Fashion
New Twist on an Acient Tradition
As we enter the second decade of the twenty-first century more and more people are looking for unique and different ways to celebrate their weddings. From eco-weddings to ethnic weddings to personalized weddings, people are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional church weddings.
Eco Weddings
Dress for beach wedding
As people become more environmentally conscious they are increasingly turning to eco weddings. These wedding ceremonies usually take place outside and take advantage of natural scenery and open spaces. Many young couples are opting to combine their ceremony and honeymoon by having beach weddings in Mexico. Pure white sand and sparkling blue oceans provide unparalleled beauty and unique experiences for young couples to exchange their wedding vows. Some of the most beautiful resorts in the world, in places like Acapulco, Cancun and Cosumel, offer not only beautiful settings, but also allow couples to customize their ceremonies to their specific desires. Other couples choose venues closer to home to exchange vows. In England farm weddings are becoming popular. Lush countryside settings provide a beautiful, natural setting and a plethora of fresh, natural foods. The relaxed atmosphere in the countryside allows everyone, bride, groom and guests, to feel relaxed and carefree as they bask in the fresh air and open spaces. These organic settings allow nature lovers to have a ceremony that is both in tune with their environmental ethics and atheistically satisfying.
Ethnic Weddings
As people struggle to keep up with high technology in their everyday lives, there is a growing feeling of being separated from their heritage. In response to this personal disconnect, many couples are turning to weddings that reach back to their ethnic roots. Whether you are of African, Asian or European origin, there are many ethnic traditions that can make your wedding reflect who you are and where you come from.
As China develops at a breath taking pace day by day, many Chinese couples are choosing to
Ethnic wedding gowns
eschew western style weddings and, instead turn to traditional weddings. Brides dress in beautiful embroidered Qi Pao dresses that are adorned with phoenixes, chrysantamums and peonies to bring good luck and fortune in the future. Grooms wear long tunics, called Chang Paos, which use cloth buttons across the front or Tang Zhuangs which date back to the Tang Dynasty. Fireworks herald the arrival of the bride and groom and frighten away evil spirits. After the ceremony, guests participate in lavish banquets in which each dish has a symbolic meaning.
Indian weddings are day long affairs that, while being steeped in Hindi religion, are festive and colorful celebrations. Brides are accompanied by a team of married women who spend the day preparing her for the wedding. Elaborate henna tattoos are painted on the bride’s body and then she is dressed in a red and white Sari. The ceremony is highlighted by the lighting of a sacred fire that represents the illumination of knowledge and purity of marriage. The bride and groom walk around the fire to strengthen their bond and the ceremony concludes with the groom dabbing red dye on the bride’s forehead as a symbol of his love.
Personalized Weddings
Increasingly young people are looking to give their wedding ceremonies a personal touch. Many couples choose to incorporate their lifestyle, cultural backgrounds and ethical beliefs into their vows. Others tailor their ceremonies round their hobbies and heritage. Stills others choose to put their personal stamp on their wedding by wearing special clothes that reflect their personalities.
Whatever way they choose to do it, an increasing number of people are forgoing traditional weddings and looking for different ways to celebrate their nuptials. This break with tradition has opened up a lot of opportunities for couples to express their selves like never before. And, with the great number of resources available to them today, they are changing our ideas of what weddings can be.
