A theme or inspiration can be a great place to begin planning a wedding.
Most couples have a favorite movie with great style that really appeals to them, which can be a fantastic jumping off point.
Yet at the same time, you want your wedding to look like a wedding, not a costume party.
This article will guide you towards planning a wedding which is inspired by your favorite movie, but that still reflects your own style.
There is a very important distinction between a wedding which is inspired by a movie, versus one which is a true theme wedding.
The first one takes its inspiration from the fashion, location, and music of the film, and uses them as the foundation for planning a wedding, whereas the second looks to faithfully reproduce the costumes and sets of the movie.
A theme wedding can come across as heavy handed, and if not handled carefully can actually distract from the nature of the occasion.
Picking your favorite film details to use as your style guide, on the other hand, will give your wedding direction while still allowing your to express your personal taste.
A terrific place to begin with your movie inspired wedding is by picking out a heroine with great style.
Maybe you want to select a white column wedding gown, wear it with long gloves and a dainty tiara to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's.
" Or perhaps the cool elegance of Grace Kelly in "Rear Window" is your idea of perfection.
Select a bridal gown with a wide V-neck and cap sleeves which features a fitted bodice, a nipped in waist, and a full skirt.
Pearl bridal jewelry will complete the sophisticated elegant ensemble.
Select bridal jewelry which consists of a conservative pearl strand and dainty earrings, just like Grace Kelly wore.
Another fun idea is to play up your sensual side with a white halter gown with a knife pleat skirt like the one worn by Marilyn Monroe in "Seven Year Itch".
Many of our favorite movies have particular elements for which they are known.
If "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is your all time fav, certainly you will want to have Tiffany blue as your wedding color.
Love "Gone With the Wind"? Why not have a wedding reception modeled after the barbeque scene at Twelve Oaks? Do wear an off-the-shoulder organdy gown, but avoid the big picture hats, which cross the line into costume.
No matter what period your inspirational film takes place in, your wedding should maintain a freshness and modernity.
Music is one of the things that makes a great movie memorable, and is very easy to incorporate into your wedding.
Take a spin around the dance floor to "Moon River.
" If you love "It's a Wonderful Life", dance the Charleston at your reception (that would be a great inspiration for a Christmastime wedding).
You could even play "Le Marseilles" for a "Casablanca" style wedding (that would be a very chic and sophisticated movie to choose for a theme).
Finally, be sure to include some of the details in your wedding which help to give your inspirational film a sense of place.
Whether that means the cocktail party style of the 1950s and early '60s or a plantation from "Gone With the Wind", these types of elements are what will help to create an atmosphere which evokes what you have always loved about your favorite movie.
The result will be a fabulous wedding which will both transport your guests to somewhere that you have always loved, yet will also have your personal stamp on it.
Perfection!