The Princess Thing
When I got married, I knew what I didn’t want. Among the forbidden items: line dances, bouquet toss, garter removal, ice sculptures, disco, DJ-led shenanigans, and pigs in or out of blankets. And when it came to my gown, I was virulent in my opposition to anything twinkly, sparkly, or puffy. Quiet simplicity, I firmly believed, was the epitome of good taste.
A year down the road, I’m not so certain. I have to admit that “the princess thing” I once mocked—the crystal hair ornaments, the jewel-encrusted bodice, and even the big, poufy skirt—no longer strike me as silly. As the gowns on page 55 demonstrate, even the most dramatic, fantasy designs can be elegant, gorgeous, and, yes, tasteful. Not that taste means much of anything.
In fact, I’ve decided, a wedding is not meant to be a display of your discerning style—it’s a celebration of who you really are. If you love the Chicken Dance and limbo contests, by all means, have them. Want to serve individual bags of Fritos for hors d’oeuvres? Bring them on! And if you’ve always dreamed of marching down the aisle with a tiara worthy of Miss Rhinestone
One of the most delightful weddings I’ve ever attended included a Mariachi band playing the first dance song (and, no, neither the bride nor groom were of Mexican heritage). The couple did it because their wedding date happened to be May 5th and they thought it would be fun. It was!
Too often, we strive for some abstract concept of “good taste” without questioning whose good taste it represents. The height of sophistication is not, as some would have you believe, the right color palette. Instead, it’s the comfort you have with your own identity. Your wedding isn’t a pageant—it’s a party. As you go about planning it, don’t forget to invite yourself to join the fun.
All the best,
Executive Editor
