Saying "I do" with Some Harry Potter Magic
Last week, J.K. Rowling announced that it was the 20th anniversary of the release of her first book – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In honor of that, here’s a look at how you can add magic to your wedding day, with a little bit of help from our favorite wizards and witches.
Pick Your Castle
If the big, looming stone castle of Hogwarts seems dreamy to you, then the school of witchcraft and wizardry might be the perfect place for you to walk down the aisle. If you want to get as close to the movie magic as possible, you can get married in Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida.
If a theme park isn’t your thing, there are a handful of castles that will give you the magic of Harry Potter with less roller coasters and costumes. Castles throughout European countries such as France, Austria, and Denmark offer the magnificence and certainly, some magic.
Make Some Magic
Cast a spell on your guests from the very beginning with Harry Potter-themed invitations or save-the-dates. Try a Marauder’s Map for your invitation, with your ceremony’s invitation inside! If you want something a little less mischievous, consider using invitations printed with text from some of your favorite passages. Your guests are sure to love these themed invitations.
Once your wedding day arrives, magical décor will help set the mood. Try sorting your guests into “houses” at your reception, and have tables marked for Ravenclaws, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors. If you want decorations that don’t come with all of Hogwarts’ bright colors, opt for marking your tables with locations from your favorite book or movie.
Don’t Forget Your Robes
While floor-length robes might not be exactly what you’re looking for to incorporate Harry Potter into your wedding day outfits, there are slightly subtler ways to keep the magic close to you throughout the entire ceremony. One option is to forego flowers in your bouquet and opt for origami flowers made from book pages. If you’d prefer real flowers, consider using your house’s colors in the bouquet, or incorporate those colors into your accessories.
Mix Your Potion
One of the easiest ways to transport your wedding into the wizarding world is through food and drinks. What better way to show that you and your new spouse love Harry Potter than through your wedding cake? Black Cherry Cake Company advertises a Patronus-inspired wedding cake and BG Productions offers a simple cake decorated with golden snitches.
It wouldn’t be a wedding without a love-potion, so a wizarding take on a champagne toast and “potions” for cocktails make for great drink options. Try making felix felicis to toast with, and offer your guests fun cocktails like amortentia.
While these potions might not be made in a cauldron and might taste a little better, they’ll be sure to set the mood for your reception and carry the magic all throughout your day.
