Much of what was once considered standard wedding procedure, dress, and structure was actually held over from the Elizabethan, Renaissance, and Victorian eras, when marriage was a business transaction or political move as often as it was a personal choice. Many traditions have gone out of style in the past thirty years. These days, while many wedding ceremonies follow some sort of outline that recalls the traditions of the past, changing social mores, technological advances, and new trends in fashion have allowed modern couples to make their weddings truly their own.
While the dress and the cake are definitely crucial, it’s fair to say that the most important purchase related to one’s wedding is that of wedding rings. Of all the accoutrement involved with the wedding day, only the rings will be worn and seen every day thereafter. Classic domed wedding bands in gold are still among the most popular choices, but modern wedding band styles gaining ground include diamond eternity rings as well as metals and materials new to the jewelry industry like tungsten and titanium.
The newfound popularity of tungsten carbide rings stems from many different factors. What started the buzz is definitely tungsten carbide’s remarkable durability and strength. Tungsten rings are tarnish-proof and very difficult to scratch; in fact, tungsten carbide is so hard that during the manufacturing process, the rings are polished with diamond instruments and never require polishing again after that. Their ability to stand the test of time makes a great metaphor for your love, and the interesting look and modern flair give your wedding style the perfect boost.
Music is another major point to consider. The classical standards by Mendelssohn and Pachelbel so often associated with weddings are still popular and an excellent choice, as long as that’s what you want. But one should never feel confined to doing something in one way simply because that’s how it’s always been done. I’ve been a bridesmaid and maid of honor more times than I care to admit– let’s just say Katherine Heigl and her 27 dresses have nothing on me– and some of the most meaningful and memorable ceremonies were so because the couple dispensed with the status quo in order to do what made them happy and reflected their interests. Movie soundtracks, novelty songs, and performances by the couple’s musically inclined friends were all on the table, and it always worked because the intention was sincere.
The rules have changed regarding wedding flowers as well– the white roses and baby’s breath of traditional bouquets are now often edged out by bright colors, exotic plants, and non-floral accents like ribbons and crystals. For the wedding I discussed above, the bride carried a bouquet of flowers sculpted from metal and glass while we bridesmaids held bunches of peacock feathers.
There are many other ways that a modern wedding can reflect the particular personalities and tastes of the couple as well. Weddings themed to a particular era like Tudor England or American 1920s, wedding dresses in a rainbow of colors, ceremonies that include children or pets, and many more options to make your day as special as it can be are now at your feet.
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