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RECEPTION TRENDS FOR TODAY'S BRIDE & GROOM Once the excitement of a wedding ceremony is behind
the bride and groom, the reception that follows can and should be an opportunity to kick-back, have fun and share this once-in-a-lifetime celebration with loved ones.According to Charlotte Eulette,
National Director of the Celebrant USA Foundation, "The wedding reception is a reflection of your values, beliefs and personalities." For an authentic experience that includes tradition, ritual and heritage, check-out
these reception trends from the Celebrant USA Foundation: FOOD
- Create a menu that directly relates to your relationship. For example, think about important milestones in your time together, such as where you met, where you had your first date, where you got engaged. Then
develop a meal that connects to that location.
- Consider creating a menu that reflects your ethnicity with cultural foods that offer a connection to your traditions.
- Invite the matriarch or patriarch of your families to bless the food and talk about its significance to family history/heritage.
- Personalize your wedding cake by writing your names on it, or having a family member write a wish on it.
MUSIC AND DANCING
- Extend the traditional dance partnering of the bride and her father to other family members. For example, the bride can have a special dance with her stepchildren or her father-in-law.
- Select music that reflects your culture and heritage. Then have an elder relative explain its meaning to guests. From Greek circle dancing to folk dancers and musicians, there's so much to choose from and to
enjoy.
TOASTS
- Use toasts or poems that reflect your culture. For example, there are blessings, poems and other significant readings that relatives would love to share with you and your guests.
- Ask the eldest person from each family to speak or have someone who has come a long distance to share a few words.
- Invite couples that have been married or partnered the longest to share pearls of wisdom.
DECOR
- Include cultural flourishes – Examples: Chinese paper lanterns; Japanese origami cranes; colorful tablecloths that reflect the African American heritage, using kinte cloth.
- Incorporate favorite hobbies into the reception décor: Movies, sailing, antiquing, sports, the arts, etc. all can be brought to life throughout the party
- Set-up a table that showcases wedding photos from both families' histories in beautiful frames for all to enjoy.
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