Ringing in the New Years with some Holy Matrimony

Okay, so we all know that I may have this slight obsession with wedding planning by now. But I am thankful because one of my bests indulges me in this obsession and sets me out to plan these awesome, imaginary events for her. The latest was of course a wedding. A wedding on New Year's Eve. The idea of this date for a wedding can be sickeningly romantic (''As we set out upon this new year, this next chapter in our adventure called life, Rachel and yet-to-be-determined Groom set out upon this next chapter in their life...'' possibly part of my speech if this event happens someday) but the event can also be quite fun. New Year's is one time when class and kitsch come together in an effortless way. You can delight in cheap party hats and Mardi Gras beads, but those hats are shaped like top hats and you are drinking champagne while waiting for the ball to drop so you can kiss your date/person you've been flirting with all night that the bride and groom so graciously sat at your table with the slightest foresight that you just might hit it off. Can you tell I'm excited?

So, here's the dress. Rachel is a bit of a princess. So what could be more appropriate than giving her a dress to wear from Kirstie Kelly's line for Disney Bridal? That's right, absolutely nothing could be more perfect. Since the season is technically winter (we live in Florida, Winter only exists for brief spurts of time here), I wanted to choose something for her that would allow her to be comfortable. These sleeves are perfect for almost any Florida weather. The only thing that I would alter about this dress for my friend is that I would have a more pronounced sweetheart neckline for her. I know that is her favorite neckline on a wedding gown, but this dress was too perfect for her otherwise. I understand that if she does someday choose me to help her in her wedding planning, I will not be picking her dress. (Just putting that out there ;D)

We march onward to all of my wonderful friend's bridal accessories. This style approximates how her hair would be worn. Down, with her bangs swept back from her beautiful face, and loosely curled. Rachel has some of the most beautiful hair on the planet, in my unbiased opinion, and it should be showcased. I also happen to know how she feels when her hair is curly/wavy. She feels more relaxed and laid-back, just ready for whatever is about to be happening. I feel this epitomizes the way she should be feeling on her wedding day, aside from the prenuptial jitters most feel. Her make-up would be very classic. I would definitely choose make-up for her that adds emphasis to her eyes and her lips, which are right up there next to her hair and butt for best physical features. A vibrant bouquet of rose blooms in colors to match the season would be hers to carry down the aisle. Rachel is definitely a colorful person, her bouquet should be just as colorful as her. We have actually discussed on a couple of different occasions that Rachel does not desire to walk down the aisle in heels. She is afraid that she might fall over, and she wants to be very comfortable. I would bet my right pinky's toenail that she would want to change into something more festive for the reception though. Rachel likes shoes how she likes men, tall. She can be very girly at times, she loves her bling. Any jewelry that screams princess and sparkles more than a Cullen would be her first pick. I'd say she is definitely a veil girl, though only for the ceremony. Something very classic, and beaded on the end would be my pick for her.

The bridesmaids will be very classy, yet very sexy. I know she wants short dresses for us. The bridesmaids dresses in any wedding should compliment the bride's gown. These do that nicely. They are still festive for the season though. When it comes to our shoes, think Dorothy only gold. Pretty much we are going to look like the ball that is about to drop. Gold accessories with hints of other seasonal colors will adorn our necks, wrists, and ears. You will be able to see our ears because our hair will be worn up, in contrast to the blushing bride's long locks. A smaller, simpler version of our favorite bride's bouquet will be held out proudly in front of us as we walk down the aisle in her support. When it comes to our make-up, lots of glam. Not so much as to outshine the bride though, just enough to imply that all guests should be ready to PARTY after the ceremony.

I'm not entirely sure as to Rachel's opinion on groom/groomsmen attire. I'm not sure if she is one hundred percent attached to the traditional black and white tuxedo/suit. I took a wild guess and thought that she would be okay with this choice. The men would be wearing all black suits, with the exception of their ties. I doubt she would want bow ties, they might remind her of her prior Steak-n-Shake days. They would be appropriate for the date of the event though. The lucky groom would wear a white tie, and have a white boutonniere (by the way, that is one of the hardest words to remember how to spell. I need to use spell check every single time). Groomsmen would be in red to match the hot bridesmaids, with a red boutonniere. I'm very excited for this wedding party, everyone is going to be really hot.

We keep moving forward. Now we are on the locations. Married in a church fits so many aspects of this wedding. Our bride was brought up in the church, she loves Jesus. Her groom will be a man admired for his fear and love of the Lord, someone who is going to make a great father for their beautiful future children. When it comes to decor, something that reflects the season is only right. This means lots of red, and twinkle lights. Lights would be draped from the ceiling with sheer fabric underneath. The aisle would be lined with deep red roses, tulle, and more lights. The ceiling option is only needed if the church does not have an aesthetic ceiling I would say, but then again, it's a great affect. Her cocktail hour would outdoors. I probably should have started out by saying that this wedding is going to be at nighttime. It should almost be blatantly obvious, but in case it wasn't then it's out in the open now. So since the date is New Year's Eve, it's night time, approaching midnight within a few hours, and you are outside in Florida there is only one natural occurrence here -fireworks. There will be a fireworks display while hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are passed around by waiters and waitresses in top hots, gloves, and tail coats. The party then moves inside the hall. The dance floor will be dead center, as most of the night will be spent dancing. The tables will be decorated in red and silver and white. More ceiling draping will be utilized. As the witching hour grows ever more present, a screen will drop down for viewing of the ball drop. The ball drop ends the festivities of the magnificent evening.

Shown here are some of the foods and cocktails that will be served. A fairly classic choice of beef or chicken for the formal sit down meal. Plenty of champagne flowing for all in attendance, and sparkling apple juice for any minors who may be present. THE cake will have plenty of sugar roses adorning it. I also happen to know that Rachel wants the people on top of her cake, I think this figurine is absolutely perfect. It would be placed facing away the guests and couple to signify walking forward into a new future together. Cake sparklers would also adorn the top. The groom's cake is a champagne bottle in an ice bucket, no explanation is needed there.

Favors are one of the hardest choices to me. You want to choose something that people are actually going to want and like, yet things that are reminiscent of elements of your wedding, just on a much cheaper level haha. For this wedding I would choose wedding sparklers and match boxes customized with details of the event, New Year's party hats which will make for awesome pic opps, champagne flute candles again hopefully no explanation is needed here, and last but not least tic tacs for that all important ball drop kiss.

The end. As mentioned previously the ball drop signifies the end of the wedding. as Rachel and her new husband walk off into their future they are led out by all the joyful and well fed guests lit sparklers. Which is an idea I think I may utilize in my own wedding someday, New Year's ever or not.

So Rachel, I hope you enjoyed this.