Using Live Fish as Wedding Decor
Incorporate the Beauty of Koi or Betta for Unique Reception Style
Live fish are beautiful and elegant. They make tasteful art in homes, and businesses and aquariums draw millions of visitors annually so guests can indulge in the relaxing spell fish weave. Whether you're planning a beach theme wedding, or just enjoy the colors and elegance of fish there are many ways to incorporate them into your decor.
Aquarium Rental
Check with local fresh and saltwater fish stores to see if they offer aquarium rental. While this is not a low-budget option, as rentals can range into the thousands due to the volatile nature of saltwater fish, companies like Aquarium Leasing Specialist in Perth, Australia will deliver, set up and maintain live tropical fish during your event. Short-term aquarium rental is growing in popularity and though it may not be widely advertised, communication with locals stores should point you in the direction of a business who can accommodate your needs.
Many fish stores offer custom tank design. If you have your heart set on a beautiful live display at your reception or wedding location, price a custom design that can be moved to your home following the service. Again, this is not a low-budget option, but if you and your fiance' are fish enthusiasts this choice may make excellent decor and a lovely gift to each other for starting your new life.
Fish in Centerpieces
Incorporating fish into wedding centerpieces is a time-honoured practice that draws a mixed response. While Betta fish tend to work best as they are colorful, hearty and do not require filtration when living in a fish bowl, depending on the size of your wedding it may require dozens of fish to properly decorate.
Betta fish can't be placed in a tank together. Also known as Japanese Fighting Fish, males will kill each other when housed in a community setting. One option is to allow guests to take the centerpiece fish bowls home with them as favors, but you can't count on every guest wanting one. Arrangements must be made for accommodating any leftover fish following the service. Fortunately Betta fish are easy to take care of and are not expensive. Small fishbowls can be purchased at any large craft or pet store.
A Few Notes on Betta Fish as Centerpieces:
- You can decorate each bowl with glass pebbles in your wedding colors and select a matching fish. Further accent each bowl with ribbon, rhinestones or crystals.
- It is not recommended to use candles inside the fish bowls, lot or unlit. The resin can be dangerous to the animals.
- It takes awhile for a Betta to dirty his bowl, so during the course of a wedding and reception everything should be fairly clean and beautiful.
- Transporting the fish to the reception location takes planning. It is recommended that you delegate this responsibility to someone who will oversee the set-up and care of fish before, during and after the services.
- Some pet stores may take donations of the leftover fish. Make arrangements with them prior to the wedding if this is the course you take.
- For guests wishing to take a fish as a favor, provide fish food, water solution and rocks to make it a total care package. Instructions for care are nice too.
Fish as Cake Decorations
This is truly unusual and quite possibly one of the most beautiful cake ideas available. Because Betta fish can exist in a bowl with a lid on it, talk to your cake decorator about placing cake tiers on tier stands and adding a fish bowl between the layers. This may sound odd, but when complete it makes an elegant cake that serves as living art. Angela of "Sugar and Spice Cake's" in Olive Branch, MS offers a gorgeous example of this cake, incorporating fish made of icing and even little air bubbles for a fantastic finished product.
Fish on a Grand Scale
With the abundance of Koi Fish breeders growing every day, consider having your wedding by an outdoor water source. If you have the availability of a pond, or a small creek, purchase a variety of brightly colored Koi to add to the water source for the event. Make certain that the fish are allowed and will be able to exist there after the wedding. If not, make arrangements for the fish to be transported after the service to a better location.
Koi come in a variety of colors and sizes and are actually quite social. Many botanic gardens offer ponds already stocked. For backyard weddings, temporary Koi ponds can be constructed above ground and for those wanting a lasting memory of their nuptials, speak to local outdoor supply stores about installing permanent Koi ponds. The cost may be within your budget and it serves as a permanent addition to your current landscaping.
Incorporating live fish in wedding decor is a personal decision up to the Bride and Groom. Many animal-lovers feel that it is inappropriate or careless unless proper arrangements are made for care of the fish and living arrangements for the animal after the service. Though they can make a beautiful addition to any theme, fish of any variety are not throw away items. Plan carefully if you plan to incorporate these delightful little creatures, and consider their comfort as much as your design. For more unique wedding suggestions check out Combining Decor and Favors, and Unique Wedding Cake Idea.
