Bohemian Rhapsody

The beautiful outdoors! The natural look of baby pinks and greens is calming. Pick an outdoor spot for the ceremony and use bohemian themed favors for a pulled-together masterpiece. Peace. Love. Happiness.

Signature Plates

a great alternative to a wedding guestbook is a hand painted - personalized signature platter. have guests sign this keepsake. place in the oven for 30 minutes at 300 degrees to set once the event is over. i haven't attended a wedding yet where this fun idea has been used. i wouldn't mind having this at my own!!

Unity Ceremonies

The unity candle is a widely known tradition. I was curious about alternatives to this that can add a touch of spice and uniqueness in its place.

• Rose Ceremony: The bride and groom exchange a single rose as their first married gift to each other. They are asked to recall this symbol of their love during the more trying seasons of marriage.

• Hand Ceremony: The bride takes the grooms hand and her palms are up. The grooms hands are asked to be a gift and the officiant says: "These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as together you laugh and cry, and together you share your innermost secrets and dreams." Next, the groom then takes the bride's hands, palm side up. The officiant says, "They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness, as she promises her love and commitment to you all the days of her life."

• Knot Ceremony: The mothers of the bridal couple are givent a rope or ribbon. Then it is given to the bride and groom to tie a lover's knot to always remember.

• Sand, Water, & Wine: In each ceremony, the bride and groom pour liquid or sand from two seperate containers into one. Be sure two pour two diffent colors of sand or red wine into white wine for full effects.

This is only a few ideas, but many more are out there and being invented as I type! Be creative and be sure to do something that means the most to you.

Engraved Forever

it's on the outside and inside that counts. ever though seriously about your wedding vows? It is such a monumental, sacred, beautiful promise from one person to the other. not only does the ring itself symbolize eternity, but so does the vows. i like the idea of engraving the entire wedding vow on the inside of the wedding band. this is so sexi! couples have engraved initials, i love yous, smily faces, and other what-not's, but the entire vow means so much. this particular company will engrave traditional vows or customized vows into the rings for you here.

Romeo and Juliet

Oh how I love the...let me count the ways... The Shakespeare festival is located in Montgomery, AL. It is so beautiful out there. The outdoor setting is so romantic! My boyfriend is a local to the Shakespeare festival. We love just riding around when we are in the area. This truly is a special place. Probably pretty pricy....but you never know until you ask!

Light Sage & Brown Palette

Light sage is on of my personal favorite wedding colors. It is outdoorsy enough but still elegant. Willow branches with hanging candles really set the mood for this feel. Let nature be your guide!

Flowers from Blue Sky, Dress from Siri, Cake from Martha, Everything else Flings Event Design.

Love on the Vine

Having the wedding ceremony at a vineyard tickles my fancy. Many wineries host weddings and events which include wine tastings and catering. This is becomming very popular in the United States. This would be a unique experience for such a special day. Wine tastings would also be fun at the reception. Italian Cuisine? Delicious!

Imagine...a lush green backdrop complimented with wine and the great outdoors. Just beautiful!

The vineyard venue paired with a wine bottle wedding invite is adorable and still classy. I think this would be a ceremony everyone would want to attend! I found this invite at Invitation Consultant's website. Front price at $358 for 100....or less if you have time, sissors, thick black paper, ribbon, and a printer. Spend a weekend with friends creating the invitations serving wine (of course) and finger foods for their efforts. It would be fun and save a few pennies along the way!

Find your local vinyard wedding here.

The soft extractive note of an aged cork being withdrawn has the true sound of a man opening his heart.

-William Benwell