Considering the deeply religious and spiritual background that significantly influence Mexican culture, marriage is viewed as a deep and unbreakable bond between the couple. From this belief stem various customs that take place during the wedding ceremony. Breathtaking locations abound in Mexico, which set the background for a uniquely spiritual and beautiful wedding ceremony.
Though the majority of Mexican wedding ceremonies take place during a Catholic Mass, the beautiful cultural rituals that accompany the service can be adapted to any ceremony.
First is the tradition of el Lazo, or the Lasso. The lazo is a double rosary, or a white cord as another option, in the shape of a figure eight. It is placed over the couple’s shoulders directly after their vows by the chosen padrinos as a symbol of their union in love and trust, and remains there for the rest of the ceremony.
Another custom is the exchange of the Arras, thirteen golden coins contained in a box or pouch. The groom will present the arras to the bride as a symbol of him giving her all his wealth and material possessions, and confidence in her. The bride accepts them, ready to manage the responsibilities of marriage wisely and take care of her groom.
During Catholic wedding ceremonies, the couple will often present flowers to the Virgin Mary and pray for her intercession throughout their marriage. This customs stems from Mexico’s long devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Another ceremony option is to include Mayan traditions. The Mayan wedding ceremony is performed by a shaman in front of an altar with points facing in all four directions. The shaman will welcome guests during a purification ritual using Copal, a plant typically used by the Mayans as incense. The couple then will walk up to the altar, barefoot and in light clothing made of natural materials, share their vows, asking for blessing upon their marriage from Mother Earth and Cosmic Energy.
These traditions are wonderful ways of incorporating Mexican customs and adding symbolic flair to your wedding ceremony!
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To Infuse a little spice in your event does not need to cost an arm and a leg. It could be as simple as bold color linen
Adding some simple accent to your decor as to colored lanterns, charger plates, colored napkins, or just colored glassware
Have colored flowers in centerpieces or your bouquet
Or as simple as colored Sachs on white chair, colored ribbon draped on white table cloth, or even colored ribbon for the favor boxes
pictures courtesy of bachman photography, artoflove.com,dianamlott_clink
With the royal wedding coming up, we can’t help but be inspired! You don’t need a royal budget to look and feel like a royal princess at your wedding or event. Incorporating the right colors and accessories can turn your event into an upscale and royal affair. Take a look at our inspiration boards for unique accessories and ideas worthy of a princess-to-be!
When creating a royal theme, there are ways to avoid looking gaudy or tacky. Everyone loves a little bling and sparkle, but instead of bedazzling everything from the napkins to the bridesmaid dresses, you can use crystal in your candlesticks or centerpieces. Choosing one or two big statement pieces is a more effective way to save on your budget while leaving a lasting impression with your guests.
Inspiration Board #1
Ring Bearer Pillow by SophieMomo
Pink Table Design by Wildflower Linen
Headband by Twigs & Honey
Crystal Cake Topper by Lillian Flora Weddings
Inspiration Board #2
Collar Necklace by Mars and Valentine
Silk Clutch by Expressions NYC
Moss Covered Letters by Spotted Leopard
Fit for a Queen Necklace by Victory Jewelry Design 
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Weddings in Lebanon are truly elaborate on a scale unlike any other in grandeur, cost, and entertainment. The Middle Eastern culture and Lebanese specifically, believe there is no spending ceiling because there is no cost when it comes to celebration and entertaining their loved ones with music, dance, and copious amounts of food. These elements combine to create a spectacle of an affair and tend to be the reason why the party lasts till dawn!
Celebrations go on for 3 days and simple or grand, a Lebanese wedding isn’t truly Lebanese without a ‘zaffeh’, the act of escorting the bride to her husband, in celebration of their holy marriage. Even the ‘zaffeh’ is a form of entertainment, celebration and dance because, on the third day, the groom is led by a group of dancers, as they play music, sing and dance on their way to the bride’s house.
Entertainment is an essential and important priority in Lebanese weddings. Music and dance are the hallmarks of celebration and fun in Lebanese families and culture.
A Middle Eastern wedding celebration, is one where the dancer has a special place. Usually a belly dancer or singer will entertain the guests and more luxurious weddings will have more than one entertainer.
As you can clearly see, the Lebanese truly believe a wedding is a celebration and there is no costs to keeping guests entertained.
Lebanon is a great place to visit and an even better place to get married. Boasting a plethora of choices, you can wed in the mountains, beaches, city, and historical sights of a city drenched in time and beauty. Below is a mini travel and venue guide for marrying in Lebanon and remember, choosing a venue is dependant upon your taste and of course the weather!
Beach Weddings: There are many venues surrounding the Mediterranean Sea that capture the beauty of the water and the exotic locale. The beaches in Lebanon are breathtaking and stay warm from April until October and even sometimes November.
You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset wedding overlooking Al Rousheh a very historical spot in the beaches of Beirut.
Mountain Weddings: The mountains of Lebanon, like Faraya, boast gorgeous views and venues for a wedding and can be used in both the summer and winter months.
For those who envision a white wedding, the mountains of Lebanon are a gorgeous setting and full of natural beauty.
A Different Take: Other venues include: cathedrals, castles, and the gorgeous homes that portray the history, grandeur, and beauty of Lebanon all at once.
Night Weddings: For the couple who wants something a little more fun or a wedding at night, the city of Beirut boasts multiple venue choices.
A venue speaks volumes about a couples taste and style on their wedding day. For a destination wedding, Lebanon is one of the most historical places you can choose that gives you an abundance of choice when it comes to venues from the mountains with snow to the Mediterranean Sea and even castles!
Nahid Farhoud founder and owner of Wedding Elegance by Nahid is internationally recognized for combining passion for design and décor with her extensive knowledge of different cultures, to create wedding events that are unique, festive and memorable.
Rasm E Mehndi is one event in the many celebrations of Pakistani weddings. The literal meaning is “Henna Party” or “Henna Ritual.” This event is traditionally thrown by the bride’s family (as it is mainly a women’s only event), but trends have recently changed allowing the groom’s family to do Read more →
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