Urbane Living

This article was written by dwritewell

Intertwining your fiances and your families heritages can make your “alternative wedding” a piece of cake, but you will have gluten-free cupcakes instead. Blending both your cultures may be unconventional, but its rather important to the both of you not to mention your old fashion parents. Its hard to make sure the celebration does not become overbearing as it embraces both heritages. But designing your wedding, staying true to you, makes you a blushing bride to be, and, oh yeah, lets not forget your groom, we can’t exclude him or can we?

MAZEL TOV! (Let The Party Begin-well at least the planning for now)

You’ve played with your Ken and Barbie long enough, so now its your time to plan your not so Malibu Wedding, thus opting out of the traditional cliche white satin, shimmering, train-like Vailed, and beaded ensembles. (try saying that 3 times fast). Instead you have decided to ruffle some feathers. The alternative bride is more concerned with the memories she will create than what she will wear, notwithstanding the gown is important. Go green! Instead of buying a traditional long train Cinderella-like rack dress, check celebrity charity auctions for gently used gowns, go thrift-store vintage, try inexpensive floor samples, or shop wholesale. The key to selecting an alternative wedding gown is to choose figure flattering garments that accentuate your best features.

1. DIY: DO IT YOURSELF
Hiring a band is out of the question and so is a DJ. Do it yourself when sticking to your ideal wedding especially when the alternatives are not easy to find. That will give you some leeway if you prefer to keep it fun with a Karaoke Machine, which will ultimately be the better choice seeing that singing isn’t your forte. Go rent the best machine with the hottest music tracks equipped with a video screen and create a more relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere than the conventional powdered blue, tight cummerbund wearing wedding parties of the past. Karaoke will usher in much needed laughter on your special day. It’s ‘your wedding’ party, and you will sing if you want to.

2. RAINBOW IS A GREAT ARRAY OF COLORS
Pick a color theme that’s you and live it up a little. So what if it’s orange with hints of lavender, yellow, and chocolate brown. Perhaps you have fears of combining all those colors, but they do look good on the both of you, so go for it.

3. NON-TRADITIONAL, DESIGNED YOUR WAY
Adding the spiritual elements is key. Remember you are creating a timeless memory to share with loved ones for years to come. Being sensitive is key when implementing these traditional treasures in a non-traditional way. You can make it a running theme or simply add a hint of the ‘then & now’ to compliment your perfect alternative wedding day for all your guests to enjoy, laugh and play.

One way to do this is to include traditional games, dances, and history. For example if you are African-American and your future hubby is Jewish, weave in the historic ‘Broom Jumping Ceremony’ derived from Africa that signifies the couples union and compliment it with ‘The Yihud’- meaning “seclusion”, which is a standout ritual focusing on the days purpose. In the past, couples would be left alone for fifteen (15) minutes for some good ole fashion “nookie” before they entered the wedding reception as husband and wife. In The Yihud today, they simply use the 1st meal (cup-cakes in this case) as the couple feeds and whispers sweet nothings to one another.

4. AVOIDING WEDDING DAY BLUES
Mapping out the time it will take to accomplish coordinating the best alternative wedding in history or at least in your inner circle will be hassle free if you delegate properly. Aside from jumping the broom and breaking glass, delegating tasks will be at the top of your list since you will be partaking in an overall DIY (Do It Yourself) theme. Of course, you’ll have the help of your mother,and best friends from cubby school days.

5. FINAL TOUCHES TO YOUR ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DAY:
A Visionary & Creative Photographer (Get Proof)
A Large Elegant Event Hall preferably with a High-Tech Karaoke Machine
Great Food (Spicing it Up with all the trimmings of both Cultures minus the Trans-fat Please)
A couple of glue gun’s for ALL the DIY Ideas
Original Alternative Wedding Speeches from the heart by the Wedding Party
Parting DIY Personal Gifts & Favors
Seal it all with Wedding day bliss, eye popping elegance, stamped with alternative fun and remember to be fabulous.

Written by Daphne Dwritewell Williams

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