My Big Fat Feng Shui Wedding

Here's how you can say "I do" to Feng Shui

Selena Summers , author of "Feng Shui in 5 Minutes", answers your most commonly asked questions

What is the luckiest wedding dress color?

Off-white, cream, ivory, or even pearly shades are luckier and more energizing than plain white. Even better, include a tiny splash of red somewhere, "the color of happiness" (as the Chinese call it), to increase good vibes. This might be wicked plum underwear or a scarlet garter for you, or a red bow tie or jacket on your driver's uniform. But if you've already fallen truly, madly, deeply for a classic white dress, make sure you include a little color in your flowers, hairpiece or bouquet.

Are there any extra lucky dates for my wedding day?

Choose a date that ends in 8 or 9, or which adds up to 8, such as the 17th. 8 is excellent number for love while 9 suggests a love which lasts for ever and brings completion.

What dangers lurk when it comes to 'something borrowed, something blue?'…

Most brides follow tradition and wear 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' Feng Shui says it's important to receive these items from happily-married people, because each item transfers marriage qi, or marriage energy to you.

Any tips on fortunate table shapes for receptions?

Wine at receptions can inflame any feuds. Ensure your reception shapes up by choosing round, oval or octagonal tables to encourage harmony. Square or rectangular tables deepen conflict so avoid seating guests who dislike each other on opposite sides of these tables.

Are there any special symbols of harmony I can feature on my big day?

Releasing doves or butterflies ~ symbols of peace, harmony and eternal love ~ near the wedding couple is fabulous Feng Shui and a poetic spectacle for photographers. I know a bride who married inside a large butterfly enclosure in a zoo. Butterflies whirled everywhere and alighted all over her veil. She jokes this kept butterflies in her wedding photos, where they belonged, not in her tummy!

Butterflies are extra lucky for anyone who's a Dog in the Chinese zodiac (born 1922,1934,1946,1958,1970,1982,1994 ) as it's their yin lucky charm. . You could also feature dove or butterfly sculptures on your wedding cake, wear jeweled butterflies on your veil, or wear a tiny butterfly nail ornament.

I love crystals. How can I use their special magic on my wedding day?

Everyone knows clear quartz crystals are Feng Shui cures. Not so many know that crystal dinnerware and chandeliers are also celestial cures, because they reflect light. For luck, take wedding photos under crystal chandeliers, add crystal candlesticks to your bridal table or include sparkling crystal tableware on your gift registry. You could wear crystals on your dress, veil or shoes. Crystal beading also looks exotic rimming dainty tea-lights on tables!

Someone who's dear to me can't attend my wedding. Is there a ritual to soothe my heart-ache?

Many brides have a loved one who's passed on, or who can't attend the wedding because of illness or distance. Place a red flower, preferably a rose, on your bridal table, to mark their place in your heart.

What does Feng Shui say about wedding day music?

Music is pure harmony "the laughter of the gods." Record the music from your day-of-days to play in later years, on anniversaries or special moments. Imagine listening to your bridal waltz 20 years later, with your children!

I'm a nature lover and don't want a stiff, formal wedding. Any ideas? Pssst! We're also short of money!

It's fabulous Feng Shui to invite Mother Nature to your wedding by holding your ceremony at a beach, garden or park. Everyone relaxes, there's harmony in the air and you save enough for a hefty house deposit or honeymoon splurge. Writing your own vows or ceremony is also great Feng Shui because you bring your own true essence to the day.

Please suggest a few unusual ideas for my wedding ceremony.

Fans are one of the nine celestial cures in Feng Shui and will adapt very well to your wedding ceremony. Many movie stars and celebrities carry small lacy fans on their arms as a novel note. Consider wedding invitations shaped like semi -circular fans, or use small fans as place-markers on tables, with guest names lettered in gold by an arty friend. Guests will also appreciate small fans as keepsakes, or to revive themselves if things heat up. You'll find this ancient symbol of romance and good fortune has countless uses for the modern bride!

By Selena Summers