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may's favourite things  

From tears to laughs, The Ring's planning fav's to ease the stress in may

a day in the life of the outdoor ceremony

The pros, cons, fun and risk of an outdoor ceremony

upcoming wedding shows

Mark your calendars, girls!

favourite proposal

May's favourite proposal made for a very special Valentine's Day

experts in the news

Who's hot, who's new & stuff you didn't know about k-w's wedding experts

money, money, money...

Budget help for the down-to-earth k-w bride

popularity contest in The Ring

Find out the most requested and favourite of k-w brides

from the mouths of k-w brides

Bride Q&A's from The Ring's advice chat

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At least half of the brides out there have debated on having an outdoor ceremony. You immediately think nature, simplicity, beauty... But then is it really? What's the scoop on weather, temperature, high-heeled shoes on the grass... We've asked the experts Pastor John Bonesteel and Rev. Sharon Clements and Rev. Cori Sinstead (of The Unity Centre) and found out the truth about the 'outdoor ceremony'!

who & why?

Outdoor weddings are unique and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. But there is so much more to it than that. A very popular trend, this type of ceremony is often chosen by the more casual bride, or by couples who have a special bond with a specific location such as the beach they met on, or in the backyard of the house they've made into their home.

options...

There a few things to consider when selecting a location: time of year, possible weather scenarios and indoor backup facilities. But the possibilities are endless. Rev. Sharon says, 'I’ve done outdoor wedding in the garden of a bed and breakfast, in a field, a community park, a friend's back yard, parent's backyard by the water, and at a golf course.' Rev. Cori adds, 'We've performed weddings in canyons, in a gazebo, at hotels, on a dinner cruise ship, on a sail boat, in a chalet on a mountain top, high on a sand dune by the beach, in a hot air balloon... and soon, in the ruins of an old mill. Any spot that is significant to the wedding couple is acceptable - providing that guests can be accommodated comfortably.'

Pick a location that suits the style and feel that you want for your wedding. A casual beach wedding with your bare feet in the sand at sunset... a beautiful and memorable setting, but not for you if you are looking for a more formal or traditional style. Pastor John told us that one of his most successful outdoor weddings was on a tall ship - so be creative!

does it really make

a difference?

If you're the kind of girl who likes to go with the flow, then an outdoor ceremony is right up your alley. There is a unique feeling that comes from gathering together in a open-air site. Rev. Sharon told us how she feels the mood is impacted, 'There is a natural feeling of being outdoors - less formal. A sense of oneness with nature. An awesome cathedral under spacious skies. A sense of laissez faire since the couple has to be prepared for alternate arrangements if the weather does not cooperate. There is nothing quite as beautiful as the sound of a flute or violin music floating over an open space.' Pastor John agrees saying, 'It’s spontaneous and delightfully close to God in his space.'

Pastor John told us a great story about a group of unplanned outdoor ceremonies... during the power loss across Ontario last August, he got a call from the city saying that all the weddings for the weekend were cancelled since the buildings had to be shut down. Pastor John couldn't stand the thought of the couples having to cancel their long-planned nuptials, so he posted a sign on the door saying that all the weddings for the weekend were going to be held in the park and to meet him at the floral clock. 'We had five beautiful weddings in the park that weekend!' Those couples have a great story to tell... !

Pastor John emphasizes the frame of mind that you and your fiancé should be ready for, 'Depending on climate and circumstances, you do what you have to do. Take your shoes off and hike up your robe, wade through the water if you have to!'

who shouldn't plan an outdoor ceremony?

For all the spontaneous fun that can happen at an outdoor ceremony, carefully consider the decision. If you're the kind of girl who needs every hair, place setting and detail in place, this may not be the best idea for your wedding.

Rev. Sharon stresses that you need to be flexible on certain things. 'Sound is sometimes difficult to maintain. It is doubly important to have a sound system because there are no walls to hold in the sound. Wind is uncontrollable so we need to be flexible about the appearance of hair do's, the lighting a marriage candle (I explain that it's symbolic and not a symbol of impending disaster if the candle blows out!), and uninvited guests - from animals to other people who normally use the grounds - even an occasional stray golf ball.'

It's also important to consider your guests in the decision. They will have to adapt to the conditions as well. Think about grandparents and great-grandparents, as well as any handicapped guests. You must make sure that everyone will have access to the ceremony site, as well as a certain comfort level during the wedding.

tips from the experts

may's favourite wedding proposal

Posted by Susan,

May 10, 2004

'Jay proposed to me on the most romantic day of the year... Valentines Day... he was so sweet about the whole day. The day started out with breakfast in bed... always my favourite, and then he disappeared for about a 1/2 hour while I ate and lingered in bed. When he reappeared, he had an armful of things, first he gave me a little heart-shaped box of ferrero-rocher chocolates, and then he gave me 6 red roses, and one white rose, and then he gave me a big stuffed dog (which looks like our doggy, and is also a Valentine's tradition for him to give me an enormous stuffed animal). I was then allowed to open the card he had given me (usually I open cards before gifts, but I was told I was not allowed this time). On the outside of the card he had written about how he loves me so much, and can't wait for the rest of our lives. Inside is a little flap that says open here for your Valentine's gift. Inside the flap it said "Will you marry me?"... and by this time he was down on one knee!!! I was so happy, and of course I said yes... I didn't cry, but I was close, and we were so overwhelmed. It was the best Valentine's Day in my life.'

experts in the news

Who's hot... who's new... stuff you didn't know about k-w's wedding experts