Valentines Day on a leap year

Girls... Leap to it this Valentines Day! 

It’s your turn to propose to Mr Right!

2012 has extra special significance for those wanting to tie the knot!

According to tradition, women are allowed to propose marriage during a leap year – the most popular day for this being of course, Valentines Day!

History of Valentines Day: 

Do we know why we celebrate love on the 14th of February?

It all began with Saint Valentine, a priest in Rome during the time of Emperor Claudius II. When Claudius found that men were not volunteering to join his military as they didn’t want to leave their wives or families, he outlawed marriages and engagements in order to get more soldiers to join. Young people and those in love thought the law cruel, and nicknamed the Emperor, Claudius the Cruel. Saint Valentine, disagreeing with the Emperor’s cruel law, continued to secretly marry couples during this time. He was eventually apprehended and jailed, sentenced to death on February 14th 269AD. While in jail, he befriended the prison guard’s blind daughter, who, being a strong supporter of his values and beliefs, spent much time talking with him at his cell. It is said that his love and admiration for her, and his strong faith, actually healed her blindness. Before his execution, Saint Valentine left her farewell note thanking her for her loyalty, support and friendship. He signed this, “Love from your Valentine” – which is thought to be the origination of the exchange of Valentines messages.

St Valentine is now the patron saint of lovers, and Valentines Day in modern times as we all know it, has became a day to celebrate love, exchange messages of love and to give gifts – popularly chocolates, sending flowers or giving jewellery.

What makes a Leap Year so special for women who want to tie the knot??

The special significance of a leap year for women proposing marriage stems historically from the 13th Century in Scotland (or so it’s said!) when Queen Mary set the law that women could propose to any man they liked during a leap year, with refusal being allowed only if he was already engaged. If men did reject the proposal they were hit with a fine and made to buy the woman either a silk dress or a pair of gloves. (How times have changed!)

Another theory dates back even earlier in history! It is said that during the 5th Century in Ireland, St. Bridget convinced St. Patrick to allow women to propose marriage on the 29th day of February (each leap year) Again, if the man refused, he was fined! Apparently St Bridget proposed to St Patrick on that day, who incidentally refused! Bad luck for Bridge, but the tradition still continued across the ages!

In the US, Valentines Day is referred to by many as Sadie Hawkins Day. On this day it is tradition for women to chase after unmarried men to propose. Sadie Hawkins was a character in a comic originating in the 1930’s whose father was worried would remain single. In the comic, he organised a special day called Sadie Hawkins Day where unmarried women chased bachelors in the hope of his daughter finding a partner. This lives on in the US every Valentines Day.

Whether it’s all truth, or complete myth, the tradition lives on! 
So girls 2012 is your turn!

In modern times it’s not unlikely for women to pop the question, any time, any year and not specifically during a leap year. Wedding Central’s forum alone holds so many stories of successful proposals by women to their partners!

It’s just a fun excuse to make the most of a Leap Year Valentines Day! Girls, are you waiting for your man to pop the question? Bite the bullet, make it fun, and take the Valentines Day Leap Year Proposal opportunity!

Have you decided on your theme or colours for your Wedding?

                     
Black & White

                                                           

Purple

   Pale Pink
         

Lavender

Green
               

Tiffany Blue

Apricot
     
  

Hot Pink

                     

Garden Wedding
 

Beach Wedding

Wedding Ideas for Spring

Best Tips for Having the Spring Wedding of Your Dreams

Spring is the best season to tie the knot, because it is one of the most romantic times of the year.

There are many great wedding ideas for spring that the bride would absolutely love. They say that nature is reawakened during this season.

The flowers start to bloom and the grass begins to grow again.

It is the perfect season to say 'I do' to the person you love, it's a wonderful new beginning for any couple.

Wedding ideas for spring include location.

There is something special about being outdoors in the spring, the weather is pleasant, the scenery is beautiful and everyone seems happier. That is why so many couples choose to have garden weddings during this season. You are surrounded by the vibrant colours and smells of nature.

For a less formal wedding, it is a perfect blend of romance and simplicity.

Another great outdoor venue is the beach. Beach weddings have been growing in popularity, because they are always fun and relaxing for everyone who attends.

Colours are also very important for this time of year, spring is a season that is full of wonderful colours. There are so many to choose from for a wedding theme, they range from bold vibrant colours to light pastel colours of all shades.

Get ideas from nature, take a look at all the beautiful flowers in the spring and use them to create your own wedding colour scheme.

Remember, since it's spring there is no need to hold back or use muted colours, go with colours that really stand out.

Since we are getting inspiration from flowers, let's not stop at using them to pick out colours.

Spring brings us so many beautiful flowers, it would be a shame if it were not a focal point of the wedding.

It should be used to decorate the entire venue for both the ceremony and reception. Beautiful spring flowers include daffodils, which are popular because they can blend well with any colour combination. Tulips are also preferred since they come in almost all colours.

There are many more spring flowers to choose from such as primroses, roses, magnolias, daises, iris, and lily of the valley. It wouldn't be a proper spring wedding without a lot of flowers. Food also comes to mind when thinking of wedding ideas for spring.

There are so many wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables that are available during the spring. The menu should reflect the light and refreshing spring flavours.

Serve your guests dishes that are full of wholesome fruits and vegetables, they will enjoy a meal that is less heavy yet still delicious and perfect for this time of year.

Wedding ideas for spring are pretty straight forward. Just take a cue from nature, it's easy to simply look around you and get inspired.

There is a huge shift happening when winter rolls into spring.

Take full advantage of all the beautiful sights, sounds and smells of the season.

Whatever ideas you come up with, having a wedding in the springtime is sure to be delightful.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Stans

Outdoor Weddings

Don't be one of those Brides that says 'it won't rain on my Wedding Day'

Always have a Weather Plan even if it is just umbrellas!


A beautiful Spring Day






A rainy Winter's Day


The Weather Plan


A dull Spring Day


A steamy Summer's Day



K.I.S.S Weddings
www.kissweddings.com.au

Bridal Party Roles

Do you know the different bridal party roles?

If you've ever been to a wedding, you're sure to have noticed the bride isn't the only one to walk down the aisle. Her entrance is usually preceded by the wedding party.

Who are all of these people and what are they doing there?

Maid of Honour

The Maid of Honour is someone very special to the bride. The person entrusted with this most important title is generally a sister or very close friend. In other words, someone who the bride knows is equal to the task. Duties of the Maid of Honour include

• Accompanying the bride on shopping trips, especially when choosing a dress or veil
• Throwing the bridal shower if a family member is not already doing so
• Helping the bride to write out and address invitations, place cards, and other handwritten correspondence
• Coordinating the bridal gift given by the bridal party
• Accompanying the bride to the hairdresser or manicurist before the wedding
• Helping the bride to dress before the wedding
• Participating in the wedding processional
• Helping to make sure the bride's dress is positioned correctly throughout the ceremony
• Holding the bride's flowers during the ceremony
• Participating in the receiving line
• Helping with the bustle
• Witnessing the marriage by signing the wedding certificate
• Dances with the best man at the wedding reception

Best Man

The Best Man is also someone special. He's close to the groom, perhaps a trusted brother or best friend. His tasks include:

• Organizing the bachelor party
• Coordinating the couple's gift from the groomsmen
• Assisting the groom in choosing his tuxedo
• Helping the groom to dress before the wedding
• Holding the wedding rings at the ceremony
• Witnessing the marriage by signing the wedding certificate
• Participating in the receiving line
• Toasting the happy couple at the wedding reception
• Dancing with the Maid of Honour at the wedding reception
• Returning the groom’s tuxedo to the rental location after the wedding
• Making sure the Happy Couple has transportation to the airport, hotel or honeymoon destination

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids are also entrusted with important tasks. Their roles include:

• Attending the bridal shower
• Contributing to bridal gifts
• Walking in the wedding processional
• Participating in the receiving line
• Dancing with groomsmen
• Mingling with the wedding guests

Groomsmen

Groomsmen, or ushers, have tasks similar to that of the bridesmaids. They include:

• Attending the bachelor party
• Contributing to gifts for the groom
• Seating wedding guests
• Unrolling the wedding runner, if one is used
• Walking in the wedding processional
• Participating in the receiving line
• Dancing with bridesmaids
• Mingling with the wedding guests

Flower Girl

Because the flower girl is usually a very young child, not much is expected. The flower girl will usually carry a basket of flowers during the wedding processional and may even toss wedding petals on the ground to mark the bride's entrance.

Ring Bearer

Like the flower girl, the ring bearer is generally a young child and isn't entrusted with too much responsibility. In most cases he'll walk next to the Flower Girl during the wedding processional while holding a pillow on which the wedding rings are sewn.

K.I.S.S Weddings
www.kissweddings.com.au

Wedding Etiquette

Engagement Announcement Etiquette

Q. My wedding date is still two years away. When should an engagement announcement appear in the paper?

A. As a general rule, engagements should be published no more than a year and not less than six weeks before your wedding.

Wedding Ceremony Etiquette

Q. Which side of the church/venue should wedding guest be seated?

A. Traditionally the bride's family and friends are seated on the left side of the church facing the altar. The groom's family and friends will sit on the right side of the church. The parents sit in the center section; the bride's on the left and groom's on the right.

Q. Which order should the bridal party walk down the isle

A. The wedding party enters, bridesmaids first, the maid of honour follows behind the bridesmaids, and the flower girl and ring bearer behind her. As everyone takes their places at the front of the church, the organist will change to the music for the bride and her father's entrance.

Q. Do I walk down the aisle on my father's right arm or his left?

A. You will take your father's left arm as you walk down the aisle. Your father will then be on your right when your groom joins you from the right at the altar.

Wedding Reception Etiquette

Q. What should the seating arrangements be at the bridal table?

A. Traditionally, the Bride and Bridal attendants are placed to the left of the table and the venue, while the Groom and his Groomsmen are on the right. A modern alternative is to alternate males and females.

Q. Our wedding reception will be a large, sit-down dinner. What is the best way to direct guests to their places?

A. Use place cards on the tables. Then display a seating chart where your guests can see it, so they won't have to go from table to table searching for their places.

Q. Do the bride and groom dance with each other before of after their parents?

A. Traditionally, the bride and groom will be alone on the dance floor for the first dance song. Sometimes the bride's father will cut in and dance with the bride halfway through, but sometimes the second dance is reserved for the bride and her father. Brides who have more than one father figure may wish to dance with both during the song. It is often customary for the father of the bride to choose and organise the song as a gesture to his daughter. Shortly after the bride and her father take to the dance floor, traditionally they are followed by the groom and his mother. Finally, the newlyweds dance with their in-laws, and bridesmaids and ushers join the dancing.

Wedding Gift Etiquette

Q. Can we ask for money instead of wedding gifts?

A. Not only can you ask for money instead of wedding gifts, in Australia most brides do. These days it is not taboo to ask for money instead of gifts as most brides and grooms already have established homes, whether together or separately. Guests often find it a welcome relief not to have to choose gifts and then lug them to the wedding venue. The easiest way to ask for money instead of wedding gifts is to include a 'wishing well' with your wedding invitations.

Q. If people bring gifts to our reception, do we have to open them there?

A. Not only do you not have to, you shouldn't. It used to be considered bad manners to even bring gifts to a reception. While that is no longer true, you should still have a 'gift table' where guests can leave them until you can open them later.

Q. Should I buy my fiancée a wedding gift?

A. While there is no rule that says couples should exchange wedding gifts, most do. Usually brides and grooms choose something they know will be treasured for years to come. Special gifts for either the bride or groom include watches, jewellery or luggage.

K.I.S.S Weddings
www.kissweddings.com.au

Something Old, Something New.....

A well known tradition is "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a lucky sixpence in her shoe." This most familiar of wedding-related sayings dates back to Victorian times.

"Something Old" symbolizes the connection the bride will maintain to her family and the past. Many brides abide by this tradition by choosing to wear an heirloom piece of family jewellery or the wedding gown belonging to a grand mother or mother.

"Something New" wishes good fortune and success in the bride's new life. The wedding dress is most often the chosen new item.

"Something Borrowed" serves to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her whenever she may need their support or assistance. The borrowed object can be almost anything of her choosing, such as an antique handkerchief, an item of jewellery or a handbag.

"Something Blue" denotes faithfulness and loyalty. The symbolism dates back to biblical times when blue represented purity and constancy. Brides often choose to wear a blue garter to keep with this tradition, or, blue ribbons in their hair to symbolize fidelity.

"A Silver Sixpence in her Shoe" represents the wishes of loved ones to the bride, in the hope that she will have both financial security and happiness.

K.I.S.S Weddings
www.kissweddings.com.au