Star Wars Wedding How-To

General advice and Getting Started:

1. Decide if you want a Star Wars theme in general or some specific element.  For instance, we emphasized the Planet Naboo from Episode 1.  Ideas for Star Wars related themes include a Death Star backdrop, an All-Imperial or Rebel theme, a "Tattooine" setting, an Endor Forest setting, or to focus on one or two main characters.
   
2. To what extent do you want to carry out your theme?  We went pretty far but didn't carry the theme into our reception music, ask people stay in character throughout the reception, or do Star Wars invitations either. You might just add a couple small touches as a "nod" to Star Wars, like cake topper figures or Star Wars toy centerpieces.
   
3. Costume themes add tons of atmosphere at no extra cost to you!  Guests who come dressed to your theme  really help set your mood--and theirs.  Just be sure to let people know either on your invitation or a separate insert about the theme.
   
4. Details count, but only so much:  Have fun planning your wedding and using your imagination to come up with ways to tie different elements into your theme.  But don't stress over it.   No one will remember if you spent hours researching napkin fabric to resemble Jedi Knight cloth.  Instead spend your time planning more memorable elements.
   
5. A costume wedding screams for photo opportunities!  Your photographer should be instructed to shoot lots of candids--and it doesn't hurt to have a few friends bring cameras as well.
   
6. Be sure your location coordinators, minister, etc are all aware of your theme!  We discussed this with our main event coordinator several times, but she didn't tell the rehearsal coordinator or the minister with whom we didn't get a chance to meet before the big day.  Imagine the poor coordinator's shock when our Blue Guard strolled into the rehearsal wearing their large (toy) rifles so they could practice maneuvering with them!  And the minister's expression as he arrived to find Darth Vader chatting with Boba Fett!   Talking up your theme is also a great way to get ideas from experts like your site and wedding coordinators!  Everyone gets into the spirit with themes.