Traditional Bouquet Toss
It is believed that the bridal bouquet brings fortune to the one who receives it. She may also be the next one to become a bride. The herbs that were placed in the bouquet beforehand are also said to be associated with good luck, health and long-life.

Here are some useful ideas you might want to consider for your bouquet toss:

• To get the single women to come forward the DJ can try saying “All married women, please raise your hand. All women with hands down, please come out onto the dance floor.”
• Throw garter and bouquet at the same time.
• Get the single women in a circle around the bride, blindfold the bride and spin her around before tossing the bouquet.
• Victorian tradition: having all the guests assemble for the toss. The bride or MC can preface the event by saying that in Victorian tradition, all the guests assembled for the throwing of the bouquet, and that they wished all of their loved ones to gather at the stairs/on the dance floor, etc. As the tradition goes, luck will come to the guest who catches the bouquet.
• A bride wrote in soc.couples.wedding: I watched a documentary on television about Finnish wedding customs and in one wedding all of the available women formed a circle around the bride (who was blindfolded). The bride spun in one direction (slowly) and the women walked (holding hands) in the opposite direction. At some point everyone stops and the bride hands the bouquet to the person who is facing her. I suppose it would work better for smaller groups of people. The whole idea seemed more calm to me than the traditional “women fight for the bouquet” sort of thing I’ve been subjected to.

Alternative Toss Ideas
But almost constantly, the event handlers would find it hard to get the single men and ladies to join the fun, thus, creating the tendency of lagging the whole event. They are either shy, uninterested, or don’t want to be the next bride and maybe just not yet. Many modern gals are ditching this traditional altogether, and looking for new variations and interpretations. Many women see the bouquet toss as pressure, and hate the implication that single women are chomping at the bit to be married.

We, therefore, have thought of compiling various alternative “garter and bouquet toss ideas” from around the web to replace that old-fashioned way that might have brought jitters to those men and women.

• Wish Come True Bouquet Toss — Invite all the women onto the dance floor, married and single. Ask them all to make a wish right as the bouquet is tossed and whoever catches it will get their wish.
• Fortune Bouquet Toss – Invite everyone onto the dance floor and have a bouquet that consists of several small bunches of flowers are simply held together in your hand. On each bunch, have a handwritten “fortune” or even a “love quote” attached to it that you made up. When you throw the flower bunches in the air, they break apart so several people will get a “fortune” bouquet. Before throwing a break-apart bouquet make sure they are easily separated and not entwined together so they really do break apart in the air.
• Longest Married Bouquet Toss – Invite all married couples onto the dance floor and have the DJ announce that everyone married less than 5 years to leave, then less than 10 years to leave and so on until the couple married the longest is left dancing and they are awarded with the bouquet. Keep in mind that this may not be the right bouquet toss for you, especially if you have a recently deceased grandparent that would have been married the longest if they were still living. This also focuses on married people and leaves out the single folks.
• Special Honors Bouquet Toss – Split up the bouquet into halves and give one half to your mother and one to your mother-in-law. The bridal bouquet could also be presented to grandparents, split apart for all the women in the bridal party, presented to your maid of honor, your sisters, a friend who is engaged, etc. Think of someone you’d like to honor and give it to them as a “good luck” bouquet.
• Parents – You could instead give your bouquet to your parents or your mother or any of them as a token of thanks for all their help in the preparation of your wedding and raising you well. You can either do this formally at the wedding reception, and incorporate it into the speeches, or do it more discreetly later on. I’m pretty sure emotions will pour out with this kind of idea.
• Favors Toss – Instead of tossing flowers, toss the wedding favors! Much like candy being tossed in a parade you can toss small or soft favors to the guests. Children can help in the fun, and everybody has a chance to get something. Candy, small stuffed animals, silly toys and gift cards are good choices.
• Gift Cards & Money Bouquet Toss – Rather than have fortunes attached to a break away bouquet, why not attach gift cards (from coffee shops, record stores, etc) to your bridal bouquet! Rolled up bills are also fun for everyone. You can invite everyone onto the dance floor, men and women alike.
• Toss Bouquet — Instead of tossing your main bouquet, you can have your florist make up a smaller ‘toss bouquet’ especially for the tradition. This way you get to retain your bouquet as a keepsake. The toss bouquet can be made up in the same flowers as your main bouquet.
• Furthest Travelled – it is definitely amazing how far people come to make sure they are present on a loved-ones wedding day. Inter-continental flights are no problem to these loyal friends. Why not say thanks by giving your bouquet to the person who has travelled the furthest?

Make Your Own
So rather than skip the bridal bouquet toss entirely, why not start your own tradition? Unusual tosses can be explained by your DJ, an appointed person or
written in your program. Choose a bridal bouquet toss that is meaningful to you and don’t be afraid to simply present it to someone you care about.

Step1
Seek advice from your wedding planner or coordinator for any alternative bridal bouquet toss ideas. Consult your florist or the person making your floral arrangements about non-traditional bridal bouquet toss.
Step2
Search through all the wedding magazines and books you can find for ideas. Find a magazine that includes a section where brides write in their ideas.
Step3
Get ideas by joining online wedding idea boards where brides share their alternative bridal bouquet tosses. One suggested twist on the traditional bouquet toss, is to gather all the married women onto the dance floor. Find out which woman who has been married the longest and give her the bridal bouquet!
Step4
Attend a local bridal show. Talk with other brides there about what they are doing for an alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet toss. Bridal shows have many vendors there to offer creative suggestion.
Step5
Browse the internet for other ideas. There are many Web sites with lists of bouquet toss ideas or alternatives to the traditional wedding bouquet toss. An alternative mentioned often is give the bouquet to a special friend or the bride’s mom.

Tips & Warnings
• Write any ideas that you like down so that you can remember them and compare them when the time comes to making a decision.
• Ask your friends and family to help you brainstorm ideas they have.
• Attend other weddings before yours to get ideas.

Sources: http://www.ezinearticles.com

http://www.wedding-flowers-guide.com

http://www.weddingideas.com

http://www.ehow.com

For centuries, flowers have stood for a variety of emotions and values. Roses are said to symbolize love, lilies for virtue and so on. In ancient marriages, the brides carried herbs beneath their veils to symbolize fidelity. Greek brides carried ivy as a symbol of never-ending love. Orange blossoms, (the world renowned wedding flower) were chosen by the Spaniards to represent happiness and fulfillment, because the orange tree flowers and bears fruit at the same time. During even earlier times of “primitive marriage,” when the fear of demons was most prevalent, the brides carried stinking garlands of herbs and spices for the purpose of frightening off evil spirits.

Today, brides carry flowers according to the motif of their wedding, bringing beauty and elegance as well as old world customs to their special day.

Flower Traditions from Different Countries

The concept of adding flowers in a wedding, did not just blossom out of someone’s imagination. It actually roots from the traditions of the ancient Rome and ancient Greece to the Middle East. To add your insights on flowers, let us show you some facts on flower-related customs and traditions.

• In Thailand, the mothers of the bride and groom walk to the altar to drape puang malai — flower garlands — around the couple’s shoulders to wish them good fortune in their life together.
• Swedish and Danish grooms sew small pockets of strong-smelling herbs like garlic, chives, and rosemary into their clothes for good luck.
• The Indian groom’s brother sprinkles flower petals over the couple at the end of the ceremony to protect them from evil.
• Ancient Greek brides often carried ivy at their weddings as a symbol of their never-ending love for their sweeties.
• Ancient Roman brides carried bunches of herbs to symbolize fidelity and fertility — and to scare off evil spirits.
• The Victorians, who were fascinated by the meanings of different blooms, popularized the wedding rose, which represents true love.
• Also in Victorian ages, the bride originally tossed her bouquet to a friend as she left the festivities to keep that friend safe (by warding off evil spirits, of course) and to offer her luck; this came to mean that the single woman who caught the bouquet would marry next.
• In a Greek Orthodox wedding, crowns of orange blossoms were traditionally made for the bride and groom — they even matched the delicate embroidery on the bride’s dress. The blossoms symbolize virginity and purity because they are white and fragile, and they emit a sweet, delicate scent.
• In Tudor England, brides carried marigolds dipped in rosewater and ate them afterward, since they were thought to be aphrodisiacs!
• According to Italian tradition, the front grill of the Italian getaway car is decorated with flowers, paving the road to a happy marriage.
• In the Middle East, the bitter herb artemisia is incorporated into bridal bouquets to ensure that marriages will survive bitterness as well as sweetness.
• According to Indian tradition, both the bride and the groom sport a floral headpiece.

Origin of the Bouquet Toss

Tossing the bouquet is a tradition that stems from England. Women used to try to rip pieces of the bride’s dress and flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck. To escape from the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and run away. Today the bouquet is tossed to single women with the belief that whoever catches it will be the next to marry.

Back then, brides have always carried bunches of flowers on their wedding and wore a bridal garter. After the ceremony, the men in the bridal party would attempt the grab the garter off the bride. It was also believed that the bride was exceptionally lucky on her wedding day so guests would reach out and tear at her dress for a souvenir piece of good luck.

To ward off all of them (and to keep herself still dressed), the bride would remove her garter and throw it at the guests. In time, brides have also taken to tossing their bouquets to the guests as an offering of luck. There is another belief that the bride tossed her bouquet to a friend to keep that friend safe and lucky, which then lead to another belief that the single lady who caught the bouquet would be the next to marry.

Sources:
www.theknot.com
www.infoplease.com
www.ourmarriage.com
www.weddingchannel.com

Whether you want it simple and solemn or grand and majestic, it’s all here in the Philippines. There are a lot of options in store for you. You may have dreamed of a wedding set in a beautiful island along the shore, or in a historic cathedral with its long aisle and magnificent stained glass windows, or above the hills with the air so fresh and welcoming and have yourself embraced by nature.

Well, dream no more, the Philippines is the best destination for your now no-longer-just-a-dream wedding. There is quite a bulk of options and the choice is yours.

• Philippine Wedding Venues
• A Guide to Bohol’s Magnificent Churches
• Church Ceremony Venues in Bohol (contacts)
• Reception Venues in Bohol (contacts)
  
• Wedding Destinations in the Philippines

Planning is a very significant part in preparing for the wedding. You may even not need to hire a professional to do it for you. But, of course, it’s your choice to ask for a help from someone who really knows the whole process. The point is, you should plan before doing anything.

A budget is the sum of money allocated for a particular purpose. Before anything else, the couple must talk about the budget. The key wors is communication. You and your fiance must settle on how much your budget should be and what your priorities are. Both of you must really talk about it. You don’t want to end up blaming either one of you, and, spoiling the moment itself.

Prepare a List

The first step in the wedding budgeting process is to get an overview of all the potential expenditures you might have. Broad categories of wedding expenditures include (but not limited to):

• wedding ceremony and reception venue fees
• wedding ceremony and reception accessories
• wedding invitations (including postage)
• bride’s attire & accessories
• groom’s attire & accessories
• rings
• wedding cakes
• wedding flowers
• guest and honeymoon accommodations
• clergy or officiant fees
• organists
• choir/band/soloists
• rehearsal dinner
• wedding reception menu & costs
• wedding entertainment
• attendants’ gifts
• photography and videography
• transportation
• wedding consultant
• honeymoon

A Grounded Budget

Your budget must be based on estimates and prices prevailing in the market. You may first inquire from leading wedding vendors in your place. We have provided for the contact information of most wedding vendors in our Wedding Supplier’s Directory. After you have set your budget, you may now canvass for the best deals and best buys. You may start by establishing a criteria for each wedding supply you need. You may list down everything that you need and specify how you’d like it to be. Whether, you like it cheap but with less quality or expensive but with trusted quality.

One thing must be pointed out though, NEVER go for something expensive that has less quality. You also have to figure out if you really need one certain detail or not. The key word is compromise. But, remember not to ruin the magic of the moment itself. Never and in no way should you sacrifice the stir of the wedding day. The least thing you want is to have the most forgettable moment instead of making it memorable just because you settled in the “just-fine” options. The wedding day is not an ordinary day, it’s a special day and it should be treated as one.

Next, is to list down the prospective suppliers of each wedding detail. You may distribute the list according to category. Your category may be from the cheapest to most expensive or from the best to least quality.

Talk To Your Partner

I would like to reiterate, talk to your partner. This is the time when your teamwork as a couple is put to a test. Never ignore the suggestions of either one. And, if you have something in mind, don’t hesitate to express it, be yourself, and do it in a nice manner. Never underestimate the suggestions of your partner, you should be the one upholding one another, nobody else will. The good thing about it, is that you are doing it “together”, literally and figuratively. After all, you will soon be together for the rest of your lives.

Planning a wedding is definitely not easy. But, you don’t have to make it harder either.

Remember – plan, prioritize and compromise.

Weddings in the bohol churches are unquestionably at the top of its league. Soon-to-be weds can expect the kind of ambiance that will make them feel the solemnity and elegance of their wedding. Weddings in the bohol churches will surely not fall out of place.

Cathedral of San José

The present cathedral of Tagbilaran City traces to a church built by Fr. Valero de San Pascual, OAR (1839-55), the bell tower to Fr. Jose Sanchez, OAR (1884-88). The church was improved by Fr. Escolastico Enciso from 1888-94. It replaced a smaller church built by the Jesuits which burnt on 23 December 1798. The convento was built by Fr. Lucas Corominas in 1872.

Both exterior and interior of the church have been greatly renovated, the façade has been given a Neoromanesque look, and the lateral walls have been opened to accommodate a growing population.

Heritage Features: Despite frequent renovations, some historic pieces still remain. Apparently, side altars from an older church were saved, because the two remaining in the church are in the 18th century Baroque style. The central altar, decorated with symbols from the Old Testament is in the 19th century Neoclassical style. The statue of San Jose, the patron of the church is apparently of 18th century vintage.

The cathedral is a perfect location for a wedding if you want it to be simple, yet splendid. One thing to note also is that this church is located just around the city and close to hotels and restaurants that you may choose to handle your wedding preparations and the reception after the ceremony.

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is one of the best presevered Jesuit build churches in the region, although in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church. The first Spanish missionaries or doctrineros in the region, Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez, first settled in Baclayon in 1595. Shortly after their arrival, a visita was erected on the spot. Only in 1717, Baclayon became a parish, and construction of a new church commenced. Some 200 native forced laborers constructed the church from coral stones, which they took from the sea, cut into square blocks, and piled on to each other. They used bamboo to move and lift the stones in position, and used the white of a million eggs as to cement them together. The current building was completed in 1727. The church obtained a large bell in 1835.

Baclayon is some 6 km east of Tagbilaran City. Catch a bus or jeepney in Tagbilaran, going into the direction of Baclayon. You may also find a tricycle willing to bring you there. Inmaculada Concepción Parish

Heritage Features: The church has two facades: an inner one which is Classical in inspiration, and outer one built in the 19th century by the Recollects is a portico decorated by three arches. The addition of porticoes to the façade seems to have been a style prevalent in Bohol and Cebu during the 19th century. Porticoes are found in Loay, Loboc, Cortes churches in Bohol, and Talisay, Recolletos, in Cebu. The green and gilded altars are the focal point of the interior. They are exuberant versions of Baroque popular during the 18th century.

Weddings in this place are expected to be resplendent. It has a pleasant environment which is close to the sea and not far from the city.

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

Another beautiful church in Bohol is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis, Bohol, on the Island of Panglao. It is located not far from the bridge that connects Panglao with Bohol. The church was founded by the Jesuits Fr. Diego de Ayala and Joseph Gregorio. The church is built in a mixture of styles, influenced by both Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. Inside, on the ceiling, are some impressive frescoes painted Ray Francia in 1916. Lito Arraya renovated the building in 1970. The church’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is said to possess miraculous powers. An old legend relates that once, when the town was invaded by pirates, the people of Dauis locked themselves into the church. However, they soon ran out of provisions and water. Then a miracle occurred: a well appeared at the foot of the altar. This same well is still the main source of water for the people living close to the church, and, although the well is only a few meters from the sea, the water is absolutely fresh. The water is said to have healing powers, so, if you’re visiting here, don’t forget to bring a bottle and take some home.

This is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches, which has retained its Spanish architecture although it has a semi-modern façade. The church is a nice three kilometer walk from Tagbilaran city. Alternatively, you may catch a tricycle or jeepney to bring you across.

San Agustin Parish

The church of Panglao, Bohol is located on the south-western side of Panglao Island, 18 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. The church is noteworthy because of its twin antique confessionals carved with grape and dove patterns. Its ceiling murals depict the sacraments.

According to one authority, Panglao, Bohol was established a parish 1782, although the Recollects record that they took charge of the town in 1803. A 20th-century church stands beside the ruins of an older church, probably one built by the Jesuits. Whatever remains of the older façade indicate that it may have been Baroque in design. This church was ruined before in 1886, when it is reported that a provisional church of wood and tabique was constructed. To the rear of the ruins and at some distance, stands a five story bell tower/ watch tower built 1851. Octagonal in plan and covered by pitched roof, the tower is said to be the tallest of its kind in the country. The tower is in bad state and needs immediate intervention for its conservation.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohol_churches

In case you have in mind something that you need to know and is not found in our resources section, kindly inform us for we will surely find a way to provide it for you. You are very welcome to express you ideas and/or comments to us.

These and more, only for you, to give you a chance to have your dream wedding.

If you are a client looking for a supplier and you can’t find the specific supplier you are looking for, please contact (or email) us so we can assist you with finding their contact info.

If you are a supplier and you can’t find your shop on the directory, please email us an application. Please include the following:

• Supplier’s Business Name
• Services
• Address
• Contact Numbers
• Email and/or Website
• Contact Person

We will include you on the list as soon as we receive your email. Thank you all.

Do-it-yourself wedding projects are common these days especially when times are a bit tight. Besides, these activities if done together with your groom not only can exercise your creativity but enhance your partnership as well.

Use local materials that you can find cheap or for free. Involve friends or family to help you out. It’s really not difficult to ask people to participate.

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