WEDDING INTRODUCTION
Getting married is probably one of the most exciting – and stressful things that you will ever do. It’s a big, big day and to make magic happen takes a lot of preparation and help from a wide range of professionals - and your mother.
The Inishowen Independent is here to help. This information-packed special wedding planner pullout is crammed full of articles and advice to make your once in a lifetime day something special.
Beautiful Bride
The happiness and joy a bride feels on her wedding day naturally enhances her beauty. But of course choosing a dress, getting your hair done, choosing make-up and jewellery are all part of the excitement in preparing for the big day.
The Dress
More time and thought is put into choosing a dress than anything else (with the exception of course of choosing a husband). There are some amazing web sites on the net which can help you sort through styles and begin to decide which ones will suit you best. The style of your dress is the single most important factor in creating the overall look on your wedding day. Wedding dresses can range from sleek and simple to grand and elaborate, depending on your personal taste and the statement you want to make on your big day. The silhouette of your wedding dress is the first image that your groom will see when you begin your walk down the aisle and you want to make sure that your first impression is a memorable one.
Wedding Dress Styles
Basic styles include A-line/Princess, Empire, Mermaid/Fishtail, Ball Gown and Column and once you have chosen the basic shape, there is the question of necklines, sleeve lengths and fabric choices. Take your time in your choice. You don’t want to be looking back at photos in twenty-five years and cringing. Timeless elegance is the key.
If white is not your colour (and not every-one looks wonderful in white), don’t be afraid to choose the amazing tinted dresses that are available today. When the white is toned down with a soft whisper of another colour it can enhance your beauty without washing you out.
Trying on ‘The Dress’
Before you make up your mind on a style, go to your bridal shop with your mum, sister or a trusted friend. Give yourself loads of time. Wear your nicest undergarments as you will be spending a lot of time showing them off to perfect strangers, and bring a camera. Try on everything. It is amazing how often the dress you didn’t think of is the one that looks best on you Every time you try one on that might be ‘the one’ take a photo. Keep going until you have exhausted the supply of dresses (and the sales assistant) and then walk out. This is hard to do because you will be so tempted to get the dress that day, but this is an important purchase and you should give yourself time to sleep on it before making that final commitment.
Perfect Skin
Having your skin glowing with health for the big day is a must and there are lots of tips and tricks that you can do for dewy skin and blushing cheeks. Inishowen brides are truly lucky to have such an array of beauty salons and beauticians. Your local beauty therapist can consult with you and organise a skin treatment routine in the weeks up to your wedding. Steam facials are great cleansers and you will really be able to notice the difference in your skin. Make sure that the skin products you buy are suitable for your skin type. Get yourself into a skin care routine.
v Remove every trace of make-up in the evening.
v Invest in a good facial scrub and mask. These remove the dead skin from your face. You will find the grey hue that is characteristic of neglected skin is removed to reveal skin that is replenished, glowing and supple.
v Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise. The benefits of moisturisation can not be understated. It rejuvenates and invigorates and leaves skin beautifully smooth.
v Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated. It is recommended to drink about five pints a day.
Make-up and Hair
Getting your hair and make-up perfect for your big day makes you feel radiant and confident. Pre-book your hair appointment well in advance of your wedding day, particularly if your bridesmaids and flower girls are all to be attended to. Many hairdressers and beauticians are more than happy to accommodate bridal parties including mothers, sisters and cousins. Give them plenty of notice to avoid disappointment. Have a pre-wedding booking too for both hair and make-up to ensure you get the look you want. Why not get your hands and nails done too as lots of your guests will want to see your ring.
Rings
“With this ring, I thee wed.” Choosing your wedding rings is very romantic. Many a woman will wear her ring for the rest of her life and some never take them off at all. The exchange of rings is an important part of the ceremony and there are so many beautiful rings to choose from. Local jewellers have ready-made rings available, but the majority of rings will be hand-made to a couple’s specifications and may take some weeks to come in.
Jewellery
The jewellery you choose will depend on your taste, your budget and the style of your dress. Your taste is, of course, personal to you. Are you a sweet Doris Day or a glamorous Joan Collins? Budgets, that dreaded restriction, will mean the difference between Cartier and costume jewellery. Ultimately, though, it is the style of your wedding dress that will determine the accessorising jewellery. If your dress is simple and pure then you have the option of glamming it up with large gems, a choker style in diamante, classic pearls, the unassuming beauty of a gold pendant or a ‘ghost’ necklace (a stone hung from an invisible thread). If however, your gown is intricate and detailed the only option is simple, otherwise you take the risk of looking overdone. The trick is to make it look and seem effortless. Trust your instinct –and your mum.
"There is nothing wrong with stomach butterflies… You just have to get them to fly in formation!"
THE SPEECH
Your hands are clammy; you have a dry voice and quivering hands…. It’s not the morning after the stag night that is causing this… it’s the thought of the speech.
Making a wedding speech is probably one of the most nerve-racking things you will ever do. There is help at hand though and the first thing to do is prepare well in advance. There are tips and tricks that actors and public speakers do before they go on stage to ensure that they don’t looked stressed. The audience will be on your side and it’s not like you are having to sell anything to them (they have bought into your life anyway). Weddings are, by their very nature, sentimental occasions and guests are there to celebrate.
So if you are the groom, groom’s father, best man or the bride, these tips will make you look like a confident professional.
To be at your best the speech will need to be broken down into manageable sections.
SMILE
Having a sincere smile on your face will put people at ease and make what you are about to say the most believable thing they have ever heard.
EYE CONTACT
Eye contact is important too, not only to put people at ease, but to let you see the friendly faces in the crowd. Don’t stare at one person though or you will scare them. Cast your eyes over the whole room and don’t forget the bride and groom. Confident speakers will look at several different points in the room. Looking at a table as a whole will be enough as people will think you are looking at them.
SLOW DOWN
Timing is everything as all good comedians know and the same can be said for public speaking. You will look like the relaxed professional if you take things slowly and build up a bit of speed for punch lines of jokes and the end of embarrassing stories about the bride and groom. If you start off fast and build up to supersonic speed no-one will have a clue what you are talking about. Pausing for laughs is usually very successful and it’s very rare that the tumbleweed comes across the floor in a prolonged silence. When you combine your comic timing with a bit of eye contact you are on to a sure fire winner.
STAND STILL
It’s very tempting to fumble about and be all over the place when you are talking. Keep your two feet on the floor and even the weight out. Breathe in and out slowly and relax. Make eye contact with the crowd and keep smiling.
BE SINCERE
The room is full of love and romance so it will be easy to tune into that. You will find it easy to be sincere when you say just how special the bride, groom, father, son or daughter is. Again keep positive, stand still and keep breathing… remember to breath out…
BE YOURSELF
Most people will know you and know if you use really long words in conversation. Be yourself as the more you are true to your own personality the more relaxed and comfortable you and the guests will feel. If you make a mistake, either make light of it or just carry on, half the people will not have noticed and those that do won’t want you to be hard on yourself. It’s probably the sort of stuff you do everyday in front of them anyway. The guests know who you are and will respond positively to your smile and confidence.
HOW LONG
The attention span of adults is anywhere for 10 minutes to 40 minutes (in very exceptional circumstances). Children can be anything up to 10 seconds. Because of this it’s important to gauge the crowd. You can usually estimate stories to go on for about 3 minutes maximum. No matter how entertaining you think you are no-one wants to listen to anyone talk all day. It’s all about the bride and groom remember….
OPENING LINES
If you are stuck for opening lines for the speech, here are two that might work.
Welcome to everyone, I hope you are all enjoying yourselves on this special day. It’s great to see you so many family and friends and I can honestly say it would not have been the same without you…..just a lot cheaper.
I’d like to thank Father Doherty for a great job he did today at church. I have learned something new during the vows, that I hadn’t realised before. That it is Ok to have sixteen wives….four better….four worse…...four richer…..four poorer.
Wedding Invitations
Once you have your guest list sorted, it is time to send out the invitations. The invitations are to tell your guests the day, the time and the place and they come in lots of different shapes, sizes and designs. They can be bought off the shelf, customised by a designer or produced by the couple themselves. Having a calligrapher in the family can create beautiful invitations and adding a personalised quote can be a romantic touch. For example “The miracle of love is that love is given to us to give to one another...”
Music
With its rich musical heritage, Inishowen has plenty of fabulous musicians, bands and DJ’s available for your big day. You might like some uplifting choral singing during the mass, you might choose a romantic love song for the first dance of the happily wedded couple and of course it wouldn’t be an Irish wedding if there wasn’t some great music for your guests to dance to as the night wears on. Ask around, go and check out the musicians and book them early to avoid disappointment.
Transport
Inishowen is well served with vehicle hire firms to provide something special to get you to the church on time. If you are working on a budget, get some ribbons for your dad’s car. With a few more resources, there are all sorts of options you can have. There are classic cars, limos, chauffeurs and even horse drawn carriages.
CHOOSING THE IDEAL VENUE FOR YOUR WEDDING
Use these wedding venue tips to help you make your big decision on where to hold your wedding reception.
Inishowen boasts one of the most comprehensive lists in the country for stunning venues for a wedding reception. Inishowen also has beautiful natural landscapes as the perfect backdrop for your big day. Inishowen has it all, so why go anywhere else?
The type of venue you are looking for will depend on quite a few factors… Money being one of them. Another influence is the number of guests you are inviting.
If only a small number of guests can attend the ceremony due to lack of space, or you want a very private ceremony, then additional guests can be invited to the reception afterwards. For 100 guests or more, consider rooms designed specifically for holding receptions, as they will have all the facilities you need.Most reception venues will quote you a cost per head for food and drink, plus a hire charge for the venue or outdoor marquees, plus the cost of any entertainment, a toastmaster, cake stand etc.
Initial consultation
In your initial consultation with the staff at the chosen venue, get a full list of all the possible costs and charges. Decide roughly what your budget is and your ideal head count and then the venue price range will become clear. Once you’ve got a particular venue in mind, there are some important questions to ask to make sure that it really is suitable for the sort of reception you want:
Check out menus. Can they provide the food you want or do you need to get a caterer in?
Can you provide your own champagne? Do you have to pay for corking the bottles?
Are there adequate cloakroom and lavatory facilities? There’s nothing worse than a queue at the ladies (or gents..)
Are there facilities for less mobile guests or anyone with a disability? Most places in Inishowen are up to speed with disability access but it always pays to check.
Is there special seating for elderly or frail guests, particularly if the reception does not include a sit-down meal?
If children are to be invited, are there special facilities for them, for example areas where they can let off steam or highchairs for the meal?
Are there sufficient car parking arrangements. You don’t want your guests sinking in the mud at the side of a busy road when they park their cars.
Is the reception venue within a reasonable distance of the ceremony? Is it easy to find, or well sign-posted?
Will the reception venue accommodate the right number of guests and allow you to have the kind of reception you’ve got planned? Check carefully things such as licensing laws and late night curfews, if your guests are taking the drink they wouldn’t take too kindly being asked to leave at 10pm…...
Is there accommodation at the venue, or nearby, for out-of-town guests? This is particularly important again for those who partake in alcoholic refreshment as the less distance to move to get into bed the better.
Are decorations included or will you have to provide your own balloons, flowers and table decorations?
Make friends with the person taking responsibility for the reception details at the venue. Get them to keep you informed of any changes and all the charges for the day. You don’t want to be hit with any added expense when you are heading off for the honeymoon
The Legend of the Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is Ireland’s unique symbol of love and friendship. The legend starts with Richard Joyce, who came from the little fishing village of Claddagh. Shortly before he was due to be married, Richard Joyce, who was a fisherman was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who, sensing his potential began to train him in his craft. In time Richard became a master craftsman and eventually he was rewarded his freedom. On his return to Claddagh, he created the ring that has become famous world wide, the two hands cradling a crowned heart. His legacy remains to this day. Tradition has it that if you wear the ring on your right hand with the crown turned inwards, the world can see that the heart is as yet unoccupied. Worn on the right hand with the crown turned upwards, then a love is being considered. When worn on the left hand and the crown is turned outwards, then two hearts have become inseparable.
Choosing Wedding Vows
Traditional wedding vows suit many couples, but sometimes the bride and groom want to choose vows that reflect their love. Often couples write their own vows and there are also many beautiful romantic words that couples choose for the ceremony.
Popular Wedding Vows
All that I am and all that I have, I offer to you in love and in joy. From this day forward I will love and comfort you, hold you close,prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.
An Eskimo Love Song
You are my husbandMy feet shall run because of youMy feet dance because of youMy heart shall beat because of youMy eyes see because of youMy mind thinks because of youAnd I shall love because of you.
Wedding Vow
I love you. You are my best friend.Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regardThese things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.
I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give. I promise to accept you the way you are.
Wedding Vow
I fell in love with you for the qualities, abilities, and outlook on life that you have,and won't try to reshape you in a different image. I promise to respect you as a person with your own interests, desires, and needs,and to realise that those are sometimes different, but no less important than my own. I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my personal world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams. I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face change as we both changein order to keep our relationship alive and exciting. And finally, I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to giveand all I feel inside in the only way I know how... completely and forever.
Civil Weddings
Civil Weddings are becoming an increasingly popular choice in Ireland and couples choosing this option can now have their ceremony in the same venue as their reception. Civil weddings need to be applied for three months in advance and of course there are a few legal requirements. Food and drink cannot be served during the ceremony, the venue has to be open to the public and there is to be no religious aspect to the ceremony.
Overseas Weddings
Arranging and planning weddings abroad is becoming much easier as get away weddings become more popular. You can choose beautiful beach locations, tropical gardens or an exotic city. Many couples opt to bring family and friends with them on their special day, but if it just the two of you, witnesses can usually be easy to arrange at the location of your wedding. If you are travelling alone, make sure you have a video taken or loads of photos to share with family and friends back home. If you plan to marry abroad, you must make sure you know and follow the marriage laws in the country in which you intend to marry in. You will probably need documents of who you are and proof that you are free to marry. You may also need to arrange translation of your documents. Travel companies may offer packages of very different quality and service. No couple is the same and the wedding options abroad are wide enough and varied enough for you to have a marriage that is totally unique and personal.
SPRING WEDDINGS AFOOT
The word ‘wedding’ elicits many emotions in the minds of brides, grooms, friends and family. Some smile at the thought of sunny days, beautiful dresses, stylish outfits and perfect surroundings, while others tremble at the thought of how to get through the massive lists of things to be organised for the big day. Uppermost at Bishops Footwear in Coleraine, is the desire to help remove some of the stresses of accessorising the outfits of the wedding party and their friends, and to help everyone relax and enjoy what should be a delightful and memorable occasion.
In the beautiful surroundings of the Italian Dept. in Bishops is displayed one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of ladies footwear to be found anywhere in Ireland. Formal occasion styles from Italy, Spain, Germany and the USA gleam and sparkle invitingly. Metallic leathers, beaded fabrics, perfect patents, cool neutrals and this seasons jazzy brights, high as you dare or comfortably low – there is something ‘wow’ for your particular need.
Brides may choose from a large selection of interesting styles from amazing designers Pedro Garcia and Ramon Tenza, wedding specialist Rainbow, Albano and Marian, all companies creating irresistible feminine shapes in white and ivory but also in silvers and golds and fashion shades to suit bridesmaids.
Mothers of the bride and groom will find a vast selection of glamour from Stuart Weitzman, Gino Vaello, Peter Kaiser, Saatchi and Orlando, usually with matching bags. The extremely helpful members of staff are highly trained, and know the stock well. Bishops is well known for its wide range of sizes and fittings not easily found these days, another bonus. Remind the men that there is a special department for them too!
No small paragraph can fully do justice to the Bishops collections, so you are warmly invited to visit the store, now so easily accessible by ferry, and enjoy the unique footwear experience that is Bishops.
Store open Mon.– Sat. 9:00-5:30. Enquiries. 048 70342465.
PICKING THE FLOWERS
Correctly chosen flowers for the wedding day co-ordinates the whole event. The colours will compliment the brides complexion, wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and even the colours of the walls at the reception venue. It is common courtesy when booking the church to consult with the Altar Society to let them know your plans for flowers in the church. You’ll find them surprisingly helpful. If you are planning fairly elaborate church decorations, get advance permission, as there may be some unforeseen problem. There is a lot to take into consideration and you will need the help and advice for a professional florist.
How to choose the right florist for your wedding
Word of mouth is always your safest bet. If the florist’s service and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you. Do your research by asking family and friends and checking out websites and trade fairs. Make appointments to visit at least 3 different florists if you don’t choose one right away.
When you visit each florist, look at pictures of their previous work and look around their shop.
Check out a few things:
Do you like the arrangements that you see in the shop’s displays?
Do the flowers in the pictures look fresh or are the petal edges brown?
Are the pictures dated or are they following the current trends?
Is the designer willing to work with you or are they telling you that your idea won’t work? It’s important to work with people who will listen.
Make sure you speak to the florist that will do your arrangements.
Do you feel comfortable with your florist?
Is your florist paying attention to you while you’re talking and do they seem interested?
When To Book Your Florist
6 months before your wedding is a good time to start your search. Book your florist approximately 3 months before your wedding date. You need to have your reception and ceremony sites picked out before you can hire a florist because you’ll need to know how many arrangements you’ll need and that the colours you pick don’t clash with the colours of your venue. You'll also need to know what colour your bridesmaids’ dresses are.
Things To Keep In Mind
If your wedding date is around the time of a flower-giving holiday (mother’s day, valentine’s, etc) you are probably going to pay more for your flowers. This is nothing to do with the florists cashing in, it’s about supply and demand from the growers. The florist will also be very busy during this time and you can’t expect to be the centre of attention and have the same level of personal service compared with quieter times.
Meet and speak to the person that will be making your flower arrangements.
If you choose flowers that are not in season and have to be shipped from across the world, you’re looking at a bigger expense and you don’t know what effect the shipping will cause on your flowers. Check with the florist to see what’s growing closer to home at the date of the wedding.
After the reception, why not arrange to have the flowers delivered to a local hospital or old folks’ home, where they would continue to give joy.
Here is a list of Traditional flowers and their months of beauty.
January - Carnation & Snowdrop
February - Primrose & Violet
March - Jonquil & Daffodil
April - Daisy & Sweet Pea
May - Hawthorn and Lily of the Valley
June - Rose & Honeysuckle
July - Water Lily, Larkspur and Delphinium
August - Gladiolus & Poppy
September - Morning Glory & Aster
October - Calendula & Marigold
November - Chrysanthemum
December - Holly, Narcissus and Poinsettia
More Traditional flowers and what they symbolise
Carnation - Pure deep love
Daisy - Share your feelings
Honeysuckle - Devoted love & fidelity
Hyacinth - Constancy
Iris - Good health
Ivy - Fidelity, friendship, marriage & good luck
Lilac - First emotions of love
Lily - Purity
Lily of the Valley - Return of happiness
Orange Blossom - Fertility & happiness Red Rose - I love you
Wild Rose - Simplicity
Rosemary - Remembrance
Violet - Faithfulness
THE WEDDING CAKE
In all of the wedding cake, hope is the sweetest of plums.Douglas Jerrold
The wedding cake is traditionally both a symbol of celebration and a good luck wish for the future.
A centrepiece and talking point, the wedding cake is also a symbol of the sharing of joy and happiness and as such, is distributed not only to the wedding party and guests, but to loved ones and relations. Especially, for those who could not be present on the day, receiving a little gift of wedding cake helps them to feel part of the celebrations. Nowadays the wedding cake doesn’t have to strictly adhere to the white centrepiece confection so affectionately remembered by many couples. Today the wedding cake can blend in with the colour scheme and style of the wedding. It can be formal, funny or even a bit random….
Many couples take great pleasure in surprising their guests with a cake that can be either fabulously elegant or wonderfully whimsical. Whatever your choice of cake, it is sure to reflect your own style and personality, and as such will be an integral part of your wedding day celebrations.
As far as limits to your dream cake go, there are none… Today’s professionals combine the traditional skills of the confectioner with the most modern technology to enable them to produce creations that range from the deceptively simple to stunning feats of design. Remember to discuss the theme and style of your wedding with your wedding cake specialist. They will help make your dream a reality.
To put your mind at ease, the best light for photographs is when it is overcast and dry. The light is very soft which is great for photos. Sunshine causes as many problems as rain because of the harsh light and glare.
Book your photographer early; the best are usually reserved first.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS
Whatever your memories of your wedding day will be, it is wonderful to have them captured for posterity in a photograph album that will become a treasured piece of family history.
Whether you decide to record your formal wedding in an elegant set of portraits, or capture the fun and frolics in a more casual style, your photographs will be the lasting record of the biggest day of your lives.
Couples marrying have a wonderful range of options open to them and there are truly excellent photographers working in Inishowen in the specialist area of wedding photography.
Many photographers are often artists in their own right. Their creative skills and professionalism will help you to relax and enjoy your big day.
Keep in mind that most photographers have their own style, so make sure you see plenty of examples before finalising your decision.
Book your photographer early; the best are usually reserved first.
Here are some questions to ask: What packages are on offer? How many photos does each package include? Are you allowed to keep the “proofs”?Is there a deposit - How much? Can you buy the negatives? What is the cost for extra time or photos?
Photographers have a lot of work to do organising a large crowd and if everything is done professionally then it is like watching a beautifully choreographed ballet where everyone works together.
You will probably be choosing your photographer through word of mouth or local advertising, either way if it is possible, meet up with them first before your big day to discuss your wedding plans in detail. It is important that you work out how much time you want to spend getting your photos taken. Check out locations if they haven’t covered your area of Inishowen before.
Some more tips:
Have a fine weather plan and a plan B if it is raining.
Let your families know when you plan to do the family shots. Normally they are taken in the church or on the church grounds because it is easier when everybody is in the one spot.
Order a few extra flowers for the wedding party just in case some get damaged before the photos.
You should have some basic equipment on standby by for your big day. Large plain coloured umbrellas and a few white towels if the bride wants to sit down on the grass or a bench for a few photos.
If you are going to a location like a beach for a shoot sometimes trainers or boots are a good idea. These will be hidden under the dress. And take an extra jacket. The winds on our beaches can be cold at any time of year.
Make sure your brides-maids know how to tie up the back of your dress, just in case you have to get over a few puddles.
Keep the wedding party happy:
Keeping the wedding party content is key to getting the best wedding group photos. It is important that they are informed of your wedding day plans for photographs in advance. It also helps to ensure that they have plenty of of bottled water, sandwiches, chocolate and maybe some champagne. It will help to keep everybody's spirits up for the photos…..
Don't fret over the small things
Enjoy your day. The more relaxed you are the better your wedding photographs are.
Thrive on the pre-wedding nerves, the hair-dressers, the makeup and the craic when you’re getting ready.Enjoy the time you have in the wedding car. It is probably the only quiet time you will have together. Most couples always say that it is one of the best times of the day and a time to reflect.
Wedding Quotes
When you meet someone who can cook and do housework--don't hesitate a minute--marry him.
Anonymous
To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the wedding cup, Whenever you're wrong, admit it; Whenever you're right, shut up.Ogden Nash
We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. Sam Keen
There is nothing half so sweet in lifeAs love's young dream.Thomas Moore
When you make a sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship.Joseph Campbell
A happy marriage is a new beginning of life, a new starting point for happiness and usefulness.Dean Stanley
I have spread my dreams beneath your feet;Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.W.B. Yeats
I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewellery. Rita Rudner
By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. Socrates
A husband is like a fire, he goes out when unattended. Evan Esar
My wife dresses to kill. She cooks the same way. Henny Youngman
I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. Rita Rudner
Wedding Stories
When we got married, the local priest only just arrived in time to start the wedding service. Every-one was ready so he started. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of.....of......of.......of......" at this stage he started screwing up his eyes and to try in vain to see our names written on a scrap of paper which he had left on the altar. "Of....of...." he continued....then came a divine flash of inspiration and he settled on "these two young people".
A friend was telling me that he was at a wedding reception where the Best Man in his speech was explaining how the couple met (the Groom and Best Man had been on holiday together)."We saw these two women ... tossed for them .... and he lost". This didn’t go down well at all. No one laughed!
While attending a local pre-marriage weekend, Mary and Michael listened to the facilitator intone, 'It is so very important that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other.'
He turned to the men and asked, 'Can you each name your wife's favourite flower?' Michael leaned over, touched Mary’s arm gently and whispered, 'Self raising, isn't it?'
