Bookish Bride: How to host a literary-themed wedding

Don't just save the date -- bookmark it! These bookmark save the dates are adorable and functional. Most bookmarks can be printed to easily fit inside a standard #10 envelope, so they're easy to mail out to guests ahead of the big day. You can even use some of your engagement photos to jazz it up.Once he's put a ring on it, it's time to snap some engagement photos. Use your literary love as the setting for these photos -- posing in your favorite local bookstore, or at your nearest library.Take a page from my own fiance's book (get it?) and pop the question in your favorite local book store. Being a YA junkie, my fiance conspired with his best friend to hide (and then guard) a book box containing the ring in the YA section of our local Barnes & Noble. The box said, "Will you marry this lucky guy, Sara?"Other book-ish proposals have included cutting up the inside pages of a book and hiding the ring inside the book itself. Some clever Muggles have even done this using the chapter "The Proposal" in the Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince book.View the list »
Ideas abound for throwing a literary-themed wedding, from engagement to send-off.

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Passionate readers everywhere are turning to their literary love for inspiration when it comes to their nuptials. And while weddings themed around specific books can be fun (and will be featured here over the coming weeks) -- a broad book-themed celebration is always a best-seller.

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From book-ish proposals and engagement shoots, to book-themed ceremony and reception decor, and even a literary twist to the classic bridal gown -- here are some ways you can throw a book-themed wedding.

Share your ideas for even more book-themed wedded bliss in the comments below! And tune in over the next several days for more ideas and suggestions.

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  • Take a page from my own fiance's book (get it?) and pop the question in your favorite local book store. Being a YA junkie, my fiance conspired with his best friend to hide (and then guard) a book box containing the ring in the YA section of our local Barnes & Noble. The box said, "Will you marry this lucky guy, Sara?"Other book-ish proposals have included cutting up the inside pages of a book and hiding the ring inside the book itself. Some clever Muggles have even done this using the chapter "The Proposal" in the Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince book.
  • Once he's put a ring on it, it's time to snap some engagement photos. Use your literary love as the setting for these photos -- posing in your favorite local bookstore, or at your nearest library.
  • Don't just save the date -- bookmark it! These bookmark save the dates are adorable and functional. Most bookmarks can be printed to easily fit inside a standard #10 envelope, so they're easy to mail out to guests ahead of the big day. You can even use some of your engagement photos to jazz it up.
  • These bridal shower invites use pages from old books, and are oh-so-adorable. They're also a great way to set the tone for a literary-themed bridal shower. A clever coordinator could even plan bridal shower games based on the bride's favorite books.
  • If you really want to step outside the box, ditch the traditional bridal boutique and make your own wedding dress using old books and loose pages. A steady hand can piece together pages from old books into a stunning (if not slightly stiff) gown.
  • Set the tone with a book-themed invitation. These two designs both offer delightful literary designs. The one on the left features silhouettes of the bride and groom on a bookshelf filled with favorite titles and important wedding information. Another route is to create your own faux book cover, such as these ones inspired by the Penguin Classics series.Even more elaborate options include turning old books into invitations, though expect to pay some hefty postage fees.
  • Forget the florist, and create these faux flowers from pages torn from old books. They are elegant and sweet, while exuding literary charm. Plus, this DIY craft project will save you tons on floral costs, which can be one of the priciest parts of a wedding.
  • Set the stage for your ceremony, and say your "I Do's" under an arch built of books. If these architectural feat is a little beyond your DIY skills, instead set up two narrow bookselves on either side of the altar area. You and your fiance can fill the shelves with all your favorite books.
  • Continue the book theme with the story of your love as part of your ceremony programs. You can even use a design for the cover and inside pages based on an actual book, such as these ones inspired by the Penguin Classics series.
  • There are so many great ways to incorporate books into centerpieces. Try stacking a few vintage books, and adding bud vases filled with fresh flowers. Or use books as the actual table number. Instead of directing guests to "Table 5," send them to "The Great Gatsby Table."
  • Another great way to incorporate books into reception decor is with this twist on table linens. Use pages from old books layered and glued together as a clever twist on the table runner. You could also create placements or "overlays" to serve as the base of a centerpiece, if you don't want to cover the whole length of a table.
  • Use the Dewey Decimal System to direct your guests to the appropriate table. These library card escort cards are an adorable way to let guests know which table they should sit at for dinner. Some couples have even used vintage filing card systems to arrange these escort cards.
  • Show your "good taste" in literature with a wedding cake that looks like a stack of books. Be sure to personalize this confectionery treat, and showcase spines that feature your own favorite titles. (And your fiance's, too!)
  • Forget about rice, confetti, or rose petals. Let your guests send you off in a shower of loose book pages. Another alternative: use a custom paper punch and old book pages to create custom literary confetti for the send-off.
  • What better way to say "thank you" to guests at your literary wedding, than with the gift of a book. Wrap your favorite texts in brown craft paper or paper that matches your decor. Tie it up with ribbon and a small "thank you" note tag and offer these to guests as a favor.Not sure you want to impose your literary taste on guests? You could also hand out gift cards to your favorite book store.
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, Portland Books Examiner

Sara has a Bachelor of Arts in English and over ten years experience in print, online and TV news. She has a love of all-things Young Adult lit and runs the education-based YA website Novel Novice. She can be reached at here.

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