Guest Blog Post: What a Great Idea for My Ceremony!

BRIEF INTRO: I'm so pleased to introduce you to Celia Milton, a wonderful celebrant and officiant and a friend of NLE.  Celia's warm and energetic personality is almost impossible to forget, and we can say that from experience! {Psst! She actually married us!}

What a Great Idea for my Wedding Ceremony!
Article by Celia Milton

Congratulations! You’ve said, “I will!” Now, the real question is how will you say, “I do!” Maybe you have always dreamed of a very traditional wedding, but more and more bridal couples are choosing to make their ceremony the first expression of their “couple personality”. Here are some quick ideas that will help you create a ‘one of a kind’ ceremony; let your imagination run wild and you’ll have a ceremony that will inspire and delight your guests.

The Lineup


Who do you pick? Best Women? Men of Honor? Moms? Dads? Siblings? Your Children? Your Dogs? Or no one? Those you choose to “stand up” with you should be chosen carefully, not out of obligation, but because they belong next to you, as they’ve always been. The “sides” don’t have to balance out!

The Music

What music do you love? Reggae? Gospel? Vintage Sinatra? Depeche Mode? You can choose music that expresses your personality and your relationship in many original ways beyond the traditional classical selections. For the processional, you need to be able to walk (or dance!) in to the beat. The recessional should be a joyous accompaniment to your first walk as married partners!

Processional


How will you all get down the aisle? In a crazy dancing group? Will your dads, moms, or both walk you down? Will your children walk with you? Your dog? Or will you walk together. Each choice sends a different message about your history, your present and your future.

Gratitude

So many people to thank! The most popular gratitude ceremonies include moms or other treasured women, handing them roses, photo journals, or other tokens of your thanks. You may have sponsors or mentors who have been key to your growth as individuals and a couple. Who are you the most thankful for? How can we express that!

Remembrance

“We are all the culmination of the people who came before us, and we are here to finish the dreams left unfinished.” Playwright Welly Yang. There are many ways to honor the friends and relatives who are such an important part of our histories. A moment of silence within the ceremony is one; photos and mementos displayed at the reception is as well. If you’re wearing your grandmother’s ring or your uncle’s bow tie, let’s mention that as a fond acknowledgment of their presence and influence in your lives.

Love Story

It is yours alone! What makes you special? What is unique about him, about her, about yous twos together? What do even people who THINK they know you, not know? What is your fondest, maybe unspoken dream for the future? What is your funniest guilty pleasure?


Special Guests

Who do you know who tells a great story? Sings like a pro? Play the harp? Do card tricks? Great! Enlist them to participate in the ceremony in ways that are comfortable for them. Your guests will love a break from ME talking, and your talented friends will know that they’ve given you a special gift.

Vows

Write them, steal them, repeat them after me. Read them from an antique book or a velvet notebook; read them from your ipod, blackberry, from post it notes, valentines or, as one of my grooms did, write it on a banana. Make them funny, make them serious, make them rhyme. But make them you.

With this Ring

How about a “ring warming”, a beautiful ritual in which each guest holds the rings and infuses them with their hopes and dreams for you. How about your parents presenting you with your partner’s ring and giving a little blessing or a few words of celebration as they do? How about tying them (securely!!) to your dog/ring bearer? How about, instead of a ring pillow, a treasure chest? A cupcake? A fishing pole? Something that is as original as you are?

Unity

Of course, there is the unity candle ceremony. But there is also the pouring of the sand, various sharing of beverages (wine, tea, tequila, sake, chocolate milk…you name it; if it can be shared, I’ve helped couples share it!) There is a sharing of chocolate, sushi, bread and salt, even water. You can saw a log in half (if you’re Swedish and your venue will let you….), you can include a hand fasting or drape your shoulders in a blanket or cord.

Bye Bye

Before you dance down the aisle, we’ll announce you as husband and wife, partners and family, Pinky and Brain, or anything else you’d like to be called. Maybe we’ll break a glass (or a Christmas bulb, as one of my mixed-tradition couples did). Or jump the broom. Or leave to a shower of bubbles, noisemakers, confetti canons, birdcalls, rattles, bells rose petals, popcorn or sparklers. Your imagination is your only limit! And now, let’s get this party started!
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Celia has managed to assist in over 20 years of celebrations and ceremonies. She's owned her own successful and prestigious catering company and draws on this experience--combined with her gifts as a motivational speak and writer--to delight and inspire all of her unique clients. 



"I have the best job on the planet; I get to marry people! I hear love stories every day and weave them into wedding ceremonies that are unforgettable and unique."

*Want to learn more about Celia?
Check out her blog:www.celiamilton.com/blog