Hello readers, today the lovely Marilyn Brant is stopping by Austenesque Reviews for a chat about her newest release, Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet. I am such a fan of Marilyn’s novels – According to Jane and A Summer in Europe are amongst some of my all-time favorites. Such great characters! Speaking of characters, Marilyn’s newest release centers upon characters we met in Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Match – Bingley McNamara and Jane Henderson. I can’t wait to see what happens to them!!!
Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet…and the Joy of Weddings by Marilyn Brant
Thanks so much for inviting me to visit today, Meredith! It’s always such fun to be here .
I’ve been thinking a lot about weddings lately because the opening scene of my new novel, Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet, begins with one… How many of you have watched the romantic comedy “Four Weddings and a Funeral”? I loved the scene where lead man Hugh Grant is at his friend’s wedding and is stuck at dinner with what is (for him) a nightmarish rendition of Ghosts of Girlfriends’ Past. He’s surrounded by a number of his exes, all of whom are sharing with each other the many indiscreet comments he’d once made about people he’d dated. Almost all of the women being talked about are, in fact, sitting at the table, gleefully taking part in this discussion. Seriously awkward—at least for his poor character! For the rest of us, though, it’s pure comedy.
It reminds me of how situations like that can be both comical and uncomfortable in real life, too, especially when you’re single and being constantly prodded by friends or family to “socialize”—whether you want to or not. I remember being forced by my parents to go to a really ostentatious wedding when I was twenty-two. I’d just graduated from college and was exhausted from job hunting. I’d recently broken up with my boyfriend also, so I was most definitely single. Within just a couple of months, I’d get my first teaching job, move out of state, and meet my future husband…but I didn’t know any of that then, so I remember feeling somewhat adrift in the world and not at all in the mood for a gigantic party. My mom, uninterested in hearing my reasons for wanting to skip the dreaded event, suggested this would be “Such a great opportunity to meet a nice guy” and “LOTS of fun.”
Yeah, right, Mom!
A couple of decades later, in retrospect, I have to thank my mother for making me go. That wedding turned out to be an absolutely brilliant gift, and I’m thrilled I didn’t miss it. Not because I met a nice guy (I did meet a few guys there—none of whom were my type—but that’s a post for another time, LOL), nor was it because I had the remotest bit of “fun” in the classic sense of the word. But, in light of the fact that I would later become a romantic comedy writer, this particular wedding was priceless.
First, let me explain, that it was a double wedding for two sisters who were, sadly, nothing like Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, and who’d spent much of their lives in catty competition with each other, not to mention many months bickering with their soon-to-be husbands. (Both couples got divorced within a few years.) The sisters, knowing this would be the talk of the town, ratcheted up the event into an over-the-top pretentious display of truly epic proportions. They had a “peacock” theme going on and, wow, did they make sure the guests knew it. All of the attendants—of which there were many!—were dressed in either peacock purple (for Bridezilla One) or peacock teal (for Bridezilla Two) to match the feathers—yes, real peacock feathers!—that were a part of every bouquet, each flower arrangement (in the church and at the reception), and even the décor at the entrance to every pew.
Honestly, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a live peacock strutting down the aisle alongside the cadre of flower girls (three of them), ring bearers (two), miniature brides & grooms (two pairs), and the endless stream of attendants. Each bride had seven bridesmaids (fourteen total), and each groom had a reciprocal number of groomsmen (fourteen more), making for a wedding party of over forty (40!!) people. Each couple had their own priest, and the two priests had a few young helpers, so the number of individuals involved in this particular production was larger than some small towns I’d visited. To me, it looked as if the runaway cast of a Broadway musical had taken over the Catholic Church; I half expected them to break into song at any moment, with the two priests joining together to do a soft-shoe number up at the altar.
I spent half the ceremony in stunned silence and the other half laughing inwardly with the spirit of Jane Austen, who, I had no doubt, would’ve had a lot to say about this wedding and its cast of crazy characters!
In my story, Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet, Jane Henderson’s best friend (Beth) is marrying Bingley McNamara’s first cousin (Will). Jane and Bingley are forced to deal with each other as the respective maid of honor and best man for the happy couple. And while THAT wedding is most definitely not a ridiculous spectacle with rampant peacock feathers (!!), Jane and Bingley have a bit of a romantic history, so it’s an uncomfortable event for them both. Consequently, they feel as though they need to put on a good show for the crowd.
~~~
Here’s an excerpt from Chapter One:
Finally, the procession out of the church began, and Jane, as maid of honor, had to walk back down the aisle with Bingley, the supposed “best” man. Oh, joy.
“Delightful ceremony,” he pronounced loudly, insuring that everyone nearby would hear, as he formally offered her his arm. But he looked at her as if he’d much rather promenade with a python.
“I agree,” she said, smiling tightly and playing the part.
He cast an absolutely ecstatic grin at the friends and family in attendance as the two of them took their first steps toward the church’s foyer. “Only the receiving line and the final pictures,” he hissed, his lips near her ear as if sharing a secret. “And then I can start getting drunk. I plan to be pretty damn buzzed before our special dance.”
She leaned closer to him and hissed right back, “So funny! I was thinking exactly the same thing.”
“Yeah? I remember the last time you got your hands on some champagne, Jane. Who are you gonna be making out with in the coat room tonight?”
She gripped his arm perhaps a little more forcefully than necessary. “Not you.”
He winced but didn’t stop walking or faux grinning at the congregation. “Oh, I wasn’t offering, sweetheart. I’ve already been burned once. I don’t do second chances.”
She gulped. To her ear, he sounded hurt, which both surprised and irritated her. He was acting like some innocent in the whole thing. Like he hadn’t been trying to take advantage of her—one way or another. That he hadn’t made a bet that involved her. Huh. She’d tear him apart limb by limb, this very second, in fact, if it wouldn’t ruin her dress before the reception.
Beth and Will had stopped just up ahead of them and were getting ready to greet their guests in the receiving line. Before Jane pulled away from Bingley to dutifully take her place next to the bride, she gave the quote-unquote “best man” her parting shot. “I don’t do second chances either,” she informed him. “And, for the record, you might as well pay up Dustin and buy your own beer, ‘cause there’s no way you’ll win your ‘gamble.’ At least not with my help.”
Jane had the satisfaction of seeing him freeze in his spot, a look of shock and confusion on his handsome face as she turned her back on him.
Now that she’d told him off at last, he’d have to stay away from her, except when their attendant duties made interaction absolutely necessary. Seriously, how much more trouble could the guy cause in less than twenty-four hours, right?
Right.
***
So, a question for you all—what’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever gone to (aside from your own!) as either a guest or in the role of an attendant? Any moments that were especially humorous?
XO
Marilyn
Author Bio: New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary women’s fiction, romantic comedy and mystery. She was named the Author of the Year (2013) by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She loves all things Jane Austen, has a passion for Sherlock Holmes, is a travel addict and a music junkie, and lives on chocolate and gelato. Visit her website at: www.marilynbrant.com.
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Marilyn kindly brings with her 1 LOVELY ebook (pdf) of Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Match for me to randomly give away to ONE lucky reader.
To enter this giveaway, answer Marilyn’s questions, leave a comment, a question of your own, or some love for Marilyn!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Marilyn!
- This giveaway ends August 25th!
THis sounds fun! The scene of Jane and Bingley bickering made me chuckle and want to ead the book.
As for memorable weddings….the saddest moment I saw at a wedding was at the end of a reception where the mother of the groom went to all the tables and said she deserved all the flowers since she had lost her son that day! I was dumbfounded and could only imagine how unwelcome that bride must have felt dealing with her in-laws. It was just so sad. I have lost touch with the couple so I dont know the outcome but can only imagine it wasnt good.
Theresa,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Jane & Bingley scene – thank you!
And I agree with you about feeling sad at that mother’s behavior…wow. Fingers crossed that the couple managed to work through that kind of attitude and stay together!
Thank you for the giveaway. I csn’t wait to
read this latest of Marilyn’s as modern versions of the novels are my favorite JAFF!
As for “memorable” weddings, I’ll never
forget the Indian-themed one with saris
in every color and Nehru jackets and a
meal of vegetable curries…
Lady Susan – I’m delighted to hear that you like modernizations!! Much as I love the Regency period, the contemporary stories will always be my personal faves because I so love to imagine a little Austen in our modern world ;).
And the Indian wedding you described sounded like such fun!
I have read both books in this series and LOVED them. Not the Bingley and Jane of JA’s world!
Sheila, HUGE hugs & thanks to you, sweet lady!! You know I’m so pleased that you loved them!
xox
This sounds so fantastic. Definitely need to grab a copy when I can!!
Sam, thank you!! I really hope you’ll enjoy the story ;).
My own wedding got pretty out of hand. Working for an airline commissary, my wedding gift from my boss there was several cases of champagne…..probably more than several cases because the bottles filled up an iced bath tub at our home reception. My ushers walked around pouring that bubbly stuff non-stop and everyone got sillier and happier. My parents-in-law’s home was on a cul-de-sac and the uproar overflowed into the street. When we were accompanied by well-wishers to the airport to fly off on our honeymoon, I was surprised that anyone could even find the airport. My father in law was so sloshed he forgot his shoes. What a reception.
LOL, Jeffrey!!! What a joyous celebration that must have been…and truly memorable from the sound of it! Too funny about your father-in-law forgetting his shoes ;). I hope there were a lot of great candid photos taking during the reception. That would be a wonderful album to look back on!
Meredith,
Just wanted to say thanks to you again for inviting me to visit you here today, and that I’m SO thrilled you still consider According to Jane and A Summer in Europe as a couple of your favorites!! Considering all of the novels you read, that is an incredible compliment. <3
Congratulations Marilyn! My life finally slowed down so I am able to start reading again and guess whose book is on top? Yep! P&P and the Perfect Match. I just need to type a bit more today and I can get to it. Please do not enter me as I have a copy. Sheila L.M. already clued me in that these are great so I’m excited (thinking Pointer Sisters “I’m So Excited”! melody)
I know you must be so busy these days, Joy! Thank you for the warm congrats and for having Perfect Match so high up in your TBR pile!! That makes me excited, too ;). And I will now be humming that song for the rest of the day, LOL! xo
I just love this Jane and Bing, as you know!
That peacock wedding sounds amazingly dreadful (or dreadfully amazing?!) lol – at least it was funny. I honestly haven’t been to many weddings. They’ve all just been so-so, or on the boring side. In the south, the weddings and receptions are typically very short. Some of the churches don’t allow dancing and many people don’t drink (at least in public 😉 so it’s basically ceremony, eat a piece of cake, wish ’em luck, and you’re outta there.
My brother’s wedding was the most special for me, but sadly there were no strutting peacocks (just a bridesmaid that we all think had on a fake, perky butt under her dress lol). I did have to wear a god-awful homemade bridesmaid dress once.
Ha!! I love your description of a southern wedding, Monica 🙂 . I haven’t been to one south of Illinois, so just about every ceremony I’ve ever attended has been glacial in length and it was followed by a reception at least 3x as long. And LOL about the perky bridesmaid at your brother’s wedding!! She sounds like someone Jane Austen would’ve turned into a secondary character…
xoxo from me & #TinglyBingley
Gosh, that peacock wedding sounds…well, to say it sounds eccentric is probably an insult to eccentrics!
The most enjoyable wedding we’ve attended was that of the daughter of some very close friends. We’ve known her since she was about six. The family as a whole has always been, shall we say, somewhat laid back. The wedding was organised by bride, groom and friends almost on a “faith supper” kind of plan. Everyone contributed something in the way of flowers, favours, food, sewing, photography, etc. Even the limo was contributed by one of their friends. We stayed with the bride’s parents as it was several hundred miles from home, arriving the night before, to find the bride’s and bridesmaids dresses still unfinished! Next morning, I was hemming a bridesmaid’s dress, bridesmaid actually in it, half an hour before the car was due to pick them up. Despite all that, everything went fine and the reception afterwards was just such fun. At the end of the night, many people stayed on to help clear and clean the hired hall which was needed the next morning (a Sunday) for the local children’s Sunday School. I can honestly say I enjoyed it a lot more than some other weddings I’ve attended where it was obvious that money had been thrown at them, no expense spared.
No need to enter me for the draw, as I already have a copy of both Perfect Match and Perfect Bet. Anyone hesitating about either, don’t! Two really good reads which I read back-to-back a few weeks ago.
LOL, Anji!! Yeah, it probably *is* an insult to eccentrics! I actually don’t mind eccentric behavior in general, but these two brides (and their mother) were all performance and drama, with not much that was genuine beneath it. Fascinating, yes, but not what I’d call fun…
The wedding you described sounded very interesting, though!! I’m glad everything worked out for the bride and groom…and that they had friends like you who were chipping in and helping so much (hemming a dress only minutes before the car came — wow!). It seems like the spirit of community was especially strong at this gathering, and I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it so much.
And thank you again for reading my books and saying such sweet things about them!! *hug*
Just noticed below that the winner can swap for one of your other books Marilyn, if we already have Perfect Match, so in that case, please can I enter the giveaway after all?
Yes, the wedding I described was definitely a shared experience by everyone present. My own wedding is probably the most memorable I’ve attended, just because it was my own. A week of solid rain (in August in the UK) finally stopped around 9pm the night before, after I’d had hysterics about the weather. My mum had to do some serious work calming me down with the help of my Dad’s best brandy! The day itself was hot and sunny, followed by another week of rain starting the next day. How lucky were we?
Last week, we celebrated 37 years or marriage and I can still remember just about every detail like it was yesterday. The best man nearly knocking over a pedestal flower arrangement as he stepped forward with the ring; a wasp buzzing around my head during the service and me trying to shake it away without losing my headdress and veil; my very-soon-to-be husband whispering “which finger” as he was putting my ring on; my very new husband standing on the hem of my dress as he tried to help me up after kneeling for prayers during the service – of course, I couldn’t get up! Apart from that, everything else went swimmingly. No bridesmaids tantrums or fights, no disasters with food or other arrangements so nothing memorable from a negative, soap-style point of view, thank goodness.
Hurricane Hannah came through here for my second daughter’s wedding!
I guess I haven’t been to any particularly memorable ones, but this book does sound fun!
Thank you so much for the compliment, Michelle! I hope you’ll find the stories fun! As for “memorable” — well, that doesn’t necessarily equate with “pleasant,” lol!! I’m always grateful when the most memorable thing about a big event like a wedding or anniversary party is the kindness and happiness of the people celebrating ;).
This book sounds like a lot of fun. Wow, the opening dialogue really gets you. Makes one wonder where things could possibly go from here. I can hardly wait to read it.
My most memorable weddings were my daughters. Nothing outrageous. They both had people volunteer to bring food and do decorations. My one son-in-law has seizures so due to camera flashes etc they had their wedding talk and said their vows while sitting on folding chairs in case he went down One of the bridesmaids was the grooms friend and she was still trying to get his attention until the last moment. I could’ve tossed her out for all the problems she caused but otherwise was very nice. The other one was pretty smooth except for her flowers (the fighting bridesmaids aren’t worth mention). We got a hot day the end of May unexpectedly and so we were watching all the flowers wilt in the spare bedroom the night before the wedding. Finally as a desperate measure we put most of them with ice around them and fans blowing all night. We saved most and my room smelled floral. My granddaughter got to be in both weddings so it will always be special.
Oh, wow, Suzan! You had a lot going on during your daughters’ weddings! Way to go on saving the flowers during that hot night. And good thinking to have your son-in-law and your daughter sit down in case of camera flashes. I think there must be pages and pages of story surrounding the trouble-making bridesmaid(s), though!! Thanks so much for sharing your memories and, also, for all of your kind words about my scene from the book :).
the weirdest thing I’ve seen at a wedding was watching the groom giving the bride a piggy-back ride around the restaurant……….soooo icky!!! LOL!!!
Cyn,
LOL!! That must have been fun for the bride! Maybe her feet were sore from wearing heels all day and the groom wanted to give her a little break! 🙂
This sounds like a fun read, I always like a good snark fest in books.. not real life though. my most memorable wedding was my nieces.. if there were a picture in the dictionary beside the word Bridezilla it would be hers. On the day of her wedding she decided she didn’t want the color scheme she had chosen and demanded we change all of the decorations to fit her new idea… her mother, my younger sister, was calling around the wedding rental places to see if they had anything that could be used.. my oldest sister, who had paid for a large portion of the wedding.. the brides mother, my sister, being a struggling single mother with an ex who refused to pay anything towards the wedding, went postal.. I mean she was swearing up a blue streak, language that would make a sailor and truck driver/biker blush, at the top of her lungs about how ungrateful and snotty the Bride was being. the brides mother is crying, the rest of the family who is outside setting up for the wedding is dying of embarrassment, the grooms family. who weren’t happy with the marriage to begin with is in shock. My brother and his wife, who had spent months making a hand pieced quilt arrived with the beautiful quilt to display only to be told, by the bride that she didn’t want those colors anymore, she didn’t like the quilt and to make her a new one, the bride was told in no uncertain terms that this was the quilt she got, it was this or nothing!! oldest sister still screaming profanities. I decide I’d better get her quieted down, I went into the house to see my sister, the brides moms, face all red and eyes swollen and red from crying and my oldest sister in her face yelling. I pull oldest sister away and pulled out two bags of frozen peas for the mother to put on her face so she would look presentable for pictures and somehow calmed down the out of control bully oldest sister. Brides mom went to wedding rental place to pick up new decorations, put on credit card…another fight broke out over that.. anyway we finally get the yard decorated, the grooms family has surrounded the guy and is desperately trying to talk him out of the marriage.. I don’t blame them one bit at this point as there had been other bridezilla moments and we all at that point wanted to strangle the bride, the only thing that saved her was her leaving to get her hair and makeup done.. really it was bad. well 15 minutes before the wedding is to start the Brides father shows up demanding to walk his little girl down the aisle, another fight, he finally wins and struts with her down to the groom. while they are walking down the path to the arch to get married the next door neighbor boy, who is autistic and likes to sing decided now was a good time to sing, at the top of his lungs a very bawdy county and western song off key. He sang through the entire ceremony. the reception line.. my sister, still with puffy eyes, standing next to her jerky -ex, he demanded to be there also, trying to smile and keep from killing the ex and his bragging about how wonderful everything had turned out as if he had done it all himself.. the bride and groom and the grooms family with pasted on smiles trying to be nice but failing miserably.. what a sad sight. I ducked into the kitchen to help with the food for the buffet table.. my oldest sister had paid for all of the food and was preparing it.. I think she was considering putting rat poison in the brides food.. really, I took the knife away as she was waving it wildly and still swearing up a storm just more quietly than before. My husband and our kids kept to the kitchen to “help” really we were hiding and trying to keep my oldest sister under control.. longest night of my life.. worst wedding ever.. my oldest sister still has not forgiven our niece for her behavior , and my mother has not forgiven my oldest sister for hers. it was 6 years ago and they still fight over it.. fun times…not!! there was more.. a lot more but you get the picture… I don’t need to watch soap operas.. my family could write them!! feel free to use this in a story if you want.. a really good writer could have a field day with this..
cfmitchell~
Ohhhh, boy, what a story!
All I can say is that, from everything I’ve ever experienced myself and everything I’ve heard from others, weddings are one of the most stressful events imaginable, and people’s behavior can be, shall we say, pretty unpredictable when they’re under stress!! Sounds like you were surrounded by lots of very stressed-out family members (!!), so it’s no doubt it was such a tough wedding…
I’m impressed that you made it through all of that and still kept your head so you could comfort others. And I know what you mean about soap operas being unnecessary with family sometimes. 🙂 We’ve had a few situations in ours that I think would qualify as script worthy, LOL.
Hi Marilyn,
I would love to win a copy of your book – it has been on my wish list for some time now!
My wedding was pretty memorable because of TORRENTIAL rain! We planned the dinner to be at a cliffside winery in Missouri but all our guests got trapped in their cars for over an hour when the road there was temporarily closed due to flooding. Then when we finally arrived, what was supposed to be a leisurely 1/4 mile stroll from parking lot to winery overlooking the Missouri River turned into a sprint for our lives! I will never forget seeing my husband’s 80-year-old grandmother running in heels! We were all completely drenched. The pictures from that night are hysterical – hair and dresses ruined, makeup running down our faces, and the biggest smiles we ever had. It was so hilarious! We just kicked back, drank too much and danced the night away.
They say a little rain on your wedding day is good luck – we had the whole flood! 11 wonderful years of marriage later and I wouldn’t have changed that night for the world. 🙂
Katie,
I *love* that!!! Yes, if you only need a little rain for good luck…you hit the jackpot! And what a great attitude to have — you and your husband set the tone for everyone to lighten up and just have fun, no matter what a weather! 🙂
My husband and I only had a bit of rain on our wedding day, but it was pretty foggy. He still likes to joke (21 years later) that he “got married in a fog” and had no idea what he was doing, LOL!!
Oh my goodness! I LOVED these books. I now need (not just want) everything you’ve written. To say that I am proud of you and your efforts is an understatement. You can write, woman!!!
Joy,
I’ve thought this more than once about you, but I just have to come out and say it today — you have the perfect name! — you are a giver of JOY 🙂 . Thank you so much, sweet lady!! xo
I went to a small, casual wedding, and the ceremony was held right on a dock. By the end of the day, the whole wedding party had jumped into the lake for a swim!
How fun, NovElla!!
What a great way to cool off after a big celebration! 🙂
Don´t enter me – have already a copy! Just here to say how awsome this book is!
I love reading your books, Marilyn! P,P and the Perfect Bet was so much fun!
Four Weddings and a Funeral is a Must see for everyone who hasn´t watched. Such a great movie! I was delighted when I found Duckface in Pride and Prejudice 1995 😀 😀
*Hug!!* Thanks so much, Katrin!!! xox
And LOL about finding Duckface in P&P ’95 — I thought exactly the same thing when I saw her!! She’s a talented actress, and I have to give her credit for being able to be so unlikable onscreen and, yet, so personable in real-life interviews. It’s always fun to see our “Austen” actors/actresses appear in other roles 😉 .
“Duckface” has quite a interesting background – you should look her up. And she has been in so many period films as well as modern ones. In one she again is trying to win Colin Firth: What a Girl Wants. But look her up – you will be surprised as to whom she is related.
YES!! You’re so right, Sheila! I was surprised to find out about Anna Chancellor’s fabulous relative (!!) when I looked her up. Enviable!
😀
I can just imagine the peacock wedding theme. It must be fun to attend one of those special and extraordinary themed weddings. As for me, all the weddings I have been to are pretty normal affair.
I already have all your books except Double Dipping. In case I win, can I exchange it with that one book, Marilyn? If not, please don’t enter me because I don’t want to deprive others to enjoy this special romance comedy novel.
My oldest had a peacock theme for her wedding at Hatley Castle in Victoria, British Columbia…and there are peacocks on the grounds. The “castle” was the setting for the school in the X-Men movies. http://www.hatleycastle.com/ Not really a castle but named so by the man who built it. She even found peacock shoes!
Lúthien, first of all, YES!! If you win, you can definitely exchange with that one ;). I told Meredith before she posted that if the winner had Perfect Match already, I’d swap it with On Any Given Sundae, Double Dipping, or Holiday Man — so that’s no problem! As for that particular themed wedding…it was definitely “memorable,” LOL.
Sheila, ohhhh, wow!!! Now THAT sounds lovely! The castle looks gorgeous (thanks for sharing the link) and how cool that she found peacock shoes… I’ll bet she looked beautiful!!
Here I am with another very late comment! I’m now interested in Mary Brant’s books! Contemporary JAFF has not been my favorite; however, I’m now interested in Mary’s books partially due to Meredith’s reviews, but also because I read the excerpts on amazon and liked what I read. They sound really good. They’re now on my wish list.
The best wedding ever was my daughter’s. They had a Renaissance Wedding in Yosemite. Most every one, including the judge and photographer, dressed in costume. Everyone commented that it really was a joyous wedding! Myself, I had the most fun looking back, and at the great pictures! My daughter’s future mother-in-law and I brought sewing machines to Yosemite and were fixing costumes!! Plus, it’s hard to believe, but it was HOT (as in weather) in Yosemite!
Nerve Wracking, but wonderful!!
Hi Catherine! Always happy to hear from you – there is no such thing as being late! 😉 Marilyn’s books are great ones to try if you feel a bit iffy about contemporary JAFF, they are a lot of fun! Glad you like the samples you read.
Your daughter’s wedding sounds awesome! I’ve never been to a costumed/themed wedding before. I hope someone I know decides to do that when they get married, I think the dressing up part would be such fun!