article originally appeared in print: 12.15.07
“Ring out the old, bring in the new
A midnight wish to share with you…
I don’t need a crowded ballroom
Everything I want is here
If you’re with me, next year will be
The perfect yearâ€
~ The Perfect Year
from the musicale, ‘Sunset Boulevard’
The song above (complete music & lyrics in the box inset below) could very well fit the theme for this wedding we’ve been playing in our minds—one of which we have no idea if it’s been done here or not.
What makes this dream wedding a feat yet to be realized (at least, as far as we know) is the fact that it must be held on December 31st as we count down to the New Year. What else could be more symbolic of starting a new life together than by getting married on the eve of the New Year and celebrating the union until the dawn of a brand new day—the first of the year?
Though it’s not so hard to gather family and guests in one place to spend New Year’s Eve together, it might be a challenge to find wedding suppliers who would be willing to work on that night instead of spending the festive occasion with their families, as traditions go. But in the event it’s doable, here’s how we envisioned it for the couple.
A masquerade ball
The wedding ceremony should be held at the latest possible time, say 7 o’clock in the evening or even later, if possible, so that the wait for the clock to strike twelve won’t be that long. The nuptial mass would be solemn like any other wedding. The fun part would happen at the reception!
The theme “New Year Masquerade Ball” would be good for this wedding. An ideal venue would be a penthouse, a roof deck or a garden—basically any venue with an open view of the evening sky. Of course, cocktails should immediately be served to wedding guests since it would be past dinner time and we don’t want anybody starving in this wedding, do we? As for the set-up, we imagine the tables decorated with colorful tinsel confetti, mini-mylar balloons, masks and party favors. As the newlyweds enter, confetti would be showered and party horns would be sounded off to celebrate their arrival.
Traditional reception rituals (bouquet & garter tosses, cake cutting, speeches, etc.) may or may not be done, but with the guests staying for the reception for at least three hours, it is essential that they be entertained to make their stay worth their while. Hire a DJ or a band and get everyone to party. Let food and wine abound! If this wedding could gather everyone and have them skip a traditional media noche away from their homes, we’re thinking that the budget should be no primary concern. While we’re at it, have the kids who are included the party go back to their respective hotel rooms and just have their yayas wake them up in time to be with their families for the countdown.
The countdown
It is a must that this wedding have a big digital timer conspicuously displayed at the reception. Five to ten minutes before 12 midnight , the emcee should start prepping the guests for this wedding’s most significant highlight. Champagne glasses must be filled as everybody counts down to: “10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
As the clock strikes twelve and everybody finds somebody to kiss and hug to welcome the new year, a fireworks display should go underway. Since we’re Pinoys, allow some time for the mandatory jumping (for the vertically-challenged) and coin-clattering inside the pockets. Midway through this skyward spectacle, music must be played as the couple makes their way to the dance floor for their ceremonial first dance. Guests would start joining in as everyone dances the night away.
We know this scenario would play like a scene straight out of a movie, but with the couple’s creativity and the talent of wedding artisans of today, this dream wedding may just one day become a reality. When it does finally happen, we hope to be there to witness it.