I can't believe that summer is coming to a close. September is just around the corner. In an effort to get thing going again, my goal is to start posting on a regular basis. While there have been few posts over the summer break, it doesn't mean there hasn't been a lot going on!
My fiancé and I are in the process of planning our wedding. I initially was opposed to having a wedding because I felt like it was a big waste of money. For most of my life I have said that I didn't see the need to have a wedding - I have never wanted to be a princess or have my "one perfect day." I think it is the marriage that is important, not the wedding. But my fiancé takes a different approach - he finds rituals and tradition to be important. He also loves to have an excuse to throw a party and see all of his friends.
Over the last year, I have really started to understand this approach more. I went to my fiancé's sister's wedding last summer and realized how rare of an opportunity it was to have all of one's family and friends in the same place at one time. It was a great way for everyone to catch up and spend time together, as well as welcome new people into their lives.
So I agreed to have a wedding and in the process of planning it, I have gotten very excited about it. Not about a big white puffy dress or having my hair done or getting presents - none of that is important - but instead, I can't wait for my friends from different sides of the US to come together and meet for the first time. I am excited to show people where I grew up and experience all the things that Michigan has to offer.
In the choices that my fiancé and I make, we hope to bring our values into our wedding. We aren't spending ridiculous amounts of money on unimportant things that no one will remember. Instead we are trying to make our wedding fun for us and our guests. We want our wedding to reflect who we are as individuals and as a couple. For example, one of our favorite activities together is going wine tasting at local wineries. So we are having all local Michigan wines. Also, in lieu of traditional gifts (aka Crate & Barrel), we are asking our guests to make donations in our name to one of our yet-to-be-decided favorite causes (sort of fun) or they can bring one or two of their favorite wines and having them write in our homemade "wine book" explaining why they brought those wines (more fun).
I would love to hear ideas from other people about how to have a "voluntary simplicity" wedding!
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2 comments:
What a great idea - no frills - just family and friends. I hope you're including some wine from Black Star Farms. All best wishes!
HI,I just found the site and in fact I have recently started my own cirlce in Brooklyn based on Cecile's book! and Duane Elgins so I am happy to find you both, but yes wedding, well my husband and I eloped to city hall. He wanted the wedding to be like a walk in the park holding hands, a segway into the continuation of our relationship,and I loved that sentiment. We had a lovely day, and stayed in a hotel for that night here in the city and woke up to the first snow of the year, and tomorrow is our 6 year anniversary.
But the plot thickens, his mother was so happy he was married and wanted to do something traditional for us, she planned a modest Hindu wedding for us in England. We just had to be there on the day with our proper attire. It was pure magic, and if I can say why it was two things, one I was fortunate enough to not be a bride that had to worry about every detail creating pressure on the moment when the truth is a wedding day, no matter the circumstance has a certain magic naturally and all that over fussing can make that hard to enjoy. And the other thing, was having our union witnessed by everyone, we sat in a Mudrap and what was so remarkable was that we faced everyone during the ceremony, their eye contact, hopeful and loving, and in admiration was so moving...well it was unforgettable. So ladies don't stress, be genuine, and share your union with those who are dear to you and let the magic come alive.
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