Russian weddings: Ransom of the Bride

Russian culture is notorious for its rich traditions and love of rituals, so it only makes sense that weddings are a natural extension of this.

Source

A few trademarks? The couple’s breaking of bread, the crowning of the couple at the ceremony (if it is an Orthodox wedding), the free-flowing alcohol…and the ransom of the bride!

Source

This age-old tradition has its roots in a very theatrical past. As the groom made his way to the bride’s house, family members would present him with several challenges that would demonstrate his strength, intelligence, and talents. For example, they might have him saw a log blocking his way, or solve a riddle. If he failed any of the challenges, he would have to literally pay a ransom, offering up coins or candies. The groom would overcome all these obstacles until he reached his beloved.

Source

Today, the ransom of the bride has become more a contemporary game. The challenges are performed as the groom is on his way to the bride’s home, or even the wedding ceremony itself. The bridesmaids and best man usually set up the obstacles, which are more lighthearted challenges such as answering riddles about the bride, writing a love poem, and other similar actions he has to perform in order to pass.

In the wedding depicted above, the groom even had to walk on his hands, dress up as a knight and fight off a dragon. His last challenge was asking the bride’s father for her hand.

Consider incorporating this Russian custom into your wedding if you are looking for a fun and contemporary tradition!

Cinco de Mayo inspiration board

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner! This spirited holiday is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. While just a regional holiday in Mexico, it has been embraced mostly in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage.

Logo, Cake, Dancing, Bridesmaids, Custom Papel Picado, Margaritas, Centerpiece, Invitation

We’ve put together an inspiration board to demonstrate just a few ways you can mix in some of that festive spirit into your own wedding. From custom-made papel picado (intricately cut banners) to Margarita signature drinks to cheerful peasant-style bridesmaids dresses, the possibilities are boundless. All you need is a dash of creativity and a splash of color!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Ooh La La! Ombre Wedding Cake

It’s no surprise that wedding trends follow fashion, and that today’s bride seeks individuality over conventionality. One such trend that has taken both the runway and the aisle by storm is the ombré style, literally meaning “shaded” in French.

Source

Colored wedding dress not your style? No problem! A great way to incorporate this fabulously colorful trend is with an ombré wedding cake.

Source

Teal, magenta, or purple? Fondant or buttercream? Flouncy or modern? The best part of the ombré style, besides its chic-ness, is the versatility. This look is completely customizable, gorgeous yet unique, and is sure to wow your guests!

Art Deco Sophisticate Inspiration Board

Obviously inspired by The Artist and the newest remake of The Great Gatsby, this Spring hails the return of the glitzy Roaring Twenties! The always glamorous Art Nouveau look is back with it’s classic, yet modern edge. From Ralph Lauren to Marchesa to Gucci, the 2012 runways are exploding with this retro-fabulous style.

{ Clutch, Chair, Shoes, Dress, Invitation, Earrings, Cake }

This simple and sophisticated trend is so easy to incorporate into your wedding! Think cool color palettes, such as black, white, and a pop of mint green or metallics, sleek lines, and geometric graphic designs. Beading, fringe, and feathers are game, too! Of course, this jazzy style can be adapted to everything from your wardrobe to your living room to your next soiree with the ladies with just a dash of creativity.

This inspiration board boasts just a few of a million ways you can take this look and make it your own!

Mexican Weddings: The Reception

At April 5, 2012
By Kriztia
In Destination Weddings, General, Mexican Weddings
0

In the last of installment of the Mexican wedding series, we will explore Mexican wedding receptions. What makes an authentic Mexican reception? Family, food, dancing, and a splash of color!

Source

Mexican families tend to be very tight knit, as well as extended. You can certainly expect to see everyone from the Abuelitos, or grandparents, to Primos, or cousins. Weddings are meant to be celebrations shared with the world, especially family and friends. The more, the merrier!

Source

In Mexico, the traditional wedding meal is Mole y Arroz, chicken in a chili and chocolate sauce and rice. However, Mexican fare varies far and near from simple tacos to the more complicated tamales, and many others. For drinks, Sangria makes a great signature beverage, as do sweet water beverages, such as Horchata, made with rice and cinnamon. For something sweet, consider treating guests to Mexican wedding cookies or a Tres Leches cake, which is incredibly moist and made with three types of milk.

Source

¡Baila! One dance tradition Mexican receptions often include is La Víbora de la Mar, which is similar to “London Bridge,” and sings about a sea serpent. The guest form a long train in the form of a serpent, and dance in an out of a bridge formed by the bride and groom. At the end, the bride throws her bouquet and the groom tosses the garter.

Source

The most common types of dance at a reception are merengue, salsa, cumbia, and quebradita. With some practice and a good grasp of rhythm, these fast beats make for a fantastic dance floor. Another traditional form of entertainment is a mariachi band to play some of Mexico’s most beloved music, or hiring a folkloric dance group, with their colorful traditional costumes and routines.

Source

Another way to incorporate a Mexican theme into your wedding is with splashes of vibrant color. Think Papel picado, strings of intricately cut banners, festive flowers, bright prints, even bridesmaids dresses with Mexican style embroidery.

Source