Planning a Kentucky Derby Themed Wedding

Love the horses? "Then you are off to a good start if you are thinking about a Kentucky Derby themed wedding." Held on the first Saturday of every May, you can plan early because you always know what day it will be held. You can hold your wedding and reception at "THE" Kentucky Derby Mueseum or in your own home town. It's all about the decorations. Key points to include for a fabulous party/reception, include:

• Mint Juleps


• Bluegrass Music


• Roses,


• Lucky Horse shoes.


• Bourbon Bar


• Country Setting or at the Kentucky Derby Itself


• Let the men wear seersucker and the ladies wear fabulous hats.


• Invoke the southern style of the Derby and be sure to have Bourbon on hand.

First things first. Decide where you will have the wedding/reception:

Venues that can be used:

If you want to "stay in town" and can rent or know someone who owns a farm; choose the country setting. Decorate with an upscale country motif. Remember, the Derby is a very classy event where everyone dresses up. You can getmarried between the barn doors (which will act as curtains); and decorate with roses and/or country inspired floral arrangements. A tent can be used for the reception area where you can decorate with copper kettles full of flowers; or even crystal decor. If possible, include chandelier or candle lighting.

If possible saddle up the wedding party and guests and make a mad dash for Kentucky's Churchill Downs. Situated at Gate One of the world-famous racetrack is the just-renovated KentuckyDerby Museum., which offers two options for wedding receptions. The great hall, an oval space, smacks of an indoor racing track and is surrounded by a 360-degree screen (great for video and slide-show presentations), and the walls are graced with equestrian imagery. The Carl F. Pollard Gallery exists for smaller receptions, and affords views of the Churchill Downs entrance from five arched windows. In fact, professional guided tours of the track can be arranged for your guests. Throughout the event, guests will have access to all museum exhibits, and may even want to stop by the stables to look at the horses housed there. From elegant outdoor ceremonies to fun and memorable receptions, their onsite wedding coordinator will guide you through the planning process. And remember, the week prior to the Derby is full of festivals and acitivites . Maxium guest capacities:Great Hall: 300; Carl F. Pollard Gallery: 120. T Kentucky Derby Museum., (502) 637-1111; 704 Central Avenue, Louisville. For rental information you can also Click Here.

Another grand choice is the World Peace Bell Exhibit Center, where the beautiful sound of ringing wedding bells follows the conclusion of many nuptial ceremonies. Many couples choose to marry on the bridge leading out to the bell -- it's housed in an etched glass and steel pavilion that recalls L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The World Peace Bell will ring at the close of your eremony, and then guests can move into the exhibit building for a smalll reception (maximum capacity 100) on the second floor. You'll work from a list of preferred caterers including the Syndicate, a popular banquet facility right across the street that also offers a convenient post ceremony setting for larger, more formal parties. World Peace Bell Exhibit Center, (859) 655-9500; 425 York Street, Newport.

If you can't afford the Derby Museum or it is booked there are other options. Check out Dedicio.com and find other locations in the Louisville area where you can hold your wedding/reception. Other choices include: Whitehall House & Gardens; Conrad-Caldwell House Museum; Belle of Louisville Which is a Steamboat; The Brennan House; Seelbach Hotel; DuPont Mansion.

Don' forget to also check out Wedding Mapper; a new online community that connects engaged couples and wedding professionals in local markets around the world where you can read actual recommendationsfrom people who have had their weddings at the Kentucky Derby.

The Invitations

Theme your invitations with a clipart photo of horses or roses. Below are a few that we found:


Colorful Horseshoe

You're a lucky pair! Announce your good fortune to family and friends with this ecru z-fold invitation featuring your first names, wedding date and a colorful horseshoe and sunflower design on the front. A verse of your choice is printed on the middle panel. Your wording appears on the right panel. Matching enclosures complete the ensemble.

Lucky Pair
When you've been lucky in love, this is your invitation! A pair of horseshoes and "Lucky in Love" accent the top of the ecru Tea Length invitation card, which is printed with your wording. The card slips inside a deep brown pocket for a great presentation. Tie with jute cord (sold separately) for a finishing touch. The horseshoe design is also printed on enclosure cards. The design and all wording are printed in the same ink color. Assembly required.(Size: 4" x 9 1/4")Lined inner envelopes are not available for this invitation.

• Kentucky Derby Invitations at Fine Stationary.com


• Horse Presence-stationery, note cards and journals


• Life Tips-how to word your Derby invites


• Love Weddings-silver horseshoes wedding invitations


• Love Weddings-gold horseshoe wedding invite


• Papers Unique-invitation for Kentucky Derby


• Party Cat-Derby invite


• TrinityDreams-Derby invitations


• Invitation Consultants -- Has a great selection of Derby Invites

The Menu

Food can be anything, just think Southern %u2026fried chicken fingers, crab cakes, black-eyed pea relish, hush puppies, pork rinds, country ham on a biscuit; pecan tarts and cocktails. The Mint Julep is the traditional (adult) beverage of choice for the Derby. There are many recipes for this drink %u2026 here's just one to get you started: Boil 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water for five minutes and pour over 8-10 sprigs of fresh mint. Cover and refrigerate overnight. To make the juleps, pour equal amounts of bourbon and mint syrup over cracked ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. This drink is traditionally served in an iced silver cup, but if you don't have plenty of these on hand, it tastes just fine in a plastic cup. For a non-alcoholic Julep, try pouring ginger ale and a tablespoon or two of mint syrup over ice (remember, if there are children at the wedding, they will want to be included.) Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

And, if you really want to impress your guests, serve SeaBiscuits%u2122 for dessert and/or as a favor. SeaBiscuits%u2122 are peanut butter filled milk chocolates embossed with a racing image of the great Sea Biscuit. They are large (2" long x 1-1/2" wide, like a cookie) and incredibly delicious.

The Decor


Stick with the racing theme. Include horse shoes in their various forms, roses, perhaps a racehorse or jockey ice sculpture; or a chocolate horse poured from a mold.

Make sure you have a big screened T.V. placed somewhere so that your guests can actually watch the big race. Get the actual list of starters from that day's paper or online sports source. Prominently display the actual list of starters.



The Derby is known as "The Run for the Roses," so be sure to display a big bouquet or roses. And/or incorporate roses and horse shoes into your table centerpieces. The shoes on the right can be purchased by the dozen at a very reasonable price.

Traditionally women wear big hats on Derby Day; the bigger and more embellished ... the better. To add some real spice to the fun, be sure to include hats as suggested attire for the ladies in your invitation. You can also suggest white gloves, hand fans and any other girly upscale dress up items you can think of. The men: Hats, Ties, Dress Coats. Seersucker is a great treat to see as well.

• A Cool Breeze-fashionable hand fans


• All You Need is Love Hats and Veils-custom ladies hats


• Broad Bay Cotton-fabric horse purses and totes


• Del Mar Hat Co.-ladies hats


• Hats in the Belfry-Kentucky Derby hats


• Lady Diane Hats-extravagant Derby hats


• Maggie May Designs-Derby hats & accessories


• Samuel's Hats-hats for Kentucky Derby

As far as dress code:
Summery spring colors are perfect. Dressing up is a must. You can use horsey themed brooches on scarves (Check out: INDIGO HORSES SILK SCARF); shoes or boots with a western theme; such as: Anne Michelle by Journee Western Peep Toe PumpsPeep toe pumps from Anne Michelle are fun and fashionable Horseshoe buckles and croc print accents make these stiletto heels ideal for dress or casual wear Women's shoes feature a patent leather upper with metal studs Heel measures 3.5 inches high Available in black, red and white.

As far as the bride and bridesmaids, dress the way you want. Again, spring and summer colors are best. One dress that we just love is the "Shelley George Lulu Dress" It's feminine and ruffly which screams of spring, summer and femininity!

Jewelry should also be horse themed: Here are a few of our picks. You want something beautiful ... not cheesy.Cakes and Cake Tops

1/2 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Horseshoe Pendant w/Chain1/2 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Horseshoe Pendant w/Chain Free Shipping on orders over $150. Without a doubt, the most commonly encountered lucky charm in modern North America is the horseshoe. Your jewelry collection will not be complete without this piece. Crafted in lustrous white gold this pendant is studded with bright diamonds and hangs on dainty chain.

10K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Accent Interlocking Horseshoe Pendant10K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Accent Interlocking Horseshoe Pendant This 10K two-tone gold pendant features two interlocking horseshoes with prong-set round diamonds. The pendant's 18.0 inch rope chain has a spring-ring clasp. This item is only available online



Good Luck Charm Pendant in 10K Gold with Diamond AccentsGood Luck Charm Pendant in 10K Gold with Diamond AccentsWith this collection of charms, you are sure to have luck follow you all through the day. The charmed life awaits with this 10K gold pendant of a four leaf clover, horseshoe and wishbone all bedecked with radiant diamond accents. The style is triple the luck. The rope chain is 18.0 inches in length with a spring-ring clasp. This item is only available online.




Juicy Couture Horseshoe Wish Necklace
Polished gold metal Jewel-encrusted horseshoe pendant; logo-engraving at back Lobster clasp with signature "J" engraving and crown-etched accessory Chain length adjusts to 18" Packaged in a Juicy Couture gift box

Perhaps for the Bridesmaids: Emitations Candace's Sex and the City Inspired Horseshoe Earrings






And, don't forget the Groom. Paul Smith Good Luck Cufflinks Polished silver metal and enamel One cufflink is an enameled four-leaf clover; the other is a horseshoe Packaged in a black Paul Smith presentation box with a striped grosgrain ribbon lid pull.

Youcan also incorporate a rose necklace to keep the rose theme going. This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.Product. This is a stunning natural rose necklace. Preserved and displayed on a sliding necklace, the flower is a declaration of love.

You also want to look at some cakes for ideas. Check out these great
bakers: Elegantly Handled;Elphin Continental Cakes;Horse Cake; Kitchen
Krafts and The Cake Store. If you need a cake top, look at: Designs by Dorian or
Sat'n Spurs If you need a Groom's or Shower cake, the Horseshoe Cake Pan
on the right makes a wonderful addition to the party.
FOOD INFO, CONFECTIONS & RECIPES: You will need
recipes, here are a few resources:

• A Taste of Kentucky-Kentucky candy and food items


• About.com-Mint Juleps


• All Recipes-Kentucky Derby recipes


• Babykakes-horse racing cake decorations


• ChocoNet-chocolate horseshoes


• Cocktail Times


• Dark Horse Chocolates


• Derby Pie


• Kentucky Derby Day Recipes


• The Chocolate Vault-chocolate horses

THEME IDEAS & PLANNING RESOURCES

• A Taste of Kentucky-"Planning Your Derby Party"


• Betty Crocker-Run for the Roses Celebrations


• Derby Post Party


• Equine Post-How to Host a Kentucky Derby Party


• Horse Races-Kentucky Derby Party Info


• Horse Racing-Party Planning & Recipes


• Horse Races.net

WEDDING PRODUCTS, DECORATIONS, FAVORS AND GIFT ITEMS:

• AmericanBridal.com


• Stylish bridal shower favors from Beau-Coup.com - Click Here


• Forget-Me-Not Wedding Programs-printed ceremony fans


• Horse Presence-horse themed party supplies


• Oogalights-jockey & horse light string


• Winning Touches-horse racing gifts


• MyWeddingFavors.com

If you can afford a somewhat expensive favor of around $10.00 ... these make great reusable gifts and souvenirs.

Mint Julep Cup - 10 fl oz This nickel plated mint julep cup will keep your favorite derby drinks nice and frosty, you can bet on that. Enjoy an authentic Kentucky Derby mint julep the way it was intended in with this 10-ounce mint julep cup. With an easy to engrave face, it is simple to personalize it with the name of your favorite Southern Belle or a true Kentucky Gentleman. Sip on this: Each year, almost 120,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. A feat that requires over 10,000 bottles of Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.In stock and ready to ship.FeaturesEasy for almost any jeweler to engrave if desired.Frosts on the outside for best possible taste. SpecsMade of polished nickel over brass.Dimensions: 3 1/2”W x 4 1/4”HCapacity: 10 fl oz

Arthur Court "Churchill Downs" Etched Glass Arthur Court "Churchill Downs" Etched Glass

Last but not least, below are a few items you can use as your bridal accessories. The pen set, ring bearer pillow and garter. All of course with the lucky horse shoe theme.