Illinois-Chicago

Themed Weddings

I'm interested in finding out how many people are having a Themed Wedding... We're not exactly your "Traditional Couple," so we thought it would not be appropriate to have a "Traditional Wedding!"

If you're having a Themed Wedding, I'd like to know:
1.  What is you theme and why is it special to you?
2.  Where are you having your Ceremony / Reception to represent your theme?
3.  How do you plan on celebrating / decorating for it?
4.  Will your family & friends dress up / celebrate your theme with you?

You don't have to play along if you don't want, but I'm really interested to hear how you are representing your unique personalities!

We love all things Celtic (we have Irish backgrounds) and we love attending Renaissance Faires!  Before we met we had both visited Ireland and we have a great love for Celtic music.  We both want to visit Scotland for our honeymoon!  We love dressing up for any occasion that will allow (as pirates, in kilts, etc.)!

We're having our Ceremony in October 2013 at Lake Katherine in the Anniversary Garden for our Ceremony, but we'll get photos at all of the locations there.  We feel like an outdoor Handfasting Ceremony will be an amazing representation of us!  We'll build our own arch using lumber and then add some fake flowers / vines and tulle.  We have a 3 piece Celtic Tribal band (bagpipes & drums) that is acoustic that will be doing our music while guests are being seated.  Then that combo and a fiddler will walk us down the aisle (no 'here comes the bride,' something original will be written by our friends).

Our Reception will be at Royalty West... Seeing as it is a Castle!  This is quite fitting for us!  Our friends that will do the music for the Ceremony are also in a 5 piece Celtic Rock Band and they will do the music for our Reception.  We have friends who are in a Bellydance Tribe who will dance at the Reception!  If the Hall will allow for it, we will all step outside for their signature Fire Show!  These details are being worked out lol!

We know all of our friends and some of our family will participate in dressing up to represent our theme of Ren Faire.  Most of them attend faires with us and some of them even work at a faire!  Some of his family expressed that they are not interested in dressing up, so I am working on sending an email in the next couple of weeks to tell everyone that now is a good time to shop for cheap costumes (nearing or after Halloween) for those who are interested!  I'll also let them know that there are several of us that can sew and that they should check out patterns / fabrics when they are on sale!  We sign the contracts this weekend and then it all begins!

Wedding Countdown Ticker

Re: Themed Weddings

  • You really cannot dictate the clothing of your guests. If they already expressed that they are not interested in dressing in Renn Faire attire, letting them know where they can buy costumes is going to come off as pushy and rude. I think themed weddings are odd, personally. Weddings already have a theme: love and marriage.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_themed-weddings?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:72Discussion:447dcd72-706e-4da1-9882-fe7876268d10Post:0cd46303-a46e-4e09-b498-359a1b2b75a7">Re:Themed Weddings</a>:
    [QUOTE]You really cannot dictate the clothing of your guests. If they already expressed that they are not interested in dressing in Renn Faire attire, letting them know where they can buy costumes is going to come off as pushy and rude. I think themed weddings are odd, personally. Weddings already have a theme: love and marriage.
    Posted by KellyBrian2013[/QUOTE]

    Ditto. It is extremely rude to tell your guests how to dress. I am an adult and I know how to dress myself. I would certainy not go through the effort/ time/ money to buy or make a costume for your wedding months in advance.

    I also dont like theme wedding.

    You can incorporate celtic themes with flowers, table lines, iSTDs, BM dresses etc. You dont need to go over the top
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • Ditto PPs. Tbh, if I received a wedding invite where I was directed where to buy my attire, I'd decline.
    Anniversary
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  • Wow... I had no idea I would cause such a controversy!   The email I’m sending is to assist the people who are interested in participating… There are people who are already buying things and we’re over a year away with no invitations sent!  I just want to assist them with their budgets.

     

    If you’re going to say things like “I don’t like theme weddings” or “I think theme weddings are odd,” I would respond with “Thanks for being so accepting of others!”  This was meant to be a fun post for people to share ideas. 

     

    This event is only for close family and friends who know us and our interests.  They support us in everything that we do and love us for our uniqueness.  (This is coming from him as he is reading your responses over my shoulder)

     

    I am quite disappointed in these responses and a little sad that people can’t be a little more supportive of those who want to celebrate being different…

     

    Maybe there is still someone out there who is accepting of being different!

     

    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_themed-weddings?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:72Discussion:447dcd72-706e-4da1-9882-fe7876268d10Post:39149b44-acd0-4c70-bbf9-5f77c1c9914a">Re: Themed Weddings</a>:
    [QUOTE]Wow... I had no idea I would cause such a controversy!   <strong>The email I’m sending is to assist the people who are interested in participating</strong>… There are people who are already buying things and we’re over a year away with no invitations sent! <strong> I just want to assist them with their budgets. </strong>  If you’re going to say things like “I don’t like theme weddings” or “I think theme weddings are odd,” I would respond with “Thanks for being so accepting of others!”  This was meant to be a fun post for people to share ideas.    This event is only for close family and friends who know us and our interests.  They support us in everything that we do and love us for our uniqueness.  (This is coming from him as he is reading your responses over my shoulder)   I am quite disappointed in these responses and a little sad that<strong> people can’t be a little more supportive of those who want to celebrate being different</strong>…   Maybe there is still someone out there who is accepting of being different!  
    Posted by OGracie[/QUOTE]

    First bold: It doesnt matter how you word it. Its still rude.

    Second bold: Why would we support a rude/ tacky idea that would cost your guests extra money and possible make them feel uncomfortable being in a custome all night?
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • I personally would not have a themed wedding, but that's because it's just not my thing.  It sounds like your wedding completely fits your personality and your fiance's personality, and I think it sounds like it will be a ton of fun for you guys.  If I were one of your close family/friends, I would definitely love being a part of that personal celebration.

    You said that most of your family/friends are into dressing up and are excited about it, and that's great.  You saw the harsh reaction of some of the others on this board, so I would just try to keep that in mind when you are dealing with your guests who are not dressing up.  In order to avoid offending them, I would probably not send them that e-mail about costumes.  I would definitely send the e-mail to any of your friends or family who have asked about where to get costumes, but I would only send it out to people who approach you.  That way everyone will feel comfortable wearing what works for them while they help you guys celebrate and won't feel pressured.

    It sounds like you have everyone's best interests at heart...I think if you try to remember that not everyone will want to participate and you try to make sure and not make them feel pressured in any way, it will work out fine.  Congrats and enjoy your fun party. :)

  • We are doing a beachy/tropical themed wedding.  Not expecting anyone to dress up, but we are having a steel drum player, tropical flowers, a tiki bar and a few other tropical accents.   I like having a theme, but I'm being careful not to overdo.  We are having it at Indian Lakes in Bloomingdale.  We love that place!

    As for your Celtic theme, I would definitely just let people know that if they want to dress up that's great, but it's certainly not required.  You wouldn't want people who don't dress up to feel uncomfortable.  

    I say have fun with your theme because it sounds near and dear to your heart.  yes, it's your day, but it's also for your guests.  If they are into it, then great, but if they just want to enjoy seeing others dress up, great too.

    Good luck!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • Wow! Your wedding seems like it would be a lot of fun! I'm not a traditional bride and I love the idea of different, so I love it when I see brides that step out of the box for their wedding. I think if it represents you and your fiance, then go for it. Following the status quo for weddings doesn't work for everyone, and it shouldn't have to. The only thing I would say is make the dress in themed attire optional. That way guests won't feel forced to do something they won't be comfortable with which may cause them to decline your wedding invitation. Other than that, good luck with planning! You sound like you're well on your way to having an awesome wedding :)
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • Good for you for doing what YOU want on YOUR wedding day! Not every bride is "traditional" and i think your theme seems wonderful! And i think your wedding will be a blast!
    A lot of the "woman" who post on here dont like anything out of the box or different. I learned that because i am have a country wedding, and its different from what they like so they feel the need to make negative comments. So just ignore the rude people, and take the good advice youll get. The email sounds helpful to those who want to take part, and most people will enjoy that because everyone loves something different! Good luck to you in all your planning! Enjoy every minutre of it!
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