What is the Significance of the White Aisle Runner?

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

At a ceremony, the white aisle runner has Biblical references as part of the blood covenant that is represented in a marriage. The “white” aisle runner is symbolic of the holy ground where two lives are united by God as one. White is also a symbol of purity and innocence.

A more practical purpose for the white aisle runner at the church is to protect the bottom portion of the bride’s wedding dress. This is especially helpful for outdoor weddings.

Today, many couples opt for a customized aisle runner that they can incorporate into their home after the ceremony. Many couples are still happy with a basic white aisle runner to keep with tradition.

At Megasound, our Officiants run your wedding rehearsal for you and have helpful tips and tricks to ensure a safe walk down the aisle. Find out how you can benefit from pre-planning at your wedding by calling 260.484.2460.

Are You Ready for the First Dance?

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

The first dance is a very widespread wedding tradition, in which the newly married couple enjoy their first dance as a married couple at the wedding reception. The song usually has a special meaning to the couple, such as the first song they ever danced to, or the lyrics of the song may resonate with them.

Some couples take dance lessons before their wedding to help them with their first dance. The first dance is generally a slow song; however, some couples opt for a fast song (these are usually couples who took dance lessons). The first dance also (in the Midwest states) usually begins the dancing portion of a wedding reception. Couples living in coastal states commonly feature their first dance immediately following their introduction.

Check out our recent post with great songs that other brides and grooms have used for their first dance.

As with all traditions of your wedding, here at Megasound we will work with you to decide which traditions fit your wedding and give you plenty of suggestions for songs to use. Give us a call TODAY to schedule your free consultation!

Are You “Tying the Knot”?

from Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

Most people are familiar with the phrase "tying the knot" although relatively few know the origins of the saying. For much of history, rope has been the most powerful way of connecting things and people. “Hand-fasting” is an ancient custom of binding together the hands of the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony, and a special knot was used for this. As such, the expression of "tying the knot" supposedly came from this tradition according to some historians.

Another story about how this expression came to be actually dates back to Roman Times when the bride wore a girdle secured by a knot. After all the festivities of their wedding night, the groom had the honor of "untying the knot." The couple's lives were then "tied together."

Other stories of ritual binding were also popular in ancient Carthage where the couple's thumbs were laced together with a strip of leather. In India, the Hindu groom knotted a ribbon around his bride's neck, and once tied, the marriage was legal and binding.

Get the inside scoop about other wedding traditions and ways for less stressful wedding planning by contacting Megasound. Don’t wait too long as there is limited availability on many key wedding dates in 2010!

Are You Planning to Attend the Bridal Spectacular?

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

We are so excited to be a part of the 3rd annual Bridal Extravaganza this Sunday (February 21, 2010). This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet the Megasound staff, sign up for great prizes, check out other amazing wedding professionals, and enjoy the excitement of planning your dream wedding.


The Bridal Extravaganza is presented by the Fort Wayne Weddings Magazine and Fort Wayne Newspapers and sponsored by Majic 95.1. The doors open at noon at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana. Be sure to be one of the first 250 brides to receive a cool bridal tote bag! The newest edition of the Fort Wayne Wedding Bridal Planner is available to all brides as part of their admission which is $12 at the door. For even greater savings, pre-sale tickets are only $10 and are available online or through Saturday at the Wedding Place (260-482-1250) or the Monogram Shoppe (260-436-3138).

So, if you are currently planning or just want to do some bridal pre-planning, be sure to venture to the heart of downtown Fort Wayne this weekend. If you are still in need of a DJ, MC, or Officiant, stop by and see the Megasound booth and staff. You will also find some of Fort Wayne's best wedding resources for your planning needs including venues, cakes, bridal gowns, bridesmaid's attire, tuxedos, mother’s dresses, invitations, honeymoons, photographers, and so much more.

Hope you enjoy the wedding planning excitement this weekend!

What Does “Honeymoon” Really Mean?

from Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

Many stories surround the origins of the tradition of the honeymoon. As we wrote about previously, in ancient times, many of the first marriages were by capture, not choice. When early man felt it was time to take a bride, he would often carry off an unwilling woman to a secret place where her relatives wouldn't find them. While the moon went through all its phases (about a month), they hid from the searchers and drank a brew made from honey. Hence, we get the word, “honeymoon”. This is a rather literal translation of how the practice began.

Another similar story explains how the Teutonic people began the practice of the honeymoon. Teutonic weddings were only held under the full moon. Afterwards, the bride and groom would drink honey wine for thirty days. Therefore, the period immediately following the wedding became known as the honeymoon. While the name survived, the purpose and timeframe of the honeymoon changed. After the wedding, newlyweds would leave their family and friends to go and do what newlyweds are supposed to do. Nowadays, while the purpose survives, a romantic destination (like a vacation) is instead used.

Another literal translation of this tradition comes from the dictionary. The word "honeymoon" first appears in the 16th century. The honey is a reference to the sweetness of a new marriage. The moon is not a reference to the lunar-based month, but rather a bitter acknowledgment that this sweetness, like a full moon, would quickly fade.

While there are probably other stories as to how honeymoons got started, one practical reason shows that the term 'honeymoon' comes from the tradition of the bride drinking honey mead for one month after the wedding to encourage fertility. A male child was particularly desirable, and it was thought back then that the drinking of honey mead by the bride would increase the chances of this happening.

At Megasound, we work with many other Fort Wayne wedding professionals who specialize in planning honeymoons. We are more than happy to share those vendor references with our brides and grooms so they can plan their honeymoon.

Why Does a Groom Have a "Best Man"?

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

In ancient times, men who had decided upon a wife often had to forcefully take or kidnap her if her family did not approve of the man. While it may seem barbaric in today's society, the groom-to-be would sometimes face resistance from her male family members or from competing suitors who would challenge him. The groom would therefore bring along his "best men" to help him fight for the woman. Another story is that during ancient times when women were in short supply, the groom captured his bride-to-be from a nearby town. The groom, accompanied by a male companion, seized any young girl who had strayed from the safety of her parental home. Our custom of a "best man" is a relic of that two-man, strong-armed tactic; and for such an important task, only the best man would do.


According to German folklore, a best man around AD 200 carried more than a ring. Since there remained the real threat of the bride's family attempting to forcibly gain her return, the best man stayed by the groom's side throughout the marriage ceremony, alert and armed. He also might serve as a sentry outside the newlyweds' home. Despite this being folklore, it is not without written documentation and physical artifacts. In fact, the threat of recapture by the bride's family was perceived as so genuine that beneath the church altars of many early peoples - including the Huns, the Goths, the Visigoths, and the Vandals - lay an arsenal of clubs, knives, and spears.

Today (thankfully) the best man and groomsmen are honorary positions. Luckily, the threat of violence nowadays is quite small in comparison and rather limited in scope.

Do you need help with your wedding? Discover the simple to apply techniques that can help you plan a wonderful wedding by contacting Megasound!

Why do Most Brides Wear White on Their Wedding Day?

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

The white color wedding dress is a symbol of innocence and purity. The white wedding dress was made popular by Queen Victoria at her wedding even though most brides at that time still wore wedding dresses of other colors. This was mostly due to the high costs of white material.


Around the late 1890’s, white wedding gowns were more readily available to brides. Many brides still select a gown that could be worn again and again after the wedding day.

Even though white dresses were more fashionable, the economy (and times of war) still played a large part in the practicality of wedding dresses. Many brides wore their “best” dress or a white wedding dress that could be dyed or altered after the wedding.

Most contemporary brides still want to be married in white. Today, there are many shades of white (including off-white, diamond white, ivory, and many more shades) available to brides. Some brides have even selected a gown color that matches their personality or wedding theme.

Contact Megasound to get the latest trends and learn more about other traditions and how to incorporate them in your wedding day.

What Does a “First Kiss” Mean at a Wedding?

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

The “first kiss” dates back to the Roman times when contacts were sealed with a kiss. The official ending to the wedding ceremony is when the Officiant lets the groom know that he may kiss his bride.

The wedding kiss is a symbol of a bride and groom’s love and devotion as well as their respect for each other. This is also an outward and visual acknowledgement to the public agreement that the couple has entered into the life-long covenant of marriage.

Take a moment to practice your kissing skills with your soon-to-be spouse and then call Megasound at 260.484.2460 to find out how our staff works with couples on their wedding ceremonies and how to incorporate traditions into the occasion

Why Throw Rice at a Wedding?

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

Throwing rice at the newly married couple dates back centuries as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. Food has represented plentiful crops in that the tiny “seed” may grow into a large bountiful plant.


Tossing birdseed is more of a modern trend. This stemmed from the urban legend that birds would eat the uncooked rice which would expand in their stomachs causing the birds to explode. However, uncooked rice is harmless to birds.

Rice and birdseed may be more hazardous to guests attending the wedding. Some people have slipped on both items that are on hard floors or steps of the church.

Even more contemporary trends include tossing rose petals or fall leaves as well as blowing bubbles and waving sparklers.

We recommend you contact us at 260-484-2460 for additional information about Megasound's wedding services or to arrange your own consultation as soon as possible. This will help to guarantee a reservation for your preferred date.

Why All the Luck?

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

Something Old, Something New,
Something Borrowed, Something Blue,
and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe.

This good luck rhyme dates back to Victorian times. Many brides to this day attempt to arrange their attire to fit this saying and it is the most symbolic of all and the meaning of the original custom is the same as it is today.

"Something Old" represents the bride's family and her past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of family jewelry or a mother's or grandmother's wedding gown or handkerchief.

"Something New" represents good fortune and success and a bride's hopes for a bright future in her new life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item.

"Something Borrowed" is to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed item is supposed to come from a happily married woman, thereby lending the bride some of her own marital bliss to carry into the new union.

"Something Blue" is the symbol of faithfulness and loyalty. Occasionally the garter will be blue for this symbol. Brides of ancient Israel wore blue ribbons on the border of their wedding clothes or in their hair to denote love, modesty, and fidelity. Blue also signifies the purity of the Virgin Mary and is the most popular of all colors.

"A Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe" is to wish the bride wealth. Some brides still place a penny in their shoe during their marriage ceremony.

Contact Megasound today to schedule a personalized consultation to find out how we help our brides and grooms incorporate traditions into their weddings.

"Let Them Eat Cake" Part 2

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

Yesterday’s entry traced the “roots” of wedding cakes. We will move forward with the three-tier cake which everyone is familiar with today. This cake is based on the shape of the spire of Saint Bride's Church in London. The bride and groom make their first cut of the cake to signify the sharing of their new life together. All the guests also share in eating the cake to ensure good luck.

Today, many cakes include a small cake on top known as the "anniversary" cake. This cake is kept frozen after the wedding until the couple's first anniversary when it is supposed to be thawed and eaten. Another piece of folklore says that if a single woman sleeps with a piece of the cake under her pillow that she will dream of her future husband. If nothing else, her pillowcase will be full of frosting!

According to a February 1840 edition of The London Times, Queen Victoria's wedding cake was more than nine feet in circumference. A second tier arose from this base supported by two pedestals. On the second tier was a sculpture of the mythical heroine Britannia looking at the royal pair frozen at the moment of their exchanging vows. At their feet were two turtle doves (symbolizing purity and innocence) and a dog (representing faithful attachment). Completing the scene were various sculpted Cupids, one of them writing the date of the wedding with a stylus on a tablet.

Nowadays, other desserts are sometimes substituted for wedding cake, including chocolate fountains to cover different items such as strawberries or shortcakes with chocolate, cupcakes, ice cream cakes, pies, and even rice krispies treats.

When you work with Megasound on your wedding, we take care of the announcement to gather guests around your wedding cake as well as working with your photographer in order to get the best pictures. We also work with many other wedding professionals in the Indiana and Ohio areas who create sugary confections for your wedding. Call us to find out more.

"Let Them Eat Cake!" Part 1

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound  

Several wedding traditions over the centuries have evolved into something quite different from the original tradition. The wedding cake happens to be one of them, beginning with the breaking of a thin loaf of bread over the bride's head in Roman times. This was done at the end of the ceremony to symbolize fertility. This actually came from the fact that the wheat from which the bread was made signified fertility and, as such, the guests would eagerly pick up the bread crumbs as good luck charms.

As the Roman empire grew, so did this tradition, where it had spread to England by the Middle Ages. There, the tradition transformed to have the guests bring small cakes to the wedding and stack them together. It became traditional for the bride and groom to kiss over the stacked cakes, and later, a baker decided to make things easier by putting all the cakes together and spreading frosting over them. Thus, the modern "tiered" cake became the new sensation.

Be sure to read “Part 2” tomorrow. We will also share with you how the modern “tiered” wedding cake has morphed into many different versions.

Make Your Plans to Attend Super Bride Sunday!!

Megasound will be on site this Sunday for "Super Bride Sunday" at the Monogram Shoppe. This pre-Super Bowl  party is from 12-4pm at Covington Plaza-Fort Wayne, Indiana. We will be available to answer all of your wedding planning questions from pre-planning of your wedding to your rehearsal as well as every step through your last dance at your wedding reception.

Plenty of other wedding professionals will be on site as well to assist you with you wedding plans, share samples and ideas, and get great savings on many products and services. Stop by for all of the wedding fun and be home in time to cheer on your favorite football team.

Hope to see you there!

Why Do Attendants Dress the Same at Weddings?

Attire of the Wedding Party from Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

Who hasn't noticed that the bridesmaids, ushers, and the entire bridal party dress very much like the bride and groom? It was once common for the bride, her groom, and all their friends to walk together to the church on the morning of the wedding. Many wedding traditions stem from common beliefs of long ago; however, many of these traditions are still part of many weddings today. Many of these traditions originally came from rural areas (think of the "hog trough" dance) and were based on superstition and/or religious practice.

Being afraid that someone, perhaps a rejected suitor, might spot the happy couple and put a curse on them, the groom's friends wore clothes almost identical to his. The women likewise costumed themselves like the bride. These disguises tricked evil wishers into letting the real bride and groom live happily ever after.


Of course, today, our attendants dress alike for the beauty and pageantry of the event.

Your Wedding
Many couples have selected alternative attendants' attire that is more suited to body shape and size, personalities, and budgets. Call us today (260.484.2460) to find out all of the areas that we assist you with on your wedding. Megasound also works with other wedding professionals in the Fort Wayne area that have great options for wedding party attire and attendants' gifts.

Why Does a Groom Throw the Bride's Garter?

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

We recently covered the bouquet toss tradition of weddings; today, we will cover the garter throw tradition. As we mentioned previously, during medieval times it was possible that guests might grab the bride's garter or the bride might toss the garter to prevent her guests from ripping her dress apart. Another variation on how the garter toss tradition originally began is in the fact that the whole point of many of these special traditions was to bless the bride and groom and their marriage and ward off evil spirits. One way to bless the couple and ward off evil spirits was to throw the bride's garter out a window of the inn the happy couple was staying in on their wedding night. The bride would hang her stockings or garter on the doorknob of the room they were in and the wedding party would then throw them out the window. Still yet another variation suggests that the wedding party would take the bridesmaids' garters and toss them into the bride's and groom's faces.

The garter throw was a chance for the single men to share in the good fortune of the groom. Just like how the girl who catches the bouquet is supposedly the next girl to get married, the man who catches the garter is supposedly the next guy who shall get married. In like manner, just like how some brides stage the bouquet toss so that one of her friends who is already engaged will catch it, some grooms stage their garter throw so that his friend who is engaged will catch the garter.

Nowadays with all the political correctness and such, some brides and grooms have decided to forego this ritual, claiming that it is sexist. Considering how this tradition actually began with women rather than men grabbing pieces of the bride's clothing, the so-called "sexist" portion of the tradition actually evolved to become the way that it is today. Regardless, it is still a fun way to celebrate with your guests during your reception!

At Megasound, we have all sorts of appropriate garter removal song suggestions for your reception. Contact us today to find out how to streamline your planning with song suggestions.