Weddings are special opportunities to openly affirm a lifelong commitment to the love of one’s life with the witness and support of family and dear friends. Marriage ceremonies from nearly every culture are rich with age-old traditions and customs, and Canada is certainly no exception. If you’re planning a wedding of your own or helping a happy couple with their big day, you have a special opportunity to come up with a celebration that can be unique while still borrowing time-honored ideas to help formalize the occasion.
Nonreligious Wedding Venues
With an estimated 34% of Canadian couples opting to marry in a religious building, it’s safe to say that it’s quite popular to hold a ceremony in other types of venues. From destination weddings to formal ceremonies in spaces such as museums, gardens and other places of natural/architectural beauty or historic significance, there are a number of places that are great for celebrating a major milestone for the happy couple. Consider holding the wedding at a location that holds deep meaning to the spouses-to-be. For example, if the pair met in college or at a university, a formal hall on campus may be the perfect place to say “I do.”
Matrimonial Fashions
While a white dress remains a popular choice for brides in many cultures, there are many options for dress silhouettes and styles. A tuxedo or nice suit, usually in black, tends to be the go-to for grooms in many Western weddings. Ceremonies involving queer and non-gender-conforming spouses often take their cues from the customary gown and tux look. Wedding fashions tend to be personal choices, with input and suggestions from those who are near and dear. For the happy couple’s day, the attire should be something that they are comfortable with. Consider playing with color. For the sartorially conservative, this could mean a gray, tan or chocolate suit or a cream-colored gown. For something bolder, turn convention on its head with a white suit and a darker or jewel-toned dress. A completely relaxed approach for the couple and the bridal party is always a welcome option, if preferred.
Special Menus
With many people opting for healthier dietary choices in their daily eating, this is a trend starting to show up at formal occasions, especially in Western cultures. While ethnic and cultural backgrounds may inform the reception or rehearsal dinner, it’s not uncommon to see events with more inclusive menus catering to those who are vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free or adhering to keto, paleo and other types of diets. Some honored guests must avoid certain foods, so when putting together menus and contacting caterers, discuss which dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Also, consider the fact that many Canadians are big fans of craft brews. There’s no rule that says the couple can’t be toasted with a favorite IPA instead of champagne or sparkling wine.
Hashtag I Do
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram connect us to friends and family who are far away. They also offer built-in methods to commemorate and capture special occasions. Almost half of Canadian couples polled came up with a hashtag to keep track of the celebration on their social media platforms of choice. Something catchy and unique to the couple is a good idea, like a portmanteau of their first names or surnames. Encouraging guests to use the hashtag for status updates and uploaded pictures is also a great way for those who are unable to attend to participate in the festivities in spirit. Consider an online guestbook so that even the most remote loved ones can send their well wishes.
Wedding ceremonies are joyous occasions that can borrow cues and ideas from just about anywhere. Part of the fun is in coming up with a celebration that holds special meaning to the couple and their villages. Even if a traditional ceremony and reception is the goal, look for ways to make the occasion unique and specific to this union.