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Show 10 February 2002 Bridal Guide Time-honore- traditions are favorite wedding customs d Pat Stein Copley News Service Traditions are comforting in uncertain times. Perhaps that's why today's brides are embracing old traditions with new enthusiasm. By "Whenever an there's earthshaking event like the Sept. attacks, people go back to 1 1 old traditions, " said Nelson Clark, CEO of Beverly Clark Enterprises, a wedding planning company. "Traditional weddings are in. Unconventional weddings are out." Millie Martini Bratten, editor in chief of Bride's magazine, reports a resurgence of interest not only in traditional weddings but also packing ceremonies with wedding customs. Each aspect of the familiar 4 something old, something new, something borrowed, something in 1 blue" tradition, which is based on an old British rhyme, has special significance, according to Bratten. "The something old, which can be a piece of antique lace sewn into the wedding ly Bible used in gown or a famithe ceremony, symbolizes continuity. It signifies that the bride still has a link to the past as she steps into the future," Bratten explained. Something new expresses optimism for the future and it could be almost anything, although Bratten says special new lingerie or perhaps a luxury item such as jewelry are popular choices. Including something borrowed comes from the old superstition that happiness rubs off, according to Bratten. It could be a piece of jewelry, a hanky or other object bor- - rowed from a happily married friend or relative, Bratten said. It's usually something that the bride wears or carries during the wedding.' Blue represents purity and fidelity and fa some it has religious connotations associated with the Virgin Mary. Traditional expressions of this custom include a blue ribbon on a garter or a blue ribbon sewn into the bride's slip, But Bratten says modern brides are finding innovative ways of incorporating the "something blue" tradition. It could be blue sunglasses, a blue cell phone, blue pearls or blue eye shadow," Bratten said. Because most of these traditions are based on folk lore, Bratten says "they're wide open to interpretation" C 'tscvUliivy ytUuvi Wt Civ yvut can help make your wedding day perfect beginning with wedding invitations! Best-sellin- -- Purchase invitations and get 10 OFF on all your other Bridal Items We invite you to visit our and brides should feel free to express the traditions in any way that's meaningful to them, as long as it's in good taste. author and bridal expert Beverly Clark has reg searched the origins and significance of wedding traditions ranging from the bridal veil and wreath to the garter. "Adorning the bride with flowers was introduced in Europe by the Crusaders. They believed that a wreath of orange blossoms crowning the bride symbolized Thank You Notes Garters Napkins Guest Books Knives Plume Pens Cake Tops a bridal registry service Free gift wrap & delivery with purchase We offer ANNS Party Ware 1177 Castlerock Square, Price 9 of vows." The tussy mussy - a holder filled Continued on page 10 iv youv life fo taking Its time to reassess your insurance needs. Make an appointment for all your insurance needs. TRACY WILCOX QHE 637-676- times, the garland also attested to the bride's virtue. The flowers were often symbolic varieties such as rosemary (for remembrance).' While flowers today are seldom selected fa their symbolism, they remain an integral part of the bride's attire, accading to Clark. The bridal veil has its origins in Roman ceremonies, which were based largely on superstition. "The Romans believed evil spirits might be jealous of the bridal couple's happiness and therefae bring misfortune to the pair, so they took elaborate precautions to confuse the demon spirits as to who the intended bride really was, Clark said. "The veil was used to hide her features." The tradition of the guest book date backs to olden times when a formal record was kept of witnesses in attendance at the wedding ceremony. "Originally witnesses signed directly on the marriage document," Clark explained. "Today only the maid of honor and best man sign the marriage certificate and the guest book serves to preserve the names of all loving guests who witness the exchange store and see the complete selection of Wedding Invitations Toasting Glasses (435) fertility,' Clark said. "In Elizabethan Your independent agent for WILCOX GROUP INSURANCE COMPAN) 5 71 South Center, Castle Dale |