I have had quite a few people ask me what kind of details go into a police wedding, so here I am to give you some ideas for your big day. There are tons of ways that you can include the theme of law enforcement, but still keep it light-hearted and special. Keep in mind that you are marrying the love of your life, not his job, so try not to get carried away. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Blue in Bloom: Blue roses are a symbol of police wives everywhere. Tuck one into your bouquet or hair, or you could have a whole blue and white floral theme. Plus, this can double-duty as your "something blue". Check with your florist well beforehand about this option. Some may not offer blue roses, but most could find them or would be willing to dye them for you.
Charming: How about adding tiny details, like charms into your ensemble? You can find police charms - badges, handcuffs, guns - almost anywhere online. Clip them onto your bouquet, make them into earrings, hang them from a necklace, or sew them onto your garter.
Take the Cake: Cake toppers for police wives are out there too, but make sure you order them in plenty of time so they can get the uniform and hair colors correct. You could also add blue ribbons, writing, or details to your cake design. You could even spring for a law enforcement themed groom's cake. It could be the shape of a badge or decorated like a police car.
Put it on Paper: Have blue-line themed stationary or blue roses on your invitations. Have your table names be designated like "precincts" or "departments". You could rent a photo booth and request that people have their "mug shots" made. When you have our engagement photos made, think about having one with your LEO in his uniform. You could put this in the front of your guest book.Make an Entrance: Get a police escort from your church to the reception hall. Or arrive at the reception handcuffed together (make sure your groom has an extra key tucked away!). Hire some fellow LEOs to stand guard as security in their uniform. [Note: This is actually a good idea, no matter who you are. Security is a big deal these days, and it is smart to stand someone near your gift table to guard the goods.]
Packing Heat: Allow your officer to carry a gun under his tuxedo. Remember that only mandated officers are allowed to carry a gun into a place of worship! (Who else will be able to say they did that at their wedding?) I bought my LEO a gun for his engagement gift and had it engraved with our wedding date.
Fanciful Favors: Find some fun police-themed favors - like water pistols, toy handcuffs, or plastic badges. In lieu of favors, you could make a donation to an charitable organization, like the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Fund, the H.U.G.S. Program, or your local Fraternal Order of Police - print some nice cards that announce your donation in honor of your guests.
Arresting Attire: Think about asking your hub-to-be to wear his dress uniform (if he has one) instead of a tuxedo. Make sure he has it pressed and that his shoes and badge are shiny for your big day. You can get in on the fun too, by finding a great t-shirt for the rehearsal dinner or reception. (The one shown is from my Cafepress shop - Random Rags.)No Peeking: Consider finding some cute blue or police-related lingerie for your wedding night. Or maybe even stick on a temporary tattoo for him to find later! And you've heard enough people accusing you of mis-using his handcuffs already, I'm sure...
*Click on any of the pictures above to be taken to the website that features that product.*
Any other ideas you can think of? Leave them in the comments.
