This section contains articles about the wedding image of the bride and groom
The success of a future wedding largely depends on the right approach to creating original, sophisticated images of the bride and groom. The main components should be thought through at the planning stage (how to plan everything?).
The concept of the celebration and the corresponding color scheme influence the choice of the bride’s dress, groom’s suit, and accessories. A reasonable combination of all the details will create a stylish, memorable look for the newlyweds.
The most advantageous outfits of the bride and groom look when they are in harmony with each other in color. The image is well combined by the groom's tie and the bride's bouquet made in the same color scheme. It’s great if the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere are made by the same florist in the same style.
To maintain a unified concept for the entire wedding, you need to inform all guests about the specifics of the dress code.
Be positive
Seems trivial? However, I must assure you that this is the best advice you can give a bride. There is no such thing as perfect wedding preparation. There are only attempts to do everything perfectly. And yes, during preparation you will face a lot of troubles. And the longer and more carefully you prepare, the more of these troubles there will be. Mom doesn't like the dress, the groom doesn't like the color pink for the wedding, the best friend refuses to come - all this is quite unsettling. You will have to be disappointed more than once: in one of your relatives and friends, in your ideas and choices. And at the wedding itself, unpleasant surprises may await you. So, know: this is normal and happens to EVERYONE. Therefore, the main thing is to maintain a positive attitude both during preparation for the wedding and on the day of the celebration. Tell yourself that everything will definitely be fine - and just look for a solution to the difficulties that have arisen. Then troubles will not be able to anger or upset you, ruining the holiday. Remember: this is the best day of your life, and it is beautiful no matter what!
Start with the main thing
Having received the long-awaited ring, 90% of brides imagine not so much an ideal wedding, but themselves in a snow-white dress. Guess what the same 90% of brides do first? Naturally, they go to the wedding salon)))) Sometimes without even choosing the date of the celebration itself. However, starting your wedding preparations by choosing a dress is a really bad idea. Firstly, both the image and the outfit should be in harmony with the atmosphere and location of your wedding. Agree, a dress embroidered with rhinestones is unlikely to fit into a “village” holiday. Secondly, most brides buy a wedding dress in the first or second salon they go to, and then... find the outfit of their dreams. Therefore, many brides are disappointed in the purchased dress long before the celebration. Give yourself time to choose, study different offers - and buy an outfit when you already know the date, place and style of the wedding.
Groom
While paying tribute to the key role of the bride in the wedding celebration, we should not forget that it is the couple who are getting married.
To create a harmonious wedding image for the newlyweds, creating the groom’s style must be taken no less seriously.
When choosing a suit, you need to pay attention to the quality of the fabric and color. The suit should not be shiny or look cheap. A win-win option would be to rely on the elegance and impeccable fit of the suit.
The vest adds special sophistication to the suit. It can be chosen to match the tone of the bride's dress or bouquet, but at the same time be combined with a jacket and trousers.
If the concept of the celebration allows for freedom of style, the option of combining a classic jacket with colored slacks or jeans is quite acceptable. However, you still need to remember about the quality of the fabric.
The shirt doesn’t have to be white at all, especially since it often doesn’t look flattering in photographs. Current trends allow for colored shirts decorated with a print or geometric pattern. The main thing is to choose so that the color of the shirt does not stand out from the overall style.
It is recommended to choose shoes from genuine leather two or three shades darker than the fabric of the trousers. A slightly elongated model with a thin sole is considered classic.
Accessories are very important in creating a complete look. A tie and cufflinks are required.
A regular or wide, less formal tie will go well with a classic suit. You can play with color, matching it to the color scheme of the bride's bouquet or bridesmaids' dresses.
A bow tie is required if you choose a tuxedo or tailcoat for a formal ceremony. A bowtie that needs to be tied is considered truly chic; it can also be of the most unusual color.
An interesting alternative to ties is a neckerchief. Properly tied and chosen in color, it can become the dominant feature of the groom’s entire look.
The choice of cufflinks depends on personal preference, but if their design echoes the bride’s jewelry, they complete the couple’s look. For example, a pearl necklace will be matched with cufflinks with pearls, and a gold chain will be matched with oval cufflinks made of yellow metal or gold.
The ideal men's look combines the colors of the belt, shoes and watchband, and the socks match the color of the trousers. Although, in a more informal version, the color of socks can take on the color accent of the entire appearance, which is completed by a perfect haircut and well-groomed hands.
All the details for creating an impeccable wedding style are collected in the Groom section →
The most important element of an unforgettable wedding image is, of course, the excellent mood, shining eyes and sincere smiles of the newlyweds.
Get ready with your groom
There is an opinion that a wedding is done for the bride, and not for the groom. As if he was just passing by. It’s good if he knows the place of the wedding))) Seriously, preparations are harder for grooms than for brides, but this does not mean that you need to protect your loved one from all the “hardships and hardships” and “clear the clouds with your hands.” A wedding is practically the beginning of family life. Therefore, now it is worth practicing sharing responsibilities and involving a man in important issues. Of course, if you are choosing between a pink and a peach ribbon for a bonbonniere, then there is a chance that the groom will run away before the wedding)))) But strategically important points must be discussed together: guest lists, concept, venue, choice of wedding professionals. And at the very beginning, discuss which aspects you deal with (floristry, decor, image), and which aspects the groom deals with (motorcade, food). If you are having difficulty preparing, do not hesitate to turn to your significant other. A man's view of the situation is rational and devoid of unnecessary emotions: it will allow you to see things from the other side and find the right solution (often unexpected for you).
Be modern
Judging by the pictures that Yandex produces for the request “wedding”, the worst traditions in our country are immortal. Brides with patched curls on their heads and acrylic flowers on their nails, grooms in white shiny suits, “decor” with fabric curtains, vulgar competitions... One gets the impression that for most compatriots “wedding” time has stopped - as if all modern trends do not exist and have not already passed 20 years since the “dashing 90s”. But how many truly wonderful weddings are held today! And not only abroad, but also here, in Russia. And it’s not so much about fashion, but about the atmosphere, sincerity and beauty that characterize these celebrations. Such weddings are admired, photos reviewed, and remembered! We don't encourage you to follow trends blindly - choose what you like. Let it be the most classic wedding, but in a modern way. And, of course, we do not propose to abolish all traditions. Just use them wisely. It is important to know the deep meaning of a particular tradition, where it came from and what message it carries. And then decide whether it is suitable for your wedding in principle.
On the day of the celebration, be only the bride
You are having a wedding, and your great-aunt from Kamchatka cannot find the address of the restaurant; the cake should have been delivered an hour ago; the restaurant manager asks when to serve hot... Believe me, on your wedding day there will be enough excitement (primarily joyful!) without this. So one of the main tips in our top is to leave all the decisions on this day to others! Better, of course, for professionals. Understand that a wedding coordinator is as necessary a specialist as a photographer. It’s like the final chord in a song: it’s invisible, but the impression of the entire wedding depends on the work of the coordinator. And also your peace of mind and good mood. Do you think it's worth a lot?
Choose your wedding team carefully
One of the keys to a great wedding and your confidence is a team of competent professionals. There are already many articles on the blog about how to choose a wedding professional - for example, this one. In short, evaluate a specialist based on his portfolio, choose based on communication, and choose high quality over a low price. Don’t rush and don’t rush to the first thing you come across - such laziness will backfire on you. And most importantly: you must trust your team.
Listen to sound advice
If you are not planning to hire an organizer, then during preparation you will have a lot of questions. In a situation where there is an urgent need to find out something, most brides do something simple: they go to a forum where other brides are hanging out, shouting for help. Or he asks his mother/friend. What's bad about it? That questions should be asked to those who understand them. For example, the friend you decided to ask did not have a wedding, or it was not at all like the holiday of your dreams. And my mother is generally not aware of modern wedding trends and strives to give advice that was relevant 20-30 years ago. Do you think such advice will be useful?.. A frequent occurrence is when a bride comes to the forum with a purely professional question: what hairstyle should she choose, what place is suitable for a photo shoot. And he receives answers from the same brides, and completely different ones - this confuses even more and does not solve the problem. Therefore, an important rule for a smart bride is to ask wedding questions to professionals. Firstly, the pro has special knowledge that he was trained in. Secondly, brides have one wedding and two bridesmaids behind them, while a specialist has several times more. Don't know which shooting location to choose? Ask the photographer. Can't decide on a dress? Ask your stylist for tips. And so on.
Wedding customs and traditions in Russia
Blessing of the Young
The obligatory tradition preceding the sacrament of marriage was the blessing of the parents, which was strictly observed. The children turned to their relatives with the words: “Bless, father, mother!” In response, mother and father, holding the icon in their hands, answered: “God bless!” In ancient times, almost all people were baptized. At the present time, unbaptized young people who receive a blessing with an icon are more likely to follow fashion, since they do not receive God’s blessing as such.
Rituals
Along with the high degree of religiosity of the Russian nation, the people sacredly believed in otherworldly forces. At the wedding, it was necessary to have a sorcerer or sorcerer present, who would protect the young people from the evil eye and distract satanic evil from them with cheerful jokes and games. At a modern wedding in Russia, the sorcerer is easily recognizable in the guise of a daring toastmaster. The ceremony organizer creates a festive atmosphere at the celebration, cheers and entertains the guests.
Matchmaking
According to the old Russian covenants, the hassle of matchmaking fell entirely on the parents. They had the final say on whether there would be a wedding or not. It was the parents who determined the size of the dowry and controlled the expenses of the celebration. Wedding traditions in Russia today allow children to make their own choices, as well as resolve issues related to organizing the celebration. But as before, a visit to the bride’s parents for official permission to marry is considered a sign of decency and respect.
Ransom
In Russian wedding traditions, it was natural for the groom and his parents to pay for their happiness, that is, to make a ransom. Today, the ransom ritual is a fun activity for young people, friends and all participants in the celebration. The impatient newlyweds are given tasks by their merry guests and come up with obstacles on the way to their beloved. Usually the groom pays off with small sums of money or sweets.
Collusion
In Rus', after matchmaking, there was a custom of collusion. This was the name given to long conversations about joint investments in the wedding budget. The size of the bride's dowry, family capital and ransom were discussed. Such an event is reminiscent of the legal registration of a marriage contract, which regulates the expenses of family members and inheritance in the event of divorce.
Feast
In Rus', young people were given a wedding loaf with a salt shaker before a gala dinner. After tasting the ritual bread, the newlyweds bowed at the waist to the guests, and they, in turn, symbolically blessed them, showering them with grain, a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Now, when leaving the Wedding Palace, the bride and groom are given a fireworks display of beautiful rose petals. And during the holiday, a ritual loaf is eaten.
The custom of shouting “Bitter!” Previously it happened a little differently. The bride approached each guest in turn with a festive shot glass on a tray. After drinking, the invitee shouted “Bitter!”, thus demonstrating that he was given an intoxicating festive drink. In return, it was customary to place sums of money and gifts on the tray.
Modern Russian wedding traditions associated with the feast have acquired new interesting aspects that are already firmly rooted among the population. Thus, witnesses hold together two bottles of champagne for a young family. Newlyweds save the first bottle of sparkling drink until their first wedding anniversary, the second is supposed to be opened in honor of the birth of their first child.
According to wedding customs, the dance evening is opened by the newlyweds with their first dance. Then everyone comes out to dance, and then, as a rule, the entertainment part of the celebration begins.
Wedding
The wedding ceremony is currently not always carried out or is postponed to another time. After registration and visiting the church, the newlyweds take a pleasure walk around the city. During such a trip, innovative rituals of modern weddings often take place. For example, on bridges, two people close the lock together, which symbolizes the inviolability of marriage. Or they tie pink and blue ribbons to the pigeons' paws and release them to determine the sex of the child. Whichever ribbon the dove flies higher with will mark the gender of the unborn baby.
Bachelorette and bachelor parties
Girls' get-togethers before marriage are a long-standing wedding tradition in Russia. The bridesmaids went to the bathhouse, carefully washed the bride's braid, and shared stories about unhappy marriages in order to ward off the evil eye. It was not customary to hold a bachelor party in Rus'; the young guy simply got himself in order: he washed himself in the bathhouse and got his hair cut.
Wedding rings
Stringing gold and silver rings on each other's fingers is a worldwide tradition. The ancestors of this event are considered to be the ancient Egyptians, who were the first to introduce a beautiful and romantic custom. Today, not a single wedding in the world is complete without the exchange of rings.
The bride's bouquet
The prototype of throwing a bouquet into a crowd of girls at a ceremony is the old ritual of passing a wreath from the bride’s head to a close friend. This ritual determines the future newlywed. At a modern wedding in Russia, a piquant nuance was added to the tradition. The bride removes the garter from her stocking and throws it to the single men to see who is the next potential groom.
Bride kidnapping
Of course, now no one kidnaps a happy girl, unless the Russian bride’s groom is a Muslim. In Rus', a newlywed from a simple peasant family could sometimes be kidnapped by a despotic landowner. And in order to protect his beloved, the groom had to pay off generously.
Bride's slipper
The Russian wedding tradition of the groom's friends stealing the bride's shoe on the second day for the sake of a comic payoff, took place differently in ancient times. The young newlywed herself offered to try on her bridesmaids’ wedding shoes. The girl, for whom the shoe fit, rightfully demanded a ransom from the young man.
Rushnik
A towel or towel in Rus' is a special ritual wedding item on which the wedding loaf was carried out, and in the church the newlyweds were supposed to stand during the wedding. In some settlements, newlyweds tied their hands with an embroidered holiday towel. The bride gave a beautiful ethnic towel to her betrothed for matchmaking; several types of towels should have been included in the dowry.
Wedding loaf
Bread has traditionally been considered a sign of wealth and prosperity among Russian people. Therefore, the young were supposed to taste this delicacy so that their life would be without need, hunger and deprivation. The modern interpretation of the ritual has transformed into a comic form. Biting off a loaf of bread, the bride and groom strive to grab a larger slice in order to take the leading position in the couple. In ancient times, it would never have occurred to anyone to guess about the head of the family. Rus' was ruled by a strict and sometimes cruel patriarchy.
The wedding night
The pre-wedding chores are over, the feast is over, and the most mysterious and beautiful night in the life of lovers begins - the first wedding. The wedding tradition of bringing a young wife into a new home in your arms also has a magical background. In ancient times, the groom thus averted his eyes to evil spirits, pretending that he was carrying a child.
The custom of spending the first wedding night outside their native walls encourages young people to hide from evil spells and hide somewhere else. Relatives often provided the newlyweds with overnight accommodation, or as an exotic option, the young people were sent to a hayloft, an equipped barn. Modern newlyweds also crave adventure and for this they book a hotel room or rent an apartment.
Unlike Slavic traditions, the second day of the banquet became optional. Instead, young lovers prefer a honeymoon or a honeymoon in some resort location.
Despite the fact that culture is constantly changing and many traditions are losing their relevance, a wedding celebration will forever remain the most magnificent and memorable event in life. And for the wedding to become a real holiday of love and fun, you need to make every effort and prepare properly.
Fulfill your wishes and dreams
Where, if not at a wedding, can dreams come true? The main thing is that they should be YOURS. Try to abstract yourself from the desires and demands of your relatives. Most often they start from outdated templates. “Chief advisors” may be perplexed by a rustic design, a dress without a veil, or a European seating arrangement. Don’t give in to provocations - they simply did not have such experience. Believe me, after the wedding they will be the first to admire the result. Therefore, when preparing for the celebration, choose what is close to you two. Remember - a wedding is not done to prove something to others, but to be together and be happy. Your guests will definitely feel it and be happy to share your holiday!
Sapphire wedding of the Soldatovs
Marriage anniversary is one of the significant dates in the family calendar. This is a real holiday of happiness and love. It’s not for nothing that the 45th anniversary of marriage is called the sapphire wedding. The union of two people who have lived together for 45 years must be very strong. Today we will talk about the Soldatov family, who live in the village of Galashovo, Pestyakovsky rural settlement. This year Vladimir Vasilyevich and Maria Borisovna will celebrate their sapphire wedding.
This holiday is a big event for the heroes of the day themselves, their children, grandchildren, and friends. Not everyone can boast that they have been married for 45 years. During this time, the Soldatov spouses truly learned to appreciate each other, to experience a lot together, including joys, quarrels, disagreements, and other pleasant and unpleasant moments.
The Soldatov spouses are elderly people; they have been on a well-deserved rest for a long time. Their long life, of course, is full of events, meetings, filled with the joy of growing up children and the birth of grandchildren. All together this can be called an experience. Vladimir Vasilyevich and Maria Borisovna shared the story of their love and family happiness with the correspondent of the editorial office of the newspaper “New Way”.
One autumn day I met with the Soldatov couple in their home in the village of Galashovo, where the conversation took place in a relaxed atmosphere. At this time, the head of the family, Vladimir Vasilyevich, was going to patch up the stove for the coming winter. Maria Borisovna was passionate about household chores and raising her grandson. In an intimate conversation, the couple told the story of their family life.
The childhood and teenage years of Vladimir Vasilyevich and Maria Borisovna.
Vladimir Vasilyevich was born on January 20, 1950 in the village of Bayanda, Irkutsk region. Ten children grew up in the Soldatov family.
— At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, my father was taken to the front to defend the Motherland. Vasily Nikolaevich reached Berlin. After the victory he returned to his native land. “Mom was very happy about the return of her husband,” Vladimir said about those distant years.
Maria Borisovna was born in the village of Molchanovo, Poroshino Village Council, Pestyakovsky District, on April 4, 1954. Her father defended his homeland during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. He returned home in 1943, wounded and sick,” said M.B. Soldatova.
Vladimir and Maria received secondary education. After graduating from school, Vladimir studied for two years at a vocational school to become a tractor driver and driver. In 1969 he was drafted into the ranks of the USSR Armed Forces. After serving for two years, he returned home. He got a job as a driver in a kindergarten.
After graduating from school, Maria entered the Gorodets Pedagogical School. Having received the profession of a teacher, she was assigned to the Irkutsk region, where she worked as the head of a kindergarten for many years.
Family and work life.
The young people met in 1972: she is the head of a kindergarten, he is a driver. In just a few months of communication, the young people realized that they wanted to always be together. On November 6, 1972, the young Soldatov family was formed. They began to live in their own apartment. In 1973, a son, Andrei, was born into a young family. Two years later, daughter Elena was born.
— In January 1979, my dad died. After the operation, my mother was left alone; it was difficult for her without the help of her loved ones. My husband and I were forced to move in with our mother. Vladimir got a job as a tractor driver on a collective farm. After moving, she worked as a teacher in the village of Alyokhino for 6 months, then worked as the head of a kindergarten in the village of Galashovo. At this time, she studied by correspondence at the Shuya State Pedagogical Institute, where she received the specialty of teacher of Russian language and literature. This is how they lived, worked, and raised children. They ran a large farm.
These are difficult times. Kindergartens, schools, and organizations in the area were closed, and a preschool institution in Galashov also ceased to exist. My husband was laid off. After some time, he worked as a driver and laborer, and in 1989 I was transferred to the position of a primary school teacher at the Galashov school. After working there for 10 years, she then taught Russian language and literature in high school in Demidov. The children grew up, received an education, flew out of their parents’ nest, and started their own families,” said Maria Borisovna.
The Soldatov spouses were repeatedly awarded Certificates of Honor for good work and for labor excellence. Now they run a small household and often have children and grandchildren.
“After all, it doesn’t happen that you can live 45 years and not argue, not quarrel even once.” Things happened, but we lived well. Of course, we take care of each other, my husband takes care of me, and I take care of him, and it has always been like that. This is the only way to live, showing respect and mutual understanding to each other! — the conversation with Vladimir Vasilyevich and Maria Borisovna ended on such an optimistic note.
A. Zhorina.
Photo from the family archive
Soldatov family.
Remember the guests
As we found out in the previous paragraph, you need to do a wedding for yourself. However, do not forget about the guests. You shouldn’t indulge all their whims, but you definitely need to think about the comfort of the guests (moral and physical)! Don’t make guests wait endlessly for you, don’t drag them with you to a photo shoot, don’t invite everyone early in the morning. Remember the little things: plan seating so that guests have fun with their neighbors, organize a buffet before registration, take into account guests' food and drink preferences. And be sure to prepare a thank you speech at the end of the holiday - your guests will be pleased.
WEDDING TRADITIONS CURRENT IN THE MODERN WEDDING PROGRAM
There are a huge number of wedding traditions, which we discussed in the previous article.
And which of them will be relevant in 2022?
Let us remind you that each family has its own traditions and priorities. For some, some customs will be irrelevant, but for others they are simply necessary! But we will still look at those traditions that are widely used at modern weddings.
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Don't abuse alcohol
An obvious point that is rarely mentioned. And it concerns not only you, but also the groom. Well, of course, you are not going to abuse it! However, given the “tradition” according to which alcohol flows like a river at a wedding from morning to night, it won’t be difficult to drink too much and get embarrassed. In addition, in the summer, after getting up early, no breakfast, worries and tears of happiness, the body’s reaction even to a couple of glasses of champagne may be different than on a normal day. Therefore, limit yourself to a minimum amount of alcohol before the banquet - both for yourself and for your guests. In the evening, drink only light drinks like sparkling wine and have a good snack.
Bride
Of course, the image of the bride is dominant in the couple.
It consists of a carefully selected style and color of dress, shoes, hairstyle, makeup, linen, and accessories. Every detail must be thought out and be in harmony with the other elements both within the image itself and with the overall style of the couple. The most crucial moment is choosing a dress (more about dresses). It should not only please the bride, but also correspond to the features of the figure. The dream dress will be like this if it emphasizes your advantages and manages to hide your flaws.
It is worth approaching its choice without haste: try on several different styles, ask the salon stylist for advice, think, sleep and buy that dress that cannot be forgotten.
It is recommended to choose shoes for the ceremony with heels, but taking into account the height of the groom, so as not to stand taller than him. The color of the shoes should be in harmony with the dress, but does not have to be white.
To create a wedding hairstyle (let's consider the best options) and makeup, it is best to invite a specialist. A complex hairstyle needs to be rehearsed, a trial version done, and if necessary, more than one.
Makeup for a wedding celebration has its own tricks. To prevent your face from looking flat in photographs taken with flash, professional makeup artists use facial sculpting elements that are not familiar to everyone.
When thinking about how you will look on your big day, it is important to find a middle ground and not overdo it. There is no need to combine a lush dress, a large bouquet, large jewelry, bright makeup and manicure. One or two bright accents are enough.
You can get acquainted in more detail with all the subtleties necessary to create your ideal image in the Bride section →
