The Swan Theme Wedding
Scratch a swan-theme bride, and you'll find a fairytale bride underneath.
The swan symbol comes down to us from Arthurian legend and beyond. Splashing its noble form across heralds and shields, this most graceful of the birds has starred in some of our greatest operas and ballets, from Wagner's Lohengrin to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, and never once lost its cozy association with royalty.
So a swan-theme wedding isn't a casual affair. It's shamelessly traditionalist. The natural setting for such a wedding involves fluted columns and topiaries, foot bridges and sparkling ponds, Italian fountains and deep-red rose petals, and of course, horse-drawn carriages. The favors are traditional bonbonniere that hearken back to the lords and ladies of Europe. Even the flower girl and ring bearer will probably look like royalty.
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As for fashion? The swan-theme bride is a resplendent figure. She'll wear a glittering tiara. Her jewelry's timeless: fiery Swarovski crystals, or demure pearls. She might, like many brides, find herself helpless against the blatant romance of Monique L'Huillier's breakout 2005 gown that went by the name of "Swan Lake." It featured a ballet-ready bodice of Alençon lace and over 20 rapturous layers of silk tulle in the skirt, and captured the hearts of brides everywhere, even those that considered themselves modernists. (The gown was such a sensation, it inspired its own matching Monique L'Huillier Barbie in 2006.)
Setting the scene for a swan-theme wedding means choosing a venue with "good bones." Choose a place with manicured grounds and fine architectural details: wainscotting, pillars, finely upholstered chairs. Then you won't have to do much to bring the theme alive; you can accomplish it with subtle touches. That said, here are some simple ways to let this beautiful bird steal the show at your wedding.
Then, check out the swan boats that have graced the Boston Harbor since the 1870's, based on the famous swan conveyance from Lohengrin. (Among other things, Lohengrin is famous for bringing us the famous "Bridal Chorus," otherwise known as "Here Comes the Bride." )
If you're lucky enough to be close to a craftsman, consider placing your cake on a spectacular platform that mimics the swan-drawn both from the opera (for inspiration, see this sleigh-drawn wedding cake in our Winter wedding favors section).
Lenox makes some beautiful swan items, such as cake toppers that double as keepsakes. If you prefer, go modern (yet classic) by topping your cake with an elegant tiara.
If you to give your swans center-stage as centerpieces, you'll probably find the most flexibility with elegant items such as these clear glass swan vases, which come in a variety of sizes, look fantastic with floral arrangements, and can even be filled with tinted water to match your wedding hues. Double the sparkle by placing each swan on a round mirrored base ... and surround with crystal-clear vase gems and red rose petals.
Having a buffet-style reception? Tuck little reminders of your theme throughout by having your caterer or a talented friend carve some beautiful swans out of foods such as honeydew melons.
Finally, if your budget can stand the strain, put aside a bit of change for a spectacular kissing swans ice sculpture. Lit from below and wreathed by greenery, you'll find this crystalline beauty makes the most romantic eye-catcher in the room (besides yourself, of course!)
Does anyone know of a company that rents swans? I was able to get in touch with a company to release the doves at my wedding but I also want swans in a lake. Does such a company exist?
Has anyone run into swans to place on the cake, not just the topper, but on each level, all facing out, not flat. My parents 50th anniversary is coming up and I’d like to have a smaller version of their wedding cake done and it was covered with swans, it was gorgeous…..
Mary,
Did you find the swans? We are having a 50th anniversary party for my in-laws and I’m trying to replicate their wedding cake. The pillars are also swans!
Thanks!
Thanks for all of the tips! What a great central place for swan wedding items. My fiance’s last name is Swan, so we just couldnt theme our wedding any other way :-)
You have a link for clear glass swan vases, but when I try to pen it it doesn’t work. I am really intrested in finding these, do you have the correct url?
Dear Paula,
It may be too late, but I have many swan vases that I ordered for my wedding that were never used. If you are still interested in finding them, I have 15″ vases, 12″ vases and other smaller ones as well. Feel free to contact me at joshelin1024@yahoo.com if interested, or anyone you know who wants tham.
Joshelin,
I love those swan vases. I am getting married on July 18, 2009 and the theme of our wedding is swan. I am actually interested in purchasing the 15inch for decorations on the dessert tables or etc. How much are they selling for? Feel free to contact me at twinkied2000@yahoo.com or fdavis@sumtercountysc.org.
Do you know where I can get wedding invitations that have 2 swans making a heart on them??
Thank you
You can find some even nicer (and larger) clear glass swan vases on [swan vases discontinued]. I used them for my own wedding and in the past purchased some of the ones on this site and some of the milton Adler glass swans. THESE are far nicer.
I have tried this both websites and there isnt any swan vases please help Any more ideas that will deliver to uk
Thank you so much for all of the helpful suggestions!! I have wanted a swan thememd wedding ever since I was a little girl and I was beginning to think that no one had any ideas or materials I could use for my dream wedding. You have been a great help!!!!!
Do you know how to make a honeydew swan?