Since the first time we put pillowcases on our heads to play “bride” as little girls, we’ve been dreaming about our weddings. We just had to wait a while to find Mr. Right and “Say Yes to the Dress.”
But nothing turns a nice girl into a Bridezilla faster than saying, “I do.”
We needed professional help! So we checked in with Colin Cowie, wedding planner to the stars.
A frequent guest on “Oprah” and featured in “O” Magazine, he has us swooning over his rugged good looks and sexy accent. But what we really lust after are his exquisite table settings and stunning flower arrangements.
“I’m a die-hard romantic,” Colin says, “and I love happy occasions. That’s why I’m so passionate about my work.”
His website, ColinCowieWedding.com, is full of expert guidance, from the difficult (getting your dog to behave as ring bearer) to the impossible (getting your friends to behave as bridesmaids). Now he gives us his personal QuirkOut planning tips.
Shoestring Nuptials
For brides on a budget, Colin’s advice is simple: “There are only 52 Saturday nights in a year, so that’s when vendors and venues charge a premium. To save money, have a Friday night cocktail buffet or a Sunday brunch.”
Another idea he suggests: “Replace champagne and mixed drinks with signature martinis named after each bridesmaid and groomsman. Make it fun.”
Gwendolyn and her fiancé, Clark — foodies with a taste for international cuisine — came up with their own QuirkOut solution. They held their wedding in a beautiful (and free) city park, and the meal was catered by gourmet food trucks — Korean barbecue, Mexican tacos and Moroccan couscous.
The guests thought it was a spicy affair but wished the couple had offered one more option: Pepto Bismol milkshakes.
Registered Lunacy
“Today, couples register for what really matters to them. It may be a luxury hotel stay or sleeping bags and tents for camping. It just depends on their lifestyle,” Colin says.
But Marjorie and Carlos take the (wedding) cake on QuirkOut registries. Having lived together for years, the couple didn’t need dishes or wine glasses. Instead, they wanted to renovate their house and registered at Home Depot.
Just imagine the thank you notes: “Can’t wait until you come to dinner so we can show off the granite countertops you gave us.”
“Thank you for the lighting above the bar — we know how much you like to spend time there!”
But use caution in the wording: “We love the bidet in our new bathroom and think of you every time we use it.”
While we applaud your personalized touch, Marjorie, please file this under Too Much Information.
Your Style is In Style
“Embrace your own style,” Colin tells every bride. “People want perfect weddings, but I tell them, ‘I don’t do perfect weddings.’ You shouldn’t worry about being judged.”
Corporate executive Jolie took this QuirkOut advice to heart.
Once upon a time, she fell in love with everything Disney and vowed that her wedding would be a Magic Kingdom fantasy.
The cake toppers were Aladdin and Jasmine, and the ice sculptures were glass slippers. Tables were named after Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Bashful and, of course, Happy.
We think she may have taken it one step too far, walking down the aisle in a veil attached to white, glittery Mickey Mouse ears.
Luckily, her husband-to-be took it all in stride, even dressing in a dashing uniform from “Cinderella.” After all, when she saw him at the altar, he really was her Prince Charming.
More QuirkOut! at quirkout.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/quirkout and Twitter at twitter.com/quirkout.
Want more Colin?
Win a copy of “Wedding Chic” by Colin Cowie. Go to QuirkOut’s Facebook page (facebook.com/quirkout) and post a comment to be entered in the drawing.
