Location and ceremony
Consider having your wedding at your local library. Although this may seem like an odd suggestion if you live in the suburbs, city libraries are often beautiful and do hold events.
During the ceremony, consider incorporating a worn family book instead of a ring bearer pillow. Simply place a woven bookmark with tassels inside the book, and tie either decoys or the real rings to it.
Also, in addition to any Bible verses, etc. that you’re having read at your reception, consider a passage from a favorite book. Romantic lines work better for weddings than, say, the latest James Patterson.
Reception décor
A book-themed wedding has nearly endless possibilities for décor, most of them fairly inexpensive.
One possibility is enlarging excerpts from your favorite books and framing them with wooden frames, which can be found at dollar stores. These can be placed either on each table, or if possible, on the walls of the venue.
For a warm feel, purchase stacks of old books from a local thrift store to use as decoration throughout the reception. Simply take off any tattered book covers and stack on tables and around the room.
You can incorporate your color scheme by purchasing butcher paper in your colors to use as book covers for the thrift store books. This gives your reception a more modern and contemporary feel, while still incorporating your love of reading.
Attendant’s gifts
For your attendant’s gifts, you can visit your local bookstore. If you are on a tight budget but still want to get them something meaningful, check the bargain section. You can find books on almost every topic, and you can get three or four for each person for less than twenty-five bucks.
If you’d like to spend a little more on them, consider getting each attendant a leather-bound copy of their favorite classic novel.
Groom’s cake
To cap off a book-filled night, show off a book-shaped groom’s cake! A book, being a rectangle, is a fairly easy cake shape and a fun way to wow your guests. Check with your local bakery to see if they have any existing book cake designs.
Favors
Bookmarks are perfect favors for a book-themed wedding. Not only are they easy to personalize, they are inexpensive and useful as well. Have them artfully placed on a table near the exit of the reception, with a sign that says something like, “Please help yourself to a bookmark, and think of us as you enjoy your next read.”
For more wedding décor ideas, check out these other articles, also by Amanda Bass:
