I am pleased to introduce the Elegant Affairs new primary and secondary logos!!! I hope you fall in love with them as we have!!!

Our primary logo is perfect for Elegant Affairs as it "elegant" (haha) and classy because of the calligraphy font and paired with a little whimsical for the flowers and greenery. If you look closer at the gold "Elegant Affairs" it has a little sparkle.

If you remember we used the gorgeous anemones in our floral headpieces at the Seattle Wedding Show gorgeously crafted by the fabulous Rachel and the greenery we used in our garland for our table and for the chair wreaths.

I would love to give a huge thanks to our designer Sofie Boyer for her beautiful work. It was truly a pleasure working with you.

Three simple words- two tiered veils

Now, for a while I've been in a love hate relationship with veils. Too many veils seem outdated and too traditional- but folks, I can't help but fall in love with veils again. Now, I'm not the most traditional gal, but these veils have me running towards the alter. Two tiered veils are by far my favorite. Why you ask? One word: Classic. These veils are the classiest of them all. Use the top tier for a blusher or keep it back for a full effect. It adds volume to any hairstyle and creates a dramatic, but classic look to any wedding gown. The great thing about veils these days are that there are various adornments, appliqués, and details that grace the delicate tulle. These embellishments bring the veil into the modern world.

Take a look at some of the looks I'm loving.

 

Yes, yes, yes! Classic two tiered veil with ornate beading on the edges. What groom wouldn't be enchanted by this look?

Eyelash lace? Sign me up.

 

 

It screams, "put me in old mansion filled with glamorous things."The satin edging glams this veil up and it provides the bride with extra volume up top.

Before you say no to the veil, try one on- you may surprise yourself!


XO
Rachel

Bride Personality Types: INFJ Bride!

Find out your Bride Personality Type here!
http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

The Myers-Brigg Test has indicated 16 different personality types based on how people interact with the world, absorb information, make decisions, and organize thoughts.

This week we are exploring the "Advocate" personality type! 

1. Being the rarest personality type of all 16 types, the INFJ soul is notorious for their deep, complex, introverted perception of the world. This bride is a metaphorical one, always looking for the true meaning of life. Her wedding will be detailed with meaningful elements in every aspect imaginable because of her eye for intellectual creativity. Cate Blanchet, Michelle Pfeiffer, and respected feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft are also rocking the INFJ badge.

2. The INFJ bride genuinely cares for the well-being of others, but you best believe she's a fighter in what she believes in! She knows what it takes to succeed and has been envisioning it long before the rest of us had time to catch up! Here's a tip to the wise, let this bride do her thang! She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. But it doesn't take much to make this girl happy.

 3. The INFJ bride loves to feel accomplished and appreciated which typically takes a lot of hard work. This woman loves control and is skeptical of spontaneous gestures. No surprise parties for this one! Being an introvert, she loves to recharge on her own but doesn't love being alone because they thrive off the emotions of others. 

 

4. This woman's instincts are out of this world! She has a gift for reading people. One of her greatest qualities is her yearn to constantly grow and improve. This bride analyzes everything in terms of big picture and long-haul. Her decisions are valued and will be trusted from those among her.

5. This woman is incredibly talented at self expression. "Bride most likely to recite some of the most beautiful wedding vows imaginable" awarded here! This unique woman really only needs one special person in their life to be content. Her true peace comes from knowing that she is consistently growing and contributing to the world. What better way than marrying the love of your life and living happily ever after. 

See you next week!
Love,
Mo Hughes