WORLD WEDDING MAGAZINE

“Ask Hayley” Advice Column

Arranged Marriage-- Yes

or No?Invitation

tips!

It’s All Inside!Go on, take a

peek!

Wedding Tips on Each Page!

Dear World Wedding Magazine readers,

Congratulations on your big day! As your wedding

soon approaches, there are many things you will need,

ranging from your invitations to your dress to your venue.

Hopefully this magazine will guide you and be your stepping

stone for your happy occasion. This magazine is designed to

feature different cultures each month and in this month of

November, we will focus on the United States, the Middle

East, and the Asian cultural traditions. We will explain the

different types of wedding ceremonies and rituals as well as

offer advice columns on multiple topics that will, hopefully,

answer all of your questions. From all of us here at World

Wedding Magazine, we hope that your wedding day is as

grand and as special as you are. Remember to relax and

enjoy, and once again, congratulations!

Best Wishes,

Hayley Friedman

Editor in Chief

1

In This Issue...

“Ask Hayley” Advice Column- Page 3-4“Arranged Marriages: Yes or No?” Survey- Page 7-8

“Name That Wedding!”: An essay about the traditional differences in weddings around the

world.- Page 9

“How Do I Say This...?”: The Perfect Wording For Your Invitations- Page 10

“Wedding Invitation Extraordinaire”- Page 11“Tied Together With A Smile”: A Collage- Page 12

Bibliography- Page 13-14

2

Reader- Hi. I am getting married in six months to the

man of my dreams! We met in our freshman year of

college and began dating our sophomore year. We

have been together for about four years and my fiance

finally popped the question about five months ago. I

have already looked at dresses and we have booked a

venue, but I feel as if I am behind. Where should I be

with my wedding plans at this point in time? Thank you!

Hayley- Congratulations on your engagement! The

most important thing right now is that you have your

venue. Too many brides wait until the last minute and

they do not get the place of their dreams. At this point in

time you should begin to look at caterers and menus

along with bakery’s for your cake. You should also start

thinking about your invitations and tuxes for the groom

and groomsmen. Lastly, you should ensure that your

bridesmaids have ordered their dresses. If it is in your

budget, I would recommend hiring a wedding planner,

fairly quickly as they book fast, to help you with the

minor details so there is less stress on you. Enjoy your

day!

R- I am getting married next Spring and I am having

some trouble deciding how to have my ceremony. I

am American but my husband is Chinese. How can I

incorporate our different traditions and customs into

one beautiful wedding?

Hayley- It is not as hard as you may think it is to

incorporate two cultures into one wedding. In the

Chinese culture, the color red plays a significant role

in the wedding. You can have your groom and all the

groomsmen wear red ties and red flowers; the

bridesmaid’s dresses can even be red. You probably

want to wear a white dress, which is perfectly fine

since you are mixing the two cultures. You can also

incorporate red into your color scheme-- red, white,

and black are very popular wedding colors right now,

so it could work. Many traditions of the Chinese

wedding will be performed before-hand by the groom

and his parents so you do not have to worry about

those. You will have to speak with your fiance and his

family to really determine how much of each culture

you want to incorporate into the wedding.

ASKThis is an advice column answering your questions about weddings in the United

States, China, and the Middle East. You are encouraged to write in with any questions you may have to Hayley.Friedman@WorldWeddingMagazine.com.

*Tip*- Book your reception hall ASAP!T 3

R- Hi Hayley. One of my best friends is Middle Eastern and just recently got

engaged. I know that I will be invited to the wedding but I am unsure of what to

expect. I would imagine that their weddings are different from American weddings,

but how different?

Hayley- You are right, Middle Eastern wedding traditions are different from

American traditions. With most Middle Eastern weddings, there tends to be five

main parts: the engagement party, the signing of the marriage contract, the Henna

party, the actual wedding reception, and finally, the wedding shower. The

engagement party is similar to any engagement party in the United States; family

and friends are invited to share in the celebration of marriage. The next

celebratory step is signing the marriage contract. Friends and family are invited,

too. The celebration takes place with lots of food, music, and dancing. Next comes

the Henna party. This party takes place the day before the wedding to ward off evil

spirits from entering the couple’s life. The following day is the reception including

the five almond pieces. At the wedding, each guest will receive five almonds

pieces, symbolizing health, happiness, wealth, fertility, and longevity for the

couple. The final celebratory step is the wedding shower. Unlike in the American

traditions, the shower is held one week after the wedding. The shower itself,

though, is very similar to an American wedding shower. We hope this advice was

helpful. Enjoy the wedding festivities!

HAYLEY

*Tip*- Talk to your fiance; It’s his wedding too! 4

5

6

A survey of thirty-five men and women was taken asking if people believe if arranged marriages last longer than

traditional marriages. Their responses are recorded below.

63% of people surveyed believe that arranged marriage last longer than traditional marriages. Most people said

they last longer because of their religion disapproving of divorce.

37% of people surveyed believe that traditional marriages last longer because the individuals are not forced into

marriage and they choose their spouse.

Arranged Marriages: Yes or No?

*Tip*- Have an idea of what type of wedding gown you want BEFORE going into the store. 7

A survey of thirty-five men and women was taken asking if they agree with the concept of arranged

marriages or not. Their response are recorded below.

23% of people surveyed agree with the concept of arranged marriages, but only for cultural and religious

reasons.

77% of people surveyed disagree with the concept of arranged marriages, saying that they believe in love

and want to be in charge of their own future

*Tip*- Decide if you and your fiance want a band or a DJ and make sure to listen to them perform ahead of time. 8

“Name That Wedding!”: An Essay About The Traditional Differences In Weddings

Around The World.This month’s issue of World Wedding Magazine covers the United States, the Middle East, and Chinese wedding cultures and traditions.

Today, there are not many traditions in the United States that are one hundred percent unique to the region. It is typical for a couple to write their own wedding vows; by doing this and speaking from the heart, many couples feel that it brings a more intimate feel to the wedding. As a symbol of fertility, wedding guests throw rice in the air, landing on the newlywed couple. Wedding gowns are white, elegant, and elaborate. Weddings in the United States also tend to be very over-the-top, if the family has the money. Couples will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on this one special day to be remembered for a lifetime.

In the Middle East, weddings call for extravagant parties. There are usually five wedding festivities, beginning with the engagement party. Family and friends of the bride and groom are invited to partake in the wedding joy at the engagement party. Filled with music and dancing, this is a time to congratulate the couple on their engagement. Next, the couple signs the marriage contract. Family and friends are again invited to this joyous event to watch the couple sign the document. The day before the actual wedding, a Henna party is thrown to ward off evil spirits and ensure happiness in the couple’s life. Henna tattoos usually go on the hands and feet to ward off evil spirits. During the Henna party, grinding also takes place; unmarried girls grind sugar cubes above the couples’ heads asking God, or Allah, to repeal the evil spirits. After the wedding ceremony comes the wedding reception and the five almond pieces. The reception is filled with music, dancing, and speeches by close friends and family. Traditionally, five almond pieces are give to the wedding guests, representing health, happiness, wealth, fertility, and longevity for the couple. The final celebratory event of the wedding is the wedding shower.

*Tip*- Plan your seating chart carefully... don’t seat strangers

together! 9

Held one week after the wedding, this shower takes place at the mother of the bride’s home and only women are invited. Traditionally, the bride is given gold or diamonds. Arranged marriages are also common in Middle Eastern countries.

In a Chinese wedding, red is the central color. The bride’s gown, the invitations, and the wedding decorations are usually red, symbolizing love, joy, and prosperity. Wedding dates are chosen according to astrological signs for good fortune. It is important that the moon and the starts are aligned on the wedding day. Before the wedding day, the bride and her closest friends go into seclusion to mourn the loss of loved ones who will not be at the wedding. On her wedding day, the bride bathes in a variety of grapefruit to cleanse herself of evil spirits. The Chinese wedding ceremony is usually only attended by immediate family. Just after the wedding ceremony, the bride will serve tea to her in-laws in a formal service, honoring Chinese tradition. Wedding receptions are usually elaborate, standing only affairs.

Weddings differ all around the world, and whether you are marrying someone from a different culture or attending a wedding of a different culture, you should be prepared for the big event. Each culture celebrates differently, but no matter where you are and how you celebrate, weddings are all about love and happiness.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Sophia Paige

to

Mr. Brian Paul Nelson

Saturday, the twenty-fourth of June

Two thousand and twelve

at two o'clock in the afternoon

First Christian Church

200 North Broadway

Elgin, Illinois

In an imperfect worldthey have found near perfectionin the love that they share for

each otherand

they wish for you to be presentwhen God joins them as one.

Jin Liand

Ken Jeongwill be joined in Holy Matrimonyon Sunday, the second of June

two thousand and twleveat two o’clock in the afternoon

St. Aloysius Church330 East Boone

Spokane, Washington

Together With Our Parents We Invite You

To Join Us As We Exchange Vows AndAre United In The Commitment Of

MarriageNicole Anisa Faza

andJeffrey Boyd Lusk

Sunday, The Eighth of DecemberTwo Thousand and Twelve

The Parador2021 Binz

Houston, Texas 77004Food and Festivities to Follow

How Do I Say This...? The Perfect Wording for Your Invitations

*Tip*- Have a food tasting

and plan your menu carefully; You want your food to taste

good!10

Wedding Invitation Extraordinaire!

Having trouble choosing the perfect invitation for your perfect day? Have no fear, INVITE-US! is here! We will help you choose a beautiful invitation and word it perfectly. Come into our store or order online today!6382 Wiles Road Coral Springs, FloridaINVITE-US!.com954-292-7254

*Tip*- Order extra invitations and “thank you” cards. The invitations make for great keepsakes for a scrapbook and the “thank you’s” will come

in handy later!11

*Tip*- Don’t forget to relax, smile, and

enjoy! We know that planning a wedding can be stressful, but it is your day and you are entitled to enjoy

it!

Tied Together With A Smile

12

Bibliography

1001 Chinese Wedding Invitations. 2008. Photograph. Comp. 1001 Chinese Wedding

Invitations.

Arisnet. White Wedding Cakes. 2011. Photograph.

Ball Gown with Asymmetrically Draped Bodice. 2011. Photograph. WHITE by Vera Wang.

Comp. David's Bridal.

Bridal Mehndi Trends in the Middle East. 2009. Photograph. By Alina Visram.

Braynen, Joeranda. Nail Salon. 2007. Photograph. Freeport.

"Chinese Wedding Invitations Wording." Chinese Wedding Superstore. 2003. Web. 21 Nov.

2011.

"Chinese Wedding Traditions." Chinese Historical and Cultural Project. 11 June 2011. Web. 25

Nov. 2011.

"Chinese Wedding Traditions - Marriage Customs." Wedding Invitations - Unique Invitation

Cards. Web. 27 Nov. 2011.

"Complete 12 Month Wedding Checklist, Wedding Calendar, and Wedding Timeline."

Wedding Planning - Wedding Websites - Wedding Registry -

WeddingChannel.com. Wedding Channel. Web. 14 Nov. 2011.

Conk, Cha. "Various Design BLANK WEDDING INVITATIONS Blank Wedding Invitation |

Wedding Blank Invitations." 1001 Wedding Invitations Templates. 23 Apr. 2010. Web. 21

Nov. 2011.

Exotic Weddings: Chinese Wedding. 2011. Photograph. Eventus by Zahira. Comp. Zahira.

Greer, Rob. Jeff and Megan's Shaadi. 2011. Photograph. San Pedro.

Haque, Mozammel. Beautiful Wedding Venue Decor Idea – Use Lighting. 2008. Photograph.

Kardia. "Invitation Design « Kardia Design Studio." Kardia Design Studio. 2009. Web. 21 Nov.

2011.

13

Kolodny, Jeff. Neha and Nirav’s Perfect Palm Beach Indian Wedding at the Breakers.

Photograph. Palm Beach.

Laurel, Shyann. An Outdoor, Ranch Wedding from Shy Laurel Photography. 2011.

Photograph. San Antonio.

Lisa. Some Favorable Wedding Favors. 2008. Photograph.

Marriage Celebrations. Chicago: World Book, 2003. Print.

Masood. Bridal Mehndi Designs. 2011. Photograph.

Red Wedding Cakes Gallery. 2007. Photograph. Comp. Perfect Wedding Day.

Renai. Chinese Wedding Decorations. 2011. Photograph. Oviedo.

Tarabay, Jamie. "Arranged Marriage: Trapped Between Two Cultures : NPR." NPR :

National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 14 Oct.

2008. Web. 14 Nov. 2011

Taylor Swift. 2011. Photograph. Comp. Danica Daniel.

Traditionally Speaking, To Rice or Not To Rice. 2011. Photograph. Comp. Favor Favor.

Vitetta, Francesco. Chinese Wedding Dress. 2008. Photograph.

Wedding Traditons and Customs. New Zealand Web Design, 2001. Web. 14 Nov. 2011.

Wedding Traditions From Around the World. 2008. Photograph. Comp. Jenn Grabenstetter.

14