Wedding Forum

[Meridian]

So I would like to incorporate a masquerade theme into the reception, I am making masks for all the guests, and they will double as the center pieces. I am not going to force anyone to wear them, it is more for the fun of it. I would like to name my tables rather than number them, but have no idea what to name them. Also, if anyone has any decorating ideas other than candles they would be most welcome!

[blue_eyed_girl]

that sounds lilke an awesome idea, I would absolutley love that!
have you and FH travelled? maybe you could name the tables with places you have visited? xx

[sweetime]

I'm going to explain this very poorly, but there used to be like an italian theatre company that put on improvised shows that used characters in masquerade (this website *might* explain it more clearly, but perhaps not http://www.venetianmasksshop.com/history.htm). If it was me, I'd be naming the tables after these sorts of characters:

* Arlecchino (known in English as Harlequin) was the most famous. He was an acrobat and a wit, childlike and amorous. He wore a cat–like mask and motley colored clothes and carried a bat or wooden sword.

*Brighella, Arlecchino's crony, was more roguish and sophisticated, a cowardly villain who would do anything for money.

*Il Capitano (the captain) was a caricature of the professional soldier—bold, swaggering, and cowardly.

*Il Dottore (the doctor) was a caricature of learning—pompous and fraudulent.

*Pantalone was a caricature of the Venetian merchant, rich and retired, mean and miserly, with a young wife or an adventurous daughter.

*Pedrolino (also known as Pierot) was a white–faced, moon–struck dreamer and the forerunner of today's clown.

*Pulcinella, as seen in the English Punch and Judy shows, was a dwarfish humpback with a crooked nose, the cruel bachelor who chased pretty girls.

*Scarramuccia, dressed in black and carrying a pointed sword, was the Robin Hood of his day.

*The handsome Inamorato (the lover) went by many names. He wore no mask and had to be eloquent in order to speak the love declamations.

*The Inamorata was his female counterpart; Isabella Andreini was the most famous. Her servant, usually called Columbina, was the beloved of Harlequin. Witty, bright, and given to intrigue, she developed into such characters as Harlequine and Pierrette.

*La Ruffiana was an old woman, either the mother or a village gossip, who thwarted the lovers.

*Cantarina and Ballerina often took part in the comedy, but for the most part their job was to sing, dance, or play music.

[Meridian]

Sweetime, you freaking rock, that is exactly what I was after, now to convince FH!

[wickie08]

Sweetime that is awesome!

When I think of masquerade I think of Venice - you could also use Venetian names like the names of the canals, bridge of sighs, St Peters square (is it st peters? St something anyway!)

[Meridian]

eep, now I am also thinking of incorporating the movie Labyrinth and might name some tables after the characters form the movie (it has an awesome masquerade scene)

[amysteere]

Amazing thought, but interesting. You can use some significative things or people to name it. Also the places you have travelled are also good idea. Just recall the interesting things you have done.

[PerthGirl]

On the labyrinth path, decorate the tables with orbs like The Goblin King plays with.

Feathers also suit the theme, and lots of ribbon, glitter, sequins.

Are you having kids at the wedding? For their table perhaps give them blank masks and glitter glue etc so they can paint their own.

[Meridian]

No kids at the reception, but I love the idea of the orbs! I will have to watch the movie a few more times to get some ideas!