| It's perhaps one of the more enduring scenes of | | | | Rose Petals: Fragrant and lovely, fresh rose petals |
| any wedding: the newly married bride and groom | | | | lend an air of elegance to any wedding. As favors |
| dash out of the church or reception hall into a | | | | they may be sprinkled on guest tables or around |
| crowd of well-wishers. Confetti-like favors sparkle | | | | the cake for an attractive presentation, and as a |
| and shower the couple as friends and relative | | | | toss item they are biodegradable and easy to |
| shout their congratulations and blessings for a long | | | | clean. |
| life together. The wedding toss that sees the | | | | Streamers: Imagine hundreds of silver streaks |
| newlyweds off on their honeymoon is a time | | | | saluting the married couple as they dash to their |
| honored tradition, and these days couples and | | | | limousine. Wedding streamers create an amazing |
| reception planners have chosen to add their own | | | | pictures worth a thousand words and are fun to |
| unique twists to the occasion. So can you. | | | | throw and tangle up during a joyful occasion. |
| The Wedding Toss - Alternatives to Rice | | | | Bubbles: Some wedding venues will not allow the |
| The tradition of such a send off to a married | | | | traditional tosses of birdseed or other items for |
| couple is believed to have roots as far back as | | | | environmental reasons, so if you need another |
| the early centuries, B.C. The ancient Romans, to | | | | option, give your guests miniature bottles of |
| celebrate a union, would toss walnuts to old | | | | bubbles. As the newlyweds leave, everybody fills |
| friends after marrying, and as time passed the | | | | the air with beautiful bubbles for an imaginative |
| tables turned to have guests christen the couple | | | | send-off. |
| with almonds, or rice. Rice in particular symbolized | | | | Wedding Poppers: These wedding favors often |
| fertility and the hope of many children, while | | | | come in small plastic bottles shaped like |
| during the Middle Ages it was though to ward off | | | | champagne. They "pop" open to reveal confetti or |
| evil spirits that might threaten the marriage. | | | | streamers to celebrate a wedding. You may find |
| These days, people try to avoid rice on the belief | | | | these in bulk at favor and novelty shops - look |
| that it is not good for the environment to leave | | | | for biodegradable varieties for a "greener" |
| dry grains loose on the floor. Birds and other | | | | reception. |
| animals that eat the rice might experience health | | | | Rice may be nice, but when it comes to a |
| problems, plus it is a challenge to clean up. If you | | | | wedding toss it just won't do anymore. Jazz up |
| are planning your own ceremony and reception, | | | | your reception and traditions with a toss that |
| or are assisting the bride and groom-to-be, | | | | complements your personalities, and be creative. |
| consider safer, more memorable options for the | | | | Your guests will remember the moment for |
| grand toss. | | | | years to come. |