After marriage, you can continue using or choose to use your own surname at any time. You also gain the right to use your spouse’s surname. This does not result in a legal change of name or any automatic change to your identification records.

If you choose to use hyphenated surnames, a legal Change of Name is required.

Wedding programs are one of the little details that add that extra special something
to your big day. They are not only a record of your ceremony; wedding programs help
guests feel included and understand what is happening, and they introduce your bridal
party. And of course, they'll look beautiful in your scrapbook!

Do you need a wedding program?

No etiquette book will tell you that you must have a wedding program, but
for certain ceremonies they are more necessary than others. For instance:

• If you are having a religious or traditional wedding, with many guests who
  are of another faith or culture
• If you are having a large wedding, where guests are unlikely to know the
  bridal party
• If you are having a particularly long ceremony where guests will want to
  be prepared to wait a while
• If you have many people who you need to thank

Those who are short on time or money may wish to forgo this option, but remember
that a simple wedding program needn't use much time or money. I recommend that you
provide them for your guests, as a thoughtful gesture and souvenir.

Elements of a wedding program

• The cover Typically includes the date and/or the names
  of the couple. It may also include the location and time of the ceremony, a
  picture, or design element (such as a flower, scroll, etc.)
• The order of events If you haven't already included your
  names, wedding date, location, and time on the front cover, consider listing
  that information on the inside just before the order of events. Then list what
  will happen during the ceremony, including processional music, greeting, readings,
  prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony, pronouncement
  of marriage, recessional music, and any other ceremony music. Your list may
  not include all of these elements, and it may include some traditions not listed
  here. Be sure to list the events in the order they will occur.
• Members of the bridal party This is a simple list of the
  names and roles of your bridal party. For example: Officiant: Justice Ruth Bader
  Ginsberg Parents of the bride: Mary and John Smith Parents of the groom: Elizabeth
  Jones and Thomas Wilson, Jr. Stepparents of the groom: Robert Jones and Lisa
  Marist-Wilson Grandparents: Sarah Smith, Margaret Blackwood, Thomas Wilson Sr.
  Maid of Honour: Maria Gellert Best Man: William Harris Bridesmaids: Rebecca
  Brown, Juanita Ramirez Groomsmen: Calvin Aremu, Jonathan Goldstein Readers:
  McGuire Johnson, Alexander Wilson

Other things you may wish to include in your wedding program

• An explanation of traditions or rituals used in your ceremony
• A request for audience participation in certain parts of the ceremony (e.g.
  affirmation of the marriage, communion, singing, offering of the peace, standing
  or kneeling)
• Thank yous
• Memorials (for example: The memorial candle is lit in honour of the bride's
  mother, Shirley Fielding. OR On this day of happiness, we would like to remember
  those who are no longer with us, especially Derrick Peterson, grandfather of
  the bride, and Samantha Wilson, mother of the groom.)
• A short sentence about each of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, describing
  why they are important to you.
• An explanation of the significance of the location, theme, first dance song,
  etc. (For example: the reception will be held at Coldwater Restaurant, the site
  of the bride and groom's first date.)
• Quotes or poems about love or marriage
• Directions to the reception

Information gathered from about.com

A party to a marriage, or a person with written authorization by the couple, can order a marriage certificate. You can make application for a marriage certificate:

• in person at any Vital Statistics or Service BC office,
• on-line using our new secure electronic ordering system,
• by mail by completing and submitting an order form with the fee to Vital Statistics (download a form here).

Please note that effective February 12, 2007, the Vital Statistics Agency has implemented centralized printing of all certificates out of the Victoria office. All certificates will be mailed or couriered to clients direct from Victoria.

Certificates and Samples

• Small marriage certificate [ 32K ]Contains the full names of the couple or individuals, place of marriage, date of marriage, registration number and date of registration. The small certificate is 9.5 x 6.4 cm.
• Large marriage certificate [ 115K ]
  Contains the full names of the couple or individuals, their birthdates and birthplaces, date of marriage, place of marriage, registration number, and date of registration. The large certificate is 21.6 x 17.8 cm.
• Genealogy Certificate [ 171K]

In British Columbia, couples can choose a religious or civil ceremony, which must be witnessed by two people.

To perform the religious ceremony, you can choose a religious representative who must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency, under the Marriage Act.

In BC, civil ceremonies are performed by marriage commissioners, who are appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Vital Statistics Agency. For more details, click on Information about Marriage Commissioners.

If you plan to have a civil ceremony, contact and book a marriage commissioner as soon as possible once you set your wedding date. Make sure you provide the necessary information on your wedding:

• Date and time of your wedding ceremony
• Location and address
• Payment of fees to the commissioner

Additional information can be helpful, including the number of guests and people in the wedding party, plus any special wardrobe or other requests.

Find here the approved wedding ceremony for your use. Any changes should be discussed with your marriage commissioner. Please note that the bold text is mandatory for all civil ceremonies in British Columbia.

To get married in British Columbia, the Marriage Act requires that the couple get a Marriage Licence. You may get married during the three-month term of the licence.

Only one member of the couple needs to apply in person for a marriage licence. Click here for the marriage licence application and fee. Find here locations of Marriage Licence Issuers. Please bring the following information for both individuals who plan to marry.

• Full name, including given names
• Birth date and birth place
• Marital status
• Current address

The marriage licence is issued at the time of application. The marriage licence is non-refundable, valid for three months and may not be extended.

Are you five or six months away from your wedding? While you’re addressing invitations and picking out bridesmaids dresses, take some time to work on your beauty regimen. Making an investment now will pay off big on your wedding day.

• Skin Care
  Now is the time to start working on your skin. On your wedding day, you’ll be having your picture taken close-up and many people getting close to your skin as they hug and kiss you. Even a relatively nice complexion can benefit from six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition, and added water-drinking.

  First, start a good cleansing program. You should be using a multi-step system including

  • a good cleanser appropriate for your skin-type in the mornings
  • make-up remover and cleanser at night
  • daily moisturizer
  • an exfoliant once to several times a week.

  If you can afford it, this is a great time to consult a professional dermatologist. Tell them your wedding date, and your skin-care goals. They may recommend treatments such as glycolic peels or regular facials that will help you have picture-perfect skin. Prescription medicine may also be helpful. Also, if you take birth-control medication, talk to your doctor about which kind is best for your skin and body. Switching birth-control brands may make a dramatic difference in your skin.

  Examine how much water you drink daily. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses daily will help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous. I suggest filling a water bottle and keeping it on your desk at work. Have another water bottle in the TV room (or wherever you tend to hang out at night). While drinking this much water may be a challenge at first, keep at it, and it will get easier and easier.

  While you’re increasing your water consumption, it’s a great time to be decreasing your caffeine consumption. Not only will less caffeine help your skin, it will also help you to be less stressed out! You know if you’re better off going cold turkey or decreasing gradually.

• Hair
  If you want to grow out your hair for your wedding, or try a different color or style, now is the time to talk to your hairstylist. Those on a budget can try some drugstore coloring experiments. You’ll still have the chance to correct any mistakes! It’s also the time to start your search for a wedding day hairstylist and makeup artist. Even if you aren’t planning on using professionals, you’ll want to ask your friend or family member for their help now to make sure they are available and willing.

  Start thinking about the overall health of your hair. You may want to start applying a deep conditioning treatment (available inexpensively at drugstores) once a week. If your hair is dry, consider changing to a moisturizing shampoo and/or shampooing less often. And stop diving headlong into that chlorinated water if you have light blond hair.

• Stress
  It’s hard to be beautiful when you’re tearing your hair out. Start out by dealing with the people who stress you out, then read my tips for relaxation. Exercise, yoga, and other physical activities will help build strength, energy, and relieve tension while you’re at it. You might want to talk to your doctor about good nutrition and exercise routines. Consider regular visits to a spa to help you relax and improve your skin while you’re at it!

Information gathered from about.com

Wedding Vows

Looking for your wedding vows – those special words that will marry you? Here is an assortment of traditional and non-traditional, religious and secular wedding vows to get you started. If you are getting married in a religious setting, check with your officiant as she/he may have specific words that you cannot deviate from. Otherwise, feel free to add your own embellishments, loving words, funny promises (I promise to always make your favorite apple pie!) and inside jokes.

I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife), my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.

In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my husband/wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife so long as we both shall live.

I, (name), take you, (name), to be my friend, my lover, the (mother/father) of my children and my (husband/wife). I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.

I, [name], choose you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow with you throughout the seasons of life.

I, (name), take you, (name), to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.

After both have said individual vows, they may wish to say something in unison such as:

Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you, For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me.

Informaiton gathered from about.com

The custom of a bride wearing something blue at her wedding dates back many years, ever since the colour blue has been thought to promote purity and fidelity. This belief has evolved from the bride’s wearing a blue ribbon, through sewing a blue band around the bottom of the bride’s dress, to the current trend of wearing a blue garter.

Are you eligible to marry in BC?
You do not have to be a British Columbia resident to be married in the province. However, you are required to get a Marriage Licence valid only in British Columbia.

Anyone over 19 years of age is eligible to apply for a marriage licence in BC. Anyone under 19 years of age must first obtain the consent of both parents. Visit website for the consent form or get the form from the local Marriage Licence Issuer. No one under 16 years can be married without the consent of the Supreme or County Court.

If one or both individuals were recently divorced within the last 31 days, proof of divorce must be provided. No licence is issued until the courts finalize a divorce, normally 31 days after the divorce decree is issued by the Courts.

To marry, blood tests are not required under British Columbia legislation.

Apply for a Marriage Licence in BC
To get married in British Columbia, the Marriage Act requires that the couple get a Marriage Licence. You may get married during the three-month term of the licence.

Only one member of the couple needs to apply for a marriage licence. Visit website for the marriage licence application and fee. Find here locations of Marriage Licence Issuers. Please bring the following identification for both individuals who plan to marry.

Full name, including given names
Birth date and birth place
Marital status
Current address
The marriage licence is issued at the time of application. The marriage licence is non-refundable, valid for three months and may not be extended.

Arrange the Marriage Ceremony
In British Columbia, couples can choose a religious or civil ceremony, which must be witnessed by two people.

To perform the religious ceremony, you can choose a religious representative who must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency, under the Marriage Act.

In BC, civil ceremonies are performed by marriage commissioners, who are appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Vital Statistics Agency.

If you plan to have a civil ceremony, contact and book a marriage commissioner as soon as possible once you set your wedding date. Make sure you provide the necessary information on your wedding:

Date and time of your wedding ceremony
Location and address
Payment of fees to the commissioner
Additional information can be helpful, including the number of guests and people in the wedding party, plus any special wardrobe or other requests.

Find here the approved wedding ceremony for your use. Any changes should be discussed with your marriage commissioner. Please note that the bold and capitalized text is mandatory for all civil ceremonies in British Columbia.

Register the Marriage
The marriage commissioner or religious representative who will perform the wedding ceremony will help complete the Marriage Registration Form. Within 48 hours of the wedding ceremony, the form will be sent to the Vital Statistics Agency, where the marriage will be registered and a legal record will be kept.

Proof of Marriage
At the time of the ceremony, your marriage commissioner or religious representative may provide a statement of marriage, which can be used temporarily as proof of marriage. However, it is not a legal document.

You will receive a legal Marriage Certificate from the Vital Statistics Agency after the registration of the marriage.

Which name can I use?
After marriage, you can continue using or choose to use your own surname at any time. You also gain the right to use your spouse’s surname. This does not result in a legal change of name or any automatic change to your identification records.

If you choose to use hyphenated surnames, a legal Change of Name is required.

BC Vital Statistics Agency
URL: www.vs.gov.bc.ca/marriage/howto.html

How did it all start?

White or a colour similar to white was not the typical attire for a wedding. The truth is that it has only been in the past few centuries that the traditional wedding dress as we know it existed. Brides of earlier ages dressed as well as their financial means and social position would allow. Their choice of dress would have been one that would have been worn for a good or special occasion time and time again. Wearing something as elaborate as a white wedding dress would have been frowned upon as being immodest and impractical.

The white wedding dress tradition started with Queen Victoria. Typically royalty would have worn elaborate gowns made of furs, velvets, and silk sewn with precious gems – diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and pearls – so the bride would glitter and flash in the sunlight.

Queen Victoria broke this tradition in 1840 with her choice of using white having more influence on the general public than any other. White was usually used by the royal family as the colour of mourning and was not considered a suitable choice.

Until the mid-twentieth century, many brides did not wear the ‘traditional’ style dress that we’re all familiar with. Instead they purchased a dress that could be worn later as an evening dress.

So the trend was started and although brides continued to get married in many other colours, white was now set as the colour of choice. Pastel shades were also popular.