How to Incorporate Hockey Into a Wedding

Traditional weddings aren't for everyone.

True love lasts forever, whether you love your significant other or hockey. If your fiance loves hockey as much as you do, you may decide to incorporate hockey into your nuptials. This is your day, so you are allowed to celebrate it in any manner you deem fit, traditional or not. While you will need to take your guests' needs into account (your great-grandmother may not be the best skater around), your wedding will still be the most talked-about event for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Hockey puck
• Hockey sticks
• Hockey helmet
• Ice skates
• Black plates
• Miniature hockey mascots
• Glass sheet
• Hockey trophies
• Air hockey table (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Rent a hockey rink for the ceremony.

   Rent a skating rink or a hockey rink. Remain in communication with the owner and the workers regarding the safety of anything you plan for your wedding. Most rinks will ask that you and your guests sign liability waivers in case of injury. Also ask if you are allowed to place seats or rugs on the carpet for elderly guests or guests who don't know how to ice skate. Inquire if an employee can drive you and your spouse around in the Zamboni after the ceremony, just for fun.

2. 

   The first guy who scores a goal keeps the garter.

   Plan certain wedding events around hockey. For example, plan a scrimmage between the bridesmaids and groomsmen, with the bride and groom playing goalie. Have the wedding party skate down the aisle holding hockey sticks. If your minister or justice of the peace is agreeable, incorporate hockey terms into your vows. Wrap the garter around a puck and declare the first man to score a goal with the puck as the winner or have the bride throw her bouquet toward ladies lined up against the goal.

3. 

   Use a bundle of miniature hockey sticks to simulate flowers.

   Make hockey-themed decorations for your reception. Use a hockey helmet filled with flowers for your centerpieces, or leave out the flowers entirely and replace them with miniature hockey sticks. Instead of using a bride and groom doll, top your cake with a hockey mascot. Serve food on black plates that resemble pucks. Customize a hockey rink tablecloth and place a layer of glass over it to simulate ice, or just use an air hockey table. Ask servers and staff to dress in hockey uniforms. Place hockey trophies around the room or on tables.

Tips & Warnings

• Check online for websites that offer customized tablecloths, dolls, napkins, etc.

• If you have any reservations about the safety of your guests, don't go through with an idea. You don't want to remember your wedding as the day your nephew broke his ankle.

• Make sure all your guests know about the hockey theme so they dress appropriately.

• Hold the reception at a different location so that anyone who missed the ceremony can still celebrate your special day.