Dress Code
The dress code goes hand in hand with your theme. If you choose a historical wedding, the bride and groom should be clad in more elaborate outfits than the rest of the guests. Speaking of guests, you must decide early on if it is just the bridal party that is participating in the theme or if the guests are expected to dress the part as well. If you do request your guests' participation, offer some as to what an acceptable outfit would be.
The Invitations
Make the invitations appropriate to the situation. If you are having a medieval wedding, have the invitations printed on parchment or hand-made paper. If you are having a western wedding, have the invitations printed on old-fashion "wanted" posters. Keep in mind that if guests are expected to dress in a special style or to rent costumes, you should make sure that the invitations are sent out early.
The Location
Try to save yourself some trouble by finding a location that already has an appropriate decor. For Victorian and medieval weddings, old restaurants and inns sometimes have beautiful stone walls and roaring fireplaces. For a 50's wedding, try to reserve an old-fashion diner. If you cannot find a suitable place in your area, try to find a hall that has potential and that will allow you to redecorate appropriately.
Flowers & Centerpieces
Make the centre piece theme appropriate. In the case of a medieval wedding, candles in a wreath of sweet grasses, leaves and vines are very period appropriate. Stay away from big floral arrangement. For a Victorian wedding, floating flowers and scattered rose petals capture the romance of the era. If you are having a Halloween wedding, a carved pumpkin in the center of each table is a lovely touch.
The Menu
Let the menu be an intricate part of the setting. For a medieval wedding, you will want to consider game such as venison or boar. For Victorian weddings cured ham and roast duck were all the rage. It is not necessary that the menus be perfectly true to the period, after all no one will notice.
Wedding Favors
Turn the wedding favours into part of the decoration. Small leather-looking pouches filled with sweets make a beautiful addition to a medieval table as miniature wedding boots do to a Victorian table. If you are having a Vegas-style Elvis wedding, funky sunglasses add a special something to the party, and a double as a fun accessory.
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