Larry James's Blog (9)

This idea falls into the category of "Why didn't I think of this before??!!" ;-)

Tradition says the parents of the bride sit in the front row on the left side and the parents of the groom sit in the front row on the right side.

When the couple walks up the aisle, the bride is usually on the left and whoever is escorting her is on the right. Once the groom takes his place next to the bride their backs are to the guests. In my "romantic" wedding ceremony after about 6…

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This idea falls into the category of "Why didn't I think of this before??!!" ;-)

Tradition says the parents of the bride sit in the front row on the left side and the parents of the groom sit in the front row on the right side.

When the couple walks up the aisle, the bride is usually on the left and whoever is escorting her is on the right. Once the groom takes his place next to the bride their backs are to the guests. In my "romantic" wedding ceremony after about 6…

Continue

I recently had a meeting with a couple who were searching for the right wedding officiant. I was impressed.



Never having been married before, they brought a list of questions that helped both of us to get to know each other better. They interviewed me, not the other way around. Some of their questions led to discussions of other areas of the ceremony that kept the conversation centered on what they needed to know to make an informed decision.



Write down ideas for… Continue

What are "loose ends," you say?



Loose ends are distracting and have an amazing way of biting you in the butt, especially if you wait until you've already tied the knot. They take your focus off of doing what it takes for a marriage to be healthy and to succeed.



Tie up loose ends or find yourself in knots. ~ Jason… Continue

I often get asked about the start time of a wedding.



Should it say 6:00 p.m. on the invitation if you don't intend to start until 6:30 p.m.?



Absolutely not!



I suggest you list the start time on the invitation and start at that time. Sometimes there are 5 to 10 minute unavoidable delays, but rarely ever 30 minutes! Especially if the wedding is in the Greater Phoenix area and outdoors. We are in the desert. You do not want to keep your… Continue

We've all heard of the run-away bride. Remember Julia Roberts in “Run Away Bride?”



Before you "falter at the alter," make sure that you are really ready to say “I do.” It's the "C" word: Commitment. Not everyone is ready for it. It is not uncommon for brides (and grooms) to experience anxiety, fear,… Continue

Embrace the old European tradition to add a meaningful highlight to your wedding ceremony. The Oathing Stone is an old Scottish tradition where the Bride and Groom place their hands upon a stone while saying their wedding vows.



Called the oathing stone it was thought to be the best way to express your solemn promise in physical form. Taken from the ancient Celtic custom of setting an oath in stone, inclusion of an oathing stone in the vows can be deeply moving.…



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To honor a loved one who has died, place a lit candle or a single "white" rose in a vase on the alter or guest table to represent the presence of the deceased. Some choose to display a photo.



A moment of silence or a special prayer during the ceremony are other ways to reflect on the loved one. In your ceremony program, mention the person or people by name.



In my wedding ceremony it is said this way:



Minister: Join with me as we bow… Continue

Here is a clever idea that is sure to get a chuckle from your guests.



The "first kiss" as wife and husband is always a special part of the wedding ceremony. I always tell the bride and groom to hold the kiss a little longer than usual to be sure that the photographer gets the photo. The guests love it. That's when the guests begin to applaud. The kiss signals the beginning of the celebration.



As the newly weds are kissing, the bridesmaids and the… Continue