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Dream Theme It’s OK to transform your wedding day into a masquerade ball or ski-themed extravaganza – as long as you follow these key steps 
A theme doesn’t have to be outlandish to leave an impression. “A lot of people have a misconception over what exactly a theme wedding is,” says Melissa Bowersox, a bridal consultant with Once Upon a Wedding, Ellicott City, Md. “I think each wedding needs some kind of theme just because if you can come up with a common thread, it makes all the decisions that much easier. You’re not wasting time poring over things that are not going to fit the kind of mood you’re trying to get.” Bowersox says she’s done themes as simple as roses to more elaborate baseball-themed receptions at Baltimore’s Camden Yards. Follow these basic dos and don’ts to make your theme a homerun: Do respect the ceremony “The ceremony is usually a more serious, spiritual time,” Bowersox says. “The reception is the celebration, and that’s where you can really show off your personalities.” Do explain the theme to your guests Write a personal note with the invitation explaining exactly what you’re doing and why, and have a “phone circle” of close friends call guests to answer questions, suggests Robin Kring, author of “Storybook Weddings: A Guide to Fun and Romantic Theme Weddings,” (Meadow-brook Press, 1999). Do think twice about costumes If you’re planning a Halloween wedding and envision a grand masquerade ball, you’re likely to have guests show up as Britney Spears or Simon Cowell. Provide masks or other easy props for guests to join in the theme. Don’t rule out theme weddings as hokey In her book, “Something Old, Something New: 701 Creative Ways to Personalize Your Wedding,” (Meadowbrook Press, 1997), Becky Long suggests some subtle themes such as a Renaissance reception at an art museum (think velvet and satin) or an indoor garden party in winter. Don’t go overboard “I actually had a bride contact me once who wanted a murder-mystery theme,” Kring says. “And I actually helped her plan it. But I really stressed to her that a theme should complement a wedding, not overpower it.” |
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