How would you include the 5 elements of feng shui into a wedding reception/ceremony?

Question

I am planning a wedding and would really like to have a balanced and harmonious feeling during the ceremony and dinner/reception. While my future husband does not like asian inspired designs he does like the idea of including the 5 elements into our celebration: Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, & Metal.
We are having an outside ceremony and dinner in France. We are definitely struggling with how to incorporate these elements without having an eastern-themed wedding.
Any ideas would be GREAT!
Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Here's something off the top of my head

(begin with traditional symbolism to cue your guests in)

"Wood parts earth;;
Earth absorbs water;;
Water quenches fire;;
Fire melts metal;;
Metal chops wood;.

The circle of life is unending yet ever changing"

Couple is presented a wooden bowl

"Wood for the lifetime we will spend growing together in balance and harmony as the rings of a tree grow."

Couple is presented with water, which they pour into the bowl

"Water to clean and soothe our relationship that we shall remember to quench each others thirst, and nurture our dreams"

Couple is handed river stones, which they place in the water

"Stones of the Earth for the firm foundation upon which we will build all of our tomorrows."

Couple is given (something on a stand a Yin Yang, Bagwa, dragon & Pheonix... some kind of union of heaven & Earth or even a double happiness symbol)

"Metal for the strength of a commitment forged in our hearts, tempered and strengthened by the moments of a lifetime shared."

Then you have a symbolicly meaningful altar decoration. You could also each lay an orchid branch or cherry blossom branch crossing in front of it.

It's a little rough but it's an idea.

Answer 2

I like including it into your centerpieces. Use metal vases instead of glass ones. An arrangement of flowers, sticks, and natural grasses will represent earth.

For other tables, I'd use water filled wooden bowls. Perhaps float a bigger flower in those bowls. Or have clear vases filled with water and fruit. Fountains are rather expensive but you could use one large one--like the copper pots that flow one into the next--and then put that in your garden after the wedding.

Perhaps using mirrors with wide metal frames as well. Candles in the hall for the fire. Or line your walkway with torches. I had tiki torches at mine and they looked awesome. But lanterns, hurricane lamps, anything with a live flame would look incredible. Just have them high enough that no one will trip on them or accidentally knock them over.

Use red as one of your colors but you don't have to use the traditional red and gold, which does look asian/ eastern theme. But you could use red and another favorite color. There are lots of flowers, fruit and berries that are red that would make beautiful arrangements.

I agree with not going asian. After all you are in France and I think you should go with French elegance. You don't have to use the same centerpiece on every table. Or if you want it to have a continuity, use the same centerpiece for all the guest tables, but a different one on all the food tables.

Good luck!

Answer 3

well the wind will blow since you are outside.
wood and fire... have fire pits or bon fires
water... can you get a location with fountains or rent some fountains to use at the reception
metal... uh your tables or seating ?

or another suggestion for wood and fire... torches and a wooden arbor or canopy to go over the head table

Answer 4

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