(ARA) - Planning a wedding takes a lot of time, work and decisions. Some decisions are made for us in the form of traditions that were created by our ancestors, but what do they really mean?

While some may believe that wedding traditions are superstitious, the symbolism they represent was developed out of reason and a purpose in their time. Some examples include:

*The groom used to kidnap his bride and hold her on his left arm, so that his sword arm was free to fight off any other suitors. Presently, when the bride walks down the aisle to meet the groom before the alter she stands to his left.

*Marriage was often used as a means to bring together two opposing tribes so the families sat on opposite sides to avoid any fighting during the ceremony. Today, wedding guests will sit on the bride or groom "side" depending on who they're related to, or which member of the wedding party is their friend.

*Wearing a wedding ring has several different historic meanings. The circular shape was a sign of never-ending love, without beginning or end. Some early engagement rings were symbolic of the "sale" of the bride from her father to the groom. And, the ring finger is believed to contain a vein that is directly connected to the heart.

*Brides wore a veil to be unrecognizable to evil spirits who may try to snatch her away.

*The white wedding dress was worn to symbolize purity of heart and innocence of childhood. Queen Victoria popularized the style upon her wedding to Prince Albert at which time white symbolized the bride's virginity.

Perhaps the most well-known of wedding traditions is the rhyme "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue." What does it mean? Something old is for the durability of marriage and continuity of your old life into the new one; something new symbolizes the start of your new married life; something borrowed should come from a happily married woman whose virtues you most wish for yourself; and something blue symbolizes the promise of love, fidelity and purity of heart.

Whether you want to follow all the historical traditions or create your own is entirely your choice and there are options.

One alternative to the blue garter is to wear jewelry with blue gemstones. Among your choices, sapphire, lapis, turquoise and tanzanite, prized for its vibrant shades of sapphire blue, amethyst and blue violet, and frequently confused with sapphire.

"If you look closely, tanzanite is one of the few gems that feature three colors. Blue and purple are the primary colors, but many pieces also show a flash of red," explains Scott Parker, graduate gemologist and Jewelry Television host. "This adds to the mystique and rarity of tanzanite. In the gem world, we call this a 'trichroic' gem."

Discovered in 1967 and mined only in Northern Tanzania, Africa, tanzanite is 1000 times rarer than diamonds and because of its limited availability, rapidly growing in value.

Tanzanite costs approximately $600 per carat wholesale -- and this price doubles or even triples depending on location. At this rate, the stones make a fine alternative to the diamond engagement ring. "I believe one of the safest buys in a gemstone is tanzanite," continues Parker. "Not only is the stone beautiful, it is valuable. Tanzanite is truly a generational stone that will someday be one of the most prized gems to own."

The lighter-colored blue gemstones are usually less expensive than the darker stones, and are perfect for the bride's "something blue," bridesmaid's jewelry and even for mother-of-the-bride (or groom).

Legend has it that wearing a well-cut tanzanite imparts confidence, individuality and maturity. Regardless of which wedding traditions you fit in or whether you create your own, if your wishes are well, that is what will carry into your new lives together.

To learn more about tanzanite, log on to Jewelry Television's learning library at www.jtv.com and visit the Bridal Store for bridal jewelry ideas.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - You've dreamed about your wedding day since you were old enough to hold a white pillowcase on your head. However, you're currently experiencing extreme sticker shock after having seen the cost of all of the individual items you want to make your wedding distinct and beautiful.

With a little creativity, you can still have the wedding of your dreams, on a realistic budget. Here are a couple of inexpensive projects to get you started for a day that you - and your guests - will never forget.

The center of it all
You and your groom will be the center of attention on your big day. However, you want the tables at your reception to shine as well. But with 120 people on the guest list, the number of tables is adding up fast. Lush floral centerpieces can quickly consume thousands of dollars from your decorating budget.

Sometimes the most simple centerpiece can be the most elegant. One option is a glass container filled with colored stones and candles or water and floating flowers. Chances are, there is a container shaped to fit your theme, including a square cube, tall cylinder, round rose bowl or the more traditional tall vase.

Another option is a wine bottle centerpiece. Ask family and friends to set aside their bottles, make friends with the owner of your favorite wine shop or start your own collection. The bottles can be spray painted different colors, or you can stencil a flower, image or other pattern that matches your theme. You can also add photos, quotes, graphics, dried flowers or other embellishments that represent your relationship.

Who doesn't love candy?
Give your guests a fun treat to say "thank you" with an inviting, inexpensive candy buffet. Start by spending some time at your local candy store. No matter what your color scheme and theme, you'll find delicious treats in a variety of types and colors to stock your buffet.

Next, it's time to hit the discount store or thrift shop to find glass jars and containers to hold your sugary treasures. Mix it up; select different sizes and shapes, which will add another design element to your table.

Don't stop here, though. Head to your local craft store, because in its aisles, you'll find myriad options to further embellish your candy jars.

"For a wedding candyscape, one great alternative is a mirrored or frosted paint that adds some depth to the glass," says Katherine Merkle, Krylon brand manager. "This gives your table a more sophisticated look that doesn't have to come with an expensive price tag."

Before filling them with candy, wash your containers and allow them to dry thoroughly. If you're going to use paint, set up in a well-ventilated area and then spray the outside of your containers with a paint such as Krylon's Looking Glass Mirror Like Paint or Frosted Glass Finish. You can also use a leafing pen to add additional details. Other decorating options include glitter, decoupage or stencils.

To set the table up, bring a variety of sturdy boxes or books which can be stacked to varying heights and then draped with a matching tablecloth. Embellish the table with your favorite quotes, ribbon, leaves or other adornments.

Place your glass jars and containers across the table, fill them with candy and watch guests of all ages enjoy. Be sure to include small bags, so your guests can pick out their favorites and take them home.

These projects are just two examples of what you can create for the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. For additional project ideas, you can visit hundreds of wedding and decorating websites to give you inspiration for your big day.

Since we hear about some common wedding blunders all the time, we figured why not give you the heads-up? Remember the GUEST LIST will drive most of your big wedding budget decisions.

Don't DO Anything...Before the Guest List!

The problem: You're engaged! You're excited! You're ready to send out save-the-dates, book that reception hall, choose those flowers -- now!

Well hang on a second, because we're afraid you're forgetting something.

Who's coming to this affair, exactly? You shouldn't make any wed-day decisions before you have your wedding guest list somewhat firmly in place.

Why, you ask? Well, do you want to have a nonrefundable deposit down on that cozy restaurant room that fits 75 when your mother-in-law's additions bump your list up over 200? Exactly. Once everyone's in agreement, then you can move forward.

That said, this means that one of the parts of your wedding you can plan immediately (or at least talk over with your fiance) is what kind of atmosphere you'd like for your wedding. Do you want an intimate, close friends and family-only affair, or do you want to throw the event of the season?
 

Later, when you're in the guest-list trenches, this bit of planning will help back up your gut instinct about whether to say yes (or no) to guest-list additions.

(ARA) - When you think of prime wedding months do May and June spring to mind? You might be surprised to learn that October and November are also popular months for nuptials. When you realize autumn brings not only cooler weather, but less busy caterers or wedding venues, the season's appeal is easy to understand.

Whether you're finalizing plans for a wedding this fall or planning ahead for autumn 2012, you'll be looking for ideas to add seasonal spice to your big day. From fall wedding decoration ideas to seasonally appropriate menu suggestions, here are some trends to consider for your fall wedding:

Alfresco and all natural

"Many brides cash in on fall's ample sunshine and cooler temperatures by holding their weddings outside," says Ray Miller of My Wedding Reception Ideas.com. "An outdoor wedding celebrates the season and plays to another popular trend - eco-awareness."

In many areas of the country, autumn brings less heat and rain. Plus, saying your "I do's" outside, surrounded by fall's vibrant hues, makes Mother Nature your co-decorator.

If you're considering having your wedding outside, don't overlook unusual venues. Municipal parks, national parks, botanical gardens, fruit orchards and even zoos can all be fun and interesting places for a wedding.

Seasonal decor and accessories

The colors and spirit of fall can also inspire your accessories and decor. Rustic materials and touches like raffia, twigs and straw can add seasonal flair to decorations. Leaf motifs and autumnal hues can be used to adorn everything from cake cutting sets and table linens to table centerpieces and slipcovers.

You can even tie your theme to fall holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving. Leaf-shaped votive holders, personal-size pumpkins and other Halloween wedding favor ideas can add seasonally appropriate fun to your celebration.

Remarkable menus

A fall wedding also opens up opportunities to create memorable menus that play on the flavors of the season. Just as spring and summer wedding menus benefit from the season's fresh produce, you can incorporate the fruits of the fall harvest into your autumn nuptials.

Fall vegetables like pumpkin, butternut squash, beets, carrots and rutabagas can be served slow-roasted for a side dish that capitalizes on the season's most colorful and nutritious offerings.
Greens such as spinach, endive and celery root come into season in autumn and can be incorporated into soups and salads for a pop of flavor and vitamins.

Main course choices also open up in fall, when great game comes in season. Replacing boring beef with venison or mundane chicken with pheasant not only puts a seasonal stamp on a menu, but creates a culinary experience wedding guests will remember.

Create an elegant environment by adding ambient lighting to your event room. Ambient lighting will allow you to change the look and feel of any room so you can achieve a unique look by continuing your color palate throughout the room. Ambient lighting is a great way to personalize the event by adding a little more of your own touch.

Want to really draw attention to your cake, head table or buffet tables? Add a focal point to your room by using a variety of color washes that can match your color palate. Give your reception room a whole new look and feel by illuminating tables, walls, & columns.

Ask your Cypress Event Center consultant how you can add this lighting to your next event.