how to feng shui your wedding

You don't need to be Asian to believe in the ancient Chinese system of feng shui. Many people want to incorporate the principles of feng shui into the most important day of their lives - their wedding. How can you do that? Read on!

Feng Shui (literally "wind-water") is an ancient Chinese aesthetics system used to help improve life by maximizing positive energies (chi) and blocking or minimizing negative energies. Though some criticize feng shui as a pseudoscience, many people, both Asian and Western, believe the practice has benefits, and that applying a touch of feng shui to your wedding might help reduce stress levels, increase joy, and create an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Here are 6 tips that will show you how to bring more love, harmony and joy into your wedding through feng shui.

1THE DRESS

Colors like off-white, cream, ecru and ivory are considered better than pure white. These more natural colors represent earth energies, attracting good fortune. In addition, wear a touch of red (a flower or a garter under your dress) as red is the color of happiness. Be careful if you're considering wearing a second-hand gown. A previous owner's energy can still be present in the garment, and create an undesirable influence.

2THE WEDDING THEME

When considering what complimentary colors you want to include in your wedding (like bridesmaid's dresses), be aware that certain color combinations are considered to be more auspicious than others. For example, black and white (ying and yang, male and female); green and lavender (prosperity and longevity); red and yellow (happiness and good fortune); gold and purple (wealth); purple and black (financial/career success). Earthy tones - pumpkin, ochre, old rose, honey, olive, cocoa and other like shades - will help harmonize the energies surrounding you and your guests, making the wedding experience less stressful. Avoid paring metallic colors with red, as this is especially unlucky.

3THE DATE

Symbolizing infinity, the number eight is the most auspicious number in China, so any date that has an eight in it (8, 18, 28) would be a good choice. The number nine (symbolizing fulfillment) is also good (9, 19, 29). It's also believed that numbers which add up to eight are equally auspicious, as they symbolize commitment (17 and 26). In particular, the eighth day of the eight month (August 8) symbolizes permanence.

4THE VENUE

Holding your wedding outside is good, attracting plenty of positive chi. At the reception, avoid square or rectangle tables - sharp corners can create conflict and disharmony. Ensure there are no dark spaces or shadowed corners that disrupt the energy flow. Use plenty of light as well as crystals, crystal glasses or candlesticks to reflect the light. Add crystals to your dress, veil or shoes. Sparkle cures any bad chi that might be lingering.

5THE FLOWERS

The flowers you choose in your bouquet and table centerpieces have meaning beyond their prettiness. Pick peonies for longevity; chrysanthemums for happiness; lilies for abundance; cornflowers for balance in your relationship; lotus for spirituality; orange flowers for prosperity; tulips for sensuality; and pink roses for love.

6THE TRADITIONS

The Western wedding tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' is a tradition many brides follow to ensure good luck, serenity and peace. However, according to the principles of feng shui, these objects should only come from happily married couples or a happy family in order to avoid disharmony.

If you really want to incorporate the best feng shui into your wedding, you should find a local feng shui consultant who can advise you. If you only want to apply some of the principles to your most important day, any of these tips will help.

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