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Wedding Hymns

Whats, Wheres and Vows: 21st Century Weddings

What is a traditional British wedding? No doubt for many inhabitants of these islands, the standard wedding will somehow involve a church, fancy cars, some hired penguin suits, a teary mother and a tiered fruit cake. It's amazing how vivid this imagery remains despite much of it no longer having a place in the modern wedding experience – in fact church ceremonies account for only about a third of all UK weddings. A blend of multiculturalism, a growing informality and a reduction in the role of the church have played their parts; but the result is a dazzling array of options for the open-minded couple. GettingPersonal.co.uk looks at the options:

Bells and altars
This is the traditional wedding, if you like. The bride and groom wake up in different houses, the bride gets made up and dressed, assisted by the mother and bridesmaids, the groom goes to the pub, the best man loses the ring, the father of the bride gets all philosophical and the clans sit on opposite flanks of the church. Inevitably the church wedding will be a religious affair, with hymns, prayers and vows, and then it's off to the reception for speeches and dinner, and then everyone prepares for the evening do.

The registry office
Here the couple will make their vows in public but the religious aspects are stripped away. It's all legal, official and often informal and takes place in a council building … but is no less romantic for it. Favourite songs, poetry readings and anecdotes are often interspersed between the official activities. And nor are they for the down at heel or shotgun weddings – don't forget that Charles and Camilla tied the knot in a registry office.

All-in-one
Now that all sorts of venues can apply for the right to hold weddings, hotels and stately homes have got in on the act. Hotels are particularly popular because they offer all-day packages that include the wedding, the reception and the evening function all in one place. And guests coming from all over the world can usually get a discounted room too, which might result in more expensive wedding presents (but don't count on it). There's also no need for limos and umbrellas, making this option popular in Scotland and Manchester.

The civil ceremony
Another change in the law has allowed for same-sex marriages to take place. This will almost certainly take place in the registry office or another licensed venue, but other than that it's exactly the same as a traditional wedding – two people declaring their love for each other among friends and family.

The themed wedding
And then there are the weddings that really exercise the couple's imagination or indulge their fantasies. A favourite is the medieval or Robin Hood wedding, where damsels, knights, knaves and peasants come together for a truly memorable wedding. Everyone dresses up, there will probably be a hog roast and traditional English music (Bryan Adams), and a good time is had by all. History and fantasy are equally plundered, with wedding themes including baroque, 18th century ball, Wild West saloon, skydiving, Roman, biker, Lord of the Rings … or whatever else takes their fancy.

Get away from it all
Of course, not everyone wants to take their chances with the British weather, which is why many people opt to start their honeymoon early and get married abroad. So don't be surprised to be invited to a genuine Las Vegas wedding or to see people exchanging vows on a tropical beach.

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So although we all probably have an idea of what a traditional wedding is, knots are being tied in all manner of ways, some wacky, some practical. And if your wedding gifts match the occasion, you'll be more than welcome to attend! As soon as you know what type of wedding you're attending, half an hour on GettingPersonal.co.uk's wedding gifts pages will arm you with loads of fitting and unique gift ideas.

After all, some traditions are still part of the modern wedding, but others have fallen by the wayside. The only constant is that the newlyweds like nothing better than to have loads of lovely wedding gifts to open; Better still, if they're unique and personalised gifts that come with a smile!

About the Author

Written by John Smith co-founder of GettingPersonal.co.uk

GettingPersonal.co.uk are one of the UK's leading on-line retailers of Gifts, personalised gifts and Wedding Gifts. Their website is packed with over 1,500 gifts for any special occasion.

For more go to www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

hello again can anyone help me with the choice of hymns for the wedding ceremony in the church, please? thanks?

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Come Down, a divine love Tell my soul magnifies the Lord Be thou my vision Dear Lord and Father of mankind I have great Redeemer Guide King of Glory, King of peace divine all loves excelling Love O Praise the Lord O worship the King Praise my soul the King of Heaven

Mike and Sian's Wedding Hymns: Come Thou Fount

Alfred 0030067 Wedding Performer Contemporary Christian Songs and Hymns for Weddings Music Book $27.92 Alfred Music Publishing is the world s largest educational music publisher. Alfred produces educational' reference' pop' and performance materials for teachers' students' professionals' and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument' style' and difficulty level. Wedding pianists will find this resource very convenient because favorite contemporary Christian songs and hymns are included in one volume. Each arrangement has been carefully edited and fingered for performance ease. Titles: Be Thou My Vision Household of Faith How Beautiful I Will Be Here In This Very Room Love Will Be Our Home O Perfect Love Take My Life (Holiness) When Love Is Found.

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Mel Bay Hymns For Autoharp $7.16 Mel Bay Hymns for Autoharp

Singing Hymns in Church $39.99 Singing Hymns in Church - Giclee Print

Alfred 0021344 Timeless Hymns with Ageless Classics Music Book $27.92 Alfred Music Publishing is the world s largest educational music publisher. Alfred produces educational' reference' pop' and performance materials for teachers' students' professionals' and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument' style' and difficulty level. Timeless Hymns with Ageless Classics is an expressive collection in which each arrangement merges a wellloved hymn with a classical theme. Pianists who enjoy performing either sacred or classical music will enjoy how each beautiful melody complements the other. This inspired collection for advanced pianists can be used in a variety of church settings as well as for personal enjoyment. It is also suitable for weddings since it includes many classical pieces that are traditionally used for wedding preludes and processionals.

Alfred 0021345 Timeless Hymns with Ageless Classics Music Book $34.25 Alfred Music Publishing is the world s largest educational music publisher. Alfred produces educational' reference' pop' and performance materials for teachers' students' professionals' and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument' style' and difficulty level. Timeless Hymns with Ageless Classics is an expressive collection in which each arrangement merges a wellloved hymn with a classical theme. Pianists who enjoy performing either sacred or classical music will enjoy how each beautiful melody complements the other. This inspired collection for advanced pianists can be used in a variety of church settings as well as for personal enjoyment. It is also suitable for weddings since it includes many classical pieces that are traditionally used for wedding preludes and processionals.

Beloved Hymns 20 Traditional Hymns[Book] $11.66 Hal Leonard Beloved Hymns - 20 Traditional Hymns Arranged By Phillip Keveren for Big Note Piano

Alfred Simply Hymns Easy Piano $7.95 Alfred Simply Hymns Easy Piano

Homespun Mandolin Hymns (Book/Cd) $17.96 Homespun Mandolin Hymns (Book/CD)

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Homespun Hymns, Spirituals And Sacred Songs (2-Dvd) $49.95 Homespun Hymns, Spirituals and Sacred Songs (2-DVD)

Hal Leonard Fingerpicking Hymns Guitar Tab Songbook $8.95 Hal Leonard Fingerpicking Hymns Guitar Tab Songbook

Hal Leonard Ragtime Gospel Hymns - Piano Solo $8.06 Hal Leonard Ragtime Gospel Hymns - Piano Solo

Cherry Lane Most Beautiful Hymns For Easy Piano $7.16 Cherry Lane Most Beautiful Hymns For Easy Piano

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Hal Leonard Hymns E-Z Play 20 $7.16 Hal Leonard Hymns E-Z Play 20

Hal Leonard Timeless Hymns - Beginning Piano Solos $7.16 Hal Leonard Timeless Hymns - Beginning Piano Solos

Hal Leonard Piano Hymns For Dummies Pvg Songbook $17.99 Hal Leonard Piano Hymns for Dummies PVG Songbook

Hal Leonard Gospel Hymns - Guitar Chord Songbook $13.49 Hal Leonard Gospel Hymns - Guitar Chord Songbook

Hal Leonard Beautiful Hymns And Spirituals By Lee Evans $7.16 Hal Leonard Beautiful Hymns And Spirituals by Lee Evans

Traditional Hymns Level 3 $6.26 Hal Leonard Traditional Hymns Level 3 Hal Leonard Student Piano Library

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