How Good Is Your Feng Shui?

 Feng shui is probably one of the most over-used and misunderstood terms in modern language. Most people think it solely relates to minimizing and re-arranging furniture. Although they are partly correct, there is much more to Feng shui than meets the eye.

Feng means wind and shui means water. In Chinese culture wind and water are associated with good health, thus good Feng shui came to mean good fortune, while bad Feng shui means bad luck, or misfortune. The art of Feng shui has been practiced for 3000 years and is a complex study of placement of objects, timing and lighting.

So how hard is it to create good Feng Shui at your wedding? Not that difficult, if you stick to the basics. Acheiving good Feng Shui is easier to achieve than you think, it’s about  showcasing the details that create positive energy.

1) Venue – Avoid overhead lighting, instead opt for candles, low light and accent lighting. If your wedding is in the  daytime, choose a venue with an abundance of windows and natural lighting. No clocks should be visible since your love should be ‘timeless’.

2) Attire – Choose garments that combine both heavy and light fabrics. The heavy fabrics such as brocade, satin and shantung represent the yin and light fabrics like lace, chiffon and tulle are the yang, together they bring balance and harmony.

3) Color –  Pink is  delicate, purple is passionate, blues and greens bring a calmer effect to your event. Study the meaning behind the colors and choose ones that reflect your personality and compliment the venue.

4) Exit – If you choose a limo for your exit, Feng shui experts suggest opting for black. The black color represents the stable foundation that is the basis for a good marriage. Also, hang a crystal from the rear view mirror (of whatever exit vehicle you use) to ward off darkness and create a prism of light for a new beginning.

5) Tradition. Always have something blue (the Feng shui color of peace and serenity) at your wedding. Anything ‘borrowed’  should be borrowed from a couple with a happy marriage.

With these simple elements you can achieve good Feng Shui without ever having to re-arrange furniture or sacrife your decor.

-Penny Frulla  for Bridal Expo Chicago