I've never done a wedding theme, but it's something most folks can relate to.
The recent Royal Wedding gave me a way to pull in a little current news, with all the memory sharing, that I expected.
With a wedding theme, I knew I would need to be a little cautious. Most of my seniors are women and all my regulars have been married. I knew we could have some fun sharing some wedding memories, but I figured Harry and Meghan could help me out, if sharing got too sentimental. Even good memories can conjure up sad emotions, when you're missing a spouse. |
Quilt-Free Quilt Group
On Tuesday morning, I left the usual quilt at home and spread a white cloth on the table. (If only I owned a wedding ring pattern quilt, I would have used it) Then I let the white tablecloth set the mood.
Weddings of The Past
Invitations
I hid the very tacky bride and groom "cake topper" inside the mystery bag. We passed the bag, taking turns feeling the plastic couple, through the fabric. No one guessed what it was, but all laughed when the dated decoration was revealed. In my memory care group, I asked, "What goes on the top of a wedding cake?" Ramona's face lit up! "Butter cream frosting!" Ramona knew more about cakes than most of us. She had been a cake decorator, in her younger years. |
When I was a kid, most little girls dreamed about being a bride. Not always so, today.
No Veil for Mr. R
War Bride
It was a coloring book that opened up a discussion about wedding traditions around the world. There were curious illustrations of brooms being used in a German wedding and a lucky black cat in an Austrian wedding. I pointed out the image of the Thai couple, connected by flower garlands. I had to admit, I still didn't understand what was behind all that happened during my son's Buddhist wedding ceremony in Thailand. |
Thailand
Hindu Wedding
A bouquet of fake flowers, inspired a little brainstorming about how flowers are used in weddings around the world... bouquets, boutonnieres, table and cake decorations... We wondered if there's ever been a wedding without any flowers at all?
Planning a Wedding Today
There are almost too many options when planning weddings, today. Most didn't remember having much choice about where to have the ceremony or even the reception. No one knew much about writing vows or even choosing music for the bride and groom's first dance. "I think it was easier, when there were fewer choices..."
Questions
In my afternoon group we took turns pondering a few questions, that got us off on some interesting tangents.
We had fun with our wedding theme, but I think I was too cautious with my approach. I jumped around from Royal to Hindu weddings, from cake to veils from wedding songs to wedding movies. I was so afraid of getting personal that I didn't allow time for memories to surface and stories to be shared. I was concerned about those who have lost beloved spouses and some who might have dealt with ugly divorces. |