The biggest wedding planning myth: this isn’t hard, folks.

Everybody says it, usually accompanied by an eye roll.  “Wedding planning is so hard!”  And it can see that way, when you avoid thinking outside your own bubble. I heard a tale today that put my problems into sharp focus: i.e. that they are about the size of a grain of rice in the grand scheme of things.  Listen up – let’s all start throwing rice in happiness. Why wait for a ceremony?

So what’s the biggest problem people planning a wedding face? Lack of perspective.  Today I had a conversation with a woman who grew up in rural Greece in the 1940s.  She described growing up after losing both her parents caring for four siblings, without heat, indoor plumbing and so little money they couldn’t afford shoes.  “I hear people complain about their shoes being the wrong color,” she said, “and I shake my head.” Honestly – this was a humbling conversation.  centerpiece by My Little Flower Shop in Palm Springs, CA

I did not dare explain the “problems” of helping people plan weddings. Discussing the fact that I wrote about wedding planning “problems” suddenly sounded incredibly shallow.  Seriously? Bottom line we’re talking about happy people, in love, planning a celebration.  When you’re having an issue, step back and think for a moment about the fact that you’re wearing shoes. And that you’ve been lucky enough to find an individual you want to marry. That’s pretty phenomenal.

Be well and love well.

Dinah

Big Fat Greek Wedding Traditions. Opaaaaa! Ouzo for Everyone!

Greece is suffering some economically terrible times.  However, people are always getting married, and so there are parties going on in the midst of the austerity.  They may not be quite as big and fat as in years past, but a Greek wedding is never anything but a joyous celebration.

Most Greek weddings take place under the aegis of the Greek Orthodox Church, which has some lovely wedding rituals, including the bride and groom wearing ceremonial crowns that are tied together with ribbon to signify the bond between them.  The bride and groom hold lighted candles, and make three circles around the altar to represent their journey through life.

Chris & Alethia's Wedding: Courtesy of TheBrideAndGroom.com

At the reception, the party gets underway.  Live music is de rigeur, Plates are broken for good luck, and money is traditionally thrown at the musicians.  Traditional foods such as spanakopita and baklava are served, and are easy ways to bring a little bit of Athens to any wedding.  Toasts are raised with ouzo, a strong licorice flavored spirit.

One last tradition to be very careful with, should you choose to adopt it, is that of breaking open a pomegranate on the ground representing fertility, and good luck.  As an event planner, this makes me apoplectic.  My bride is wearing white, and you’re stomping on pomegranates?  Where’s the ouzo? Opaaaa!

Enhanced by Zemanta