The long standing tradition of a bridal shower or “hen party” for the soon-to-be bride, and a “stag party” or bachelor’s party given for the groom are evolving into a couple’s party, also known as a “Jack and Jill” or “stag and doe” party. Since weddings have grown more elaborate (and more expensive), and for many families, money is tight, a couple’s party usually combines a celebration with raising money to help defray the costs of the perfect venue, the perfect dress, the perfect catering, and the perfect cake. While some controversy exists—some people perceive a couple’s party as too blatant or crass–for many engaged men and women, asking their Click to Read more…

We’re all familiar with the traditional roles played by bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearers, ushers, and a best man, but what does a Coin Bearer do? In honor of every couple tying the knot this month, here’s the scoop on  five unusual Wedding Party Attendants. Coin Bearer Particularly in Filipino wedding ceremonies, it’s traditional for a young boy to carry a pillow bearing 13 Unity Coins—a collection of gold and/or silver coins given to the bride by the groom during the ceremony. The coins, called arras or arrhae, are marked with meaningful symbols and can be treasured heirlooms. Veil Sponsor Another Filipino wedding tradition. During the ceremony, the Veil Sponsor drapes Click to Read more…

National Weddings Month, with Valentine’s Day on the fourteenth, make February the most romantic time of the year! According to the US Census Bureau and Time.com, over 200,000 marriage proposals are made and on average, almost 6,000 couples tie the knot on Valentine’s Day! The tradition of wedding attendants—bridesmaids and groomsmen, maid/matron of honor and best man—has its roots in the distant past. Today, new non-traditional roles have become increasingly popular: the bridesman (a very good male friend of the bride) and the groomswoman or groomsmaid (a very good female friend of the groom). Ceremonies are often progressive than the past, allowing a bride and groom to stand at the Click to Read more…