Creating A Theme That Is Unique To You
by Dianna Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP
What I love about event planning is that while there are still some traditions couples want to keep, they are open to new ideas on how to make the wedding fun, unique and memorable for their guests.
In September 2007, one of my couples had a Las Vegas theme wedding which truly matched the bride and groom's personalities. They both enjoyed going to Las Vegas and played poker most weekends, their dog was even named Vegas. The bride was a creative designer and loved the colors of red and chocolate brown.
With that in mind, the design of the wedding evolved with special touches including chocolate brown chiavari chairs with red satin sashes for the head table, special linens for the head table, cake table, reception area and candy buffet, 18 casino games, wrapped poker cards that were escort cards and favors, custom printed programs, "cards" as table numbers, red florals and brown stained personalized frames that included the couples' pictures as well as a picture with their beloved dog which also served as lighting.
In lieu of the traditional ceremony which is normally held on the adjacent grass area, their ceremony was held in front of the stage while the 370 guests were seated at their dining tables. The bride's side of the bridal party consisted of male and female attendants, so rather than pairing them awkwardly with the groom's attendants, each side of the bridal party entered from behind both sides of the stage to make a grand entrance as the bride came down the center aisle. To get the guests into the Las Vegas mood, Las Vegas Showgirls strolled around during dinner to take pictures with the guests and an Elvis impersonator also did a short little show prior to the formal program and the opening of the casino games. The guests truly enjoyed all of the unique aspects of the wedding and the bride and groom fulfilled their "Las Vegas" wedding dream.
- Dianna Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP is with HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS in Honolulu, HI, and has been a WedPlan Member since Apr 2007.
