The Halfway House

[Churak]

I draw your attention to #7...note no mention of those despicable KKDs...

Disenchanted by the thought of a traditional church wedding? Here are 10 wedding ideas — from a little unique to just plain bizarre — to inspire you!

by Chantel Guertin

1. Wed Where You Met — It may seem ridiculous if you met in a bar, but take a moment to consider how the interior might appear if it was spotlessly clean and beautifully decorated, with a cellist emitting evangelical music throughout. Would you have a different opinion? Many bars and restaurants are in beautiful old homes with hardwood floors and lots of atmosphere. And the location can double for the reception! Other romantic places couples have wed include the kindergarten class where they first tied each other's shoes, in the hotel ballroom where they went to prom together, and at the beach of the resort where they met as camp leaders.


2. From Train to Train — Do trains have any significance in your relationship? Is there a special train you took across Canada on vacation, or did you take the train to visit your sweetie when you lived in different cities one year? Rent a few cars on the train and invite your guests aboard. Consider a train across Canada, or elsewhere in the world where your guests get a vacation and you can hop off in the country of your choice. Just make sure your wedding license is applicable where you decide to tie the knot.


3. Cruise Into Your Honeymoon — A cruise ship is the perfect way to combine a great holiday for guests with a romantic wedding and reception. Guests will be able to drink and be merry (no drive home!), and your white dress will never find a better backdrop than the horizon at sea. While your guests stay aboard for the week, you and your new spouse can head for shore in the island of your choice and have that perfect romantic honeymoon stroll on the beach. If you can't afford a cruise abroad, consider Holland America's week-long Canadian cruise, from Montreal to Maine, or even just an evening cruise in the your local harbour, or in one of the coastal oceans.


4. Into the Wild — Nothing could be more Shakespearean than a wedding in the wilderness - whether it's a conservation area or a wooded forest in northern Canada near a resort. Your guests can stay the weekend and enjoy the simplicity of outdoor life and love, while you nestle away in a cottage. The only sounds you'll hear are the birds and your whispers to each other.


5. Historical Moment — There are dozens of landmarks exuding history and charm in Canada and many of them are available to book for wedding ceremonies. From Signal Hill and Cabot Tower in Newfoundland, to the Empress Castle in Victoria, an ancient fortress is the perfect backdrop for a thematic and charming wedding, as well as a symbol of fortification and everlasting love. As a bonus, you won't shed a tear if it rains, because the ambiance will just be even more enchanting.


6. Handfasting — Instead of a traditional ceremony, include your spiritual beliefs and vows by participating in a pagan handfasting ritual to seal your bond. Performed by a Selena (either a male or female minister) this ceremony can be either symbolic or binding. The ceremony includes such divine treats as the elemental blessings of fire, water and earth, and of course, the rite of unity through the fastening of the couple's hands together with a cord. For more info, check out www.earth-dancing.com.


7. Donuts and Vows — While it's romantic to wed where you met or spent many dates, this is, perhaps, one case of taking it too far. Saying "I do" while everyone else says "Double Double" is just asking for trouble. Are the guests supposed to throw sprinkled donuts at the bride and groom instead of confetti or Rice Krispie squares instead of rice? A true Canadian original, it's an oddly unique option and great for anyone whose last name is Horton.


8. Online Ceremony — Online romances grow in popularity by the day, thanks to the increase in online dating services. So it's understandable that the Internet holds a dear place in some couples' hearts, to the extent that many couples actually tie the knot over the Net. Talk about taking the superstition of the groom not seeing the bride in her gown just a little too seriously! Want to view the actual ceremony page? Go to www.webstationone.com.


9. Might as Well Jump — Skydive, leap off a bridge into the ocean, dive from a cliff into a cascading waterfall or bungee jump as you proclaim your love and fidelity. If you're looking for excitement, you could get hitched in safety ropes to get hitched, but just be prepared for the possibility that you, or your new spouse may be spending the honeymoon in the hospital. That cast could replace the guest book though!


10. Drive-Thru Wedding — Las Vegas' most popular "McMarriage" spot, A Little White Chapel opened the Tunnel of Vows Drive-Thru Chapel on Valentine's Day 1991, after a handicapped couple had difficulty getting into the chapel. A convenient idea, now every walk of bride and groom line up to exchange speedy vows here, with such packages Limo Lovers Lip Lockers' Special, Cherubs Chariot, or the Bikers' Special.