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Vows or special messages of love can be written on the gift tags, and read aloud in place of a traditional vow exchange. Instead of simply exchanging wedding bands, couples can exchange rings in small colorfully wrapped boxes. This magic can be part of the wedding ceremony! One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is watching loved ones smile in delight as they open gifts - tearing off colorful ribbons and shiny paper to reveal the surprise inside. They can be served warm or chilled during the ceremony - just make sure to prepare enough for all your guests to enjoy during the reception or afterparty, with non-alcoholic variations for children and non-drinking guests.Įggnog toasts get classy with coupe glasses and a sprinkle of cinnamon Nothing says Christmas cheer like a glass of eggnog or mulled wine! These seasonal treats can be served in a classy coupe or tulip glass during a formal indoor ceremony, or in favorite mugs as part of a rustic outdoor gathering.Įggnog and mulled wine (or cider) take the place of champagne or wine as part of a unity ceremony toast. These bright tokens of love and support can also be hung as part of a unity ceremony, saved as keepsakes, and can even be used to decorate a couple’s home as part of an anniversary celebration in the years to come.Ī festive holiday inspired 'ceremony in the round' To take the symbolism a step farther, hand colorful ornaments out to guests to decorate the wedding ‘wreath’ as they take their seats.
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For example, placing aromatic greenery or miniature evergreen trees along the outside of the circle creates instant seasonal symbolism - reminiscent of a holiday wreath. Also called a ‘ceremony in the round,’ these intimate circles let couples and officiants get creative. It’s not! Just let the photographer know the plan ahead of time, and take time during the rehearsal to decide where to stand so that everyone has the best view (and the best shot) of your mistletoe moment.Īs an added touch, place mistletoe in guest gift bags, or hang it in unexpected places around the ceremony space to encourage friends to share the love.ĭid you know? Mistletoe has been a symbol of fertility and romance since the ancient Druids, when the scrappy herb was one of only a few able to flourish during long Celtic winters and pagan Yule celebrations, and historians speculate that it first became part of a kissing tradition in England in the 1700s.Ī charming circular seating arrangement can be turned into a festive holiday ‘wreath’ with the help of winter greenery, a few colorful ornaments, and enthusiastic guests!Ĭircular wedding ceremonies, where a wedding altar is placed at the center of a circle of guests, are an increasingly popular alternative to placing guests on either side of an aisle. This makes for a unique first kiss photo, and is sure to delight the guests!įor those who are used to a wedding officiant rushing out of the frame in time for a photographer to snap a pic of the kiss, including them in the moment might feel risky. Make the ‘first kiss’ moment seasonally sweet with mistletoe! After the wedding officiant pronounces the couple married, they’ll hold up a decorative sprig of mistletoe for the newlyweds to kiss under. The 5 holiday-inspired ideas below will make sure your wedding is one to remember! Whether you’re planning a winter celebration with just a dash of tasteful holiday spirit, a Winter Solstice wedding, or have been asked to officiate an elaborate Christmas themed ceremony. With strands of twinkle lights and candles brightening every window, and family and friends gathering from near and far, December weddings - and especially Christmas weddings - are some of the most romantic events of the year. Add one of these holiday inspired ideas to your winter wedding ceremony
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