The origins of most of our wedding traditions used today come from superstitions, and are handed down generation to generation. You will find various legends of the most popular customs. Traditions vary from culture to culture. I hope you enjoy the following traditions and lore.

The Engagement Ring

The engagement ring symbolizes the promise of a future together, sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring.
The diamond engagement ring as we know it has only been around since the 1400s and was first found in Medieval Italy. Rings featuring gem stones were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Probably the most famous engagement ring is the one given to Princess Diana. The ring is an oval blue sapphire engagement ring that weighs 18 carats and is surrounded by 17 small diamonds in a cluster setting.

Another famous type of engagement ring is the Claddagh ring. The Claddagh Ring may be used as friendship, relationship, eternity, engagement, or wedding rings depending on the intention of wearer and, in the case of the giver. There are three traditionally accepted ways of wearing the ring which signals someone’s relationship status.

1. When worn on the right ring finger with the heart pointing to the fingertip, the wearer is free of any attachment.
2. On the same finger with the ring turned around, it suggests someone is romantically involved.
3. When the ring is on the left hand wedding ring finger it means the person is married or engagement.

The Wedding Cake

Since the early Roman times, the cake has been a special part of the wedding celebration. A loaf was broken over the bride’s head at the close of the ceremony to symbolize fertility. The guests picked up the crumbs as good luck charms. This tradition evolved and spread to England in the Middle Ages where the guests of a wedding would bring small cakes and stack them together. During the Middle Ages, it became traditional for the couple to kiss over a small cluster of cakes which later turned into one big cake with frosting.

The White Dress

Although white has long been associated with purity in the West, it has not always been associated with the Bride’s dress. Before the mid-19th century, the only expectation of a bridal dress was that it was as luxurious as your financial situation allowed. Colourful dresses were very popular.

In the early 1800s the rise of the neo-classical fashion is what set the stage for the white wedding. Although there are many traditions out there, make sure to make your wedding your own. Brides now of days use a mix of old and new traditions. Really anything goes!

Social media now plays a big part in the wedding planning process. Couples will keep their guests informed through Facebook, blogs, Twitter and wedding websites. You will see posts such as “ Keep August 18^th open” or “Just booked our photographer”.  Family and friends feel like they are now part of the planning.

Your entire wedding can all be done online through wedding websites. Enter your guest list and check people off as they reply. Pick out wedding dresses, cakes and décor you like. You can even make your invitations and print them off at home.

Wedding bloggers love to give prizes away. Make a note to do a daily scan of your favorite wedding tweeters. Sometimes all you have to do is post a tweet to be entered!

Facebook can be a handy tool to remind your bridal party of all their duties. It is also a big help if some of your bridal party lives out of town or even out of country.  Create an event on Facebook and invite hundreds of people to your Stag and Doe.

Just remember that a lot of your older guests might not be well versed in the social media world. Make sure to give them a call or send an invite by mail. You don’t want Grandma missing your shower because she didn’t get the Facebook Event invite.

Bieber Fever hit the Americana Resort on Saturday March 12^th as the Stars of Pop tribute show to Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Mile Cyrus, Hanna Montana, and of course Justin Bieber hit the stage. This is our first event with the Stars of Pop troop and we were so pleased. The troop was professional and had amazing star qualities. Children went nuts! There were plenty of seats but they were empty as everyone was on the dance floor.

This is a lovely letter we received form one of our guests after the show on Saturday:

“I just wanted to comment on your show on Saturday, my granddaughter is 9 years old and of course a Justin fan - she was in awe of the entire performance – they were all good but Lady Gaga was my favourite - what a great venue for all the young girls that were there and the price was perfect – just wanted to congratulate the Americana for offering such a great show for the kids – keep up the good work for the locals, we appreciate it” –Janice

When we first announce we were having the Stars of Pop at the Americana the response was overwhelming we had to add an extra show. Some tickets are still available for the 2^nd show on Wednesday March 16^th. If you are interested go to www.americananiagara.com to book your tickets online.

Check out the video below from our good friends Cogeco Cable 10 our local television station:

http://www.tvcogeco.com/niagara/gallery/the-source/3829-march-source-stories/36308-stars-of-pop-niagara

Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control, the performance by U2 tribute band Desire has been canceled for St. Patrick’s Day. Full refunds for tickets will be issued. Stay tuned as Desire will return to the Americana Resort in the near future!

I often get the question “What should we do as favours for our guests”?

In place of favours, Couples are now doing a donation to a charity close to their heart. If you contact the charity of your choice it is most likely they already have a Wedding program in place, and you just need to donate. However if you cannot afford to donate the amount they are requesting per person, just make up a sign telling your guests that you have decided to honour them by making a donation in place of favours. Place the sign on your receiving line right next to you guestbook or signing picture. This way guests will see it when they are heading into the hall. would also be nice to have your MC announce the donation in their opening remarks. Then after the wedding you can make your donation of any amount online. It

I did this at my Wedding and all of our guests said that they loved the idea and felt honoured. If you are already married, post what you did for your favours!

We are now pleased to offer the ability to buy tickets for the upcoming Stars of Pop Tribute show and St. Patrick’s Day Pub Party on our website.

Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure your spot for either show today!