All this wedding talk--what did/would YOU do for a wedding?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

Okay, so it was really only arwalden's poll about bridesmaids, but still--what did/would YOU do for your wedding, if you were to have one?

***************

I think I would have a wedding no matter what--a very simple one. A fair amount of people might be invited, but there wouldn't be bridesmaids or groomsmen or anything like that--just me and my husband-to-be.

I would probably wear a white dress, but not one of those ballooning ballgown things--just something nice, and SIMPLE, as simple would be the theme of the day. And no veil--what am I, a pretty porcelain doll to be auctioned off to the highest bidder? No; thanks all the same. I'll stick to a simple little green circlet. The Mr. can wear whatever he damn well pleases, but I would expect him to tell me, of course, and to have an equal part in the wedding planning in general. I'm sick of how the women seem to do all the work--there are TWO people getting married. :eyes:

I would most definitely want to get married in the fall when the leaves are at their peak, here in the northeast (preferably ME), as near to the ocean as possible without actually being on a beach, and definitely outside. So for decorations--oh, I don't know; I guess some leftover summer greenery things and plenty of red-orange-yellow flowers. I am a big fan of flowers in general. :) I like those latticed archways over the "altar," if they can look fititng for the scene.

Late afternoon ceremony would be simple. Processional--simple but solemn/dignified; I've gotta stay with tradition here and ask for Pachelbel's "Canon" in D, preferably played by live musicians, if I can get 'em. "Processional" itself would just be me walking in from one side while groom walks in from the other side--neither one of us entering before the other, or making a big show of things, just walking in to be joined, maybe with our parents walking beside us--BUT NOT GIVING US AWAY. (:eyes:)

Ceremony itself--justice of peace or some such person presiding. Simple little words--ideally we would write our own vows/expressions of undying love/whatever. No mentions of religion, just love and happiness and all that. Exchange of rings--same thing. Kiss each other--woohoo. :) Officially married.

Recessional--some jazz standard, considerably livelier than processional. Hey, we're fucking married now--we'll flipping dance our way back from that latticed arch if we want to! Ideally the guests would join in if the mood struck them--a bit of jazz and dancing to start the marriage off right. :)

Pics/etc....whatever strikes the mood. I like pictures--just not the process of having them taken. x(

Reception--dinner. Probably a whole bunch of food. :) No attendants, so our parents can do the toasts, and anybody else who has something to say. All in good fun, all appropriate. After we eat is dancing. Ideally a combination of live music and a DJ would be awesome, but I don't know how feasible it could be. I'd want our jazz selections--of which there would be many ;)--to be live, but also plenty of rock 'n roll, which obviously would be best queued up by a DJ. First dance--sure, why not? I'm a huge fan of Elton John's "Your Song"... ;) ;)

Cake sometime--chocolate with white frosting. Willing to compromise on that--so long as there's cake. :P :D :P :evilgrin: More dancing after that, people drinking, whatever.

People leave and go home sometime before daybreak--then new husband and I go away by ourselves. :evilgrin:

*************

And there you have it: my "perfect" wedding, highly unlikely to be fulfilled any time in the next 15 years. ;)

Whatchy'all like for yourselves? Weddings fascinate me....

;)

[kiraboo]

1. There are going to be a LOT of people who have marched

down the aisle to "Canon in D," myself included.

Your wedding sounds very elegant. Not too simple - something to really mark the occasion, but dignified and wonderful.

I had the string quartet. A Catholic wedding (yep, I'm getting divorced) in the church. Only three bridesmaids, all my sisters. I wore an antique all-lace gown with NO puffed sleeves anywhere in sight, but with a very big skirt w/crinoline underskirt padded on each side (very 18th century). Reception at my parent's house on a warm September afternoon. Garden full of flowers, house full of good friends and family. It was lovely. Too bad the groom decided to reveal his ASSHOOD on the drive back from the church. Sigh.

Plan the wedding, but put all the effort into the marriage. You know why.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

28. Yes, indeed.

I'm so sorry for everything going on right now, kira.

:hug:

[kiraboo]

44. Thanks WritingIsMyReligion.

I'm really doing very well, considering!

[WritingIsMyReligion]

45. Always good to hear.

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. I did this...

The dress and hat/veil=Homemade

MrG's boutonniere=Homemade

Justice of the Peace and close family. Pictures at the gazebo..a lunch and then a 4 day weekend in Niagara Falls. I wouldn't change a thing. Everything paid for in cash...and a lifetime of love to look forward to. :hi:

[kiraboo]

4. Gee MrsGrumpy. You two make a truly

fine couple. Somebody is an excellent seamstress/er. Thanks for posting the picture.

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. Aw, thanks kiraboo...

I made it. :)

[kiraboo]

8. I can sew, so I know!

[ScreamingMeemie]

9. It was painful at times, but well worth it.

I've got it packed away... It was linen, which in hindsight was a mistake, but I love it.

[kiraboo]

12. Mine is slowly melting because I never had it properly stored.

I'm not really sentimental that way. Linen is classic.

Have a good night. I'm going to lay me down.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

29. It's been said many times before, but: You two are a fine couple!

:hi:

[miss_american_pie]

3. I had a princess wedding

Got married here.


On a December Saturday in 1999. In a big poofy princess dress, with a veil (because he was marrying me -- not my face), both my parents walked me down the aisle, traditional vows (minus the "obey"), big reception with all our family, where I danced all night and my crazy wedding party requested "If You Wanna Be Happy."

It was a good day.

[kiraboo]

6. I took "obey" out too. I've never regretted it! :)

[WritingIsMyReligion]

30. That's a nice church!

:D

Sounds like lots o fun!

:hi:

[miss_american_pie]

41. Thank you

That's Heainz Chapel, the church on the University of Pittsburgh's campus.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

46. Verra good!

;)

[Redstone]

5. I played "Ode to Joy" on the Autoharp while Mrs R walked out,

escorted by my brother.

Has anyone else played the music at their own wedding?

Redstone

[WritingIsMyReligion]

31. If I married a musician, I think it'd be cool for him/us to do that!

:hi:

[Redstone]

52. Well, there you go. Two easy steps:

1) Find a musician you like.

2) Marry him.

Pretty simple when you break it down to the basics, yes? I know you can do it.

Redstone

[Lady Effingbroke]

10. Mah dream weddin':

Location: Courthouse

Attire: Jeans n' T-shirt (shoes optional). Flip-flops acceptable.

Music: Sound of Sirens (police sirens from yet another drug bust at the pay-by-the-hour motel directly adjoining the courthouse).

Ceremony: Ah-dos n' smoochin'.

Reception: at Jack-In-The-Crack across the street.

Total Cost: $100 (give or take; includes post-nupshul refreshments from 99¢ menu).

:evilgrin:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

32. LOL!

:rofl:

:thumbsup:

:rofl:

[tuvor]

11. We eloped.

17 years ago, and still as happy as if it'd been a "real" wedding.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

33. Hell, if that works for you--go for it!

:thumbsup:

[Magrittes Pipe]

13. All I needed was the right girl.

:thumbsup:

[TheProphetess]

19. That's such a beautiful picture of your wife

and I'm honestly not trying to come on to her but I just had to state the obvious. ;)

[tjdee]

14. To change up the Pachelbel song, you've got to listen to that boy choir

that does a variation on it called "Sanctus"...the choir is called Libera and they're little British boys. The words are in Latin and I'm pretty sure they're religious though... It sounds like a mix of Bach (uh, and Pachelbel LOL) and Enigma (or Enya, or Cirque de Soleil :silly: ) but I'm saving that for my wedding for sure.

Your wedding sounds very nice. I'd go.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

34. Thanks.

Let's all ignore the fact that it is light-years away, shall we? Nothing to see here, folks.....Move along....

:evilgrin:

:hi:

[RevolutionaryActs]

15. I would like to elope.

Seriously.


Just leave on a nice little vacation, come back... and... "Guess what? We got hitched!"

I know, I'm weird.



Edit to add:
It's silly to even plan that, seeing as it will probably nevah happen. :7

[WritingIsMyReligion]

35. Nah, not weird.

:thumbsup:

:hi:

[Ava]

16. if i were to have a wedding it would be very simple

on the beach, barefoot, just a few people, and dressy casual clothes. i've never been a fan of big weddings.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

36. Oooh....barefoot.

I should look into that....

:evilgrin:

:hi:

[radwriter0555]

17. I married at the Beverly Hills Court house. 3 of my best friends, our

2 respective children.

We had champagne at L'Hermitage, and dinner at Hamburger Hamlet on Sunset.

I wore heels, a modern abstract flowered long coat over a light green blouse and white trousers.

Twasn't fancy at all.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

37. 'Twas cool, though!

:hi:

[tjdee]

18. Mine would ideally be big enough to invite and feed a bunch of folks.

I'd like it to be morning or early afternoon so the party can last all night long. I don't like the idea of alcohol there, but I know I'm in the minority on it--I wouldn't mind a champagne brunch.

I want to have the Libera song I mentioned earlier, so that it's Canon but not the same one people have heard...a minister (I guess, though I'm assuming my pretend man won't be too into that)... readings from Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet", probably 2nd Corinthians too... I'd like there to be an environment of love for everyone there, so however you do that, LOL.

Recessional...Ode to Joy.

First song...something of significance to both of us, though ideally it's very, very short. And like you I'd like to have both a DJ and a band playing everything from The Electric Slide to Mahi Ve.

And people better dance, that's an absolute requirement.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

38. My favorite part of the weddings I attended was the dancing.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Reverend_Smitty]

20. I don't think I want to get married...

from everything I've seen in my 22 years on this planet, all marriage seems to do is complicate things. I don't really want kids so I don't see any point in it for me. I have no problem living with my SO, hell I have no problem with throwing a really big party...I guess I'm just not a very formal person. My friends joke that if I get married I'd probably wear a white track suit instead of a dress...see even they know I'm not the marrying type.

Maybe I'm just young and naive, who knows how I'll feel in 5-10 years

[RevolutionaryActs]

21. Wear a black dress and have Tainted Love play as you walk down

the aisle. :rofl: :silly:

[Reverend_Smitty]

22. lol

good thing I wasn't drinking anything when I read that post!!:spray:

[RevolutionaryActs]

23. It'd be priceless.

Maybe one I will have an actual wedding.... just so I can do that! :rofl:

[Reverend_Smitty]

24. I hope you don't have any grandparents from "the old country"

that just might send them over the edge

[RevolutionaryActs]

25. She's not from "the old country", but I'm sure my grandmother would

have a stroke if I did that. But if things keep going like they're going in the romance department, she'll be dead by the time I do get married. :crazy:

[u4ic]

26. I've never given it much thought...

Not that I didn't envision myself getting married, I guess I skipped thinking about the wedding and went straight to the honeymoon...;-)

I don't know what I'd do if I got married...it would either be in my Unitarian church, or outside...I would love the latter, but with my luck, all the guests would come down with West Nile. :rofl:

I would prefer the fall, maybe September - write our own service and vows...I KNOW which minister. Incorporate various traditions (non Christian). Wouldn't wear a typical wedding dress, I don't think. I know a harpist that I would hire.

I've been common law, but never married. I just figure I skipped my first marriage...:D

[TheProphetess]

27. Here's what EstimatedProphet and I did

First, I bought my dress at an "off-price fashion store" (that's their jingle). It was in the evening gown section, not the bridal gown section. It cost around $100. I made my own veil and bouquet (it's easier to do than one would think). Plus, I bought the cutest shoes at Payless for $10! I bought very pretty earrings at the mall (under $10) and even on a small budget, I felt so princess-like and loved the way it turned out:


The Prophet got his tux free b/c the tux place we rented from had a great special and groom's tux was free no matter how many people in the wedding party (and we had a very small wedding party: his best man, my matron of honor, my 15-year-old niece, and a ring bearer with flower girl). The men wore tuxes (so did my dad) and the women wore simple black dresses that did not match (my matron of honor was 6 months pregnant and found a beautiful dress at a maternity store for $20; my niece found a lovely black dress that she was able to wear again at her 8th grade dance for $60; my flower girl wore a white dress from her first holy communion which cost $5 on clearance!). Plus, the guys got a good deal on the tuxes and we told them to wear their own black dress shoes rather than rent the uncomfortable ones. The Prophet wanted his family's tartan (scottish clan) with his clan badge added to the tux so we did that ourselves too.


EP's mother married us (so that saved us from paying a minister or justice of the peace) and it was extra special to have her do it. It was at a gorgeous little chapel on the campus of the college where I used to teach.


Here's a picture of our ring bearer and flower girl. They were so professional and adorable! I made all of the flowers: the men's boutinieres, the bouquets, the flower girl's basket of flowers, and her ring of flowers for her hair.


We used the same flowers I used in my bouquet for accenting the wedding cake. They looked very real (people kept trying to smell them!) and I got them cheap at Pat Catan's craft store. Then, I had read a tip on saving money that said to put your bouquets around the cake table once you get to the reception, so we did that plus had some candles around the table to help it look nice.


We ended up having a very short ceremony - about 20 minutes (but it was very personal since EP's mother performed it) and then a brunch at a wonderful place that helped us have terrific food at a very affordable price. We had around 80 guests (but you have to understand that that's very small for my huge Italian family, all of whom live in the area but it's very large for EP's small family that is spread out all over the country). I personally don't understand those people who drop tens of thousands of dollars on a one-day event. We did a very budget-friendly wedding without losing any of the classiness. Oh yeah, and we had friends who had started a photography business about a year earlier do our wedding pretty cheap (b/c they expected us to help advertise for them, which we did) and they did a great job and had all of our photos online for our guests to view within three days! BTW, the pix I posted were taken with our digital camera by another friend of mine.

[OzarkDem]

40. Lovely wedding, Prophetess!

You and the EP look great! You're both terrific people.

[miss_american_pie]

42. You had a beautiful wedding

Thanks for posting your pictures.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

47. That's awesome!

And, being mildly Scottish, I can sympathize with EP's wishes for the tartan. 'Tis a fine one, for sure!

:hi:

[fizzgig]

39. if i could wing it

it would be a multi-day affair in the country with family and close friends. lots of food, drink, music and dancing

small wedding party, simple dress, barefoot

but one hell of a raging party

on the other hand, there are days the church of elvis sounds nice

[WritingIsMyReligion]

48. See, that's what I want: a good party afterwards.

:evilgrin:

[Iniquitous Bunny]

43. Beach wedding in the Caribbean.

No relatives.
No kids.
Just the two of us for a week of good food, warm weather, some drinks, and a lot of lovin'.

We've decided to have a dinner soon after to appease the relatives after the wedding near home, but in all honesty, it's not for us.

This will be next Winter.

[Burma Jones]

49. Here's what we did.......

My Father in Law always wanted to have one of his three Daughters get married on their front lawn. My wife, beingthe youngest and the last to wed, finally accomodated to her Dad's wishes. My Mother in Law is a Professional Flower Arranger, so you can figure out who did the flowers, and there were tons of them.

Anyway, we drove up from DC to their home in Chappaqua and got there at about ten Friday night for the Sunday (Father's Day BTW) wedding. Out of town guests were staying at the Mount Kisco Holiday Inn, where we also held a pool party/Barbecue for the Rehearsal Dinner Saturday Night into Sunday Morning (this was actually great fun, we had a very funny - goofy lounge pianist/singer, definitely not a Classy Guy) My four brothers were the groomsmen

There were three huge tents set up in the front yard, one for dancin', one for eatin' and one for kitchen and bathrooms (under the same tent - yeech)

We had Gabrielli Music as the processional, we had the standard Reform Judiasm text, signed a Katubah, wed under a canopy and sang "One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story to each other. There were readings, we drank wine from my wife's Kaddish Cup. we smashed, well, lightbulbs (a more reliable smash than a wine glass) everyone yelled Mazeltov (even my Scottish family) and as the strains of Linus and Lucy played, we ended the ceremony.....

We then had dinner and dancing with a DJ under the tents, and then retired to the Newark Airport Mariott to catch teh plane to Denver and our Colorado Rockies Honeymoon......

[Arger68]

50. Got married at the courthouse about 4 blocks from

my office. It took about 5 minutes. We then went to Minneapolis for the afternoon/evening. It was really quite nice, I thought.

[NewWaveChick1981]

51. Summer of 1992...

...Got married in a church (hubby's church) at noon on a hot August day. Ceremony was 15 minutes long---we'd been together for so long that we just needed a legal formality. :rofl: Reception was at a convention center about six miles away. Ate, danced, and left for honeymoon. Had about 200 people there.

Mom made my wedding dress, and it was beautiful. It was candlelight color, not stark white. She had beaded the dress by hand and incorporated things from all the women in my family (a piece of my grandmother's veil, my great-grandmother's petticoat, a button from my aunt's dress, etc.). It's a real heirloom piece! :loveya:

Ya know, this thread is useless without pictures... :P

[clyrc]

53. My husband and I decided that since the Wedding was more for

other people than us, we would let our moms do most of the planning. I think my mom had one of the best 6 months of her life, buying ceramic doves, angels and Batten burg lace table clothes. I got to choose my dress and a church from ones she looked at before hand. I was very busy at college and it meant so much to my mom to prepare for a wedding. It turned out very nice,if much more my mom's thing than mine, and I was just happy to go off on my honeymoon.

My ideal would have been to get married in October in a garden, with a few friends and family and some really good food. But we couldn't get married until December so my husband's family could be there, and I had promised my best friend from high school that she could be my Matron of Honor. My dad wanted my cousin to be a bridesmaid, and my sister could not be left out in that case.

And then my in-laws accompanied us on the first part of our honeymoon....I guess you could call us wimps....

[hunter]

54. Catholic wedding, with a big reception in the park.

I was a little worried just before the wedding that my brothers and my dad would start arguing theology with our Priest as we waited for my bride. Such arguments are a little too common in my family -- we'll argue about damned near anything with anybody. Instead, Thank God, they started to chat happily about fishing while I was standing there terrified, and growing more and more terrified and wobbly as my bride was a little late getting to the church. After that it's sort of a blur. Our vows didn't have the "obey" part, we'd worked that all out beforehand with our Priest.

The reception was a very fine party. The food was all prepared by friends and family. We had between 150 and 200 people, I'm not sure what the final count was. I don't think there was any shortages of food or drink. We only served champagne, wine and beer, mostly because at some of my family's weddings we'd had to clean up a lot of barf, not to mention dragging people out of the bushes, gutters, etc. Typically at my family's weddings we'd wake up the next day and it was like "Who are all these people in my house? Oh, well, at least they didn't drive home like that." My wife had attended some of those weddings and her family is a little more civilized than that.