Feng Shui Fabulous for Weddings

Hi Everyone!
Hope you enjoyed today’s episode for Feng Shui tips for your WEDDING!  The RELATIONSHIP area is obviously, the Life Area of choice here.  It is the far-right corner of the Bagua Board (or any room/quadrant of your space).  This area is activated by the EARTH element, earth-tone colors and the shape of a square.  I’d also like to add that anything we are discussing for your wedding/reception/rehearsal dinner can also be applied to the bedroom of the married couple!  If you remember from previous shows, the Relationship area can be activated by 3 different colors: red for legally binding relationships, pink for friendship and peach for a relationship but not a long-lasting one.  For this episode we are focusing on RED exclusively.

The number 2 is also important in this area, as 2=a couple/pair.  Pair items in 2s to represent the happy couple.  Also, in Feng Shui, for help in picking out your wedding date, anything that ends in 8 or 9 is perfect.  8 represents infinity and the number 9 represents fulfillment.

For the color scheme, we are going to focus on the EARTH element AND the FIRE element.  We look at FIRE to INCREASE or add-to the EARTH element…more fun!...as FIRE precedes EARTH in the productive cycle.

***There are 3 cycles of the elements in Feng Shui: the productive (used to INCREASE/ADD TO an area), mitigating (neutralize and element that is in over-abundance-i.e. water in a bathroom) and destructive (negate an element in an area). ***

Color Scheme for a Wedding, Reception and/or Rehearsal Dinner:

Red and earth-tones (browns, tans)

-Use these colors for flowers, bunting, placemats/napkins, and decorations

-You can also WEAR these colors for your wedding party or wedding dress!  In China, most brides WEAR red wedding dresses as red represents joy (AND is the color for success/fame/luck Life Area).  White is the color of mourning in China-not to scare you off, but as an FYI.  If you want a white dress, but don’t like the connotation of the color, go for an off-white dress.

***Some other tips for the wedding dress, make sure you have some sparkle & shine!  Whether it’s metallic fibers in the dress/veil, crystals/sequins or metal jewelry w/high shine. The bride should be the center of attention, and with added sparkle this is ensured!  Also, if taking part in the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition, make sure you are “borrowing” an item from a HAPPILY married woman!  You don’t want negative energy from an about-to-be divorced person on YOUR wedding day! ***

-EARTH-TONES are also recommended if this is going to be a Blended family or this isn’t the FIRST wedding for either spouse.  Earth-tones are grounding and for stability, and represent a foundation from which to start on.  Chocolate brown is still a “hot” color and can be paired w/pretty much any color!

 Design Accessories:
ANYTHING that will increase and activate energy, yang items (mirrors, candles, pyramids, stars, bright lights and crystals…).  Mirrors/crystals will help speed up energy throughout the space and make room feel larger.  Remember, we are using FIRE element here as well and that includes triangles and/or pointy objects.  Use a lot of these items if you really want an ACTIVE party, tone down and more EARTH elements if you want a more relaxed atmosphere.

***ANYTIME you can make an item for use in your space/party is PERFECT as YOU are adding INTENTION and PURPOSE to the item and Life Area you are working on.  If you have the where-withal to make your own candles (or soap, food, gift bags…) and need a place to start-I’m a fan of Michael’s Arts & Crafts stores.  If you don’t have a Michael’s, check out any craft/hobby shop or go on-line.  (Same caller asked about fountains-as these are WATER features this is NOT to be used for this topic/Life Area!  Water +EARTH=mud…you don’t want mud here!  That being said, you can make your own fountains as well…again, check out Michael’s OR your home improvement store for parts and instructions.  They are rather easy to make/install and can be done for under $30. ***

 Speaking of water-if you have an unruly or troublemaker friend or relative, make sure they are seated facing something WATER related.  This could be an ice sculpture, fountain, aquarium…whatever.  The water item will relax them and invite “introspection” on their part.

If utilizing aromatherapy, keep in mind that some guests may have allergies or environmental sensitivities…use sparingly.  That being said here are some tips:

• Rosemary=fun, perfect for a lively, dance, social event
• Ylang Ylang=sexy vibe…you may want to save for the wedding night!  (3E Products has a GREAT Ylang Ylang Environment Spray that is perfect for this and for taking on the Honeymoon!).
• Lemon=invigorating
• Vanilla & Cinnamon=relaxation, use this for a more relaxed or formal event.  (Vanilla is also the #1 favorite scent of men…just an FYI).

 Lastly, if you really want to tap into Feng Shui energy at your wedding, you and your spouse-to-be should place 2 Rose Quartz stones in a SQUARE box and place in the far right corner of the reception hall/restaurant for rehearsal dinner.  2=couple, Rose Quartz=nurturing/love, Square=Earth element, far right corner=the Relationship Life Area.

 Menu Ideas:

OK-let’s talk wedding cake!  You want to look for a tall (upward growing, focus), square shaped (earth element) cake.  Please make sure that your wedding cake is place where the ceiling is high.  You don’t want it, or you for that matter, to be “oppressed” by a low ceiling which suppresses growth.  High ceilings are advised where possible.  If not, get some uplights and place strategically in the space to create the illusion of higher ceilings.

Table/Place settings should utilize the shapes of square and triangle/pyramid/star.  Think shiny and bright.  Flowers and candles are perfect!  You can also use mirrors as placemats or under your centerpieces.  They reflect light great if you want to candle-scape as your centerpiece!

***In China, the dragon and the phoenix, as well as mandarin ducks, are used to represent love and marriage.  Check out Lightstones.com for these items.  There are even some bakeries that can make cakes in these shapes if you are so inclined. ***

Earth Foods:

Spice/Herbs-consommé, fennel, honey, licorice, molasses, raw sugar, chocolate, vanilla,      marzipan, dill, confectioners and granulated sugar

Veggies: green/red bell peppers, okra, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, avocados, beans, garbanzo beans, lettuce, peas, iceberg lettuce, morels, cabbage, oyster & porcini mushrooms, pumpkin.

Grains: sticky rice, corn, cornmeal, millet, quinoa, tofu, Arborio rice, barley, bread, millet, noodles/pasta, rye

Fruits: apricots, currants, raisin, dates, figs, grapes, plums, apples, coconut, papaya, pear, bananas, mango, watermelon

Nuts/seeds/oils: cashews, pine nuts, walnuts, corn/olive/sesame/sunflower oil

Meat/dairy: beef, egg yolk, turkey, butter, cheese, cream, mild

Beverages: liqueurs, malt beer, fruit juice, veggie juice

Fire Foods:

Spice/Herbs-horseradish, juniper berry, nutmeg, saffron, bitter chocolate, cocoa, capers, poppy seeds, paprika, lemon grass

Veggies:- brussel sprouts, celery root, radicchio, artichokes, beets, Belgian endive, chicory, iceberg lettuce, olives, sweet potatoes, arugula, asparagus, cucumbers, kohlrabi

Grains- kasha, amaranth, buckwheat, flaxseed, oats, wheat, bulgur, cous cous, oat & wheat flakes

Fruits: apricots, plums, sweet cherries, elderberry, grapefruit, quince, pomegranates

Nuts/seeds/oils: almonds

Meat/dairy- grilled meats, lamb

Beverages: cognac, hot mulled wine, port, syrah, black tea, burgundy, coffee, green tea, Borolo, Bordeaux, rioja, cherry juice, dark beer, pilsner bear, Beaujolais, Chianti

 Wedding Gifts; as a rule, stay away from anything SHARP!  This has a violent, negative connotation.  So just say “no” to a knife set even if it’s on their registry!  Anything that encourages new growth (landscaping services, stocks/bonds, gift cards, plants) is great.  Also stay away from anything for the bedroom…this is for the COUPLE to purchase and put THEIR intention into that space..NOT their in-laws!  Things in pairs, sculpture/figurines or any item made from EARTH or FIRE element are great.

Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Gifts: Here, anything made from the EARTH element or in the color PINK are good.  Bath/body products, spa certificates, cigars (fire) or anything else that signifies bonding/friendship are all memorable.
 

 

Until next time…Happy Feng Shui-ing…..