Theme Weddings, Lots of Planning, but so much fun!
The search for something different, something memorable and something unusual leads some couples to consider, develop and enact a theme wedding. Such weddings require more than the ordinary amount of planning and more than the normal degree of attention to detail. It is, after all, the details that make a theme party a coordinated, memorable event, as opposed to one that confuses guests and that nobody quite understands.
A theme wedding can, even more than a "regular" wedding reflect a couples' hobbies, personalities, occupations, family traditions, heritage, likes and dislikes. Through the choice and development of a theme, everything from the decor, to location, to food and much more, in some way become a part of the tiny or the grandiose details. These become the wedding couple's signature.
Regardless of what theme a couple chooses, there are several aspects which run through every theme wedding, making the whole affair one unified event. It's best to begin with a search for a venue that is compatible to the theme. A nautical theme logically works best on a ship or a yacht. A ship, yacht, or an old-fashioned river boat can all be charming locations upon which a theme is developed.
A Victorian theme works best in a Victorian era mansion or estate. Even if a venue is transformable through decorations and costume, the more theme-related it is to begin with, the easier the task of setting the mood throughout.
For a Victorian wedding, Hudson Valley couples have several choices . . . a manor set high on the eastern slope of the Hudson River Valley. This setting is in an historically acclaimed mansion, complete with a beautiful view of the Hudson River, built during in the late 1800's, retaining its Victorian architecture, reflecting an ambiance of grace. Or they may choose the former home of British royalty built in the first half of the nineteenth century. This venue reflects the popular architectural flourishes favored by the Victorians which were added in the late 1860's. Or, they may pick a Victorian castle, now a family-owned resort. The search for a theme-specific location can be an exciting and pleasant adventure. It can begin on the Internet at HudsonValleyWeddings.com and expand to other Hudson Valley informational sites.
If the chosen venue does not "come with" a caterer, then it will up to the couple to find one. A creative caterer can prepare menu selections that will tie the food into the theme. There are several Hudson Valley based caterers who specifically advertise theme weddings as an area of expertise. Since a great deal of interaction and coordination with the caterer will be necessary, the initial interview before hiring, is critical. It is incumbent upon the couple to make very clear, in detail, what they want to achieve with their theme wedding and to determine whether the caterer is able to fulfill those needs.
Clothing plays a significant role in setting the tone of a theme. The couple will be required to exercise their imaginations and their creativity. To this end, a visit to one or more libraries, a large bookstore, or a school of fashion (e.g., Parsons and Fashion Institute of technology in New York City) are all excellent resources for determining what clothing and what costumes are appropriate. The couple needs to decide whether just they themselves, or they and the bridal party or all the guests will be asked to come "in theme." Renting or buying theme-related clothing can be expensive and/or difficult to find. "Dressing up" may seem like fun to some, but may be an uncomfortable imposition to others. In this vein, it is critical that the prospective bride and groom know their guests really well.
It is the couple's responsibility as host and hostess to give their bridal party and/or their guests several resources, shops which sell or rent theme-related clothing. They may themselves use and direct their guests to any number of regional resources, everything from a kilt maker to a dress designer who can fashion any costume from scratch or can custom-design any wedding attire, to a costume supply shop with a theatrical department's costume collection.
Creativity gets challenged in the use of theme-related party favors. Victorian fans are not too difficult to make using sheets of paper from old wallpaper sample books. The pages are fan-folded and a thin strip of tape and matching thin ribbon are tied into a bow and attached at the bottom. Victorian or Victorian-looking women's lace handkerchiefs add a lovely touch. If the bride and groom are fortunate, searches at antique stores may net enough for all the women who are invited to the wedding. If not, intimate apparel shops may carry "copies."
Once the theme is set and the location is found, it is time to generate a guest list and pick out invitations. Many well-stocked printers and invitation shops can help the couple carry out their wedding theme or style with invitation and accessories to match.
Music can also be used to stay in theme. A string quartet or harpist will bolster the Victorian theme. A Rock & Roll band will be the center of a sock hop. Period pieces and instruments to match the theme are critical.
Now that we have discussed the logistics, it's time to make some suggestions of possible themes. There are "the eras" such as Medieval (476-1450), Renaissance (1450-1600), Elizabethan (1550-1650) and Victorian (1837-1901). Couples might also consider the Roaring 20's, the Swingtime 40's, Rock & Roll of the 50's, the Flower Child generation of the 60's (Can you see the flowers in their hair and the tie-dye shirts?), and not to be forgotten, the New Millennium theme. The choice of era has the party run from elegant to bawdy and location can be the pivotal point around which the event will rotate.
There are also a variety of what might be called "lighter" themes, such as sock hops, disco, and masquerade/costume themes. Here too the location is important, but can be much less extravagant. A fire house or fraternal hall can work well with a dance theme. A masquerade or costume theme can work well in almost any space. Themes can be connected to a particular season or holiday, such as autumn or Halloween. They can find their foundation on a specific historical or ethnic group, like Western weddings, Scottish or Irish themes, which range from spurs to shamrocks. There are Cinderella Weddings, complete with Prince Charming and a coach with horses and Country Western themes where the bride and groom arrive in a horse and buggy and country music fills the air.
Brides and grooms may also select an historic site that can be a restored or preserved historic setting or a site decorated in vintage style such as Victorian or roaring twenties. Most historic sites ask for a fee that is paid to rent the location. Many do not provide food or beverages. Ask the site manager for a list of recommended caterers. Make certain that the kitchen and all other facilities are adequate for the number of people and type of meal you are having.
The selection of Hudson Valley venues runs the gamut from period homesteads, classic villas and country manors, estates, historic homes, intimate rooms, rental halls, hotel ballrooms, restaurants, private golf-yacht-country clubs, outdoor or at-home weddings, wedding "emporiums," bed and breakfasts, inns and wineries, to seasoned barns, parks, and gardens. Each venue offers its own flavor and each can be adapted with some effort to a theme wedding.
Flowers contribute to every wedding and so too with a theme wedding. In Victorian times, for example, the flowers in a bride's bouquet became messages because each flower had its own special meaning. The symbolic and legendary meanings of flowers dates back to the Elizabethan era, but it was the Victorians who actually assigned simple messages to individual flowers. Flower Language was introduced to the Swedish court in 1714 by Charles II and flower language spread throughout Europe.
This was a period where expressions of feeling were restricted by etiquette and conformity, so men and women came to use the beauty and color of flowers to express emotions which they could not express in other ways. Flowers became a vehicle for the expression of wishes and thoughts. Flower selection became a carefully thought about and planned activity, so that the appropriate sentiment, though or wish could be conveyed without being spoken.
In truth the theme of a wedding can be as far as the couple can dream. There really are no firm rules, but couples will want to stay true to the theme or the concept will become diluted. This is a wonderful way in which wedding couples, their families and friends can create a memorable event that stands apart from others. If a couple can dream it, they can theme it!
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