Think a Dia de los Muertos theme would sort of dark and gothic because it’s all about death? THINK AGAIN! I’m totally in love with Julie Cupcake’s psychedelically colorful Dia de los Muertos-themed wedding reception.

The table-settings are so happy they’re almost rainbow-bright. Julie’s floral dress with the cheetah shrug makes me want to go dancing. The five-tier wedding cake has zebra stripes, a singing Elvis, and skulls. Oh, and Julie’s hair is pretty much to die for.

This is NOT a wedding for the modern minimalists, but if you love kitschy retro fabulousness, you must check out the full set.

(Thanks to Julie Cupcake for the photo!)

My fiance and I are having a bit of trouble (okay, a lot of trouble) figuring out how to entertain our guests during our reception. The whole dinner and dancing thing really doesn’t suit us, but when I’ve asked for advice from the “professionals” in our area, their eyes glaze over at the thought of not having a father-daughter dance, etc, etc. —Lauren

As a semi-retired raver, I simply can’t imagine not dancing — but I realize that’s MY brand of weird and not everyone else’s. If you don’t like dancing, ug: there’s nothing worse than hosting a miserable, requisite dance floor that you spend the whole night avoiding.

Luckily for you, there are lots of non-dancing options for your guests …

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I’ve spent the last two days scouring the ‘net for a father/daughter dance for our wedding reception, and frankly, virtually every suggestion I’ve come across has a title that makes me throw up in my mouth a little like “Daddy’s Little Girl” or “Butterfly Kisses.”

I’m not opposed to sentimental songs but perhaps none with the bride=angel/child/doll theme I can’t seem to get away from. He’s a 60s/70s Classic/Southern rock kinda guy. There’s gotta be something out there about years going by, getting older, moving on… I just can’t seem to find it. This
is one of the few traditions we’re actually keeping, so I’d like to find something right for us. —Sharon

Yeah, nothing like the creepy incest themes that seem to come up with father/daughter dances, hmm? That’s part of why I skipped the tradition, but I do agree that with the right song it can be a nice moment. Here are a few non-icky song ideas:

Loudon Wainwright’s “Daughter”(hear it)
10,000 Manaics “How You’ve Grown” (hear it)
Ben Folds’ “Still Fighting It” (hear it)

If you’re looking for even more, the playlist from WFUV’s father’s day show might give you some great ideas.

Offbeat brides: got any suggestions? Leave ‘em in the comments!

PS: Extra bonus awesome points if you can carry off something like this.