Location, location
Jill Sternheimer
Whether you’re a Fancy Nancy or a Rock ’n Roll Rebel, the perfect setting for your wedding must capture your personality and mood. Here’s a list of locales to make your dream wedding come true (however creative or zany):
IF YOU ARE...
The Drama Queen THE MOOD:
You’re Daddy’s little princess. Why not give your hand to your prince in a true house of romance - a castle? You’ll join the likes of Madonna, Paul McCartney and Ashley Judd. THE DECOR: At the entrance, set up an ice sculpture, perhaps a castle or royal watchdog, for example. Inside, add a breathtaking glow to the ancient dwelling’s antiquated stone with candles galore at the altar, windowsills and arches. Hang large banners and family crests on the walls. And on tables, place glass slippers and white twinkle lights for a fairy tale look. For extra magic, provide sparklers for guests to light during the toast. (Of course make sure they’re legal in your state.)
THE ROYAL WEDDING MIX: Burn a CD of musical royalty: Duke Ellington; Prince; The King, Elvis Presley; and the Queen of Soul, Aretha. The CD can double as a fun wedding favor. Another option is to hire a bagpipe player to play traditional wedding music. Fees range from $100 to $350 for 15 minutes. (Learn more at the website: pipeband.com) Still another option: hire woodwind, flute and harp players dressed up in medieval costume.
THE APPAREL: A tiara is a must.
TO FIND A CASTLE: Call your local chamber of commerce to find out about majestic dwellings in your immediate vicinity. Looking for a land far, far away? Begin by calling Scottish Wedding Consultants at 1-866-794-3675.
ON LINE RESEARCH: To view different castles all over the world, check the Internet for the site www.castles.org. You’ll come across personal websites of newlyweds who have had their weddings at castles. One such site? http://www.blackpondfarm.com/castlewedding.htm. Here a young couple named Brenda and Tim posted beautiful pictures and an in-depth wedding journal with helpful hints. Brenda says, “We made all the arrangements online.”
DRAWBACKS: Because castles are generally public landmarks, you’ll likely be sharing the entrance and hallway with tourists.
EXTRAS: Send out fairy tale-themed invitations. For the reception day, hire an actor (or friend) to dress as a court jester and oversee the guest registry — a scroll of paper and fountain pen. For more magic and enchantment, arrange for a dry ice machine to cover the dance floor when it’s time for the first dance.
The Mountain Mama THE MOOD: Walk down the aisle on top of the world when you say “I do” atop a mountain like Kate Hudson and Chris Robinson.
THE MUSIC: Mountains call for bluegrass country flavor. Imagine Here Comes the Bride played on a fiddle and mandolin. Check out an Alison Krauss disc Now That I’ve Found You that’s full of romantic bluegrass tunes for a first dance.
THE FOOD: A family-style barbecue will get your guests stompin’ their feet. As an extra, brand your steaks with your names or initials — “Kathy + Ted” or “K + T”. To order a personalized branding iron, go to http://www.westernwithattitude.com/.
APPAREL: Cowboy boots are a must.
HOW TO FIND YOUR MOUNTAINTOP: The National Parks Website will give the lowdown on necessary permits and rules for your day. Call the Chamber of Commerce to get information on nearby mountains and lodgings.
ONE BRIDE’S EXPERIENCE: Newly-wed Kathy Weinkle, 28, of Seattle says, “The mountains with their natural beauty, grandeur, and grace were just perfect our families and friends. The party started with our wedding and continued all weekend with twenty close friends.”
The High School Honeypie THE MOOD: Opt for a sentimental trip down memory lane by holding your wedding in your high school gymnasium. You’ll evoke oh-so-sweet memories, as well as the comfort and casualness of the good ol’ days.
DECORATING COMMITTEE: Hang up streamers and balloons in the school colors. During the exchange of the vows, guests can sit on bleachers. At the reception, they can move to the big round tables down on the floor.
THE ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE: A DJ can play love songs from your high school days. Ask the school band and cheerleaders to make an appearance.
THE FOOD COMMITTEE: When 33-year-old Bryn Johnson celebrated her wedding to Larry Goldberg in New York City, they ordered from their favorite take-out Chinese place and set up a serving station at the back of the gym. They even used trays from the cafeteria!
THE BRIDAL PARTY FROCKS: Plan for the bridesmaids to wear vintage prom dresses. Spend a girls-day-out at vintage stores or even the Salvation Army to find the garbs.
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE: Just like when you were in school, no alcohol or smoking is allowed on the premises.
TO RENT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL GYM: Call your local high school directly. Every school district differs, but usually you’ll need to file a permit with the superintendent.
ONE BRIDE’S EXPERIENCE: With a very diverse group of friends, Bryn said, “The gym was so casual that it put everyone at ease. It made socializing more natural.” Jill Sternheimer is a freelance broadcast journalist.