Traditions at weddings go back a long, long time.  The bridal veil, for example, was worn primarily to ward off the Evil One.  Ivy has been put in the bridal bouquet to bring good luck.  And.... rice has been thrown on the bride and groom to ensure fruitfulness and abundance.

These centuries old traditions are still recognized.  And, new ones are being added - some of them variations on old themes.  Rice, for example, is now being offered as a symbol of best wishes and good luck in the form of lasting momentoes from the wedding.

Scented rice is used for wedding souvenir bags, for honeymoon sachets as well as for novel centerpieces.  And, the rice is colored, too:  blue for fidelity, yellow for cheer, red for passion or in a shade to compliment the wedding's color scheme.

Old traditions do not fade away; they grow stronger by taking on new forms.
 

Scented Tinted Rice
1 cup water
dash of perfume or cologne
1/2 to 1 tsp food coloring
2 1/3 cup (1 lb) uncooked rice

Mix water with food coloring in a bowl.  Stir in perfume.  (Cologne or perfume may also be dashed or sprayed on the rice after it has been dried.)  Then, add rice.  Let stand about 5 minutes or until rice is a shade darker than desired color.  (Color will lighten as rice dries.)  Drain, reserving colored water for next batch.  Then, spread rice in the bottom of jelly roll pan.  Place on preheated voen and pour rice onto paper towels.  Let stand, uncovered, overnight to allow to dry thoroughly.  Makes 36 tablespoons tinted rice or enough for 18 to 36 Rice Souvenir Bags.  Types of rice to use for tinting:  Use regular milled white rice for pastel shades and parboiled rice for darker shades.  Pre-cooked rice is not recommended.
 

Rice Souvenir Bags
To make bags you will need:
Scented tinted rice
sheer close weave fabric (tulle, dotted swiss, etc.)
ribbon

First tint and dry the rice.  Cut fabric into 5" squares and cut ribbon into 4" lengths.  Place 1 tablespoon rice in the center of fabric square.  Bring the 4 corners of fabric together and tie with ribbon.

Souvenir for the Bride
For special souvenir, tie a small replica of a wedding band and small artificial flowers to her Rice Souvenir Bag.

Honeymoon Sachets
The small bags of scented rice may be used as sachets.  The fragrance endures long past the honeymoon.

Tree of Life
Use a natural tree limb about 2-3 feet high with small branches (or a plastic tree).  Paint it white and secure it in a thick block or circle of styrofoam so it will stand alone.  Cover foam with white ribbon.  Tie small colorful bags on the branches.  Place in center of table and surround with additional bags of tinted rice.