Tips: Creative Ceremony Touches

A wedding ceremony doesn't have to be the same old thing that you saw and your friends wedding.  Make your ceremony personal, about you and your fiance.  You should add your own special touches and be creative. 

• Have children pass out candles, flowers, or yarmulkes (skullcaps) for a Jewish ceremony.
• Print greetings, poetry, and tributes in your wedding program.
• Hang a floral wreath on the door of the house of worship, announcing "a wedding is in progress".
• Line the windowsills with votive candles; wrap greenery or tulle around columns.
• Walk down the aisle on a hand-painted runner decorated with flowers.
• The bride and groom walk down the aisle escorted by both parents--a Jewish tradition.
• As the bride is escorted to the altar, she might pause at the first pew to give her mother a flower and a kiss; as she leaves the altar with the groom, she'd do the same for her mother-in-law.
• Sip from two goblets of wine--a Jewish tradition--to symbolize the joy and sorrow of life.
• Have bridal assistants ring bells, release doves, or blow bubbles as you emerge from the house of worship.
• Travel to the reception in creative transportation--a horse and buggy or an antique car.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Gown Preservation | Dry Cleaning

If you want your dress to last until your daughter grows up or to remain in perfect condition for sentimental reasons, take these protective measures:

• Have your dress and veil cared for by a professional dry cleaner immediately after the wedding.  Point out where any sugar-based beverages spilled on the dress---it may be invisible later, but can stain later.
• Ask the dry cleaner to test the beads and trim with solvent before cleaning.  Some dresses can't be dry-cleaned if beads are glued on; the glue may dissolve during the cleaning process, and you cold lose all of the decoration.
• Remove protective shields and bra inserts because they can cause staining over time.
• Have your dress hand-pressed and wrapped in an acid and linen-free tissue paper.  Store it in a box that's free of acid.  Use the acid and linen-free tissue paper to protect against creases and to puff up sleeves and bodice.  Avoid "vacuum-packed" boxes and cellophane windows what keep air from circulating and can discolor fabric.  Never wrap it in plastic.



Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Wedding Cake | Tips and Traditions

Yes, there is proper etiquette on cutting the wedding cake.

• Cut the cake just before dessert at a luncheon or dinner reception; just after guests have been greeted at a tea or cocktail reception.
• Use a ribbon-tied silver knife--a Heritage Cake Knife set just received from your registry, with your initials newly engraved is a good choice, as is an heirloom knife, possibly one used by your parents at their wedding.
• The groom places his right hand over the bride's, and together they cut into the bottom layer.
• Traditionally, the bride and groom feed each other a taste of the first slice as a symbol of their willingness to share a household.  Try not to smash cake in each other's face.
• The bride serves her new in-laws their pieces, then the groom serves his new in laws slices.
• The rest of the cake is cut by the catering staff then served to all guests.
• Normally the top tier of the wedding cake is saved and eaten on the couple's first anniversary.  Wrap the cake tightly so it is airtight, and freeze.  Or to make sure the wedding cake is still tasty, freeze it to share on your one-month anniversary and re-create a mini version of the original wedding cake for your first year anniversary.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Hollywood & The W Hotel Engagement Session | Shantel and Audel

I am so excited about working with Shantel and Audel on their July wedding.  The engagement photos taken by Harvard Photography absolutely tell the story of Shantel and Audel's personalities.  When I first met them, not only did I see the love between them, but the excitement and energy was overflowing.  Shantel plans to change her dress attire three times during the course of her wedding, first for their Hindu Ceremony, then for what she calls, “The White Dress Ceremony” and lastly for the Reception.  I can’t wait to share the wedding photos.  Thank you Shantel and Audel for allowing me to be  part of your wedding planning team.

Ceremony:   Pasadena City Hall

Reception:  Madame Tussauds Hollywood (first wedding ever to be done at this venue)

Proposal: Took place at the Taj Mahal in India

Style of Wedding: Contemporary, Family-oriented, Hollywood, Ethnic and Friendly

Wedding Color Scheme:  Ceremony: Blues and Teal / Reception: Silver and Black

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

The W Hollywood Hotel Engagement Session | Shantel and Audel

Bridal Bouquets | Red Roses with Rhinestones

The classic red rose wedding bouquet accented with sparkly rhinestones and a silk wrap.  The bright red against a gorgeous white gown is absolutely elegant.  Although the groom seems to be holding the bouquet more than the bride.  I guess this elegant bouquet can be worn or carried by anyone and still look classic.  

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Camarillo House Wedding | Diana and Daniel

Planning Diana and Daniel's wedding at Camarillo House was very exciting.  Not only did we have the opportunity to hire our own fabulous vendors, but to work at a historical venue. Camarillo House is a Queen Anne-style Victorian house and a fantastic wedding location in Camarillo, California, just outside of Santa Barbara. Built in 1892, the 6000 sq ft house was designed by architects Herman Anlauf and Franklin Ward. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The estate provides various indoor venues perfect for elegant wedding reception halls, banquet areas, and dance floors. If you prefer some fresh air, the are also vast lawns and gardens that create beautiful sites for outdoor wedding ceremonies and/or outdoor receptions. Gloria Mesa Photography did such a wonderful job at capturing the ambiance and style of the day.  Thank you Gloria.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698