Weddings: Celebrate Your Style!

Just got engaged? Congratulations! Wondering where to start? It can be overwhelming planning a wedding with all the many details and decisions to be made. The first of these is what type of wedding you want. What suits you and your fiancé(e) best?

Weddings are one of the most special events people will experience in their lives. They are often a celebration of tradition but can take on many different forms, depending on the personal preferences of the happy couple as well as cultural and religious factors.

Traditional Weddings

Traditional weddings are typically formal and celebrate the cultural and/or religious traditions that have been passed down for generations. These weddings involve sometimes quite elaborate ceremonies, and the rituals and customs that reflect the couple’s heritage.

For example, Jewish couples are married under a chuppah, a canopy that represents the roof under which the new family will live together. The Chinese bride wears red, a Chinese tradition for over 650 years, and the couple drink wine from a goblet tied together with a red ribbon. For Hindus the celebrations take place over three to five days! The bride and groom exchange garlands of flowers and take seven vows as part of the ceremonies.

Religious Weddings

Religious weddings follow the dictates of a particular faith or religion. These weddings involve specific rites and ceremonies considered essential to the union of the couple. You will need to consult with your specific leader about the religious requirements.

For example, Catholics must receive a sacramental blessing from a priest to be married under Church law. Muslims recite their marriage vows in the presence of witnesses and sign a marriage contract. Jews must exchange rings and recite specific prayers to complete the marriage ceremony.

Civil Weddings

Unlike religious weddings, civil weddings are performed by a government official, such as a judge, a justice of the peace, or a marriage commissioner. These weddings are typically simple although not always, and do not involve any religious or cultural traditions.

Civil weddings are a popular choice for couples who do not identify with any particular religion or for those who have differing religious beliefs. They are the most flexible in terms of venues and service.

For those who want to marry quickly with the minimum of fuss and bother, civil ceremonies can often be put together on short notice.

Cultural Fusion Weddings

Cultural fusion weddings blend elements from different cultures or traditions to create a unique and meaningful wedding ceremony and reception. These weddings are becoming increasingly popular as more couples come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Cultural fusion ceremonies can involve a variety of elements, such as combining traditional dress from a different culture, traditional foods from different countries, and religious and secular elements. They involve a mix of traditions and customs that reflect the couple’s unique identity and values.

Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are those that take place away from the couple’s hometown or country. These weddings are often held in exotic locations, such as a tropical island, a European vineyard, or a mountain resort.

Destination weddings are a popular choice for couples who want to marry and honeymoon in the same location. Often destination resorts have on site wedding coordinators who will do almost all the planning for you. They can provide a unique and memorable wedding experience. They do require significant advance notice for guests and the desired location, and can be quite expensive.

So, consider this: the Cowichan Valley’s environmental diversity can give you that destination feel at home. We’ve got the beaches, the vineyards, the farms, the forests, and the resorts right here in the Valley!

Modern Weddings

Modern weddings are those that celebrate contemporary trends and ideas. These weddings often utilize unique and creative elements, such as non-traditional wedding attire, alternative venues such as warehouses or galleries, or personalized wedding vows.

Modern celebrations tend to be sleek, sophisticated, and refined, typically using a monochromatic color scheme, geometric lines, the latest floral trends, and minimalistic decor.

Intimate Weddings

Intimate weddings are smaller than most weddings, having a guest list of typically less than 50. These weddings are popular with couples who prize individual quality time with loved ones over budget-busting extravaganzas.

Intimate ceremonies can take place in a variety of settings not available to weddings with much larger guest lists. Whether it’s a family member’s backyard, the deck of a boat, or a cozy restaurant, an intimate wedding can find its ideal expression just about anywhere. These events often involve personalized touches such as handwritten vows or custom decorations.

Eco-Friendly Weddings

Eco-friendly weddings are becoming more popular as couples wish to decrease the ecological impact of their wedding. These weddings often have a smaller number of guests and use environmentally friendly products such as recycled paper invitations and biodegradable dinnerware.

They may also involve choosing a venue that is energy-efficient such as the great outdoors, choosing rentals for clothing and décor, and using a wedding website rather than sending out Save the Date notes. Eco-friendly weddings are a great way for couples to reduce their environmental impact and show their commitment to sustainability.

Themed Weddings

Themed weddings are those that use a specific visual concept to anchor the wedding design. These weddings celebrate fun and creativity!

They involve unique decorations, costumes, and music that reflect the chosen theme. Want to wear medieval dress? Go full on goth? Or celebrate your favourite sci-fi franchise? The possibilities are literally endless.

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and each one has its own unique benefits and challenges. No matter what type of wedding you choose, the most important thing is that it celebrates your love and commitment to each other.

Check out our blogs, Top Ten Reasons to Take a Wedding Shuttle Bus and Top Ten Reasons For an Outdoor Wedding!