Ask Ann: Theme Weddings
We’d like our wedding to be different and special, so we are thinking of having a theme wedding. Where do we begin?
A: If you wish to add some unique touches, consider simple themes such as using only three colors in your palette, or look into your ethnic or religious customs. To go further, perhaps places to which you have traveled would serve as a theme. Might you share a sport or interest that could be incorporated into your plans? Check the calendar — does your wedding date fall near a holiday whose symbols and colors you might use? Consider if you want your theme to be understated, quietly running throughout the event, or if you want your theme to be showcased in every area of your event. Be aware that theme weddings can sometimes tend to cause one to go overboard into the cutesy realm!
In what ways can we express our theme? I only seem to see favors as a way to use themes at weddings. How else can we demonstrate our theme choice?
You could make your theme show up in your wedding papers, flowers and containers, ceremony and reception site, ceremony readings, cake, music, favors, wedding party attire and even your transportation!
If we have a theme wedding, can we ask our guests to wear certain attire? For example, can we ask them to all wear white? Or all wear Hawaiian clothing?
Sorry, it is not considered good form to request that one’s guests wear specific clothing. Guests should be able to dress in clothing they already own, in which they are comfortable. Their only expense should be their gift to you. (Think of your wedding reception as an extravagant dinner party. Would you invite a guest to dinner, and then tell her to be sure to wear her blue dress?)
How do we incorporate our theme of “New Hampshire” in an obvious way? We want to do more than just “themed favors.”
Consider having your attendants garbed in soft colors that will blend nicely with bouquets of the New Hampshire state flower, the purple lilac, and the state wildflower, the Pink Lady Slipper. Leaves from the state tree, the white birch, could provide the greenery. Favors might be small jugs of New Hampshire maple syrup. Centerpieces might be bordered with chips of our state rock, granite, small bits of smoky quartz, and beryl, the state’s gem and mineral, respectively. If religious, a couple might incorporate readings from the works of the state’s two religion founders, Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science) and Ann Lee (Shakers). If you like poetry, consider the works of Donald Hall, Jane Kenyon and/or Robert Frost, all poets laureate of New Hampshire. Purchase some Peterborough Baskets and have your florist fill them with flowers for your ceremonial altar. Instead of having numbered tables, name each table a different place, such as The Mount Washington Table, The Balsams Table, The Deerfield Fair Table, etc. To complete your effort, share the information in your program so guests will understand the symbolism and appreciate the fine details.
Whatever couples choose to do — themed or not — their weddings will always be special because everyone’s wedding is already different because it is the couple’s, and there are no two couples who are exactly alike. Happy Planning! NHB
Contact Ann at BridalWed@aol.com.
