Feng Shui CompassTranslating as ‘wind and water’, the art of feng shui is an ancient Chinese aesthetic system of determining the most appropriate locations of objects for a harmonious life. A fundamental concept at the heart of the feng shui concept is enabling energy – or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) – to flow freely within a space. This energy symbolizes life, health, prosperity and everything that is positive to us.

Feng shui your venue

In order to apply the ancient principles of Feng Shui to your wedding seating plan, you need to pay close attention to the layout of your reception room. Any areas of the room or hall that jut out, appear sharp or look like a blade or knife must be partitioned off. Windows must not be covered and tables should not block the windows, giving space for the Qi energy to circulate freely and create a party atmosphere.

Feng shui seating plan

According to feng shui, tables should be large and round, as tables with edges and ‘cutting’ shapes attract conflict and problems. They need to be placed evenly throughout the room, making sure that none are enclosed in a corner area. Traditionally, Chinese brides sit with the groom and his family at a right hand table, with the bride’s family seated at a left-hand table. When seating your guests, ensure that husbands and wives, or partner pairs, are not seated opposite each other. Guests with similar interests or of a similar age should be matched up in the seating plan to achieve a compatible and harmonious environment between guests.

Decorating your venue

When you are decorating your venue, you need to be looking to check that there are no dark spots or corners – this would be an obstacle for the flow of Qi energy. Resolve this by placing a plant or light in the dark space. Plenty of light in your room will indicate your wish to have a bright future ahead of you. Side lighting and natural light is preferential to overhead lighting.

‘Something borrowed, something blue’

Blue is the feng shui colour for peace and serenity. It is considered auspicious to borrow something from someone who you consider to have a happy marriage and a happy family. In this way, the energy of that person’s happiness will be transferred to your wedding day.

Colour schemes

You can even bring Feng Shui into your wedding colour scheme. You could consider incorporating the colours of the energy created by the five elements into your reception venue, i.e.:

  • WOOD: plants, flowers. Colours – green and brown
  • FIRE: candles, triangular shapes. Colour – red
  • EARTH: rocks, pottery, ceramics. Colours – earthy colours
  • METAL: metal candle holders. Colour – white
  • WATER: mirrors, water features. Colour – blue

For the feng shui purist, there are a lot of very detailed placements and choices that need to be made in order to ensure a venue is designed to optimise the positive energy that would enhance a wedding reception. In this instance, it is probably best to consult a feng shui professional, who will consider all aspects of the venue, colour scheme, furniture, decorations and even your own birth dates and marriage date, and then create the best feng shui design for a truly harmonious start to your married life.

References:

http://fengshui.about.com
http://www.fengshuicrazy.com
http://www.fengshui-magazine.com/intro.htm

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