Marriage benefits you may not have thought of

  • 22
    Jul 19
  • -
marriage benefits

Marriage benefits you may not have thought of

The marriage rate in the U.S. began a steady decline in the early 1970s before leveling off around 2009 at much lower levels. Keep reading if you’re not married. Younger Americans have lost sight of the reality that marriage benefits are amazing. A lot of Millennials don’t realize the positive impact getting married can have on your finances, your longterm health, and your future children.

Financial marriage benefits

Forbes Magazine ran a nice piece on the financial benefits of marriage. Forbes contributor, Kate Ashford, spelled some amazing financial marriage benefits you need to be aware of, including:

• Married spouses qualify for an estate tax marital deduction. Not so for domestic partners.

• Married spouses qualify for the gift tax marital deduction. Not so for domestic partners.

• Ms. Ashford goes on to reveal other significant benefits for spouses when it comes to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Social Security benefits, and health insurance savings. If your spouse dies, you have more protection if you’re married than not.

Some of you reading this view these benefits as an abstraction, something you can deal with way down the road. Perhaps. But when that day comes, you may have wished you had gotten married.

Health benefits of marriage

If the financial marriage benefits are significant, the health benefits are even more significant. As we pointed out in an earlier blogpost [“Marriage is good for your health”], married people:

√ Live longer than single people.

√ Experience fewer strokes and heart attacks.

√ Have a lower risk of depression.

√ Have a lower risk for advanced cancer.

√ Survive longer when cancer does strike.

√ Are better able to survive major operations.

The health benefits for men are especially profound. Both unmarried women and men have much higher rates of depression than their married counterparts, but with men, the differential is glaring.  Unmarried men are nine times as likely as married men to suffer from depression.

Marriage is so therapeutic to men, that a married man with heart disease will live an average of four years longer than a single man with a healthy heart.

And did you know that unmarried people spend twice as much time in hospitals as married people?

Okay, you’re going to be happier, richer, and healthier if you get married. Anything else. Actually, yes. I save the best for last.

Marriage benefits to your children are amazing

If you’re ever blessed with children, data shows that kids fare better in families where mom and dad are married. These children are more likely to enjoy longterm health and prosperity than their peers being raised by cohabiting parents. Even more, they are far more likely to avoid the social pathology that afflicts so many of our youth, such as addiction, dropping out of school, and crime.

What’s interesting is that studies from 13 other countries all had similar results: the marriage benefits for children are incalculable.

Marriage benefits begin with a wedding. If you’re planning your Chicagoland wedding, Crestline Entertainment provides world class entertainment that will propel you into your new healthier and happier lifestyle with flair.

Learn more without obligation today.

  • 08
    Jul 19
  • -
wedding Bible verses

The changing role of religion in modern weddings

God is still part of contemporary weddings, but formal religion less so in Chicagoland. Nonetheless, wedding Bible verses are still a staple in wedding ceremonies whether the ceremony is in a church or elsewhere.

A majority of Millennials believe in God

Although a majority of Millennials believe in God, they are less likely to marry in a church than their predecessors. According to The Knot, 41% of weddings occurred in a church in 2009, but that number had dropped to 26% by 2016.

Many marriages involve couples with mixed religious beliefs. It can be challenging for them to agree on which church should host their ceremony: his or hers?

Many Millennials simply don’t have a church

Even more, only 27% of Millennials attend a religious service at least once a week, so many, even most couples, don’t have a church they call their own.

Churches don’t make it easy for couples to tie the knot in a church. Catholic churches in particular typically have a Saturday afternoon Mass which can throw a monkey wrench into wedding logistics.

But even though we’re seeing fewer church weddings, we’re still hearing God and the Bible invoked at most wedding ceremonies, whether vows are being exchanged at a winery, park, or at the beach.

Popular wedding Bible verses

Even couples who are not particularly religious respect the timeless wisdom of a verse such as this gem, which is perhaps the king of wedding Bible verses:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5:

St. Paul offers up another gem in another verse from 1 Corinthians:

“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2:

Insights this deep on the mysteries of love will always have a place in wedding ceremonies, even with couples who are not particularly religious.

The most passionate book in the Bible

The Old Testament contains the most passionate book in the Bible, Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon. Wedding Bible verses don’t get more dramatic than this:

“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” Song of Solomon 8:7.

The Gospel of John offers one of the most searing wedding Bible verses from the lips of Jesus:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12.

And how did Jesus love? Sacrificially. He died so others might live, says sacred scripture. Are you willing to die for the love of your life? Think about it. Even if you’re not very religious, you can see the power of Bible verses from these examples and why the Bible is a treasure trove for engaged couples planning their weddings.

Though fewer couples are getting married in churches, the timelessness of wedding Bible verses never grows old.

The Old Testament’s most beloved of all wedding Bible verses

Let me leave you with one more example, which is perhaps the most popular wedding Bible verse from the Old Testament:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24:

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. As your plans unfold, remember that Crestline Entertainment offers beautiful music for your wedding ceremony. Our equipment is state of the art, which is especially critical for outdoor ceremonies and non-church venues with inadequate audio capability.

Your guests will hear your vows and these great wedding Bible verses with crystal clarity in our hands, regardless of the location of your ceremony.

And when it comes time for your reception, watch out! We offer dance-floor packing DJ entertainment, beautiful decor lighting, and sensational photo booths. This is Chicagoland wedding entertainment at its finest!

  • 24
    Jun 19
  • -
Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

One of the most popular wedding entrance songs has got to be Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by JS Bach. If you’re in the process of selecting wedding ceremony music, consider the rich possibilities of Bach’s Masterpiece.

Bach composed the piece between 1716 and 1723 as part of a larger piece. Interestingly, he conceived the composition as being driven by trumpet, oboes, and strings. But modern weddings have slowed the melody down and showcased the ethereal melody using a wide variety of instruments.

Here’s the solo piano version you know and love

One of its most common manifestations is solo piano, as performed here by Israeli classical pianist, Alon Goldstein:

Simply beautiful. Note the clarity and expressiveness of Mr. Goldstein’s performance.

Listen to this arrangement with classical guitar and cello

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring also lends itself to classical guitar. Here’s a beautiful presentation by a group called Duo Rosanna featuring cello and classical guitar:

The text upon which the hymn was based was written by German poet, Martin Janus, in 1661. It expresses his close relationship with Christ, singing his praise for the source of his joy, Jesus. That is why the composition was originally performed at a lively tempo.

The Celtic Women know how to perform Bach!

If your religious tradition appreciates the text, here is a beautiful presentation sung by the Celtic Women (in English!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPeVIuRjUi4

As mentioned earlier, Mr. Bach really wanted a trumpet for this piece. Check out this regal performance by The Gateway Brass Quintet, complete with not one, but two trumpets, trombone, horn, and tuba! 

Trumpet player, Timothy Moke, speeds up the tempo to Bach levels and adds an organ, which I believe even makes the piece sound more regal than the previous version, if that’s possible! Take a listen:

And if you would like to experience the ultimate heavenly sound when you walk down the aisle, consider Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring performed by full orchestra. This is extraordinary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvw9KJUPW8U

What’s your style? Do you like a small, intimate sound, or a magnificent full sound? There’s no right or wrong answer, because your wedding day is all about you.

Crestline Entertainment offers ceremony music

If you don’t have access to polished, professional musicians for your ceremony, or if your budget won’t accommodate a full orchestra, Crestline Entertainment can help. We’re more than the dance-floor packing wedding DJs you’ve heard about for years. We can provide you with your favorite music for your wedding ceremony.

Our sound is clear and controlled, perfect for either indoor or outdoor ceremonies.

Whether you want us to play Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring or something else, you’ll enjoy customized, memorable ceremony music that elevates your wedding. Be sure to check out a previous blogpost, “Top classical songs for walking down the aisle,” for even more great ideas.

  • 10
    Jun 19
  • -
co-worker wedding etiquette

Co-Worker Wedding Etiquette

Co-worker wedding etiquette can get pretty dicey. Who do you invite, and more critically, who do you NOT invite?

Wedding trends ramp up your challenges, as a survey of 13,000 brides by The Knot shows the size of guests guest lists is dropping. In 2009, the average size of a guest list was 149, but that has dropped to 136 as of  2017. If you are agonizing over the size of your guest list, co-worker wedding etiquette becomes especially critical.

The challenge of co-worker wedding etiquette

What compounds your challenge is that you may not even be working the same job five years from now, maybe even a year from now. Do you want to waste a precious invite on someone with whom you may no relationship in a few short years?

On the other hand, office politics factor into your decision. You may very well be working with the same people for years to come. If you snub them today, your working relationship with them may be compromised tomorrow.

Are there easy answers?

So, are there easy answers  to co-worker wedding etiquette? No. However, some situations are easier than others. If you work for a large company, you are liberated to reduce invitees to only those co-workers you really like and would like to have at your wedding celebration.

By contrast, if you work for a small company or with a small team in a larger organization, it is really hard to skip over some workers, while inviting others. Here are some ideas that may help.

Co-worker wedding strategy #1

Don’t talk about your wedding at work. Don’t plan your wedding during work hours. Be discreet. If the subject comes up with co-workers, emphasize that your wedding is going to be a family affair.

Co-worker wedding strategy #2

Minimize social media postings on your wedding plans. Although this is a difficult strategy for excited brides-to-be to implement, it makes good sense. Social media is so in-your-face. Everyone reading your posts, whether a co-worker or not, may feel rejected when an invitation doesn’t arrive.

Co-worker wedding strategy #3

Go ahead and invite your boss and co-workers if you believe it is a good career move, or if you genuinely like these people, especially if you socialize with them after hours. But limit invitations to just them, not everyone with whom you work but don’t socialize. You do NOT have to invite everyone. But be prepared for the fall out.

Co-worker wedding strategy #4

When you don’t invite every co-worker, be prepared for some sour grapes from someone who didn’t make the cut. You know how it can go:

“I can’t believe you invited Mary Sue and not me to your wedding!”

Have your response prepared and rehearsed. Here are a few approaches you can consider:

“I am so delighted that you would have liked to have come! That really means a lot to me. Sadly, our venue only accommodated a very limited guest list, and I had to leave off several dozen others whom I would have loved to have invited, like you. If you’ve ever been involved planning a wedding, you’ll know what I mean!”

Or …

“I am so touched that you would have liked to have attended my wedding! But since my folks were paying for the wedding, they pretty much dictated the size of my guest list. They really laid down the law on all the family members I had to invite, and it was a lot. I was forced to cut back on a whole bunch of my friends and co-workers I really wanted to invite. Like you. It killed me that they wouldn’t let me invite all my friends, but I’m sure you understand the complexity of family dynamics … and budgets!”

Co-worker wedding strategy #5

Simply be up front with your co-workers about your wedding plans. Let them know that your budget or family necessitates a limited guest list, and that you’ll only be able to invite a very limited number of co-workers. This way, you don’t have to hide anything. By the same token, don’t flaunt your wedding plans, but move forward using common sense and sensitivity towards those with whom you work. In the overwhelming majority of circumstances, people understand and move on.

Once you get your guest list set, it’s time to think about the entertainment. Crestline Entertainment knows how to pack a dance floor and show your guests a good time! You’ll have a hard time getting your co-workers NOT to talk about your celebration back at the office. They’ll have that great a time!

  • 27
    May 19
  • -
engagement ring spending

Engagement ring spending

How much does the average engagement ring cost?  $6351. It seems that engagement ring spending is on the rise according to The Knot’s Jewelry & Engagement Study.

The average engagement ring went for $5095 in 2011. So why has the price seemingly gone up? Brides and grooms have changed more than the prices of the ring have. The Knot reveals that couples today have been living together longer than their counterparts in 2011. That means they’re more established, older, and have higher incomes. The average age of a bride is now 29 and the groom is 31.

Your most important jewelry purchase ever

With a little more discretionary income, these couples are more interested in selecting a ring that is distinctive rather than cheap. They consider it a purchase of a lifetime, the single most important piece of jewelry a woman will ever wear. In that light, the extra dollars today’s couples are investing in their engagement ring averages out to a mere $24 over the next fifty years of marriage compared to 2011 couples.

The survey revealed quite of bit of interesting info. Guys look at an average of 26 rings when shopping for engagement rings, but 70% of their fiancee’s are involved in the process to some extent. On average, it takes three and a half months to find the engagement ring of a lifetime.

The most popular metal is white gold; the most popular setting is a prong; and sapphire is the most popular non-diamond gem.

The difference between brides and grooms

Is there any difference between men and women when it comes to engagement ring spending? The Knot says yes. Overwhelmingly, grooms prefer to buy a smaller, but higher quality diamond, while brides simply like a larger rock.

Speaking of rock, if you want your wedding reception to rock, check out our customized wedding entertainment. We will customize our entertainment packages to fit your style and budget, complete with dazzling lighting and photo booth!

  • 13
    May 19
  • -
wedding party bus

Pros & Cons of a Wedding Party Bus

There’s a couple you may know whose Catholic wedding ceremony was scheduled early afternoon. But the wedding reception didn’t begin until 5:30 PM. What should the wedding party do to kill time between the ceremony and reception? Hire a wedding party bus!

This scenario often comes up with Chicagoland couples planning a wedding ceremony in a church, especially Catholic Churches which have Saturday Masses scheduled. And when the reception is scheduled at another location, as it usually is, your venue may not be available at the time you’re ready to party.

Enter the wedding party bus.

The wedding party bus allows you to maintain the momentum of your celebration and keep your wedding party together until the reception begins. There are pros and cons to this idea.

Pros of a Wedding Party Bus

  1. As mentioned above, it keeps your wedding party together. These are your closest friends and family members. With whom would you rather party? Probably no one.
  2. It honors your wedding party. It tells them that they are special, and it thanks them for standing up with you on the biggest day of your life.
  3. Wedding Party busses are spacious. Some can hold up to 40 people, so you can comfortably fit an entire wedding party onboard. There is even room for them to bring their spouse or significant other if that is your desire.
  4. It is ridiculously fun. Watch the reaction you get with every entrance you make at one watering hole after another, leading right up to your reception venue. People will gawk, wave, and clap like you’re VIPs. On this day, you are.
  5. It’s safe. No need to worry about drinking and driving on a wedding party bus.
  6. Most party busses are equipped with nice amenities, like bars, stereo sound, and plasma TVs. At some point in life, you deserve to indulge a little. If not your wedding day, when? A wedding party bus is an indulgence you’ll talk about for years to come.
  7. It allows your wedding photographer to get some great candid and posed pics all over town. Is there an iconic landmark in town? Your party bus will deliver you and your wedding party and wait as long as you’d like while your photographer clicks away. And your party never has to stop!

Cons of a Wedding Party Bus

  1. It is an extra expense. Your budget just may not be able to accommodate an indulgence like this one.
  2. Beware of over-imbibing. The bride and groom in particular have to be cautious that they don’t overdo the alcohol. But so does the rest of the wedding party. We were at one wedding where the brides maids were wasted, one got sick, and the others made a spectacle of themselves at the reception. This is a major risk you’ll face if you decide to go with a wedding party bus.

Ultimately, most couples with whom we work prefer a more seamless wedding celebration, with wedding ceremony immediately followed by the wedding reception. However, if scheduling issues don’t allow your wedding ceremony and reception to flow together, then a party bus is a fun option.

If you’re having trouble finding  a venue whose availability meshes with your schedule, give us a call at 630-766-9898. We can pass on the names of some venues that are real gems, but off-the-radar for most brides and grooms. And when it comes to time to plan your wedding entertainment, be sure to think of Crestline Entertainment!

  • 29
    Apr 19
  • -
wedding regrets

Top wedding regrets

Are you engaged? If you scan online wedding literature and social media, you’ll discover some pretty common wedding regrets keep popping up.

For example, at a wedding website called “Woman Getting Married,”  the author, Lindsay Goldenberg Jones, said a good DJ company is one of three places worth splurging on:

“If I had to spend money on only three things at a wedding, it would be the wedding venue, wedding photographer, and wedding DJs. All the open bars in the world will not save your party from a terrible DJ or singer, so plan on picking a DJ or band that is HIGHLY recommended.”

Over at brides.com, they reported on a study of 750 brides and grooms conducted by Zola, the wedding registry website. First Zola surveyed the couples BEFORE the wedding to see what was most important to them when planning their wedding.

Then they surveyed AFTER their wedding to determine what was actually the most important, and if they had any regrets. This is interesting:

Top Five Wedding Elements Couples Wish They’d Spent LESS Money On:

1. Flowers & Decor (22 percent felt they spent too much)

2. Hair & Makeup (20 percent felt they spent too much)

3. Catering (19 percent felt they spent too much)

4. Day-of Wedding Attire (Dress, Suit, Accessories, Etc.) (19 percent felt they spent too much)

5. Invitations (17 percent felt they spent too much)

Top Five Wedding Elements Couples Wish They’d Spent MORE Money On:

1. Videographer (25 percent wish they’d spent more)

2. Photographer (22 percent wish they’d spent more)

3. Wedding Planner/Coordinator (20 percent wish they’d spent more)

4. Flowers & Decor (12 percent wish they’d spent more)

5. Band/DJ (10 percent wish they’d spent more)

Top 10 Wedding Elements that Engaged Couples Deemed “Most Important” During the Planning Process

1. Venue

2. Photographer

3. Day-of-Wedding Attire (Dress, Suit, Accessories, etc.)

4. Catering

5. Band/DJ

6. Flowers & Decor

7. After Party

8. Hair and Makeup

9. Wedding Officiant

10. Invitations

Top 10 Wedding Elements That Newlyweds Say Actually Made Their Wedding “Truly Unforgettable”

1. Venue

2. Photographer

3. Band/DJ

4. Day-of-Wedding Attire (Dress, Suit, Accessories, etc.)

5. Flowers & Decor

6. Wedding Officiant

7. Catering

8. Wedding Planner or Coordinator

9. After Party

10. Wedding Cake

In other words, three elements are at play: the LOOK & STYLE of your event vs. the EXPERIENCE of your event vs. the MEMORIES retained from your event.

Broadly speaking, post-wedding couples have more wedding regrets spending too much on the look and style of their event vs. creating an incredible experience, which is so driven by DJ entertainment.

By the same token, when the experience exceeds your expectations, which is exactly what Crestline Entertainment will do every time, wedding couples really wish they had spent a little more on photography and videography so they can properly relive this wonderful experience.

As readers of this blog have heard us say: entertainment makes the event. Although it only costs 10% of a typical wedding budget, it creates 90% of the fun.

There’s no need for wedding regrets when you go with Crestline Entertainment. Check our wedding services and then check on our availability.

  • 15
    Apr 19
  • -
wedding guest etiquette blunders

Embarrassing wedding guest etiquette blunders

Most people have enough common sense not to pull the shenanigans I’m about to reveal. However, one person reading this (okay, maybe two) need to have their eyes opened to some real embarrassing wedding guest etiquette blunders that can irritate, incense, and even infuriate your wedding hosts.

RSVP!

Embarrassing wedding guest etiquette blunders begin with a failure to RSVP. Your wedding hosts need a head count. Don’t keep them hanging. RSVP quickly, or at least RSVP by the deadline they give you.

Don’t complain

Okay, let’s say your friend decides to get married during the Super Bowl. Stupid, but don’t make it worse by complaining about it. Most brides and grooms select their wedding dated based on the availability of their church and reception venue. If this date conflicts with another big date on your calendar, suck it up or decline the invitation. But don’t you dare complain about it in an attempt to make the couple feel guilty.

Don’t push your own guests on the bride

Your wedding invitation arrives. Your name is on the invitation, and that’s it. That means you’re attending alone. Again, suck it up and don’t call the bride to pressure her to let you bring a date. Budgets matter to most brides, and she is probably already stretched thin. Unless your invitation adds the words “and guest”, or some variation, accept or decline the invitation graciously.

Don’t get drunk

Nothing more needs to be said.

Don’t grab the mic and make a toast

Unless you were expressly asked to be a part of the program, remember that you’re not.

Don’t wear white

This is the bride’s day. White is reserved for her.

Dress appropriately

One of the most embarrassing wedding guest wedding blunders is to underdress for an evening wedding celebration. If you can’t dress up for a wedding, like the folks in the photo above didn’t, then why put yourself out?  Some weddings are more casual than others, but when it is scheduled for evening, or when the invitation says semi-formal, dress appropriately.

Put your phones away!

Have you ever sat at a table with people you didn’t know and everyone had their faces buried in their smartphones, like the one above? It’s horrible for you, and the bride and groom can’t help but be disappointed that their guests are so disengaged.

The solution to wedding guest etiquette blunders

Of course, the solution to this last blunder is great entertainment, which is exactly what Crestline Entertainment provides. If people are having fun, they don’t feel a need to entertain themselves by keeping up on social media during your wedding celebration.

We know how to pull them out of their seats and on to the dance floor with top notch DJ wedding entertainment. We know how to keep them on their feet with our sensational photo booths for Chicagoland weddings.

If you’re attending a wedding, follow these simple tips to avoid embarrassing wedding guest etiquette blunders. If you’re planning a wedding, call us at 630-766-9898 for the dance floor-packing entertainment that will help your guests’ gaffes be quickly forgotten.

 

  • 01
    Apr 19
  • -
under budget wedding

The joy of an under budget wedding

Most brides and grooms are shell-shocked when all the bills come due from their wedding. Most spent far more than they budgeted. It doesn’t have to be that way. The joy of an under budget wedding can be yours.

Crestline Entertainment has worked with countless brides and grooms (and their parents) throughout the Chicagoland area. Many had regrets when they added up all they spent, because inevitably several thousand dollars of certain expenditures just weren’t worth it.

Be careful with your flower budget

One area that comes up frequently are the flowers. Flowers ARE important to your wedding celebration, because wedding celebrations should be beautiful. Flowers add to the beauty of your day. The rub is simply how many flowers do you need?

For example, some brides lament how much they spent on their centerpieces. Simplify and save if your budget is limited (as are most brides’). Some feel they went way overboard on how many flowers they used to decorate. Flowers add up, so simply think through how many you actually need to complement your style and budget.

Reception food and drink may be half of your budget

However, the key to experiencing an under budget wedding is more likely to be realized if you exercise discretion in the food and drink category. After all, The Knot tells us the reception eats up about half of your wedding budget.

Again, food and drink ARE wonderful ingredients to any wedding celebration in any culture. But, here’s where so many brides tell us they busted their budgets. We especially hear it when they talk about alcohol.

Open bars are budget killers

Open bars can get real expensive and can even lead to problems later in the evening with guests who over-imbibe. Brides have told us time and time again that they wish they had put a cap on their open bar. And many wish they had simply gone with a cash bar. You’ll save a bundle with the latter.

In the food department, think through whether you need a sit down dinner vs.

under budget wedding

Do you need a wedding cake as fancy as the Duchess of Cambridge’s?

a buffet. Think through if you really need those fancy appetizers. Think through if you really need a cake as elegant as the Duchess of Cambridge’s.

All of these things are really, really nice. But all of these things are potential obstacles to experiencing the joy of an under budget wedding.

There’s another easy way to come in under budget: select a DJ instead of a band.

Crestline Entertainment can save you money vs. a band

Crestline Entertainment is friends with many excellent bands in the area, and can recommend one if that’s the way you want to go. DJ entertainment will typically save you at least $2000 over a band, and DJ entertainment allows your guests to enjoy their favorite songs by the original artists, which really matters to a whole lot of folks.  With Crestline Entertainment, your entertainment is in great hands! Owner, Jay Frank and his team, are consummate professionals and talented MCs. Don’t forget our beautiful lighting options which can transform even a plain space into a palace. Another great way to enjoy an under budget wedding!

Entertainment may only comprise 10% of a typical wedding budget, but it accounts for 90% of the fun. Your guests won’t even notice if you cut back on the flowers, the bar, or the food when they’re having fun, and that’s exactly what wedding entertainment by Crestline Entertainment delivers: affordable wedding entertainment for brides on a budget.

  • 18
    Mar 19
  • -
beautiful wedding vows

Beautiful wedding vows from literature

Tags : 

Beautiful wedding vows touch our very essence. They express the reality that mankind is wired to embrace commitment in relationships, bound together by love.

Your marriage ceremony builds to the vows. Talk about drama. The rest of your life is defined by these few moments. That’s why the words you say are worth considering carefully. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can find the most exquisite expressions of love ever uttered in literary classics. These examples are not vows per se, but perhaps they’ll arouse your creative juices as you craft your own.

You may recognize these words from your childhood

What better place to start than with these touching sentiments  expressed by that most lovable of literary characters, Winnie the Pooh, and authored by A.A. Milne:

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together…there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.”

A more passionate approach

Okay, here’s a more passionate approach by the great Victor Hugo as it appeared in his watershed novel, “Les Miserables:”

“Love participates of the soul itself. It is of the same nature. Like it, it is the divine spark; like it, it is incorruptible, indivisible, imperishable. It is a point of fire that exists within us, which is immortal and infinite, which nothing can confine, and which nothing can extinguish. We feel it burning even to the very marrow of our bones, and we see it beaming in the very depths of heaven…”

This one one smolders

Check out this smoldering passage from Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë:

“He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same…my great thought in living is himself. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger. I should not seem a part of it.”

Here are a couple of beauties from The Princess Bride

Do you remember the movie, “The Princess Bride?” It was written by William Goldman who wrote this gem:

“Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.”

Here’s another from Princess Bride:

“I have not known a night when your visage did not accompany me to sleep. There has not been a morning when you did not flutter behind my waking eyelids…”

“Love is not breathlessness…”

Here’s a beauty from the novel, “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, by Louis de Bernieres:

“Love is a temporary madness; it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision: You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement. It is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being ‘in love,’ which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being ‘in love’ has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those who truly love have roots that grow toward each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.”

Let’s end with this beauty by the great Russian writer, Boris Pasternak, and the romantic sentiments expressed in Dr. Zhivago:

“You and I, it’s as though we have been taught to kiss in heaven and sent down to earth together, to see if we know what we were taught.”

Whether these speak to you or not, use them to help you think outside the box as you consider the most important words you’ll ever speak.

Don’t forget that Crestline Entertainment can provide beautiful ceremony music. And when the vows are done, and it’s time to party, Crestline specializes in packing your dance floor with the finest, customized wedding entertainment around.

Learn more without obligation. Don’t forget, we love phone calls: 630-766-9898.

.

‹12345›»






 

Read all of our wedding reviews on our Crestline Entertainment, Inc. Storefront at WeddingWire