Many wedding guests look forward to their opportunity to congratulate the bride and groom on their special day. In many cases, these sayings and expressions of good will and good wishes are offered during the wedding reception dinner. Traditionally, such sayings and well wishes are meant to be solemn, heartfelt, and serious.

However, times have changed, and the wedding congratulations sayings in the 21st century can be humorous, whimsical, slightly sarcastic, or downright funny. Through the ages, words of congratulations for wedding couples have been quoted by such literary greats as Robert Frost to those offered by political and religious figures, as well as comedians. Take a look at some of the famous words of congratulations sayings that have been expressed by famous people.

To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up. -  Ogden Nash

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. - Martin Luther

I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner

Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner. - Amy Bloom

Of course, as there are books filled with such words of wedding congratulations and sayings and quotes, but this doesn’t mean the guest speakers at wedding parties and receptions need to rely on such. Originality is always appreciated when it comes to offering congratulations and well wishes. In many situations, words of congratulations from friends and family members are often personal, amusing, and at times even embarrassing.

However, whether such wedding congratulations are cheesy, serious, or downright amusing, well wishes for wedded couples are generally offered from the heart and convey a sense of hope, love, strength, and unity for the newly married couple. So, the next time you’re asked to offer your words of congratulations at a wedding, remember that your words and your wishes should come from the heart, and express your joy for the future happiness of the wedded couple.

One of the best ways to save money on a wedding reception is to create homemade wedding centerpieces. Homemade centerpieces can look elegant and expensive, or they can be simple and tasteful depending on the theme or style of the wedding. There are many ways a centerpiece can be handmade, especially with seasonal items or flower choices, as well as the ability to find a friend or family member who is especially gifted in crafts!

Centerpieces add to the décor and style of the wedding reception, so it is important to design something that will go with the overall affect or theme of the reception room. They should also be styled around the wedding theme - for example, an elaborate centerpiece arrangement would not really go with a beach wedding or vice versa. The centerpiece should be a focal point of a table, but not hinder the ability of guests to socialize with each other or one that requires athletic maneuvering around large vases of flowers or other centerpieces.

Seasonal themed weddings always have the option of incorporating holiday colors and décor into the centerpiece. Fall weddings may include gold or red flowers, and even use mini pumpkins and tea lights as a table centerpiece. Winter weddings have the option of using red and silver colors, with pinecones or other outdoor elements.

Candles are always a great choice for homemade wedding centerpiece ideas, since they provide an elegant ambiance for the wedding reception. Candles are found in many different shapes, colors and price ranges. Floating tea lights in vases with water and flower petals or candelabras with pillar candles are easy to make and simple for any style of wedding. Just choose appropriate colors.

A wedding centerpiece does not have to be expensive in order to be beautiful. There are many designs that can be created with a few dried or fresh flowers, candles or even more unique items that can be incorporated into the décor of the wedding. At the end of the reception, create a small contest for each table and then allow one guest per table to take the centerpiece home, so that they may also enjoy the décor for themselves. If homemade wedding centerpieces are left over, don’t throw them away, but take them to a local nursing home or hospital – they’ll be greatly appreciated!