The CFHFP: Session II

Let's see what's in the Cry for Help Fanny Pack this week. Lauren from New York writes:

"Dear Madman,
Is there a quick answer to wedding design?
Thanks,
Lauren
p.s. Love the new banner ad at the bottom of the blog. You're so with it."

Dear Lauren,

Thanks for reading! The truth is, there's a quick answer to all things. And when it comes to weddings, that quick answer is theme. It's also the word I used most often at our last wedding update meeting at the local Barnes & Noble ... when I'd happened to space out.

2E's:  ... so, considering all that, I think it has to be the red, then, right?
1E:  Yup. That'll go great with the theme.
2E's:  You sure?
1E:  So thematic.

When designing a wedding, one should begin with a theme, a premise, a visual palette from which to draw inspiration. Let's take the board game Monopoly for instance  (after all, the cufflinks from Inspiration #12 were a huge hit). Here's our Monopoly Wedding in a nutshell:

1. There's not much wiggle room with ceremonies - it's the same sequence of events no matter what the theme. But the accents make a huge impression. Imagine, rather than a traditional Flower Girl, we had a non-traditional Monopoly Money Girl, tossing ones and fives and five hundreds at her feet, the white aisle runner now caked in a rainbow of fake cash, the bills snapping beneath the bride's heels as she begins her processional. Awe-inspiring.

2. The Officiant should reflect the theme, as well. A Jaws-themed wedding, for instance, might feature a Reverend with a Richard Dreyfuss vibe, or someone wearing a plastic shark head. In our scenario, we need a rich, withered old man with a cane and a beard and enough enthusiasm to stand. Like the Six Flags mascot, but less creepy. And rather than reciting the same tired vows, the Officiant might ask,

OFF: Do you vow to drive each other into debt and treat each other with nothing but poor sportsmanship and disrespect?
B&G: We do.
OFF: You may now kiss the thimble.

3. The dress: a wonderful vintage ensemble. Also, notice our bride-model is holding up a sample of the wedding invitation. Inside it reads: "Dear So-and-So, Is there a CHANCE you could come to our wedding?" Guests then respond with either a Yes card or a Get-Me-Out-of-Going-to-Your-Wedding Free card.

Inside the invitation will also be a note about the gift registry. It might read: "You can now GO to Crate & Barrel. You can now COLLECT $200 and get us a gift for at least that much." See, when we include the theme, it entices the guests to give more. It's a game where we all win! Notice how both the dress and invite are great examples of going "modern" without losing "class."

4. The reception is where we let our imagination run wild. The escort cards: game pieces, of course. The table names: Oriental Avenue, St. James Place, Marvin Gardens, Park Place, etc. The buffet stations: railroads. And the most crucial ingredient: the centerpieces.

A centerpiece with as much class as the white folding chairs that surround it. Well done, Lauren. Well done.