As the ocean waves softly lapped against the jetty, I glanced over to see my husband, down on one knee, presenting me with a sparkling engagement ring. Tears streamed down my face, and through my emotions, I managed to squeak out a heartfelt, “Yes!” Cheers erupted from nearby beachgoers, celebrating our moment. On the drive home, I couldn’t take my eyes off the ring, and I began dreaming of the ideal wedding.
I envisioned a day that would reflect our love story, our passions, and our life together. I imagined gathering our friends and family in a beautifully lit space, surrounded by romantic flowers, dancing the night away to our beloved songs. My perfect gown would be ivory, and I had a clear vision for the floral centerpieces at the reception.
In the months leading up to the wedding, I was consumed with planning, and when the big day finally arrived, it seemed flawless. However, looking back, I realize it may not have been quite what I imagined.
Our wedding took place 18 years ago, well before the era of social media and digital convenience. My knowledge of bridal gowns was confined to old issues of bridal magazines, and photography styles were far from what they are now. When my friends and I walked down the aisle, we wore off-the-rack dresses from mainstream bridal shops, and trendy food stations like mashed potato bars were nowhere in sight.
Let me be honest: I’m a bit envious of those mashed potato bars. If I had known that weddings could feature cocktails in mason jars, I would have sprinted down the aisle straight to the bar.
Recently, we attended a wedding of close friends, and it was a hipster’s dream come true—in a good way, of course. We were captivated by the charming simplicity of their venue and decor. As we left, I turned to my husband and declared my desire for a hipster wedding redo. And it wasn’t just about the mason jars.
1. Barns Are the New Ballrooms
Barn venues harken back to an era of rustic charm, providing the perfect stage for a lively dance party. Our hotel ballroom lacked the rustic allure, and there was certainly no shiplap in sight.
2. Burlap Over Tulle
Tulle was once the go-to for wedding decorations, but hipsters have resurrected burlap with style. From table runners to adorning mason jars filled with daisies, burlap is a must for my wedding do-over.
3. Hashtags Are Essential
Since we wed before social media became ubiquitous, our wedding photos were limited to those taken by our photographer and a few disposable cameras on tables. Today, couples can create clever hashtags from their names. However, with our Irish surnames, ours would likely sound like a fast-food ad.
4. Chalkboards Are Trendy
Chalkboards have made a comeback, but not in classrooms. Whether used for signage by a cute little ring bearer or to label an artisanal cheese spread, they add a delightful touch that I want for my own wedding.
5. Culinary Creativity
Our wedding menu was standard hotel fare, but hipster weddings serve up comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and buttermilk biscuits. The culinary presentations at recent weddings have inspired me to reconsider traditional appetizers. And yes, I still dream of a mashed potato bar.
While our wedding day was indeed perfect and remains a cherished memory, I can’t help but appreciate the innovative spirit of contemporary weddings. As we swayed to our wedding song beneath the enchanting twinkling lights of a rustic barn, I felt grateful for the hipster friends who know how to celebrate love in style.
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In conclusion, while I treasure the essence of my wedding day, the allure of a hipster wedding do-over is undeniably tempting.