Sumptuous. Elaborate. Ornate. Excessive. Let's face it--waaaay over the top. Marie Antoinette is the poster child for the Baroque era, and the lavish lifestyle of France's King Louis XVI (Marie's husband, who could well afford such extravagance) and their courtiers exemplifies the Baroque era. If you've seen any paintings or movies (like 2006's Marie Antoinette) that depict the era, you can easily understand why the French revolted. It's pretty revolting. But as a wedding theme, it would be an absolute hoot for the guests. And guess what? A Baroque-themed wedding is a red-hot, growing trend in Europe and other parts of the world! Yes, brides worldwide are squeezing themselves into those boob-busting, hip-enhancing, ostentatious gowns and slapping on a white, powdered wig to walk down the aisle to her white-wigged, tights-and-knickers-wearing groom-to-be. Wouldn't you just love to hear the conversation when the BTB breaks the news to her betrothed that he's going to be wearing kneepants, velvet and ruffles for the big day?

Just imagine what this theme requires--a palatial, French-style setting, elaborately decorated reception tables, a string quartet playing Baroque music, wine flowing like the Seine, a menu that may or may not include pheasant-under-glass and an entire roast pig, and period costuming for the bride, groom and wedding party. By the way, those things that made Marie's hips as wide as the Seine are called panniers. That explains the very wide doors that filled their place in Versailles. Considering what a wedding like this might cost, you'll probably wind up "baroque."






Perhaps the least expensive and most appreciated part of a baroque wedding would be the fabulous wedding favors. What guest wouldn't want a memento of an extravaganza like this? Here are a couple that would fit perfectly in your grand banquet hall! The "Enchanted Carriage" Favor Box is sure to resemble the gorgeous carriage that brings you to the ceremony. If you really want to go all out with the Marie Antoinette theme, you'll want to bestow these magnificent "Coronation" Bottle Stoppers on your guests. I must say, the more I think about a Baroque wedding, the better I like it. Your wedding album and video would be spectacular and unbelievably entertaining. And you'd literally have a ball!

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