FAMILY WEDDINGS

Family weddings Family weddings

Suddenly, with guest numbers limited and the bubble system making it almost impossible for even best friends to meet together, weddings became ver y much family affairs. And family members became all the more precious as a result. IDO has heard many examples of how brilliantly they stepped up to ensure a wedding could happen, no matter what. From taking on many extra duties during the planning and organising,to helping with everything from entertainment to staging the venue, mothers, fathers, siblings and other relations pitched in to save many a couple’s big day.

And now large weddings are the thing again. But let’s not lose the idea of certain family members having very specials roles in the celebration,because this can add so much joy to the occasion.

When consideringwhichjobsto offer family members, keep in mind their talents, capabilities, ages and sensititivities. After all you want each one to feel honoured and rewarded by whatever role theytake.

When allocating duties, don’t just think of the actual wedding day. Are there sisters, or close cousins who would enjoy meeting up to help address wedding invitations, choose or make souvenirs, or liaise with suppliers?

The chief bridesmaid, maid of honour, and groomsmen will have their hands full on the wedding day so spreading the load before can please everyone.

Some family members may be willing to host guests coming from abroad, or offer lifts to the celebrations for those who don’t have transport.

If several children will be at your wedding kind aunts, uncles or willing teenage relatives may be persuaded to take turns in looking after them some of the time, so their parents can have a break.

However true it is that a bride’s family does most of her wedding arrangements it is always so nice if the groom’s family is kept well in the picture and included equally in the wedding events.

Ask them if there are any traditions that run in their family which you might be able to honour at your wedding too.

And if there are family members who cannot be with you create a distinctive but simple way for them to be remembered; perhaps with a photo, flowers and candles or by having a special piece of music played.

On the actual day your ‘something borrowed’ could be a family heirloom. Your bouquet may include flowers your mother had in hers, or blooms your father grew especially. A groom could wear a watch or accessories inherited from someone in the family.

You might tweak some of the usual traditions. It would be a lovely gesture for a bride to walk down the aisle with both her parents. And why shouldn’t the groom arrive first with his parents then be joined by his best man?

During the ceremony there are several opportunities to involve family members. A bride’s mother could hold her bouquet, grandparents could give readings or be your witnesses, brothersand sisters could be ushers.

Talented family members could have their moment in the spotlight if they can sing or play a musical instrument at your wedding.

At the reception it’s no longer unusual for the bride to also make a short speech, and for the couple to present their parents with small gifts to go with their thanks for everything.

Weddings are one of the most important family occasions, on so many levels, so finding ways for those who are dearest to you tobe a real part of your weddingwill make it all the happier, and your memories all the more precious.

Francesca’s parents

ALL IN THE FAMILY

When we read the wedding story from Francesca and Trevor (see page 54) we were struck by the coincidences that led to the couple and both sets of in-laws choosing the same venue for their celebrations. So we asked them to share their memories of these very special occasions.

FRANCESCA: When I was a little girl my parents used to love to tell me stories and show me photo albums of their wedding. My mother had told me that a few weeks before the wedding they had received notice that their wedding venue had closed down,and it was a mad scramble to find a new location. To their luck a new wedding venue in Naxxar named Villa Arrigo had just opened and the date was available for their wedding day. TREVOR: My parents always used to love showing us photos and the wedding video of their wedding reception at Villa Arrigo. It brought them happy memories and it was nice to see how weddings were held then. BOTH: It was a happy coincidence for us as a couple to find that both our parents had their special day at the same reception venue. And since they had a wonderful time it seemed only natural for us to continue that tradition and have our wedding there. FRANCESCA: I opted for a traditional white wedding dress and flowers were a main emphasis,just like my mother and mother-in-law chose for their wedding. TREVOR: I went for a classic evening suit just like my father and father-in-law. Other than that our wedding had the classic touches of any traditional wedding including speeches, first dance and father and daughter dance as well as the going away customs.

Bernadette and Mario (Trevor’s Parents) Married on 28 October 1989

In our case we do not think there is much change in weddings when compared to our days. However our wedding did have a small orchestra as entertainment including a pianist and violin player,which is not common in this day and age. However weddings have become a business and more expensive these days.

We were very happy that our son got married at the same venue as us; showing that it still popular in today.And it brought back beautiful memories for us.

Natalie and Charles (Francesca’s Parents)

Charles and I got married on June 13, 1987,with our first date being on June 13,1981!

With regards to weddings the main thing that has changed today,in our opinion, is the use of the internet which is of great help for wedding planning and researchingand purchasing things online from dresses to decorations!

Our daughter’s wedding reception brought back so many beautiful memories including those of our late dear parents as well as other relatives and friends. Seeing both Trevor and Francesca entering the wedding venue was like a mirror image of ourselves 35 years prior –it was a memorable event for all!