Travel – Philadelphia, PA (Part One)

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Second Continental Congress voting for independence    Betsy Ross the Birth of Old Glory

For the month of July and during the week preceding our Nation’s Independence Day celebration, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share the trip we made to Philadelphia back in 2009.  During our visit we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott across the street from City Hall and it proved to be a great choice because the historic and visitor sites were all located within an easy walking distance from the hotel.  We would suggest starting a visit to the city by stopping at the Independence National Historic Park Visitor Center.  This is the best place to get information such as location, hours and fees for all of the Philadelphia historic sites but most importantly it is the place to pick up timed tickets for a tour of Independence Hall.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House which was used by their colonial government, later the building was loaned as a meeting place for the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War.  It was here that the Congress appointed George Washington as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775.  Independence Hall is known as the birthplace of the United States and in the Assembly Room is where the Continental Congress debated and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787.  Later, the room was used to display the Liberty Bell and original paintings of the Founding Fathers.

Independence Hall 10     Independence Hall - George Washington StatueAssembly Room 2a

TRAVEL NOTE:  Tickets are required to tour Independence Hall; the timed tickets are available for free on the day of a visit at the Independence Visitor Center starting at 8:30 a.m.  Visitors can request a specific time and are limited to ten tickets, everyone needs a ticket even small children and infants.  We advise visitors to arrive early for tickets because during the busy summer season tickets are often gone by 1 p.m.

Advanced Ticket Reservations are recommended if you required a specific date and time.  Visitors can reserve tickets up to one year in advance through the National Park Reservation system.  The tickets are free but there is a reservation fee of $1.50 per ticket, call 877-444-6777 or see the NPS website at www.recreation.gov for more information.

The Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell Center was completed in 2003 during an extensive recent renovation of the Independence National Historic Park Mall.  When visitors enter the building they will see several exhibits that tell the story of the Liberty Bell through displays and video presentations before finally reaching the glass enclosed area where the historic Liberty Bell hangs from what is believed to be the original yoke made of American elm.  Visible across the street is Independence Hall where the Liberty Bell was displayed for a very long time before it was moved into a glass pavilion located a short distance away on the Independence Mall during United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976 until it moved to the permanent location in the Liberty Bell Center.

Liberty Bell and Independence Hall 3     Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell, a symbol of America and freedom, was ironically cast in London, England and arrived in Philadelphia in 1753 where it hung in the Pennsylvania State House bell tower.  The Liberty Bell has a circumference is 14 feet and weighs 2,080 pounds and the yoke from where it hangs weighs about 100 pounds.  It is made of 70% copper and 25% tin with traces of other metals.   The inscription at the top of the bell reads, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants therof”.  Unfortunately, the first time the bell was rung, the 44 pound clapper cracked the bell.  The bell was recast twice by local Pennsylvania craftsmen John Pass and John Stow, their names along with the city and the date appear on the front of the bell.

TRAVEL NOTE:  Tickets are NOT required to visit the Liberty Bell Center, but the security lines can be very long during the busy summer months.  Along with National security concerns after 9/11, a visitor tried to damage the Liberty Bell with a hammer in 2001.  Since the incident visitors are no longer allow to touch the bell and it hangs out of reach guarded constantly by NPS security.

Franklin Court

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most fascinating people of early American history who lived in colonial and revolutionary Philadelphia.  At a young age of 17 he moved there from Boston.  He was a printer, author and publisher, as well as a scientist, inventor, postmaster, statesman and diplomat.

Located a short distance from Independence Hall is Franklin Court which is currently undergoing an $18 million renovation.  Located on the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home, which was destroyed in 1812, is a 54 foot high steel “Ghost Structure” which was designed by Robert Venturi to represent the former residence.

Also located in the area of Franklin Court is an underground museum with displays of portraits, inventions and other items associated with Benjamin Franklin.  One of the featured inventions is a reproduction of an instrument known as an Armonica, when consists of a set of glass bowls which rotate on a shaft and musical tones are produced when a finger is pressed onto the moistened edges of the bowls.

Located on Market Street in the Franklin Court area is the only active U.S. Postal Office that is not required to fly the American flag since at the time that Franklin was the Postmaster in 1775 Pennsylvania was still an English colony.  Upstairs in the same building is a small U.S. Postal Museum which displays a selection of Franklin memorabilia including several original Pennsylvania Gazettes and historically important U.S. stamps.

Franklin Court - Post Office

TRAVEL TIP:  This U.S. Post Office in Philadelphia is the only place that uses the historic postmark of “B. Free Franklin” to cancel stamps when mailing letters and packages.  Come prepared with your own pre-written postcard to mail and it will make a unique and inexpensive souvenir!)

B. Free Franklin postmark

Betsy Ross Home

Located several blocks from Independence Hall and it is one of the most visited historic sites in Philadelphia.  Betsy Ross is supposed to have rented this home that was originally built in 1740 and she lived there between 1776 and 1779 after the death of her first husband.  Betsy Ross was a local seamstress who has been credited as the person who created the first American Flag.

Betsy Ross House

According to the story told by Betsy Ross’s grandson, William Canby, who told the Pennsylvania Historical Society at the time of the 1876 Independence Day centennial celebrations, that George Washington was a customer of Mrs. Ross while he was the General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.  Washington frequently visited Philadelphia to report to the Second Continental Congress and in June of 1776, he requested that Mrs. Ross create a flag according to his rough pencil drawing.  She reviewed the design and made one suggestion, that the six point stars be changed to five point stars instead.   As the years have passed, historians have found no documented proof to substantiate the claim but the legend still continues.

Christ Church and Burial Grounds

Christ Church is a privately managed historic site, part of the Independence National Historical Park, and located within walking distance from Independence Hall.  Christ Church was originally founded in 1695 and the current building dates back to 1744.  During and after the Revolutionary War many members of the Continental Congress, such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams and other prominent Philadelphia parishioners like Betsy Ross have attended services and for this reason Christ Church has been given a very significant role in the birth of the nation.

Considered one of the finest examples of an Early American church; the exterior of Christ Church has an impressive steeple which was added in 1754 making it the tallest structure within the British colonies for 56 years.  Later, the interior was redesigned by Thomas Walter, the same architect who designed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.  Displayed with Christ Church is the baptismal font from the 1300s donated by All Hallows Church in London, England that was used when William Penn was baptized.  The pulpit that was built in 1769 and the chandelier which was originally installed in 1740 is still in use today.

Christ Church

TRAVEL NOTE:  Christ Church is currently an active Episcopal parish but visitors can enter the Church for free, but it is suggested that a minimal donation be given to help maintain the Church and the nearby Burial Grounds.  Docent talks about the Church’s history, the famous parishioners and the historic artifacts are given on a regular schedule throughout the day.

In 1719, Christ Church purchased two acres of land at the corner of 5th and Arch Streets.  The Christ Church Burial Grounds became the final resting place for over 4,000 of the parishioners including five signers of the Declaration of Independence.  Today, over 1,300 of the historical markers still remain and in 2003 plaques were placed in front of some of the deteriorating gravestones with the words that once appeared and have faded away.

When Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, he was buried in his family plot in the northwest corner of the burial grounds.  In 1858, the descendants of Franklin requested that an opening be made in the brick wall and a metal fence was placed so the public could easily see Franklin’s grave site.  Today, visitors show their respect for Franklin by leaving pennies on his grave as a remembrance of his words once written so long ago, “a penny saved is a penny earned.

Christ Church - Franklin plaque    Christ Church - Franklin's grave
TRAVEL NOTE:  The Christ Church Burial Ground is open every day except during the months of January, February and December.  There is a small admission price, maps and guided tours are available for an additional charge.

These are just some of the historic sites to see when visiting Philadelphia.  Other places to visit within the Independence National Historic Park include:  Declaration House, Elfreth’s Alley, Philosopher’s Hall and Carpenter Hall.    In Philadelphia, PA – Part Two there are several more sites to see, such as the National Constitution Center, the U.S. Mint and the Franklin Institute and Science Museum.  Another place of historic significance, which is located within an easy drive from Philadelphia, is Valley Forge National Historic Park.

Travel – Gettysburg, PA

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This post is in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place in July 1863.  We very fortunate to visit this historic Civil War site in 2008 and then again in 2009 when we made a trip to Philadelphia, PA.  When planning a trip to Gettysburg, we would recommend at least two days allowing a tour of the battlefield and visits to the places of interest in the area

Gettysburg National Military Park

We advise starting a visit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.  This is a great location to find out information about battlefield tours, ranger programs and maps; there is also a large bookstore and a small restaurant.  An entrance fee is required for the museum which has excellent displays on Gettysburg and the Civil War, the fully restored Gettysburg Cyclorama and the film “A New Birth of Freedom”.  Also available for a fee are shuttle buses that take visitor to the nearby Eisenhower National Historic Site.

Gettsburg sign

Battlefield Tours

There are several different battlefield tours that can be arranged at the Gettysburg National Military Visitor Center.  There are two different tours that are available by Licensed Battlefield Guides for a fee; one is the traditional bus tour (which is offered seasonally) and a private personalized guided tour in your own vehicle.  There is a self-guide tour available and the pamphlet with map and information can be picked up at the Visitor Center.  Also, available for purchase in the Visitor Center bookstore is a audio tour CD.

Private personalized guided tour in your own vehicle –

A Licensed Battlefield Guide will tour the battlefield with you in the privacy of your own vehicle for approximately two hours and the historical information provided by the guides is excellent.  Guides are available at the Visitor center on a first come first serve basis starting at 8:00 a.m.  Guided tours can also be reserved in advance if a certain day or time is required. Check the NPS website for fees and additional information.

TRAVEL NOTE:  We booked this tour in advance the two different times we visited Gettysburg.  Both guides were very knowledgeable and we liked the idea that we could ask specific questions about the different aspects of the battle.

Guided car tour

 Guided Bus Tour –

Available March through September, these tours are for visitors who prefer not to use their own personal vehicle in the park.  Please check the NPS website for time, fees and other information regarding the Guided Bus Tours.

 Self-guided Auto Tour –

A self-guided auto tour is available at the Visitor Center.  This tour will take visitors through the park with stops at important sites.  There is no charge for this tour, it is free to visitors.

Audio Tour –

The Audio Tour CD is available for purchase in the Visitor Center bookstore.  The tour will give detailed descriptions of the battlefield as narrated by the Battle of Gettysburg historians.

The Gettysburg Cyclorama

In the late 1800s a very popular form of entertainment was the Cyclorama, which were very large oil paintings on canvas that were displayed with enhanced landscaped foregrounds that included trees and shrubs and sometimes music or appropriate sounds would be included.  Visitors would stand on a raised platform to look at the unique three-dimensional effects and it would seem as if they had entered into the center of some epic scene.  When the cyclorama went their popularity died out, many of the large canvases were lost or destroyed.

Gettysburg Cyclorama

The “Battle of Gettysburg” Cyclorama on display at the Gettysburg Nation Military Park Visitor Center brings to life the dramatic final Confederate assault that took place on July 3, 1863.  The canvas was painted by a professional cyclorama French painter, Paul Philippoteaux.  He arrived in Gettysburg in 1882 and toured the battlefield with his sketchbook observing the details of the terrain and even interviewed veterans who were at the battle which offered their suggestions on how depict the chaos of the battle.  It took Philippoteauz over a year to complete the project and the work opened to the public in Chicago in 1883 and he painted a second version which went on display in Boston in 1884.

Twenty years later the Boston cyclorama was for sale and a Gettysburg entrepreneur purchased the large canvas and foreground props.  Repairs were made and opened to the public in Gettysburg in 1913 on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and it remained on display for forty years.  In the late 1940s, the National Park Service purchased the painting and moved it to the newly constructed visitor center in 1962.  The Gettysburg Cyclorama is 377 feet long, 42 feet high and weighs 12.5 tons.

Then in 2003, the Gettysburg Cyclorama underwent a thirteen million dollar renovation.  After the work was completed the cyclorama was moved to the new Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center where it is displayed in its own viewing auditorium.  The painting and restored foreground were opened for visitors on September 26, 2008 during the grand opening of the new visitor center.

The Soldiers National Cemetery

For visitors interested in historic sites, we would suggest a quick visit to the Soldiers National Cemetery.  The Cemetery was dedicated on November 19, 1863 and is the place where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address.  He was not the featured speaker that day and his speech was only two minutes long.  Near the entrance to the Cemetery there is a large memorial to commemorate Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address but the actual site of the speech is farther inside the Cemetery grounds, look for a large plaque near the spot along the fence.  Also located on the path near the spot is a memorial commissioned by the state of Kentucky for their native son, visitors leave pennies as a tribute to Lincoln.

Travel Tip: Before visiting the Cemetery pick up a walking tour pamphlet which is available at the park information desk at the Gettysburg Visitor Center, which is located within a short walking distance from the Cemetery.

Gettysburg Nation Cemetery

Gettysburg Address memorial    Kentucky memorial at the site of the Gettsburg Address
Battlefield Memorials and Statues

There are so many things to see and places to visit at Gettysburg.  Memorials and statues are scattered around the battlefield and the surrounding area.  There are books available in the Visitor Center bookstore that give the different locations and description of each of the memorials and statues – I’m sure visitors could spend hours just driving throughout the area to see them all!

Gettysburg - Virginia Memorial   Gettysburg - Pennsylvania memorial   Gettysburg - New York memorial
Gettysburg Junior Ranger Program

Visitors visiting Gettysburg with children should make a stop at the Visitor Center to get the Junior Ranger program information.  This is a great way to keep the children occupied during their visit while they are accompanying their parents on the battlefield or visitor/museum complex.  It is a great way for them to learn about the history of Gettysburg and the Civil War.

Gettsburg Junior Ranger program 1

The Headquarters of General Lee

Located near the town of Gettysburg is the historic building that General Lee and his staff occupied during the Battle of Gettysburg.  There is a small museum which explains the history of the house and several displays of a private collection of Civil War memorabilia.  The building is open mid March to November with extended summer hours and there is an entrance fee required.  

The David Wills House

When President Lincoln came to Gettysburg for the dedication ceremony of the Soldiers National Cemetery, he arrived by train from Washington, D.C. and stopped at the Willis house, which was located near the train station.  The Willis House opened to the public in 2009, house tours are offered.  Visitors will see the office of David Wills, an attorney at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg, who received many letters from families looking for their loved ones and this prompted him to organize the plans to build the National Cemetery.  Also the bedroom where Lincoln stayed the night before the Cemetery dedication putting the finishing touches on his Gettysburg Address.

Gettysburg Ghost Tours 

A unique tour of Gettysburg to take for adults and older children is one of the Ghost Tours that booked through private tour companies.  These tours have become very popular of the years and offer a different perceptive of the Battle of Gettysburg.  My husband and son took one of these tours on a night of a full moon and had a great time!

A Brief History of the of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg took place July1 to 3, 1863 during the Civil War and it is considered by many historians to be the largest battle ever fought on American soil.  On the Union side there were 85,000 men of the Army of the Potomac under the command of Major General George Meade and for the Confederacy there were approximately 75,000 of the Army of Northern Virginia which were led by General Robert Lee.

On July 1, Confederate forces approached the town of Gettysburg from the west and the north.  They drove the Union soldiers back through the streets of town to Cemetery Hill.  During the night, both Confederate and Union soldiers arrived as reinforcement.

On July 2, General Lee attempted to engage the Union first by striking them on the left flank at the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, Devil’s Den and Round Top involving the Longstreet and Hill divisions.  Then they attacked the Union on the right at Culp Hill and East Cemetery Hill.  By nightfall, the Confederate had gained the ground at Little Round Top.

Gettysburg - view from Round Top     Gettysburg - Pickett's Charge

During the morning of July 3, the Confederate infantry was driven from their hold on Culp’s Hill.  Then in the afternoon, General Lee’s troops attacked the Union center on Cemetery Ridge.  In an iconic assault which became known as “Pickett’s Charge, the Confederates momentarily broke through the Union like but were driven back with severe casualties.  Later, Stuart’s cavalry attempted to gain the Union rear but they were prevented from completing the maneuver.

The next day, General Lee withdrew his army and moved them away from Gettysburg and toward the Potomac River.  After the battle, the town of Gettysburg was devastated; public buildings and private homes were filled with wounded soldiers and the area surrounding the town were filled with both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the three day battle.  Gettysburg residents became concerned with the poor condition of the soldier’s graves scattered over the battlefield and months after the Soldiers National Cemetery was established and dedicated on November 19, 1863.

Gettysburg Interesting Facts

  • The Battle of Gettysburg ended with 23,049 casualties for the Union: 3,155 dead, 14,529 wounded and 5,365 missing.  For the Confederates, there were 28,063 casualties (more than third of General Lee’s Army: 3,903 dead, 18,735 wounded and 5,425 missing.
  • When the Union and Confederate battle entered the town of Gettysburg during the battle, a random bullet went through the door of a house instantly killing 20 year old Mary Virginia (Jenny) Wade, she was the only civilian killed.
  • Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was given at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery.  The speech was very short and received very little notice at the time.  Contrary to the popular legend, Lincoln did not scribble the speech on the back of an envelope of the train from Washington, D.C. to Gettysburg.  Today, the powerful worded speech is now considered one of the best known public addresses in history.

Decor – Patriotic Home Decorations

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For the Fourth of July, I don’t have very many patriotic decorations.  Normally, we are in the middle of summer vacation trips or vising family and I don’t really put up any decorations for the holiday.  This year, since we would be home celebrating the holiday with out of state relatives, I decided to pull out the box with patriotic decorations from the basement storage area that I had saved from our old house in California.

So, just like every other holiday, I start by decorating the exterior of the house first. Currently, the front door has a white rose wreath that was put there at the start of Spring and it will probably stay there until the end of Summer.  Usually I will add two small United States flags to the front door wreath and that is the only patriotic decorations I have used since we moved to the Midwest.  This year, we hung three pleated red, white and blue traditional decorations known as “bunting” above our front door to create a festive and patriotic theme to the front porch.

In the interior of our house, I have kept the decorations simple and very minimal.  In our library there is the lawyer bookcase which holds my Boyd’s Bear collection and I have added the patriotic figurines and then I sprinkled tiny red, white and blue resin stars.  On top of the bookcase I set out a small Boyd’s Bear that is wearing a patriotic sweater and it is sitting inside a small red, white and blue painted basket.

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In the family room, I have placed six paper mache stars that are painted red, white and blue on the fireplace mantel.  In the bookcase to the right side on the shelf above the television is an American flag display in a shadowbox that is a remembrance of our vacation in Washington D.C. several years ago.  Prior to our trip, I wrote our local congressman and arranged for a flag to be flown above the U.S. Capitol on the day that we visited and toured the building.  (I’m not sure if this service is still available; if you are interested please call your congressman or state representative to find out)  On the shelf next to the shadowbox, I have placed the farmed certificate that came with the flag which notes the date that we visited Washington D.C.  As a nod to being a native Californian, which has been transplanted to the Midwest, I’ve added a bronze bear that resembles the one on the California state flag.  These items are on display year round in our library and they are the perfect patriotic items for this American holiday.

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In the kitchen, the patriotic decorations are still very simple and minimal.  Hanging on the oven door are two red, white and blue towels.  (of course, these towels are used for display purposes only and my family has been given strict instructions never, ever to use them! LOL)  Two of the matching napkins are tucked into the vegetable basket that is displayed on the kitchen counter year round.  Then across the kitchen, in the shape above the cabinets over the desk area, are a red, a white and a blue ceramic bowls which are the perfect patriotic touch.

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In our dining room, there is a lovely oak china cabinet that holds our Noritake Rothschild china and silver serving pieces.  As a very simple touch, in the tea cups I’ve placed four silver and mirror stars.  On the dining room table, I’ve used a red, white and blue fabric as a table runner.  In the center of the table is a floral centerpiece of golden roses and I’ve added two American flags.  I have used more American flags in our other floral arrangements, one in our entry hall and one in our family room.

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Celebration – Mother of the Bride & Groom

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A family wedding is an exciting time not only for the bridal couple but for their family too, especially their parents.  Today’s brides tend to be older at the time of their wedding, will make most of the decisions with the groom, and together the bridal couple will pay for the majority of the wedding expenses.

Mother of the Bride

Traditionally, the mother of the bride will help the bride prepare for the wedding and this means that sometimes she will act as a hostess at the engagement party and wedding reception while at other times she will act as a wedding consultant when helping her daughter select the details for the wedding ceremony and reception.  The key is to enjoy this special time together and be supportive of the wonderful bride!

Duties of a Mother of the Bride

Before the Wedding:

  1. First and most importantly, be there to lovingly support and gently guide the bride when your opinion is asked or required.
  2. If the bride’s parents are paying for a large portion of the wedding, be sure to set a realistic budget.  This might be one of the most difficult things to do, but setting a limit from the start will hopefully prevent any miscommunications and potential arguments.
  3. With the bridal couple’s consent, contact the parents of the groom to arrange a quite introductory meeting and celebrate the upcoming happy event.
  4. Assist the bride with the wedding guest list.  Be sure to coordinate with the groom and his family.  Help the bride with any questions about family or friends and be prepared to make some compromises depending on the budget.
  5. Accompany the bride as she shops for her wedding dress and accessories.  Wait until the bride asks for your option, stop and take a moment to think, and then be honest and gentle with your response.  Be sure to support the bride on her final decision.
  6. Be available to assist the bridal couple with decisions about the ceremony and reception venues, along with choices for floral, decoration, entertainment, etc.  Remember that it is their celebration and should reflect their personalities while at the same time keep within the budget.  If you feel uncomfortable with some their choices, be honest and gently communicate your feelings.  Be willing to make compromises and to find a good solution to any problems.
  7. Coordinate with the maid/matron of honor on the bridal shower.  It is not considered proper etiquette for the mother of the bride to host, but it is acceptable to offer your home for the event.
  8. As early as possible, select your dress for the wedding.  Generally, it is preferred that the dress coordinates with the wedding’s overall color and style while complementing the bridesmaids and mother of the dresses.  Be sure to consult with the bride on your final decision.
  9. Be available to participate in the wedding rehearsal and attend the dinner that usually follows.

On the Wedding Day:

  1. The most important thing to do on your daughter’s wedding day is to be there to lovingly support and gently guide the bride if she needs assistance or is a bundle of nerves!
  2. Overall, the duties of the mother of the bride and will depend on the style and choice of venue for the ceremony and reception.  Be sure to discuss the schedule with the bridal couple to ensure that their special day is free of any problems.
  3. Assist the bride as she dresses before the ceremony.  Take the time to have a private moment with your daughter before the ceremony starts to tell her how proud you are of her.
  4. Before the ceremony would be a great time to present her with a special gift, perhaps it is something old, new or blue – please check out this month’s Celebration post “Something old, new…” for ideas and suggestions regarding this wonderful tradition.
  5. Be sure to greet and welcome all the guests with a smile.  Introduce yourself and your husband to guests such as the relatives of the groom or friends of the bridal couple that you have not previously meet.
  6. If you are seated at the parent’s table during the reception, take the time to circulate around the room and be sure to thank family and friends for attending the wedding.
  7. Be available for the traditional dance with the father of the bride and the groom.
  8. Take the time during the day to tell your daughter how proud you are for her, how beautiful she looks and how happy you are for her and her new husband!
  9. Most importantly, take the time to enjoy the day!  Be assured that as a parent, you have raised a wonderful daughter with good values and you deserve to celebrate!!

Mother of the Groom

In the past, Mother of the Groom was very limited but now her role and responsibilities have greatly expanded.

Duties of a Mother of the Bride

  1. First and most importantly, be there to lovingly support the groom through the most important event of his life and be available when your opinion is asked or required.
  2. After the bridal couple engagement is announced, it is customary for the parents of the groom to meet the bride’s parents before the wedding.  If it hasn’t been previously arranged, consider hosting a luncheon or dinner to introduce the groom’s immediate family to the bride’s family.
  3. When asked, provide the bride with a list of guests to invite from the groom’s side of the family.  Please sure to check for the allotted number of guests the groom is able to invite.  As the wedding date approaches, offer to call invited guests on the groom’s side that have not responded.
  4. Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for the engagement and wedding rings, the rehearsal dinner, the groom’s tuxedo, the bride’s bouquet and the boutonnieres for the groomsmen and transportation for the wedding ceremony and reception.  However, these are only suggestions.
  5. Attend any bridal shower you are invited to and offer your services to help if necessary.  Think about bring a sentimental gift, maybe a photo album of baby pictures of the groom.
  6. Help the out of town guests on the groom’s side of the family with hotel reservation, have a list of hotels located within in the area of the ceremony and reception.
  7. Shop early for your mother of the groom dress, coordinate style and colors with the mother of the bride.  When shopping, ask the bride to come to provide her advice and opinion – think of it as a bonding experience with just the two of you!
  8. If asked by the bridal couple, provide some song recommendations for the mother/son dance at the reception.
  9. The night before the wedding and after the rehearsal, the groom’s parents usually host a rehearsal dinner at a nearby venue.

Gift suggestions for the parents of the bridal couple

To show the parents of the bride and groom that there support during the planning stages of the wedding are appreciated, it is a very thoughtful gesture to give each set of parents a thank you gift.  Listed below are some suggestions:

  1. Wedding Album – A selection of the wedding portraits will make a treasured and sentimental gift.
  2. Spa or resort reservations – after the stressful and hectic process of planning a wedding it would be a lovely idea to send the parents of the bridal couple to a favorite spa or resort for some much needed relaxation.
  3. Dinner reservations to a favorite restaurant – the bridal couple’s parents would appreciate a wonderful meal at a wonderful restaurant.

Celebration – Wedding Traditions

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There are so many wonderful traditions regarding weddings and in this post I will explain the stories behind several more wedding traditions and their origins.  Some of these traditions may seem a little strange in our modern world because they are based on old customs and superstitions.

The Engagement and Wedding Rings

  • The engagement and wedding rings are traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand.  The Romans believed that the vein of this finger runs directly to the heart.  The wedding ring symbolizes true and everlasting love in the shape of a never ending circle.
  • Traditionally the wedding ring is worn first so that it is closest to the heart.  During the wedding ceremony, the bride will wear the engagement ring on her right hand and after the ring exchange she will move the ring to her left hand and place it next to the wedding ring.
  • Today, modern couples are still choosing the traditional white diamonds in a variety of different cuts and sizes, but the current trend is selecting other options of colorful precious gemstones such as yellow diamonds, pink diamonds, sapphire and emeralds.

The White Wedding Dress

  • Prior to the late 1800s, brides generally wore their “best” dress on their wedding day.    The tradition of the white wedding dress is linked to England’s Queen Victoria who wore one when she married her cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840 and since that time the custom of the white wedding dress became very popular.  By the 1890s, due to the Industrial Revolution, a new wedding dress for the bride to wear on her special dress became a very affordable option.
  • Modern brides are still choosing white wedding dresses but the fashions have become less conservative and more daring with a style such as a strapless bodice.  Brides are also adding more color to their bridal fashion with ribbon sashes that coordinate with the wedding colors or accessories such as a blue petticoat to add a fun element of something blue or and sometimes the bride will change to a shorter dress in bolder colors for the wedding reception.

The Bridal Veil

  • The bridal veil was once traditionally a symbol or purity.  In Roman times, the bride was said to be vulnerable to enchantment and her face was hidden from evil spirits.
  • In many religions, the bridal veil is a considered a sign of humility and respect during a religious ceremony.
  • Queen Victoria is known as the first bride to not cover her face with a blusher.  Today, some brides still choose to wear the romantic tradition of a blusher veil while other brides are still selecting a longer train but one that is detachable for the wedding reception.
  • In the Victorian era, the length and quality of a bridal veil were effective by the bride and her family social status.  Royal brides and members of the aristocracy had the longest veils and trains made of the most expensive fabrics.
  • Modern brides are adding sparkling tiaras or floral wreaths to their bridal veils.  Some brides are choosing other options such as hats in a variety of shapes and sizes while other brides are omitting wearing any type of head covering.

The Bridal Bouquet

  • Floral bouquets have traditional been an accessory for a bride to carry on her wedding day.  Originally flowers were used in the wedding ceremony as a symbol of fertility and were made of a variety of herbs.  In the Victorian Era, orange blossoms were a popular floral choice and many brides wore the flowers attached to their wedding dress or woven into their hair.
  • An old Victorian custom of the language of flowers when creating small nosegays with hidden messages can be interpreted into a modern bridal bouquet.  Search online for the meaning of flowers that could represent the bridal couple’s wishes for a happy marriage.
  • As a loving and thoughtful gesture, brides will recreate the same bridal bouquet that their mothers carried on their wedding day.  Another ideas is instead of a mother’s corsage have the florist to make a special bouquet for the mother of both the bride and groom which can be presented to them before the wedding ceremony.
  • The tradition of tossing the bridal bouquet began in England when the custom of the wedding guests was to rip pieces of the bride’s dress or flowers from her hair or bouquet in order to share some of her good luck.  To save herself from this ordeal, brides started to throw their bridal bouquets into the crowd and then would quickly run away with their groom.
  • Today, the custom has developed into gathering all the single women at the wedding reception, then the bride tosses her bridal bouquet and the tradition is that whoever catches it will be the next one to marry.  Modern brides that wish to keep their bridal bouquet will have their florist make a special smaller bouquet from tossing.
  • Another great option is to throw a special “wish” bouquet.  This unique bouquet is created from several small clusters of flowers that are tied together with ribbon that have a note attached with different romantic fortunes such as: love, happiness, luck, fortune, travel, etc.

Tossing the Bridal Garter

  • The wedding custom of tossing the bridal garter started out in a very unusual way due to a medieval tradition of weddings in England and France when guests would approach the bride and rip pieces of her wedding dress which were considered a piece of good luck.  These events would be so upsetting for the bride that eventually the idea of tossing the bridal garter was done to satisfy the wedding guests.
  • The custom of tossing the garter is usually done by the groom who, sometimes with much fanfare, will remove the garter from the leg of the bride.  The single men will gather and the groom will toss the garter into the crowd and the one who catches the garter is the next one to marry.  In some parts of the Midwest, garters were suctioned off to the highest bidder.
  • Today, traditionally the bride will select a blue garter decorated with blue ribbon and white lace for their “something blue”.  Sometimes, if the bride wishes to save her garter, will wear a second garter and that is the one used at the wedding reception.

Other Wedding Traditions

  1. Giving away the bride – The custom of the father giving his daughter away dates back to the time when arranged marriages were common.  Daughters were considered the property of their father and were given way for a price.  Today, traditionally the father will give his daughter away as a symbol of his blessing of the marriage.
  2. Bridesmaids – In past centuries, the purpose of the bridesmaids was that the bride’s friends would dress like the bride in order to confuse the evil spirits away from her.  Today, bridesmaids are chosen by the bride from her close friends to support her during the stressful time leading up to the wedding day.
  3. The Best Man – In Medieval England, there was an ancient custom of a man selecting his strongest men to capture a woman from her family.  Then, his best man would accompany the groom to the wedding ceremony and stand on the left side of the bride to keep their sword arm free to protect the bride.
  4. Cutting the Wedding Cake – One of the highlights of the wedding reception is usually when the bridal couple cuts the wedding cake.  The custom originates in England during Anglo-Saxon times, when guests would bring small cakes to the wedding.  Later, a French baker decided to create a tiered cake and stacked small cakes on top of each other and covered them with frosting.
  5. Throwing Rice – The custom of throwing rice on the bridal couple symbolizes the guests showering their love and good wishes for a happy marriage.  In France, people used to throw wheat and Italians would toss candy or sugared nuts.

Every bride getting married knows the tradition of the Old English rhyme, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”  Please check out this month’s Celebration post “Something old, new…” for ideas and suggestions regarding this wonderful tradition.