The Superior Express -

Things change and I certainly realize this the older I get. The last several wedding ceremonies I have been attended have been held outdoors at what is called a chosen “Venue” which officially is termed as “the place where something happens, especially an organized event.” Popular venues for weddings include a barn not far from the Schlaefli Farm and along the shore line of a lake, on a rolling prairie hill and on a grassy golf course.

More than 50 years ago, in what some would term as being “too many years ago,” the wedding ceremony was almost always held at the bride’s church, often on a Sunday afternoon.The bride would wear the wedding dress of that era which usually had a Princess waist, and a full flowing white lace long skirt, long lace sleeves and, of course, the net or lace veil.

The flowers were in the wedding colors, with two large bouquets, placed on each side of the church. There were candle holders. Candle lighters would light the candles before the ceremony began. The men wore business suits, and the bridesmaid numbers were kept in check to not more than two or three. Songs were sung by a vocalist and a piano or organ played the “Bridal Chorus” as the bride walked in with her father.The bride and bridegroom would kneel at an altar in prayer toward the end of the ceremony.

A reception was held in the church basement or annex where the wedding cake and punch were served to the guests. At an appointed time, following the reception, the bridegroom and bride would leave among cheers and rice thrown, going on their way to the honeymoon destintion which was usually the closest vacation spot.

Today’s weddings are more informal, with the bridegroom, best man and groomsmen maybe wearing jeans, vests, shirts and sometimes cowboy hats. Churches are hardly ever used for the ceremony site. Instead the weddings are held outdoors, in a community center building or barn. The simple pastel colors once used are replaced with turquoise, burnt orange, purple, red, deep green or lavender. There may be numerous brides maids and groomsmen, perhaps more than six or seven. Flowers are placed all around the ceremony venue. Candles are usually placed upon the guests’ reception tables.

The bride’s gown is seldom long sleeved. Sometimes it is strapless. The bride’s gown is seldom a long full skirt. Instead it is often a straight long skirt. Some brides use a veil but some opt for a crown of flowers, or other style of head piece. The music is often recorded. Sometimes the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together. At some ceremonies they even dance in together.

They often write their vows. When the ceremony is over, as the couple walks back up the aisle together, bubbles are blown at them. Sometimes wheat is thrown. The reception has been extended to providing a wedding supper, followed by the cutting and serving of the wedding cake. Cupcakes may replace the wedding cake.

The next event is a wedding dance with a DJ or band providing the music with the bride and bridegroom dancing the first dance together. Honeymoons are now taken to some destination far away, such as Hawaii or Mexico. Some wedding ceremonies are even held on islands or on a ocean coast line.

The wedding ceremonies of couples my parents’ ages were much different also. Those were the days right before, during and after WWII, where simple and quick ceremonies were the norm. Soldiers knowing they would soon be leaving to serve their country in war, not knowing if they would return home, chose along with their bride to be married as soon as possible, making wedding planning unimportant.

Following the war, the veterans were ready to get on with their lives back at home and wedding ceremonies were held in record numbers. The bride’s chosen wedding outfit was usually something she already had such as a suit or dress she wore to church on Sundays. A corsage was often worn, along with a stylish hat and short veil. The bridegroom would either wear his military uniform or a business suit. The ceremony was not always held in a church. It was usually held at the bride’s parent’s home or in a church parsonage. Usually no music was played, no cake was served, they were just ready to start a new life together.

No matter how the wedding ceremonies are carried out these days, every wedding ceremony is precious, enjoyed and always beautiful.