Welcome to part 2 of our exclusive guide to the history of
wedding rituals and customs.
 |
| Arch- picture c/o Lady Pinkie on pinterest.com |
If you've read our introductory blog A
Guide to Wedding Rituals and Customs,
you’ll know why it is beneficial to understand the history and symbolism of the
rituals and customs you choose to use on your very special day. Whether it’s
the traditional white bridal gown, the page boy or the flower girl, or the
exchange of rings, each ritual has its own unique symbolism, and is steeped in
rich and, sometimes surprising, history. Today, we’re looking at the wedding
arch…
Not only is it a lot of fun, but passing through a wedding
arch, somehow conjures an aura of elven magic, fairytale enchantment, and knightly
valour. If you are having an outdoor Handfasting Ceremony, or wedding ceremony,
it is a fantastic and fascinating substitute for walking down the aisle. And
you and your bow beneath the arch, looks absolutely beautiful in photos.
Did you know, that the Bride and Groom used to pass through
an arch of swords to ensure safe passage into their new life together?
 |
| Chuppah- picture c/o marthastewartweddings.com |
As
romantic as this might seem, doing that today might be a little kitsch for
some, and a little dangerous for others!! The modern interpretation is the
gorgeous wedding arch, often seen decorated with flowers, fairy lights,
ribbons, balloons, and gorgeous fabrics. One of our staff members even chose to
represent the wedding arch, with two flaming torches, their stakes decorated
with beautiful flowers.
Similar to the arch is a Jewish Chuppah- a canopy strung on
four poles: the four poles are held by four people that have special
significance to the bride and groom: it is an honour, and a wonderful way to
include four special people, in your wedding ceremony.
Ideal for a beach wedding, a Chuppah can provide shade for
your ceremony to take place under. And it looks stunning in photographs.
 |
| Nets of Lights strung on trees Picture c/o saveoncrafts.com |
If you have a lot of guests, the Chuppah can be
self-supported, which means people can join you beneath the canopy. We've seen
Chuppah’s made of tye-dye and batik, great for an alternative, festival-loving
couple, innovatively formed from nets of lights (similar to left), for those
who love a little glamour and night life, and even camouflage, for army
couples! It is a lovely Jewish tradition that can be an inspiration for
non-Jewish couples alike.
Whether the Chuppah, or the wedding arch, both structures
represent the new home that you and your partner will build, and the new family
and life you will be building as well:
Your wedding arch is the doorway to the passage of your new
life. Like stepping through a gate onto an unknown road, it has archetypal
resonance with your guests, adding intrinsic meaning to your wedding. It
represents a rite of passage, and the opportunity to physically embody this
moment, for you and your partner. You go into the arch, as two single people, and
are born, through the arch, out into the world again, a united force. The
symbolism is similar to a baptism. It represents change.
If the idea of a wedding arch takes your fancy, and you have
an eye for a bargain, included in Lily Blossom’s exclusive Forever Wedding package, is the exclusive hire of our gorgeous
wedding arch for your special day. Consider having your arch decorated with
seasonal flowers and lights for a magical feel. See the leaflet (right), and
give us a call on 0208 979 5656, or email us for details.Check out our guide to the history and symbolism of the lovely Flower Girl here, and subscribe for updates.
No comments:
Post a Comment