A bride and her father are walking down the aisle. In front of them, framed against a background of stained glass and polished wood, stands the nervous groom. This shy couple is lucky enough to be exchanging vows in the same building where they first met, sheepishly looking at each other across a quiet room. Is this a church?
No. It’s a library! If you are looking to become a wedding planner or in the process of planning your own wedding, libraries are a place not to be overlooked.
Libraries are iconic structures that anchor schools, universities, communities and urban centers, but in recent years they have taken on a new role: as places and inspirations for modern brides and grooms. And why not? You can find a library in almost every town and city and are fundamentally easy to use.
For couples looking for some great drama, vintage libraries are the way to go. Often found on college campuses or in the heart of a city or town, ancient libraries are landmarks from another era. Built as cathedrals for the intellect and curiosity, neoclassical and fine arts libraries often feature architectural details such as vaulted ceilings, stone columns, ornate motifs, wooden paneling and furniture, and elegant book shelves. These elements combine to create an incredibly elegant setting for a wedding celebration.
The New York Public Library in Manhattan, guarded by its iconic stone lions, is a perfect example. Brides at NYPL can choose from three different event spaces, each with exquisite architectural details: Corinthian columns, a vaulted glass ceiling, and a grand white marble staircase. Couples would be hard-pressed to find a comparable awesome drama space.
Private libraries in historic homes or museums are just as elegant but more intimate. This makes them perfect for smaller matters. Often times, the library is so beautiful that little is needed for decoration, a fact that appeals to couples on a budget.
These days, another aspect of libraries adds to their appeal: nostalgia. Technology has altered research and study methods, resulting in once-pedestrian library paraphernalia becoming collectible. Library stalwarts like tabbed card catalogs and date-stamped loan stickers, and sadly, even the books themselves have a sweet, retro, and somewhat nerdy appeal.
Even brides and grooms who opt for a different venue can easily draw inspiration from a library theme. As this trend intensifies, wedding details from the books appear on everything from invitations to centerpieces. Save-the-Dates created from bookmarks, slip-on credit card invitations, shredded page garlands, and book centerpieces are creative and undeniably charming.
The writer Rudolfo Anaya once said, “a library is also a place where love begins.” She was referring to the love notes she used to write while studying in her high school library, but the sentiment is appropriate for girlfriends and grooms inspired by the overwhelming romance of a sleek and quiet library.
For those interested in a career in wedding planning, or taking a course for fun or for the purpose of planning their own wedding, a wedding planning school is a great place to learn the fundamentals of the art while learning in a interactive environment and get real life experience.