No Wedding Rice Please!

A past tradition was to throw rice at the married couple as they exited the church to wish them good luck in their new life together. Many churches and venues don’t allow the throwing of rice, as it can be harmful to birds if consumed. It is also difficult to clean up and not recommended. Birdseed was introduced as an option in its place. Small satchels of birdseed can be handed out to your guests before the ceremony begins. The birds get a snack, no clean up necessary.

For the brides wishing to follow tradition without harming the birds… my new favourite way to send wedding wishes… butterfly rice!www.butterflyrice.com This company makes paper butterflies out of rice paper. The butterflies come in five different colours.

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles! I adore them and so do photographers. Capture them in just the right light and you have a beautiful rainbow of colour. They are fun for kids and adults like. They can be purchased in small bottles or tubes and the best part is that wedding bubbles aren’t sticky. Just make sure that they say wedding bubbles. You can usually buy them in a pack of twelve or twenty-four.

Rose petals are a beautiful way to be showered with good wishes. However beware of real petals bleeding in the hot summer heat and staining the gown of the bride. Silk petals have become popular and can be found in an assortment of colours. Some venues have strict policies when it comes to ceremony décor. Your ceremony location maybe outdoors but that doesn’t mean that your vendor will permit you to use rose petals. If you need to move indoors because of rain, silk rose petals can be used because they won’t damage the flooring.

For those brides looking for something truly breathtaking and symbolic the release of doves at the conclusion of your ceremony would add that special element. You may choose to only release 2 doves or dozens depending on your budget and if you would like to include your guests in the release.

Another choice for the brides who adore butterflies, a live butterfly release. You can find companies that will ship the butterflies to you in small boxes. The downside is that some of the butterflies will die during transit. A better option would be to find a butterfly farm in your area. If your adventurous You may want to grab a net and try to capture two monarch butterflies and just have the two fly away together.

Prior to the ceremony coloured balloons can be given to your guests to write their wedding wishes. Later during the recessional the balloons can be released into the sky while a picture is taken of the happy couple surrounded by floating balloons.

For the couples with a great sense of humour… cans, of silly string can be distributed amongst your guests to shower the laughing couple in an array of coloured string.

For candlelight ceremonies later in the evening or a special holiday wedding… sparklers make a beautiful and bright picture opportunity. If you have decided to marry close to Canada day or New Years Eve, noisemakers or sparklers can be handed out to your guests.

Till Next time
Tracey