Beauty and the Beast wedding theme

fredettea1

Hi everyone!
My fiancé are recently engaged and have just started planning (our projected wedding date is either 10/31/14 or 11/1/14) and we have decided on a Beauty and the Beast theme. We don't want the reception or ceremony to shove "THIS IS DISNEY" down our guests throats. Our color scheme is Navy Blue, Gold, and Red. We have a few ideas (like the red rose under a glass covering as center pieces and a chandelier over the dance floor) but I was wondering if anyone has any input on anything else we can do to include the Beauty and the Beast theme without making it look extremely childish. Any feedback would be great!

Thank you!

Jen4948

Well, don't have anyone wear a Beast costume or dress up as clocks or candlesticks.

I think the ideas you've come up so far are reasonable, and I think I'd let it go at that.

GoodLuckBear14

Stacks of books as part of the centerpieces.  You can put the glass cloche and red rose on top.

*Belle is the only Disney princess I like (well, at least until Disney aquires Princess Leia) and her intellectual curiosity and love of reading is a big reason why.

HobokensFury

The rose and books are great ideas. How about using clocks and candelabras? Also you can look into AA's Belle dresses.

MyNameIsNot

Am I the only one that jumps to the conclusion that Beauty and the Beast wedding means that you think the groom is a beast?  

Maybe I just can't take a child's story/movie as a wedding theme seriously, no matter which story you pick.  

Sassenach1743

I would save the covered red rose centerpeice for your sweetheart table and use golden candelabras on all the other tables. If you want to use red roses in all your centerpeices then great, it will look very elegant. I just think if you save the covered rose for your bridal table it will make a better statement.

Use the books on the escort card table; make the escort cards themselves bookmarks with golden tassels and insert them into the books, alphabetize the books highlighting the first letter so that guests know to pull the book that their last name starts with to find their escort card.

Find a beautiful clock and set it on the guestbook table. No clever quotes needed... if people know the story/movie they will see the significance of these pieces and it won't come across as over done. 

Start collecting pretty china tea cups and saucers to use for the cake and after dinner coffee/ tea service. 

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_beauty-and-the-beast-wedding-theme?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:6fab01b3-65ac-4e04-a521-010074a6bf65Post:5b32c05f-a9fb-466d-bc90-20166cf92bb5">Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>Am I the only one that jumps to the conclusion that Beauty and the Beast wedding means that you think the groom is a beast?</strong>   Maybe I just can't take a child's story/movie as a wedding theme seriously, no matter which story you pick.  
Posted by MyNameIsNot[/QUOTE]

<div>Nope.</div>

Avion22

Stage, I usually agree with you, but if I went to a "Beauty and the Beast" themed wedding, I don't think I could possibly detach the beauty of the story from the fact that the couple are essentially likening the bride to "Beauty" and the groom to "The Beast" -- and I would wonder if the groom was okay with that.   My husband would not be.   

OP, I think the suggestions you received here are good.  Small touches go a long way with a theme, especially an easily-recognizable (and pehaps controversial) one like this.    

annieoldfield

Stage knows whats up.

cwaggoner07

I kind of agree that it's hard not to think of the bride being the Beauty and the groom being the Beast.
When my brother got married last year, I was a bridesmaid, and the bridesmaids walked down the aisle to Beauty and the Beast (instrumental), which is a beautiful song. However, it did strike me as odd that as I'm walking down the aisle to this song, my FSIL (who I love) could effectively be calling my brother a beast.
I get the undertones and theme of the classic story, but at face value it's hard to ignore the oddity.

GoodLuckBear14

Does nobody else remember the end of the story?  The beast wasn't a beast at all, he was a prince.

AdeleDazeem

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_beauty-and-the-beast-wedding-theme?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:6fab01b3-65ac-4e04-a521-010074a6bf65Post:7eb71f67-20bb-498c-a5e7-a8f71d7ff7d7">Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme</a>:
[QUOTE]Does nobody else remember the end of the story?  The beast wasn't a beast at all, he was a prince.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]

I know the message of the story is that it is what is inside not what is outside that matters.  I get it, but I'm not sure how lovingly I could say to my husband "On the inside, you are beautiful and perfect, but on the outside, you look like a beast.  But don't worry, I'm the pretty one here."  Eeeeeeh... it just doesn't sit well with me.

Don't get me wrong - I think the story is wonderful and tells a beautiful message.  But, getting across that message required certain characters to fill roles in both looks and personalities.  On our wedding day, I wouldn't want to be drawing attention to all that...  just that we love each other.

This is why weddings shouldn't have themes beyond, ya know, marriage.

EDIT: I will say that the ideas on this thread to subtly bring in the theme are really good.  I love the idea of a dark wood, book centerpieces, red roses, and the color scheme.

annieoldfield

Or yknow, they might just want the theme because they both love the film?! 

LuckyGirl1713

I have to agree with Stage and I think this theme as long as it is done tastefully will work very well. I love the idea!

renegade gaucho

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_beauty-and-the-beast-wedding-theme?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:6fab01b3-65ac-4e04-a521-010074a6bf65Post:a565d603-1edf-49f4-96b8-0bc470746bc5">Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme</a>:
[QUOTE]Beast magically changes his personality to become less abusive - yeah, right.
Posted by CMGr[/QUOTE]

Thank you!  Beauty and the Beast is not a love story.

WonderfulSavior

OH MY....first off- CONGRATS on your engagement!!  : )
I can't believe how quickly people have been to stomp out your dream of this theme.  I personally LOVE this story and think it's super romantic.  It isn't saying your FH is a beast by any means...it is saying you fell in love because of different reasons than LOOKS. 
It's one of my FAV Disney movies. 
I, too, am doing a "Fairy Tale" themed wedding.  I dont find anything wrong with that AT ALL.
HAVE AT IT, girl!  ITS YOUR DAY!

Alice8908

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_beauty-and-the-beast-wedding-theme?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:6fab01b3-65ac-4e04-a521-010074a6bf65Post:98039fe2-e34c-47ee-943a-98413fc0731b">Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme</a>:
[QUOTE]OH MY....first off- CONGRATS on your engagement!!  : ) I can't believe how quickly people have been to stomp out your dream of this theme.  I personally LOVE this story and think it's super romantic.  It isn't saying your FH is a beast by any means...it is saying you fell in love because of different reasons than LOOKS.  It's one of my FAV Disney movies.  I, too, am doing a "Fairy Tale" themed wedding.  I dont find anything wrong with that AT ALL. HAVE AT IT, girl!  ITS YOUR DAY!
Posted by WonderfulSavior[/QUOTE]

<div>my fiance and I have decided on doing a beauty and the beast theme his idea not mine his reasoning is because he felt he was a beast untill we met and then he started to see himself as more of a prince the idea being that like in beauty and the beast she saw the beauty in him when no one else did and when my fiance and i got together it was the same thing. I have never seen my future husband as a beast nor will i ever that was his belief and his demons. thing is it's the same with any theme you have to think what it ment to the couple not the litteral idea </div>

ckjones66

My daughter's wedding is June 15th and she has chosen Beauty and the Beast.  It isn't over the top but in mute colors that show the mature side of the story line.  She  has chosen centerpieces with candelabra and flowing flowers.  On her sweetheart table there is on single rose in a globe that appears to be hovering.  Candles surround the centerpiece to add that glow.  Her table is the only one so it stands out.  The menu cards have the quote from the movie and the escort cards have a silhouette of the Beast and Belle.
I think you idea is wonderful as it is a romance that is created spite the difference and prejudices of others.  It is a true test of Love to overcome all those obstacles.  Don't let anyone discourage you.

montrokj192

Hi There! 

  My FI and I are also having a Beauty and the Beast themed wedding.  We are less than a month away!  We also picked the same colors as you!  If you email me at montrokj192@potsdam.edu I can send you pictures of some of our finished ideas--won't let me attach them here. Here are some ideas we are using: 

Beauty and the Beast Ideas for Ceremony:

·         Lanterns with flameless candles on top of books/Instead of ring bearer pillow use a book with a teacup on top of it to hold the rings

i

     Beauty and the Beast Ideas for Reception

·         Floating roses as centerpieces

·         Mirror seating chart

·         West wing plaque

·         Candelabra’s

·         Candles with aqua beads

·         Menu with Be Our Guest lyrics

·         Seeds and chocolate for favors

·         Beauty and the Beast cake & topper

·         Book card box

·         I saw a great photo at a fair yesterday - the couple was doing their first dance to "Beauty and Beast", and part way through the groom took his jacket off. To reveal a sign taped to his back saying "I'm the Beauty!"

·         Be Our Guest when dinner is ready 

m

m

my

montrokj192

Nvm I figured out how to attach items New here--we also named out tables things like Happily Ever After, The Enchanted Rose, etc.  We are also arriving in a vintage Bentley to bring in that fairy tale feel. The book in the pictures is the book I will be attaching my teacup to to hold the rings. I used a picture frame and mirror paint to create the seating chart... yet to add names.   

montrokj192

Here is some more inspiration for you  

Dreamergirl8812

Can't you use those beautiful decorations without having a disney theme? I don't understand themed weddings. The theme is wedding, family, and hosting your guests. I understand the disney story is meaningful to you and your fiance, but you aren't the only people who will be there. Having any theme just seems juvenile.

alithebride

so skip the disney angle and use the original story.

but yeah-saying your FI is a hideous reclusive beast just doesn't work for me. And I  hope you can fall under the 'beauty' category.

JoanE2012

Dreamergirl8812 said:

Can't you use those beautiful decorations without having a disney theme? I don't understand themed weddings. The theme is wedding, family, and hosting your guests. I understand the disney story is meaningful to you and your fiance, but you aren't the only people who will be there. Having any theme just seems juvenile.

This.  I find themes silly.  Every time I see them I feel like it's two kids planning their prom.....it's hard to imagine these are two ADULTS getting MARRIED.  

shaylagirl

montrokj192 said:

Beauty and the Beast Ideas for Ceremony:

·        Instead of ring bearer pillow use a book with a teacup on top of it to hold the rings

I don't see how that idea could go wrong at all. 

chaiteachick

I think that the tasteful, adult decoration ideas--shying away from anything too literal--sound great. I really don't see anything wrong with taking inspiration from a story, a location, a time period, or anything else--it promotes continuity with the look and feel of the wedding, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with calling that a "theme," regardless of what others have to say. It's not their wedding--it's yours!  

I'm considering having my dress designed based on the look and feel of the Swan Lake ballet. I can hardly wait for people to jump down *my* throat about *that.* 

Seriously, though, done well, this could be fantastic! I especially like the second board, with the very subtle references, that montrokj posted. Good luck! 

OwningAHome1981

Joy2611 said:

In Response to Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme:

Does nobody else remember the end of the story?  The beast wasn't a beast at all, he was a prince.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14

I know the message of the story is that it is what is inside not what is outside that matters.  I get it, but I'm not sure how lovingly I could say to my husband "On the inside, you are beautiful and perfect, but on the outside, you look like a beast.  But don't worry, I'm the pretty one here."  Eeeeeeh... it just doesn't sit well with me.

Don't get me wrong - I think the story is wonderful and tells a beautiful message.  But, getting across that message required certain characters to fill roles in both looks and personalities.  On our wedding day, I wouldn't want to be drawing attention to all that...  just that we love each other.

This is why weddings shouldn't have themes beyond, ya know, marriage.

EDIT: I will say that the ideas on this thread to subtly bring in the theme are really good.  I love the idea of a dark wood, book centerpieces, red roses, and the color scheme.

Weddings shouldn't have themes at all, IMO. They aren't bar mitzvahs. They always come off as just so childish to me.

OwningAHome1981

Sleeper2013 said:

Sounds like a kid's birthday party to me.  I would totally side-eye this.

Me too. Absolutely. I think she leave the colours as is and that's it. Anything else will scream 6 year old.

Jen4948

OwningAHome1981 said:

Joy2611 said:

In Response to Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme:

Does nobody else remember the end of the story?  The beast wasn't a beast at all, he was a prince.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14

I know the message of the story is that it is what is inside not what is outside that matters.  I get it, but I'm not sure how lovingly I could say to my husband "On the inside, you are beautiful and perfect, but on the outside, you look like a beast.  But don't worry, I'm the pretty one here."  Eeeeeeh... it just doesn't sit well with me.

Don't get me wrong - I think the story is wonderful and tells a beautiful message.  But, getting across that message required certain characters to fill roles in both looks and personalities.  On our wedding day, I wouldn't want to be drawing attention to all that...  just that we love each other.

This is why weddings shouldn't have themes beyond, ya know, marriage.

EDIT: I will say that the ideas on this thread to subtly bring in the theme are really good.  I love the idea of a dark wood, book centerpieces, red roses, and the color scheme.

Weddings shouldn't have themes at all, IMO. They aren't bar mitzvahs. They always come off as just so childish to me.

Bar and bat mitzvahs are not supposed to have "themes" either-they are religious ceremonies and celebrations.

OwningAHome1981

Jen4948 said:

OwningAHome1981 said:

Joy2611 said:

In Response to Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme:

Does nobody else remember the end of the story?  The beast wasn't a beast at all, he was a prince.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14

I know the message of the story is that it is what is inside not what is outside that matters.  I get it, but I'm not sure how lovingly I could say to my husband "On the inside, you are beautiful and perfect, but on the outside, you look like a beast.  But don't worry, I'm the pretty one here."  Eeeeeeh... it just doesn't sit well with me.

Don't get me wrong - I think the story is wonderful and tells a beautiful message.  But, getting across that message required certain characters to fill roles in both looks and personalities.  On our wedding day, I wouldn't want to be drawing attention to all that...  just that we love each other.

This is why weddings shouldn't have themes beyond, ya know, marriage.

EDIT: I will say that the ideas on this thread to subtly bring in the theme are really good.  I love the idea of a dark wood, book centerpieces, red roses, and the color scheme.

Weddings shouldn't have themes at all, IMO. They aren't bar mitzvahs. They always come off as just so childish to me.

Bar and bat mitzvahs are not supposed to have "themes" either-they are religious ceremonies and celebrations.

True but themes are more acceptable when you're 13.

 

Jen4948

OwningAHome1981 said:

Jen4948 said:

OwningAHome1981 said:

Joy2611 said:

In Response to Re: Beauty and the Beast wedding theme:

Does nobody else remember the end of the story?  The beast wasn't a beast at all, he was a prince.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14

I know the message of the story is that it is what is inside not what is outside that matters.  I get it, but I'm not sure how lovingly I could say to my husband "On the inside, you are beautiful and perfect, but on the outside, you look like a beast.  But don't worry, I'm the pretty one here."  Eeeeeeh... it just doesn't sit well with me.

Don't get me wrong - I think the story is wonderful and tells a beautiful message.  But, getting across that message required certain characters to fill roles in both looks and personalities.  On our wedding day, I wouldn't want to be drawing attention to all that...  just that we love each other.

This is why weddings shouldn't have themes beyond, ya know, marriage.

EDIT: I will say that the ideas on this thread to subtly bring in the theme are really good.  I love the idea of a dark wood, book centerpieces, red roses, and the color scheme.

Weddings shouldn't have themes at all, IMO. They aren't bar mitzvahs. They always come off as just so childish to me.

Bar and bat mitzvahs are not supposed to have "themes" either-they are religious ceremonies and celebrations.

True but themes are more acceptable when you're 13.

 

Not for a bar or bat mitzvah, which is not the same thing as a 13th birthday party.  A bar or bat mitzvah is a religious celebration with a built-in theme.  The party is peripheral.