fish!!!

SCogs18

It's a fish.  If you want to do it, do it.  Knotties will rip you a new one over the idea, so I would suggest you keep the idea to yourself in the future, but your guests won't have the nerve to say a word to you.  If it's what you want and you have clearly thought about the fish's lives post-wedding, I say go for it.  Just be okay with possible dead fish and fish poop at the dinner table.  These ladies should get off their high horses.  I've seen fish in centerpieces featured in weddings on TV and it was just fine.

farnhamj

Without even taking into consideration the animal rights side of the argument, I say DON'T do it... SUPER TACKY. 

Mae0606

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:05717182-1acd-4019-9344-00a26a0dc162">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Animals are not props.  Period.  This behavior is cruel animal abuse.
Posted by vsgal[/QUOTE]

Her lowers are going to be outside the bowl. I don't see how this is any different than having a fish tank in your house.

That said, I wouldn't for many reasons- One, your brother will have to take in many fish and unless he plans on flushing them (which yes I will agree is cruel) he wil need to house and feed all these fish. Also, chances are some fish will die or poop which will just gross people out.

I peronsally suggest against it.

ATolentino89

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:86c1045f-16b5-4e26-9be7-9139d13835a4">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: fish!!! : The theory that they are better off in your home than sitting in a cup at the pet store isn't accurate.  When you buy 20 of them, you are furthering the demand... and guess what, they just breed and sell MORE of them.   Every time we buy something...  we give an indication to the market that there is a demand for that item.  If they were sitting on a shelf at the pet store, it would reduce the demand for that fish by 20.  When 100 brides realize this is a horrible idea, it reduces the demand by 2,000.  It's the same as buying a puppy from a petstore, when you KNOW it came from a puppy mill.   You'd love to get that poor puppy out of the cage at the petstore, but every one you buy means that the puppy mill will continue to operate. Just say NO to live animals as decoration.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

This is by far the<strong> <u>STUPIDEST</u></strong>thing I have personally heard and I'm in the Army. My soon to be bride and I use this site for help and advice and all I've seen is people attacking other people for asking a simple question about their ideas.We will be using minnows for our centerpieces and afterwards we are going to release them in the lake where our  wedding is taking place. Quit belly aching over something so ignorant and if you have advice give it and if you just wanna b***h then ignore it, not everyone feels the same as you do and I;m and an avid fisherman and i really don't want to hear it . And as far as puppies, the poor women asked about fish not puppies, and this magical mystical puppy "MILL" you speak of is non existent, dogs breed just like humans and they cant help it that they're are awesome companions so long as nobody fights them or beats them then there is no issue.

cf1988

A friend of mine went to a wedding where they had goldfish centerpieces, and some people got drunk and poured vodka in the bowls...

Just not a good idea. If it were me, I would be distracted during my reception fretting over the well-being of the fish!

Valentino2013

Just a point.... Fist in your personal home, in an aquarium are in a controled environment with filters, heaters and a stable stand. At a wedding reception they are in bowls (which are not appropriate for any kind of fish) and are on tables which are constantly being moved, or shaken. A home set-up and a wedding reception are two completely different things. Fish are fragile animals and deserve to be treated with care just like any other animal does.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:708a7ff7-cb33-4f89-b574-eb7577cb23f0">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I have also been to a wedding with goldfish in vases with flowers. They all lived. Everyone oohed and ahhed at first and then talked to each other. If they crapped nobody noticed because they were socializing, moving around, dancing etc. There was no smell either. I dont really care one way or another if people use fish or not but it does bug me when people argue against using them with "animals are not props or decorations"  I cant think of a better discription of what fish are when they are sitting at home in your aquarium. Not saying you should do them for centerpieces...just that that is a stupid argument against it.
Posted by redheadtmk[/QUOTE]

farnhamj

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:da47e406-d133-4e64-86a6-32f571748dea">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: fish!!! : This is by far the   STUPIDEST thing I have personally heard and I'm in the Army. My soon to be bride and I use this site for help and advice and all I've seen is people attacking other people for asking a simple question about their ideas.We will be using minnows for our centerpieces and afterwards we are going to release them in the lake where our  wedding is taking place. Quit belly aching over something so ignorant and if you have advice give it and if you just wanna b***h then ignore it, not everyone feels the same as you do and I;m and an avid fisherman and i really don't want to hear it . And as far as puppies, the poor women asked about fish not puppies, and this magical mystical puppy "MILL" you speak of is non existent, dogs breed just like humans and they cant help it that they're are awesome companions so long as nobody fights them or beats them then there is no issue.
Posted by ATolentino89[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I generally agree with your sentiment that fish aren't the same as puppies in this case, but puppy mills are NOT nonexistent, and they are treated horribly in these mills. Seriously, do a little research before you make blanket statements about them not existing...it is as simple as typing "puppy mill" into google. To educate you: </div><div>
</div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppy_mill" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppy_mill</a> </div><div>
</div><div>And the fact of the matter is, pet stores get the bulk of their puppies from these inhumane mills, and the reason they keep buying them is because people keep purchasing them from pet stores. If people realize they shouldn't aide this cruel industry, pet stores will stop buying puppies from these mills and the mills will no longer make a profit and will be forced to go out of business. This is simple economics, and you are part of the problem if you purchase puppies from pet stores. Buy dogs from reputable breeders or from rescue groups and shelters. </div><div>
</div><div>Oh, and I think YOUR statement qualifies as the stupidest thing I've seen on these boards...seriously, read a book. Educate yourself. </div>

ayoung12

we went to a wedding that had fish as center pieces. not only did it look super cheap and tacky. NOONE wanted to take them home, they made fun of them. and the rowdy boys decided to take other tables fish and have them fight in one of the bowls. Over all I WOULD NOT reccomend having fish to anyone.

mercy4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:f2256f5c-f825-40a8-a467-80134ee48344">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Doing this is wrong on so many levels. Honestly, if it wasn't cruel to do this, it would still look tacky.
Posted by SugarFoote[/QUOTE]

<div>This is exactly my thoughts.</div>

iloveu4ever

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:6df5c3c9-7cda-47d7-b7b2-7399a837b0f9">fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Has anyone used fish as part of your centerpiece?? Did the fish live through the night? we were going to do color coridnatiting fish is glass bowls with flowers around the outside of the bowl but i'm worried that the fish. Is this crazy??
Posted by bencomobride[/QUOTE]



Use swedish fish.

Craumer5

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:6df5c3c9-7cda-47d7-b7b2-7399a837b0f9">fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Has anyone used fish as part of your centerpiece?? Did the fish live through the night? we were going to do color coridnatiting fish is glass bowls with flowers around the outside of the bowl but i'm worried that the fish. Is this crazy??
Posted by bencomobride[/QUOTE]

I used fish for my friends wedding and they are not easy. Unfortunately, you need a lot of water. I tried Siamese fighting fish but you can only use one per bowl. We also used guppies ( many fish) but we had to rescue them at the end of the night and put them in large buckets of water. I would say that about one third died. If you can find a fish store to help you they might take them back at the end of the night, otherwise it is really hard to keep them alive for very long. It's a look but there is always the chance that you will have a lot of casualties... hope this helps. <a href="http://www.colonyflorist.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.colonyflorist.net</a>

iloveu4ever

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:2bbacdee-ec01-4192-9538-373d40bb7dd3">I've used fish</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to fish!!! : I used fish for my friends wedding and they are not easy. Unfortunately, you need a lot of water. I tried Siamese fighting fish but you can only use one per bowl. We also used guppies ( many fish) but we had to rescue them at the end of the night and put them in large buckets of water. I would say that about one third died. If you can find a fish store to help you they might take them back at the end of the night, otherwise it is really hard to keep them alive for very long. It's a look but there is always the chance that you will have a lot of casualties... hope this helps. <a href="http://www.colonyflorist.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.colonyflorist.net</a>
Posted by Craumer5[/QUOTE]



Cute but don't like the idea

shipsinthenight

People really do get bent out of shape around here over things that I just don't think are that important. I'm all for animal rights, but I sort of go with a sliding scale: the more inteligent the animal is, the more rights they have earned. I'm not saying fish don't deserve to be cared for at all, but I would say puppies and cats deserve it more. And I would say certain fish deserve more consideration than others. For example, if OP said she was wanting to use rays or angelfish in her centerpieces, I would say deffinitly not, but beta fish or gold fish, maybe. I guess it's good to be concerned about really drunk people doing something bad to the fish, but if you trust your guests not to get so sloshed they pour vodka into the bowls, go ahead. However, if you have been swayed by the (what I consider to be over-reactive) arguments for animal cruelty here, there are other options. Find a pretty bowl with a fish pattern molded or etched on, go with the couple of food options listed or something like that. My uncle passed away in February, and he was an avid hunter and sport fisherman. For the centerpieces at the lunch after the service they used mason jars, filled with rocks, and a twig, a piece of yarn, and a fishing lure tied at the end to look like mini fishing poles sticking out. It was really cute and appropriate, and easy to dispose of after. I don't think this is what you're going for, but it's another idea.

allisonkbye

Some of these responses are rediculously dramatic. It's not the best idea to use a fish just because they might stink, might die during the reception etc., but it's been done and if it's what you REALLY want, then go for it. 

mrskristinyc

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:29197e15-c273-4949-9275-c752ccc39806">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]People really do get bent out of shape around here over things that I just don't think are that important. I'm all for animal rights, but I sort of go with a sliding scale: <strong>the more inteligent the animal is, the more rights they have earned. </strong>
Posted by shipsinthenight[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>If only it worked that way with people...  :) </div><div>
</div><div>But yeah, don't do the fish centerpieces. Animal cruelty issues aside, the logistics sound like a nightmare.</div>

fisherl01

I think the general consensus is no for the fish idea. Even if you still think it's good idea and plan to handle them responsibly, consider this: My mom went to a wedding where they had fish in the centerpieces and when the DJ started playing the loud music, all of the fish went belly up because of the vibrations from the music. It freaked everyone out and she ended up having to start taking centerpieces away instead of enjoying her own wedding.

Giaspo

We used 1 betta in the centerpiece on the table with the escort cards. His name is Leo and we love him. Unfortunately we cant have furry pets in our complex and my husband loves animals. He is obsessed with this fish. However, If we got married again I probably wouldn't have a fish at my wedding as I'm not sure anyone noticed he was there. If you do it, be sure to have a well-crafted plan for before, during and after the reception, and make sure the florist has done this before. If you don't do fish, please, please don't put a tux on your dog and parade him down the aisle.

jassimynb

There are HUMANS dying every day from starvation, disease, and violence, but yes, let's be nasty to this woman for using fish as "props".  News flash, fish serve two purposes out of the wild: eating and decoration.  Period.  Worry about something that matters, seriously.  And Bencomo, if you want fish at your wedding, who cares what a bunch of women on the internet think? Have your fish.

Bluegummiebears101108

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:7445c2f0-be37-4bcf-9eee-d9f584f20751">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]There are HUMANS dying every day from starvation, disease, and violence, but yes, let's be nasty to this woman for using fish as "props".  News flash, fish serve two purposes out of the wild: eating and decoration.  Period.  Worry about something that matters, seriously.  And Bencomo, if you want fish at your wedding, who cares what a bunch of women on the internet think? Have your fish.
Posted by jassimynb[/QUOTE]


My thoughts exactly :)

PurrBox

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:e45d6935-b46d-4656-b37d-1b39f0a928e0">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I personally have been thinking about using a few betta's in my centerpieces.  I plan on using tall 20" vases with a sting of orchids in the water.  I then am hoping to have a betta in some of the centerpieces as an accent.  I hear the crys of animal abuse, but I have worked in theater productions where animals were used and if taken care properly and a home is established for the animal before they are purchsed and used I see no harm in using them.  Do realize though that you at the end of the day will be responsibel for each and everyone of those fish.  So if you have 20 centerpeices you better have 20 bowls at home ready to house them.  My Finace and I have talked about it and we thought we might set up a shelf with cubbyholes and stick differnt jars to hold the fish in and light it up with neat lights.  Then we would have a memento from the wedding to look at afterwords.  Besides I think using them as a centrepeice and then setting up our shelves with the dispaly is a WHOLE lot better than sitting in a cup at the pet store. 
Posted by Emabug112[/QUOTE]

I agree with this.

PurrBox

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:6df5c3c9-7cda-47d7-b7b2-7399a837b0f9">fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Has anyone used fish as part of your centerpiece?? Did the fish live through the night? we were going to do color coridnatiting fish is glass bowls with flowers around the outside of the bowl but i'm worried that the fish. Is this crazy??
Posted by bencomobride[/QUOTE]

Give me a break.  People are getting WAY to critical over this.  Bottom line:  if you line up homes ahead of times for the fish, and you take care of them in the mean time, it's not animal abuse.  That's just being resonponsible!  And you'd be finding good homes for fish that would indeed be sitting in tiny cups at the pet store if it wasn't for you.  So if you do the fish route, make sure they have homes ahead of time.  I'm lurking and am already married (I hand out on the nest), but I also considered using beta fish as centerpieces.  I've kept fish all of my life, and anyone who knows anything about fish would not think this is a big deal, so long as you're responsible about it. 

zelamoonbeam

Uh.... is everyone responding here vegetarian? vegan?

I think its a little funny that people have MORE issues with living fish in the center of a table than dead ones you serve at a wedding!!! I mean the choices are usually chicken, steak or fish right?!?!?!

I know I didn't answer your question but after reading a few responses I laughed a little and had to play devils advocate. 

To answer your question, I don't think its the greatest idea for wedding, obviously, you could possibly offend some people. lol but the smell and depressing fact of seeing something dead (that your not eating...) might make your guests uncomfortable. 

Hope this helps!

zelamoonbeam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:da47e406-d133-4e64-86a6-32f571748dea">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: fish!!! : This is by far the   STUPIDEST thing I have personally heard and I'm in the Army. My soon to be bride and I use this site for help and advice and all I've seen is people attacking other people for asking a simple question about their ideas.We will be using minnows for our centerpieces and afterwards we are going to release them in the lake where our  wedding is taking place. Quit belly aching over something so ignorant and if you have advice give it and if you just wanna b***h then ignore it, not everyone feels the same as you do and I;m and an avid fisherman and i really don't want to hear it . And as far as puppies, the poor women asked about fish not puppies, and this magical mystical puppy "MILL" you speak of is non existent, dogs breed just like humans and they cant help it that they're are awesome companions so long as nobody fights them or beats them then there is no issue.
Posted by ATolentino89[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I know this is off topic - but while I agree with you that some ladies on here can be VERY nasty b/c of differences....which is stupid.... VERY stupid... I Must correct you on one thing: Puppy Mills are not magical...they do exsist. They are awful disgusting places where breeders keep too many dogs in rabbit cages and breed them till they can't breed anymore and then shoot them. or drown them. or gas them. They are not given medical attention, their nails grow into the pads on their feet and their fur becomes heavily matted so if they are ever rescued, they must be shaved down to their skin. Dogs are awesome companions and deserve better. Google puppy mills and then opt to adopt  =) </div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

stampadhesive

I know people who wouldn't eat at a table with fish on them because they think they are dirty.

samantha24p

My housekeeper was telling me today that her nieces sweet 16ths they used fish for the center pieces. One of the uncles, who was drunk and out of control flipped out when he gor cut off and started to smash the glass bowls with the fish in it. I am horrified and would like to think my family and friends would never, but that's not a risk I'll ever take. How about glass bowls with floating candles in the colors you like?

steveandta

I would not mind fish centerpeices if you have a plan for them afterwards, though I do not think I would order the fish. I don't think I can eat a fish in front of a fish

RunDog

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:05717182-1acd-4019-9344-00a26a0dc162">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Animals are not props.  Period.  This behavior is cruel animal abuse.
Posted by vsgal[/QUOTE]

How is displaying fish as a centerpiece any different from displaying fish in a home aquarium?

RunDog

What kind of fish are you going to use? We used Beta fish as centerpieces on our sorority house dinner tables for about a month. We could only use one fish per bowl per table, and you cannpot set the bowls next to each other! These fish will fight! However, they all lived and found nice homes at the end of the month! To be honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of them   And previous posters have a point. You never know what people will do when alcohol is involved. Maybe you can set up some small (covered) aquariums on your guest book table or something like that.

JamiesonCampbell

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fish-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:76f5bbd0-b00f-445f-be31-137bd6872ad8Post:7445c2f0-be37-4bcf-9eee-d9f584f20751">Re: fish!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]There are HUMANS dying every day from starvation, disease, and violence, but yes, let's be nasty to this woman for using fish as "props".  News flash, fish serve two purposes out of the wild: eating and decoration.  Period.  Worry about something that matters, seriously.  And Bencomo, if you want fish at your wedding, who cares what a bunch of women on the internet think? Have your fish.
Posted by jassimynb[/QUOTE]

agree 100%

COSmitty

Um I didn't bother to read the posts above b/c they seem to be saying NOOOO!!!

I'd like to just provide a different idea that keeps with your theme. Get little glass fish with the air bubbles and they "float" in the water. So it looks like fish, it worked really well at my friends wedding.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93307429/floating-glass-fishes-three-pack?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=glass+floating+fish&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=1&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_ref=related&ga_view_type=gallery