ONTARIO > Hamilton > Bride-Savvy - Weddings 101

Creating a memorable ceremony with feeling

An Expert Tip by Mandi Neiser, Ordained Minister for Married by Mandi
Photos (left and below, right) courtesy of D&G Photography

The person you love more than anything else in the world just asked for your hand in marriage. Now, the task at hand is to decide when, where and how your wedding day is going to unfold.

Planning a wedding is one of the most important times in a couple's life no matter their age or financial status. It’s a decision that needs some serious consideration whether blending two families, three pets and a home together as one, or simply taking two incredibly special human beings who are dedicated to taking their relationship to entirely new level of commitment. Maybe I’m biased because of the significant role I play on the wedding day; however, I feel that the ceremony is the most important part of the day – no matter what a couple's religious beliefs or family background is, the number of years together, or their age.

It is my belief that the Twenty-First Century has brought with it a much higher ‘vibration’ than any other time in our history. I have noticed an awareness of this energy in many aspects of our lives in general, but particularly with engaged couples. These special people seem to be ‘awakened’ to this wonderful spiritual energy.

Couples seem to want to bring more of themselves and their divine essence into the design of their unique and personalized ceremony. This has become a requirement for many in order to create an experience not only they will enjoy, but one their guests will participate in all the while receiving their own gift of the heart simply by being there.

I am not referring to a religious experience; but one that touches people in a way that connects them to their ‘Source’ in whatever capacity they see that unfolding for them. For some, it is simply being in nature; for others, it’s having meaningful conversations with friends.

When I meet with a couple for the first time, one of the first questions I like to ask is: “How do you want to feel, and how do you want your guests to feel when the day comes to an end?”

Non-denominational ministers should work personally with each couple to create this unforgettable experience and lasting ambiance. After all, doesn’t every couple approach their wedding day with the belief that this is the only time they will say ‘I do’? It is my hope that they would make this decision based on this belief, thereby creating something memorable to be cherished and treasured for many years to come.

Comments that your guests make when reminiscing about the ceremony several weeks and months down the road is what capturing the essence of the ‘feeling’ is all about. It’s knowing that you and your minister have created a memory that will leave a lasting impression with your circle of family and friends, who you cared about enough to share the day with in the first place.

When all is said and done, to me, it all comes down to how you want to feel and what you personally want to create on the first day of the rest of your lives together as a married couple. It means that at the end of the day, you can look back with a smile of contentment and satisfaction knowing that your wedding day experience will live on in your heart and the hearts of others for many years to come.