Wedding Ceremony Archives - DIY Wedding Tips

Native American Wedding Ceremony Readings: Top Picks

Today, we’re going to be looking at the best Native American wedding ceremony readings to choose for your own wedding. There’s a huge range of poems, blessings and proverbs you may want to use throughout your ceremony, as Native American culture is not just full of love, but also full of wisdom.

Blessings vary from tribe to tribe, but having a Native American reading at your ceremony is the perfect way to honor your ancestry. So let’s take a closer look at Native American weddings.

What is the Native American Wedding Blessing?

It goes by many names, and you’ll likely already be familiar with it. You may know it as the Apache Blessing, or the Indian Wedding Blessing. Whichever name you know it by, it’s the perfect blessing to use on your wedding day.

“Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth for the other.
Now there is no more loneliness.
Now you are two persons,
but there is only one life before you.
May your days together be good and long
upon the earth.”

It’s important to note, that although this is an extremely popular reading at weddings, it’s thought that the prayer itself is not part of the traditional Apache culture, despite contrary belief.

Native American Readings to Use at Your Wedding Ceremony

There’s a range of meaningful and sentiment-filled readings to use throughout your wedding ceremony. Many of which are incredibly infamous. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular choices of readings to use at your wedding.

Pueblo Blessing

Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe, even if it is a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here.
Hold on to life, even when it is easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand, even when I have gone away from you.

You Are a Part of Me – Lloyd Carl Owle (Cherokee)

You are part of me now.
You touched me with your kindness,
So enchanted.
your lips are kind.
Your eyes glow with life.
I’m glad you touched me.
You’re part of me now.

Tale of Two Wolves (Cherokee)

One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”‘

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Navajo Wedding Blessing

Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding, and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth, and happiness. This new fire represents a new beginning – a new life and a new family. The fire should keep burning; you should stay together. You have lit the fire for life until old age separates you.

Shoshone Wedding Blessing

Fair is the white star of twilight and the sky clearer
at the day’s end, but she is fairer, and she is dearer
She, my heart’s friend.
Fair is the white star of twilight and the moon roving
to the sky’s end; but she is fairer, better worth loving
She, my heart’s friend.

Native American Customs For Your Wedding Ceremony

There is a range of customs you can smoothly intertwine throughout your wedding ceremony. Here are just a few of the most common.

sacred eagle feathers
vase ritual
blanket ceremony
sacred fire and smudging
groom’s processional
turquoise jewelry
celebration of nature
ceremony in the round

You can find out more about these Native American traditions and their meanings, here.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with Native American wedding ceremony readings. There’s a huge selection of beautiful readings to choose from, that once you go searching – you’ll be spoilt for choice! These are just a handful of some of the most popular options you may like to choose from to honor your heritage.

Did you have any Native American readings at your wedding? Or did you use any of the Native American traditions? If so, please feel free to share your experiences with me below. I would love to learn more! Sharing is caring.

FAQs

What is a Traditional Native American Wedding?

Native American weddings will vary from tribe to tribe, but generally speaking, evening is the most common time for a ceremony to take place. For example, Navajo weddings are held in the inside of a Hogan. Throughout the ceremony, water is a very important symbol, which symbolizes purity and cleansing.

How Do Native American Get Married?

Much like the traditional weddings we're more familiar with, the weddings can be formal or informal. And they come with a host of their own traditions, depending on which tribe you are part of. Feasts are very important throughout the wedding, as is water.

How Long is a Native American Wedding?

The length of a Native American wedding will vary from tribe to tribe. It will be a time to celebrate with food and merrymaking.

How Do You Congratulate an Indian Marriage?

There are many ways to congratulate the happy couple. Here's just a few examples you may want to use, "may your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine", or "may the years ahead be filled with everlasting love and joy", or "start a new chapter of your life with blessing and good wishes".

Irish Mother Son Wedding Songs: Top Picks

Today, we’re going to be looking at Irish mother-son wedding songs and seeing what our top picks are for the first dance between the mother and son, and other Irish wedding songs you may like to incorporate throughout your special day. If you’re Irish yourself, or just love Irish music – there are plenty of choices to choose from; suitable for any moment of your wedding. Let’s take a look at our top choices.

Irish Songs Throughout Your Wedding Day

From the first song of the ceremony to the last dance of the reception – there’s an Irish song suitable for all the moments of your wedding. If one, or both halves of the happy couple or Irish, or you have any Irish in your family, you may want to include some Irish songs to celebrate where you’re from. You definitely won’t be disappointed with any of our choices. Whether you’re looking for songs about Ireland or songs from Irish artists – we’ll be looking at them all!

Irish Mother Son Wedding Songs

For Irish songs about mothers, for mothers, there are a few choices to choose from.

My Son by Pat Roper. By far the most popular choice for an Irish mother and son wedding is My Son. It’s a timeless classic and has the most beautiful, profound lyrics.
Lyrics: “My son, you were the seed of life in me, and now, I can’t believe the man I see, with pride, I watched you grow up, you wanted so much to change the world for me”
A Mother’s Love is a Blessing by Bridie Gallagher. If you’re looking for the perfect way to honor your mom at your wedding, this is the perfect song to show her how much you care.
Lyrics: “A mother’s love’s a blessing, No matter where you roam, Keep her while she’s living, You’ll miss her when she’s gone”
Did Your Mother Come From Ireland? by Bing Crosby. Another popular Irish favorite, to make your mom feel loved.
Lyrics: “Did your mother come from Ireland, for there’s something in you Irish, and that bit of Irish steals my heart away”

Irish Father Daughter Wedding Songs

Another special dance is the dance between father and daughter. Here are some of our top picks.

Daughter of Mine – John McDermott. If you’re looking for a song that will leave everyone with tears in their eyes for this special moment, this is most definitely the song for you. The lyrics are so powerful, and perfect for any wedding day
Lyrics: “These are the thoughts of a father, On the wedding day of his daughter, As his mind wanders back to the first time he held her, He looks at her now, the same pride in his eyes”
Sure, She’s Irish by Sonny Knowles. The perfect way for a father to share the love he has for his daughter on her wedding day; while not forgetting her roots too!
Lyrics: “Sure she’s Irish, she’s the belle of ball, she’s the star of them all”

Irish Songs for the Ceremony

For the ceremony, you’ll likely be looking for songs that are romantic and calm. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.

Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor. While this song isn’t popular for being the happiest of tunes, it’s a beautiful song nonetheless
Lyrics: “I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard, But I’m willing to give it another try, Nothing compares, Nothing compares to you”
Love You ’til the End – The Pogues. One of my favorite songs of all time. This would also work well as a first dance between the happy couple – it’s stunning
Lyrics: “I just want to be there, When the morning light explodes, On your face it radiates, I can’t escape, I love you ’til the end”
The One – Kodaline. No song is better suited for the first dance than this song by Kodaline. It may be more modern, but it’s going to be a wedding classic in years to come
Lyrics: “‘Cause I knew the first day that I met you, I was never gonna let you, Let you slip away, And I still remember feeling nervous, And tryna find the words to, Get you here today”

Some other ceremony songs to consider are:

When You Say Nothing at All – Ronan Keating
You Raise Me Up – Westlife
The Irish Wedding Song – Andy Cooney
The Sweetest Thing – U2
Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison

Irish Songs for the Reception

Once the ceremony is over, and the first dances have been had – you want to celebrate the night away! There’s a huge selection of Irish songs to get everyone up on their feet – classic and modern. Here’s some of our favorites.

Galway Girl – Ed Sheeran. It’s the perfect song to get everyone on their feet – and who doesn’t love Ed Sheeran?
Lyrics: “She played the fiddle in an Irish band, But she fell in love with an English man, Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand, Said, “Baby, I just want to dance”
Come on Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners. While there aren’t any particular lyrics within the song that screams “wedding”, it’s an iconic song regularly played at weddings, that everyone loves

Some other reception songs to consider are:

Mr. Brightside – The Killers
Thunderstruck – AC/DC
Brown-Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

You can find a range of Irish wedding songs here, many of which we have taken a look at today.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with the many Irish mother-son wedding songs available, and other popular Irish favorites that will fit in perfectly with any Irish wedding.

Do you know of any other Irish songs that would work well in a wedding, that didn’t make the list? If so, please feel free to let me know any suggestions in the comments below. Sharing is caring!

Beatles Father Daughter Wedding Songs: Top Picks

Today, we’re going to be looking at our top picks for Beatles father-daughter wedding songs, and other ways to incorporate the Beatles into your wedding, if you’re a Beatles fan. It’s unsurprising if you’re a fan, as they’re one of the greatest groups of all time. They’re iconic, and they seem to have a song suitable for any celebration – including weddings. Let’s take at the best Beatles wedding songs – brace yourselves, there’s a few!

Beatles Wedding Songs for Throughout Your Wedding Day

From the ceremony, right up until the first dance, there’s a song suitable for them all. Most of them are well-known and will be crowd-pleasers, but others only the truest Beatles fan will know. If you, your parents, or your grandparents are Beatles fans, you won’t be disappointing them with any of our top picks. Let’s take a look.

Beatles Songs for Father Daughter Dance

The father-daughter dance is one that’s usually very important to both the bride and her father. It’s a special moment that will only happen once in your lifetime. So you definitely want to pick the most perfect song to create those unforgettable memories. Here are our top choices.

And I Love Her. This timeless classic is perfect for the first dance between parent/child or as a first dance with your new lifelong partner.
Lyrics: “Bright are the stars that shine, Dark is the sky, I know this love of mine, Will never die, And I love her”
Take Good Care of My Baby. There are not many songs more perfect for a father-daughter dance than this iconic cover from the Beatles.
Lyrics: “Just tell her that you love her, Make sure you’re thinking of her, In everything you say and do. Take good care of my baby”
I’m Happy Just to Dance With You. While this may seem like another first dance song for the happy couple, it has lyrics that ring true for every parent.
Lyrics: “I don’t need to hug or hold you tight, I just wanna dance with you all night, In this world, there’s nothing I would rather do, ‘Cause I’m happy just to dance with you”

Beatles Wedding Recessional/Processional Songs

Here Comes the Sun. It’s happy, serene and will leave everyone with a smile on their face.
Lyrics: “Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting, Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear, Here comes the sun”

Beatles Wedding Reception Entrance Songs

All You Need is Love. One of the most iconic songs in Beatles history. What better way to enter the room for the first time to this classic tune?
Lyrics: “All you need is love, love is all you need”

Beatles Songs for First Dance

Do You Want to Know a Secret?. The perfect song for the first dance with your new lifelong partner.
Lyrics: “Let me whisper in your ear, Say the words you long to hear, I’m in love with you”
PS I Love You. A beautiful song that oozes love in every note.
Lyrics: “Remember that I’ll always, Be in love with you, Treasure these few words ’till we’re together, Keep all my love forever”

Beatles Songs for Mother-Son Dance

Hey Jude. While there aren’t any particular lyrics that are fitting, it’s an iconic song that was written for one of the Beatles’ sons, which makes it a perfect song for a mother to dedicate to her son
In My Life. If your mom is emotional and always knows the right thing to say, this song works perfectly.
Lyrics: “Though I know I’ll never lose affection, For people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them, In my life I love you more”

Beatles Songs for Cake Cutting

All My Loving. It’s great to have a song playing when you first cut the cake, and what better than this fast-paced, classic from the Beatles?
Lyrics: “All my loving I will send to you, All my loving, Darling, I’ll be true”

Beatles Songs for Dancing the Night Away

Eight Days a Week. The Beatles created some of the best songs to dance the night away too, and many of the choices we’ve seen today would be perfect for any part of the ceremony – but I particularly love dancing to this one!
Lyrics: “Oh, I need your love, babe, Guess you know it’s true, Hope you need my love babe, Just like I need you”
Twist and Shout. While the Beatles were not the first to sing this song, their cover of this favorite is one of the most popular versions – and it’s not difficult to see why! It’s a song that regularly gets everyone up on their feet at weddings.
Lyrics: “Well, work it on out, honey, You know you look so good, You know you got me goin’ now, Just like I knew you would”

Beatles Songs for the Last Song

A Hard Day’s Night. What better way to end the evening than with this tongue-in-cheek song about what a hard day it’s been? It’s perfect to leave everyone at the wedding with fond memories, and a smile on their face.
Lyrics: “It’s been a hard day’s night, I should be sleeping like a log, But when I get home to you I’ll find the things that you do, Will make me feel alright”

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to discover the best Beatles father-daughter wedding songs and the best ways to include Beatles songs among other pivotal moments throughout your wedding day. You can find a range of Beatles albums, featuring all of these incredible hit songs, here.

Did you use any Beatles songs at your wedding? Did your choice make the list? If you have any other ideas, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!

Where To Buy Ring Bearer Outfits: A Guide

Today, we’re going to be looking at where to buy ring bearer outfits and what the suitable ring bearer attire is for toddlers and children. Whether you’re the parent of the child looking to buy an outfit for an upcoming wedding, or you’re one-half of the happy couple looking for an outfit, you may be unsure which outfit to choose. The internet is swamped with ideas and it can be overwhelming – so we’ve got you covered. Whether you have a formal Summer wedding or a casual Spring wedding – we’re here to help.

What Is A Ring Bearer?

I may be getting ahead of myself – you may not even know what a ring bearer is! A ring bearer has a huge responsibility on your wedding day. They are the lucky person you’ve chosen to walk down the aisle during the ceremony. Usually, they’ll then present the rings to the best man, or keep watch of them until the happy couple needs them for the exchanging of rings.

How Old Is A Ring Bearer?

If you have flower girls within your ceremony, they’ll often be the same age as them. The average is around 3-8 years of age. Although that’s the traditional age, those are just guidelines and they’re not set in stone.

Your ring bearer can be of any age, although it’s usually a child. If it’s an older child, they’re often far more responsible so they’ll be less worried over the safety of the rings. If it’s a younger child, you can use fake rings for the ring bearer, and keep the real rings with the best man. And if it’s a toddler or smaller, it may be best to have someone accompany them down the aisle – we all know how little ones are prone to outbursts and tantrums!

Who Pays For The Outfit?

Usually, the parents of the child pay for the outfit. There will usually be discussions about the outfit, such as color schemes and general outfit ideas, then the parents will purchase it. However, if you want your ring bearer to wear a specific outfit of your choosing, it’s seen as polite to gift the outfit yourself. If the parent(s) are willing to pay for the outfit, you can gift an accessory for the wedding such as a bow tie.

Ring Bearer Attire

Usually, the attire of the ring bearer will match the attire of the rest of the bridal party/groomsmen. Your ring bearer should be easily identifiable as part of your special day. Whether that be wearing the same color as the bridal party, or the same tie as the groomsmen – the choice is yours! Let’s take a look at some ideas for outfits for toddlers and boys.

Ring Bearer Outfits for Toddlers

Usually, you’ll be wanting a toddler to look cute as a button. The most common choices to opt for a suspenders and bowtie combo with linen shorts, shirt, and waistcoat. If your wedding is a bit more casual, feel free to remove the waistcoat.

Bowtie and Suspenders

Often, suspenders will come separately to an outfit, which for toddlers may be quite frustrating and may distract them. However, this super cute linen 3 pieces from Etsy. If you buy the full set, it comes with suspender shorts, a vest, a bowtie, and a shirt. For the full set, it comes in at around £116. The set comes in over 50 different colors, so you’ll be sure to find a match suitable for your wedding.

Onesie/T-Shirt

If you’re having a more casual wedding, or you’ve chosen a baby as your ring bearer, you may want to choose a onesie or a t-shirt. There’s a great personalized Ring Security Shirt/Onesie for any toddler or baby in your life. It’s super cute and no one will doubt what their role is on your wedding day.

Ring Bearer Outfits for Boys

For a boy aged 3 or over, you can definitely still use the items above (they come stocked in older ages). However, you may like them to feel slightly more grown-up and part of the “groomsmen”. This is assuming your ring bearer is a boy, of course!

Formal Outfits

If you’re having a formal wedding, this Ring Bearer 4-Piece from White Bridal Boutique is a stunning option. It comes with trousers, a jacket, a vest, and a white long-sleeved shirt. Prices start at just over £100 for the entire set – which is definitely great value for money. The age range is from 9 months – 14 years, so you won’t be stuck for sizing issues. It’s only available in navy blue, charcoal grey, light grey, and black; but those colors will usually work well within any wedding.

Casual Outfits

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Vestos has a good selection of informal (and formal) outfit choices for ring bearers. I particularly love this choice of a Boys Linen Suit. It has removable braces if you want to dress the outfit up or down. Prices start at around £130, but the outfits are definitely high quality and you can see that. You can choose any height from 56cm-134cm.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to identify where to buy ring bearer outfits. When I was looking for such outfits for my wedding, I found sites like Etsy and notonthehighstreet to be the best places to find unique outfit choices. However, you can also try your local bridal and groomsmen boutiques. They often have a range of outfits, which can usually be tailored. However, the price for these will often be significantly more due to the extra time required.

Did you have a ring bearer at your wedding? Where did you buy their outfit from? I would love to hear any ideas or tips you have for buying a ring bearer outfit. So please feel free to let me know of your experiences in the comments below. You may be helping out a future couple with their ring bearer outfit choice!

How Many Ring Bearers In A Wedding: What’s Normal?

Today, we’re going to be looking at how many ring bearers in a wedding, and answering questions like how you should ask them and what to get them as a thank you gift for being such a special part of your day. Make no mistake, ring bearers play a very important part in your day. Usually, you’ll choose your own child, or a child you’re close to within your circle of family and friends to fulfill the role.

But you may not even know what their role is! Let’s first take a look at what their special job is and how many ring bearers you usually have within a wedding.

What Is A Ring Bearer?

You may already know, but it’s the ring bearer’s responsibility to walk the wedding rings down the aisle to the happy couple, during the ceremony.

How Old Is The Ring Bearer?

If you’re having flower girls within your wedding, ring bearers are usually around the same age. The average age is 3-8 years old. Although this is the traditional age of a ring bearer, there are no guidelines you need to follow, and your ring bearer can be any age you choose!

There are some couples who will choose their baby to be carried down the aisle (with an adult, of course) and others who will choose their grandparents as ring bearers. There is no right or wrong answer! However, most couples will choose a child who’s responsible to take on this role – it is one of the most important jobs, after all!

How Many Ring Bearers Should There Be?

If you’re following tradition, there is usually only one ring bearer. If the child is particularly young, an adult or older child will often accompany them, but it’s usually a one-child job.

However, it’s definitely possible to have more than one! It’s just important to assign each person involved a set task on the day. Children usually love to have their own special role, so it’s important to make them all feel valued if you’re asking them to be part of your wedding.

Here are some ideas to involve more than one ring bearer:

Have each child hold one ring each
An older child could pull small children in a wagon/cart
Other children could walk down the aisle with the ring bearers holding signs

What Does The Ring Bearer Carry?

The ring bearer carries the happy couple’s wedding bands down the aisle. However, some couples opt for their ring bearer to carry fake rings down the aisle; that way, there’s no worry of any damage coming to the real wedding rings.

Ring bearers often carry the rings on a pillow or a special box. More recently, it’s become popular to present the rings looped around greenery, such as baby’s breath and magnolia leaves.

How To Ask Ring Bearer?

There’s a range of ways to ask your ring bearer to be part of your special day. However, the most important thing to do first (if it’s a child), is to get the parent’s permission. Generally, the child’s parents will be more than happy for their child to be part of your wedding, but it’s always best to ask. And that way, you can start planning their outfit too – which the parents of the child usually pay for themselves.

Here are a few tips to ask your ring bearer:

Be patient. Children are excitable and impatient! So ask them as close to the wedding as possible (usually a few months before)
Buy them a book when you ask them (there are some great choices on Amazon). Sit down and read through the book with them, and get their parents to do so every so often. It helps them to become more familiar with their role and gets them excited for the big day
Make a proposal. Children love feeling important – so why not make a proposal for them to be your ring bearer? Marketplaces like Etsy have a huge amount of ideas; including cards, personalized puzzles, t-shirts, and balloons. You can find more ideas here

Check Price on Amazon

What To Get Ring Bearer For Gift

It’s seen as a tradition to present anyone who has a role within the wedding with a small gift of thanks. Adults are usually much easier to buy for when it comes to thanking you gifts! So if you’re looking to buy a thank you gift for a child ring bearer, here are some ideas:

A “Ring Security” personalized t-shirt. This is a gift to show the little person in your life how important what they’re doing is. If you’re looking to make them feel important, this will certainly do the job!
Buddy Bearer. If the child is anxious or looks like they’re in need of a friend – why not buy them a soft toy? And explain to them that this bear was specially made to walk down the aisle with the ring bearer. It may calm any nerves and make the walk down the aisle less scary for them!
A Game or Activity to do After the Ceremony. Let’s be honest, weddings are boring for children. So why not get them a game to play or something like a personalized coloring book to keep their little hands busy?
Something catered to their interests. What’s their favorite show? What are their favorite sweets? Let them know you’ve had them in your thoughts when picking out their gift.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question as to how many ring bearers are in a wedding and other questions you may have, such as how to ask them and what to get as a thank you gift. Children are easily pleased, so as long as you make them feel included and special – that’s the most important thing.

How many ring bearers did you have at your wedding? How did it go? I would love to hear your experiences, so please feel free to let me know in the comments below.

When Does The Ring Bearer Walk Down The Aisle?: A Ring Bearer’s Guide

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: when does the ring bearer walk down the aisle? And also taking a look at everything you need to know about choosing a ring bearer for your special day and their role within the ceremony. Let’s take a closer look at all things ring bearers!

What Is A Ring Bearer?

You may already know what a ring bearer is, but if you’re unfamiliar, a ring bearer has a very important job! It’s a ring bearer’s responsibility to carry the rings down the aisle during the ceremony.

What Does The Ring Bearer Do?

As we’ve just seen, the ring bearer is responsible for walking the rings down the aisle. This is usually with the the bridal party procession. When they reach the end of the aisle, they usually give the rings to the best man. Or depending on their age, they can keep the rings themselves until the happy couple is in need of them.

Who Is The Ring Bearer?

The ring bearer is usually a child that is important to the couple. It can one of your own children, a friend’s child, or someone like a niece or nephew. The ring bearer can be a boy or girl – and in all honesty, the ring bearer doesn’t have to be a child! If you’re looking to give someone important in your life a role in your wedding, why not ring bearer? While traditionally it’s a child, it can be anyone! From aunts, uncles to grandparents.

When Does The Ring Bearer Walk Down The Aisle?

There’s a traditional order for the wedding procession. Usually, the bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor walk down the aisle first (alone or with the best man), followed by the ring bearer and then the flower girls. After this procession, the bride is ready to make her entrance.

Although it’s tradition for the ring bearer to make their entrance after the bridesmaids, they can make their entrance before, after – or even with the bride! Let’s be honest, it’s your wedding and the order of your wedding party can be whatever you choose.

Who Does The Ring Bearer Give The Rings To?

More often than not, when the ring bearer reaches the end of the aisle, they hand over the rings (usually on a pillow or in a box) to the best man. The best man will then look after the rings throughout the ceremony, and present them when necessary. However, if your ring bearer is older, you may want your ring bearer to present the rings to you – and that is completely okay!

Where Does The Ring Bearer Stand?

If you’re worried about their little legs getting tired, you don’t have to be! Ring bearers do not need to stand throughout the ceremony. Once they have delivered the rings to the best man, they usually sit with their family or a family friend. It’s highly unlikely that a toddler or small child would be able to stand still for that long! You can provide a seat for them at the front of the ceremony if you want them to have the best view of your marriage.

How Old Are Ring Bearers?

It’s common for ring bearers to be around the same age as flower girls. The average age of a ring bearer is around three to eight years of age. Although this is tradition, you can choose a ring bearer of any age. It’s understandable that you may not want such an important role to be entrusted to someone so small, so to save stress – it may actually be better to have a slightly older ring bearer!

In more recent years, it’s become popular to have children much younger than three take on the role of ring bearer. Although they won’t really have an idea of what’s going on, they do look super cute – and it makes for some adorable photos. However, if you choose this option, be sure to have someone available to accompany them down the aisle. And be prepared for tantrums, screaming, and crying – nothing is as unpredictable as a child!

What Does The Ring Bearer Wear?

There really aren’t any strict guidelines as to what the ring bearer wears. It’s down to the couple and ring bearer (or the ring bearer’s parents). You may want them to be wearing similar colors to the bridal party, as they will be joining in with the procession – but that’s just a recommendation, and entirely your choice.

You do not need to pay for the ring bearer’s outfit. However, if you want them to wear a particular outfit, it’s seen as polite to at least offer a monetary contribution towards it. Or you may like to provide an accessory for the outfit like suspenders or a flower crown.

What Can The Ring Bearer Carry The Rings On?

You can choose for the rings to be carried down on anything! Most couples opt for a ring pillow or small box. However, if you’re looking for a way to make the job fun – how about this Ring Security Set? It’s a lockable personalized briefcase, which comes with the case, a badge, sunglasses and an earpiece. At £60, it’s definitely pricey, but it’ll definitely make that special little one in your life feel super important!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question: when does the ring bearer walk down the aisle? If you’re looking for a short answer: it’s whenever you want! But if you like to follow as close to traditional as possible, it’s best to have them after the bridesmaids and just before the flower girls. If you have no bridesmaids or flower girls, the ring bearer can even walk in with the bride!

Did you have a ring bearer at your wedding, or do you plan to? When did they walk down the aisle? Please feel free to let me know any answers in the comments below.

Average Age Of A Ring Bearer: Are They Too Old?

Today, we’re going to be looking at the average age of a ring bearer and finding out if you can ever choose someone that’s too old for the job. But first, let’s take a look at what a ring bearer is – and even check out some tips to make the ceremony go as smoothly as possible for you and your ring bearer.

What Is A Ring Bearer?

A ring bearer has a very important job. Some might say, one of the most important jobs of the day! A ring bearer’s sole responsibility is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle; usually, in procession with the bridal party. Once at the end of the aisle, the ring bearer usually hands the rings over to the best man.

Who Is The Ring Bearer?

The ring bearer is often someone important to you as a couple. Whether it be one of your own children or a niece/nephew, it will be someone close to the family. You should choose someone who’s reasonably responsible (if they’re of that age), and if they can’t walk down alone, have someone like the Mother of the Bride/Groom walk with them/carry them.

The ring bearer can be a boy or a girl – the choice is entirely yours.

How Old Are Ring Bearers?

Ring bearers are often seen as around the same age as flower girls. The average age of a ring bearer is around three to eight years of age. Some couples do prefer to follow tradition, but there’s really nothing stopping you from choosing a ring bearer of any age. As it’s such an important role, you may not want someone of that age entrusted with the rings, so go with whatever you feel comfortable with.

However, it’s becoming increasingly popular for children younger than three to take on the role of ring bearer. However, they’ll usually be accompanied by an adult. Let’s be honest, the younger the child, the cuter they look holding the rings. Although, it’s important to keep in mind, that the younger the child, the more prone they are to things like tantrums and crying. If you feel this is something that would hinder your wedding, it’s best to opt for a slightly older ring bearer.

How Old Is Too Old For A Ring Bearer?

You may be wondering if someone can be too old to be a ring bearer. There are many people that will say yes, but I’m here to tell you – you can never be too old to be a ring bearer! Some couples even choose to have their grandparents as ring bearers. If you’re having an adults-only ceremony, or you simply don’t want a child to fulfill the role, feel free to choose anyone!

It can be an aunt, an uncle – or even grandparents. It’s a great way to get someone special to you involved that doesn’t already have a role within the wedding. You can even have a pet carry the rings down the aisle for you – although I’m not sure all pets would be that cooperative!

The most important thing to remember is – there are no age limits for any role within a wedding. If you want to give someone a title for your special day, go for it. I’m sure they’ll be just as excited as you are.

Tips For A Ring Bearer

If you do opt for a young ring bearer, there are a few tips you can try to help the wedding go as smoothly as possible. Hey, we all know how unpredictable children can be! Here are a few points to consider before the big day:

Use a pillow that you can tie the rings to so that they’ll be as safe as possible – particularly if you’re worried they may fall off
Take your ring bearer for a visit to the venue before the ceremony. Show them what they’ll be doing and bring along props so they can practice. Not only will it be fun for them, but they’ll also feel more confident on the day
Sometimes the ring bearer will stand for the ceremony and hand the rings over when needed. If the child is particularly young, give them a seat with their family/friend and have them hand the rings to the best man
Use fake rings. If the thought of a toddler carrying your wedding rings down the aisle is causing you stress (understandable), buy fake rings for the ring bearer to hold. And keep the real rings with the best man!
If the ring bearer is slightly older, why not opt for a heart-shaped box or something a little more unique? There are some amazing original ideas on Etsy for ring-bearing boxes. It’s a great way to keep them protected too, throughout the ceremony.

What Does The Ring Bearer Wear?

You may be wondering what the ring bearer usually wears. If you’re not the parents of the ring bearer, it may be best to discuss the options with them. They usually wear the color of the bridal party, as they are part of the wedding party, after all!

You’re under no obligation to pay for the ring bearer outfit yourself, but if you’re being very particular with the outfit, it may be a nice gift. Or you may gift them an accessory to wear on your wedding days, such as a flower crown or corsage.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with the average age of a ring bearer. Although there’s an average age, there really is no age limit for your ring bearer. Whether they’re 0 or 100, it’s entirely your choice and they can be as traditional or modern as you’d like.

Did you have a ring bearer at your wedding? Do you think there’s an age limit on when you should be a ring bearer? If so, please feel free to leave any answers in the comments below.

How To Plan A Destination Wedding On A Small Budget: A Guide

Today, we’re going to look at how to plan a destination wedding on a small budget. Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years. And whether you have an expensive wedding or a wedding on a strict budget – it’s still possible to have the destination wedding of your dreams. Let’s take a look at how to make the most of your budget when planning a destination wedding.

Why Have A Destination Wedding?

Make no mistake, it’s definitely more difficult to plan a destination wedding than a traditional wedding. Usually, everything is within a reachable distance, and it doesn’t take the amount of planning that a destination wedding requires. However, a destination wedding seems more romantic and not just a getaway for your guests, but for you too. Especially if it’s a place that’s special to you both as a couple.

Tips and Tricks To Utilize Your Wedding Budget

There are many ways to make the most out of whatever budget you have, so let’s take a closer look at our top tips and ideas for a destination wedding on a budget.

Decide on a Budget

The budget is, without doubt, the most important aspect of your wedding planning – and the first thing you should decide on. Without a budget price, it’s impossible to plan a wedding. Make a rough estimate of what you’re willing to spend on each section of your wedding (food, drinks, venue, dress, etc.) and go from there.

Choose a Location

A destination wedding cost will all depend on where you choose to get married. Destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico will be more expensive as they’re sought-after locations. However, for cheap destination weddings, try looking for somewhere closer to home – or somewhere that isn’t typically known for being a wedding hotspot.

Plan Ahead with Plenty of Time

The more time you have to plan, the easier the process will be. And usually, the more in advance you book, the cheaper the deals you can obtain. Be sure to shop around and compare prices at different venues to ensure you’re getting the most from your budget. It’s much easier to make changes when things are already booked, so if you want to change anything nearer the time, you can.

Cut Vendors You Don’t Need

This may seem like a ruthless one, but it is an important one. Do you need a photographer and a videographer? Do you need a 3-course sit-down meal? The answers will be different for every couple, so choose what are the most important aspects of your day, and work from there. It’ll be easier to cut out certain vendors than you may think! And truly, you only need you and your partner to make your wedding day magical.

Choose a Date Wisely

If you’re traveling during the holiday season or peak wedding season, you’ll definitely be paying more – so try to book in quieter months. Or maybe even opt for a week-day wedding, this will cut the price dramatically, rather than having your wedding at the weekend.

Check for Packages

Whether this is travel packages for you and your guests, hotel packages for your wedding party, or wedding packages in general – make sure you check for them! Package deals are always the best value for money, and most companies will offer them. Be sure to enquire as you may be missing out on a great deal that could save you thousands!

Think About Décor

Another way to be ruthless is with décor. Do you need all those flowers? Do you need oversized neon letters? Try to be simplistic with your decorations. They can become really expensive, very quickly. So focus on the most important decorations that you’d like, and go from there.

Keep the Guest List Small

This is a simple one, but the more guests – the higher the price. So if you try to limit your guest list as much as possible, it will help to reduce the venue and catering costs massively. Try to invite your nearest and dearest, and have a second celebration closer to home once you’re back. That way, you get the best of both worlds!

Consider Rate Variations

Depending on where you are in the world, and the time of year of your wedding will mean a real variation in prices. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as:

Big cities will be more expensive than towns or villages, so stay away from them if you can
During the week will always be cheaper than Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Always choose off peak seasons if you can
If the flowers you’re looking for aren’t in season, be prepared to pay significantly more than you usually would
Bar rates differ in every venue, so be sure to shop around
Photographers can be extremely expensive, so this is another aspect to be sure to shop around for

Buy in Bulk

The more of anything you buy, the cheaper it will be. Whether it’s plane tickets, hotel rooms, catering, cutlery – whatever you can buy in bulk, go for it! It’ll work out much better value in the long run.

If you’re looking for more tips to save on décor, food and drinks, outfits, etc., be sure to visit wedmegood, as they have some amazing advice for budget weddings!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with how to plan a destination wedding on a small budget. It’s definitely possible, so try not to get too disheartened if you don’t find what you’re looking for instantly. Shop around, as making the most of your money and finding cheaper alternatives can take time.

Did you have a destination wedding on a small budget? How did you navigate it? If you have any tips or tricks, please feel free to share them below. You may be helping out future couples with their destination wedding!

Wedding After Courthouse Marriage: What You Need To Know

Today, we’re going to be looking at having a wedding after courthouse marriage, and everything you need to know about courthouse marriages and the celebrations you can have after. One thing is for certain, weddings are becoming more and more expensive. A courthouse marriage is a great way to be married as soon as possible but to save the celebrations for later. There’s a range of reasons why you may want to do this (and we’ll be looking at those later too!). So let’s take a closer look at courthouse weddings.

What Is A Courthouse Wedding?

A courthouse wedding, put simply, is a marriage in a courthouse. Courthouse weddings go by a few names that you may be more familiar with, including civil weddings or civil ceremonies. It’s nonreligious but is a legal ceremony of marriage which is overseen by a government official.

Courthouse Wedding Requirements

It’s not as simple as rocking up to your local courthouse and getting married. Depending on where you are, there will be different rules and regulations for every state (or country). Generally, you’ll need the same information and requirements as a religious wedding. You’ll need ID (of course). And many states require you to obtain a marriage license (which is usually obtainable for a fee). And some states also require a witness or two at the ceremony. It’s important to check out the rules and regulations of where you are before you make any commitments.

How Much Is A Marriage License Fee?

It all depends on where you are in the world. However, in the United States, it can be anywhere from $20-$120. It’s safe to say, that this is the cheapest and easiest way to get married! It’s also a great way to keep the ceremony intimate, but at a far more reasonable price.

Why Would You Want To Get Legally Married Before The Big Day?

Getting legally married before the wedding is far more common than you may think! Especially in the last few years, with the global pandemic affecting the wedding industry so massively. Having a marriage may be the most important aspect of the wedding to you, so many couples are opting to get legally married and worry about the celebrations at a more fitting time.

Here are some reasons some couples opt to have a courthouse wedding and celebrate their wedding later.

Postponing Weddings

In light of recent events, some couples are having to reschedule their wedding for the second, third, fourth time (my sister being one of those people!). Some couples simply want to be married and aren’t happy to wait any longer to call themselves Mr. and Mrs., Mr. and Mr. or Mrs. and Mrs. This is completely understandable. So many couples have chosen a small, intimate courthouse wedding and will focus on the celebrations once the pandemic is over.

Destination Weddings

As wonderful as destination weddings are, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license in your hometown and have your legal ceremony before you depart for your destination wedding. Every state (and country) has a different set of rules, so be sure you’re following the right procedures and requirements before jetting off for your destination wedding.

Anxiety Relieving

There’s such a pressure to have “the perfect day” on your wedding day, and sometimes that’s not always possible. The anxiety I felt on my wedding day was debilitating and it really ruined the lead-up for me as I was so frightened to be the center of attention in front of so many people. Having a small wedding in a courthouse will definitely relieve this pressure and enable you to enjoy the ceremony more if you suffer from anxiety…and then focus on the celebrations after!

Intimate

It’s definitely a more intimate affair. Whether it’s just you and your partner, or a small gathering of friends and family to witness, having a courthouse wedding really gives you and your partner the chance to focus on each other. There’s less pressure if you mess up, stutter or cry. And it won’t feel anywhere near as overwhelming. The vow exchange will be intimate and memorable for you both.

More Time To Save

This is one of the most common reasons! Your wedding day will be expensive – there’s no doubt about it! So some couples opt to have the ceremony as quickly as possible in a courthouse; which really doesn’t cost much at all. And then save up for a bigger day with bigger celebrations in the future. There’s no unspoken rule that your ceremony and reception need to be on the same day – so have them separate and enjoy two special days!

How To Make It Special

It may feel as though your courthouse wedding can’t be special, especially if it’s a choice that has been thrust upon you because of the pandemic – but that is absolutely not the case! You can still have a perfect day, no matter how small your wedding is. Here are a few tips from Brides.com on how to make your courthouse wedding special.

Invite your nearest and dearest. Whether that’s 2 people, or 10 – it’s not the quantity of people at your wedding that matters.
Book a Photographer. You want some photos to remember your special day for and as there won’t be many guests to take snapshots, hiring a photographer is the best thing to do.
Plan a Small Celebration After. Whether that’s a drink in the local bar or a meal at your favorite restaurant – go for it!
Look Forward to the Traditional Wedding in the Near Future!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with having a wedding after courthouse marriage – and everything you need to know, before and after. Whenever you have your wedding and however you have your wedding, the most important thing is that you’ve chosen to share the rest of your life with that special someone.

Catholic Church Wedding Costs: How Much?

Today we’re going to be looking at Catholic Church wedding costs and how much a church wedding will be likely to set you back. There are quite a few factors to bear in mind when it comes to the cost of a wedding and we’ll be covering them all.

What Is A Catholic Church Wedding?

A Catholic Church wedding is just like any other marriage but is often known as holy matrimony. At least one member of the couple should be a Catholic Christian. And the wedding should be held in the parish of either the bride or the groom. Before a Catholic Church approves your wedding, you’ll often need to submit specific documents, partake in activities more often at the church and have regular meetings. Marriage preparation can take anywhere from 6 months to one year.

How Much Do Churches Charge For Weddings?

It’s a well-known fact that weddings are expensive. Between the food, the drinks, the dress, the flowers – the prices rack up quickly. And many couples spend thousands on their wedding. However, if you or your partner (or both) are religious and marrying somewhere important to your faith is an option for you both – the cost will often be much lower.

The cost of a church wedding will depend on many factors. The main factors you’ll need to consider are:

The size of the church
The location of the church
The church you wish to get married in

These factors will mean a significant difference in the price. Most churches consider the price a donation, and some may not even specify a donation price. But the average cost you’ll be looking to pay in the US is anywhere between a few hundred dollars, to $1000. However, these prices are not firm and it will be different for every church. If you have a church in mind, it may be best to ask.

Church Of England Weddings

Church of England weddings are different and can be much more expensive. For example, in the UK, the minimum fee in 2021 is £495, providing you marry in your home parish. This does not take into account additional fees such as heating, an organist, bell ringers, flowers, etc. So be sure to keep this in mind if you’re planning a Church of England wedding. You can find out more about Your Church Wedding here.

How Much To Donate To Catholic Church For Wedding?

In theory, a Catholic Church wedding costs nothing. The sacrament of marriage is free and has no price tag. However, a donation should be made if you’re having a Catholic Church wedding. Your church may already have a set price they share with you, or they may leave the donation cost down to you. If you grew up in the church, the price is likely to be much less than if you’re not a member.

The average price if you grew up in the church is around $200. And the average price for non-members can be anywhere between $400-$2000! But again, this all comes down to the church, where it’s located, and how many guests you’re having. It’s best to ask if you’re unsure. If the donation is left for you to choose from, I would recommend following the average guidelines above.

Additional Costs For Catholic Church Weddings

It’s important to note that the donation cost is just for the church itself and the ceremony. But there are many additional costs that the donation will not cover and you need to bear these in mind; as these can really take a lot out of your wedding budget!

Some additional costs to bear in mind are:

Organists/Musicians. Some Catholic Churches may offer this as part of your wedding package. However, more often than not, it’s an additional fee. If you ask your church, they’ll likely have some recommendations for you. If the organists/musicians are extra, the average price is around $300-$900. This will all depend on their experience and how many you’re looking for.
Bells. Most couples like the church bells to announce their wedding. However, this is not often free! And can set you back anywhere between $100-$250!
Décor. While some churches may already be perfect as they are, at others you may wish to decorate yourself. This is something you organize yourself. However, check everything with your church before you make any decisions. This will include items such as flowers for the pew, signage, candles, etc. The Bridal Association of America predicts it will cost around $391 for these additional extras.
Deposit. This may not be at every church, but sometimes you may be asked to pay a small deposit. This will be refunded after the wedding but is taken in case any damage takes place throughout the time that you’re there. On average, this may be around $200.
Flowers. Of course, the church will not provide any flowers. So if you’d like flowers down the aisle or any kind of decoration which involves flowers – this will often take out a large chunk of your budget. Particularly fresh flowers.

There may be other additional costs, depending on what you’re having at your wedding. But these are all things you can discuss with your church once you’ve set your heart on a location.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with Catholic Church wedding costs and what is seen as an appropriate donation to give if you’re unsure. A church wedding cost will vary massively depending on the size and location – and also if it’s the church you’ve grown up in. The best course of action is to book a meeting with your church and discuss everything that you’re unsure of.

Did you have your wedding in a Catholic Church? If you’re comfortable sharing your donation or how much you paid, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. You may be helping out future brides and grooms with their own weddings.