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Chicks Getting Hitched: Working with a theme

There are few things I love more than throwing a good theme party. For several weeks before the event, I obsess over every detail — from choosing the perfect cocktail to accompany my menu to selecting decorations that are just right for my theme to orchestrating activities that will ensure my guests have the time of their lives. This OCD process is great fun for my girlfriend who has to endure repeated and lengthy discussions about all variety of party-planning minutiae.

Obviously, a wedding will be the biggest, most expensive “theme party” any of us ever host. And I’m here to report, dollies, that there are some pretty unique and imaginative things happening at weddings these days. That means we lesbian brides-to-be have some serious planning to do! So, I’ve rounded up some wedding trends I’m absolutely loving right now. Whether you’re about to walk down the aisle, are helping one of your gay gal pals plan her big day, or you’re simply considering all of your options for your fantasy future nuptials, read on for some ideas on how to create a wedding celebration is sure to be unique, memorable, and actually fun for you and your guests — which is, after all, the hallmark of any good theme party.

All things vintage

When it comes to our wardrobes and our homes, mixing old with new is a surefire way to create an original look. The same principle applies to weddings, and lucky for us, vintage goods are absolutely everywhere these days. So, there’s never been a better time to add some old-fashioned glamour to your modern marriage. You could do vintage in a big way by wearing your grandmother’s wedding dress (which I’m sure she dreamed would end up at a lesbian wedding back when she bought it in 1950).

Or you could incorporate the look in a subtler way by adding a vintage bowtie or antique cufflinks to a modern suit. Don’t stop with your attire when weaving vintage touches into your wedding. Perhaps you can arrange to arrive at your ceremony in a classic car instead of a predictable limousine, or consider using vintage postcards for your invitations. Serve your champagne in old-school coupes, or scour second-hand shops for an antique cake cutter or vintage vases and candlesticks for your centerpieces.

Unexpected venues

The banquet hall is going the way of the pear-shaped diamond, my friends. Museums, libraries, barns, galleries, parks, zoos — you name it — virtually any space has the potential to be transformed into the wedding venue of your dreams. Before you book a ho-hum banquet hall for your big day, grab your lady and take a stroll around the town where you plan to marry. Is there a favorite restaurant that has special meaning for the two of you? Talk to the manager about reserving a private space for your reception. If you and your future wife both love art, you’ll probably feel more inspired saying “I do” in a cool museum than a cookie-cutter banquet room. Planning a summer wedding? Consider moving the whole affair outdoors where nature can give you a jump start on your décor.

Once you choose an unconventional venue, incorporate another newer reception trend — communal seating and tables in different shapes and sizes. Those long tables where wedding parties hold court at the front of banquet rooms have always reminded me a bit of the set up at Medieval Times dinners. These days, more and more married couples are choosing to sit among their guests (imagine that!), which I think creates a much more intimate experience for everyone.

Signature cocktails

Anyone ever been to a wedding where beverage choices were pretty much limited draft beer, well vodka and generic “table wine”? Not fun. Thankfully, couples are mixing it up (literally) by serving signature cocktails at their weddings. Choose a drink that complements the food you’ll be serving, your color theme, the season, or just pick your favorite booze and get creative! Who wouldn’t love some spiked sparkling pink lemonade to cool off at a summer wedding?

Or, get your guests in the mood for the Cuban food you’ll be serving for dinner with fresh mint mojitos during cocktail hour. If you need some liquid inspiration, check out this handy Signature Cocktail Finder at TheKnot.com.

Comfort food

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a food snob. I know how to choose the right wine to go with an entrée and I love fine dining. But, I’m so glad to report that classic comfort foods are making their way onto wedding day menus. Maybe it’s the recession or the increased popularity of local and organic products — who knows, but it is happening in a big way. Not that we don’t all love that rubber chicken and flavorless steak routine, but let’s hear it for some matrimonial mac and cheese!

Here’s the thing: simple foods made with high-quality ingredients are always better than standard catering that is made to look upscale (but actually tastes like crap). A juicy burger served on a fresh roll with good cheese beats a chewy steak and limp vegetables any day of the week.

If you’re on a budget, consider serving scrumptious passed hors d’oeuvres instead of a mediocre sit-down dinner. Or, how about a build-your-own taco bar or a gourmet pizza buffet? Your guests will remember that they ate good food and had a great time, and will probably be secretly thankful they didn’t have to pretend to enjoy yet another cup of bland cream of chicken soup.

What’s the most unique element you’ve seen at a wedding lately? How are you and your fiancé planning to customize your celebration? As always, I look forward to hearing your feedback!

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