This post originally appeared on StopMeifYouveHeardThisOne.com
There's an alarming trend running through the wedding industry. You've probably seen it, and -- even worse -- you've probably been swayed by a pretty inspiration shoot into thinking that it's not that bad of an idea.
I'm talking about movie-themed weddings. And I'm here to tell you why you should back away from those wand favors and reconsider.
1. Today's hottest trends are tomorrow's fodder for VH1's "I Heart the '10s."
It's one thing to say you want to incorporate timeless, gothic-style décor into your reception space. It's a whole other to want "Edward" and "Bella" signs hanging on your chairs at dinner. I'm firmly convinced that movie-themed weddings will be for our generation what feathered bangs and bell-bottom trouser pants were for our parents -- quickly outdated and the subject of much mockery.
Besides, your wedding photos are going to be prominently displayed in your home (and your parents' and grandparents' homes) probably forever. Unless you plan to live in a haunted castle or a thatched-roof cottage, movie-themed wedding photos might not exactly match the curtains. (At the very least, be sure to order a few prints in black and white.)
2. Your wedding should be a reflection of you.
"But Justine," you say, "I love "Harry Potter"! "Harry Potter" is me!" No, dear reader. Harry Potter is a fictional (sorry, fans) character that you really enjoy reading about and possibly watching on screen. Harry Potter is a fantasy who lives in a fantasy world you like to escape to now and then. You might wish it was all real, but you also (hopefully) acknowledge that it isn't.
You know what is real and should be taken seriously? Your marriage. And there's something about basing the most important relationship of your life on a fairy tale that spells trouble for the future. Besides, if your relationship really is based on the eternal battle between good and evil, the struggle of the people versus an oppressive government regime, or your fiancé's struggle to not drink your blood, you have issues beyond the scope of my advice.
3. I'm not sure that means what you think it means.
Yup, I'm dedicating an entire point to one movie: "Hunger Games" weddings. Can we just...not? You have read the books right? Then you should know these books are not about romance. They never are, and they never will be. Just trust me that you don't want to base your wedding day on a story about children murdering children. Something about that is just a turn-off.
What you really mean is: I want a woodsy wedding theme and to wear a side braid. Just do that. Including a mockingjay monogram on your stationery is just unnecessary. (Unless you're planning to have your bridal party battle to the death to see who gets the bouquet. In which case, maybe you live in more of a fantasy land than I thought.)
Now, obviously I'm not saying you shouldn't incorporate the things you and your fiance are passionate about in your wedding. You should. And if one of those things happens to be the latest Young Adult lit craze, by all means, incorporate details into your wedding. (Even some of the examples I showed above can be pretty.)
So, go ahead. Name your tables after the Hogwarts houses. Decorate your tables with a few black candelabras. But for the love of all that is holy, leave your bow and arrow at home.
Earlier this year, HuffPost Weddings asked the Twitterverse what they thought of "Hunger Games"-themed weddings. Below, their thoughts: