Timeless Charm: Soft, Romantic Inspiration from a 1950s Virginia Wedding Style Shoot
Roll into Love and Strike Gold: A Playful Bowling Wedding Styled Shoot at Decades
We’re always on the hunt for unique wedding inspiration, and this playful bowling-themed styled shoot immediately caught our eye! We chatted with Aimee Harmon of Please Don’t Blink Photography, the talent behind the lens, to get the inside scoop. Stick around for our pro tips on planning your very own bowling wedding!
“This playful and bold styled shoot at Decades, a vintage bowling alley and arcade restaurant in Lancaster, PA, proves that weddings don’t have to be traditional to be unforgettable. The concept? A retro-inspired elopement that blends quirky nostalgia with modern glam.
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
From boozy milkshakes and arcade tokens to glittering heels and bright florals, every detail was designed to celebrate joy, personality, and pure fun. The couple shared a moment on the bowling lanes, posed under glowing mid-century signage, and cozied up at the bar in their party-best attire. The bride’s pearl-dotted mini dress and colorful purse bouquet were a perfect match for the vibrant tablescape and punchy color palette, complete with playful nods to pop culture.
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
Please Don’t Blink Photography
This editorial is for couples who want to ditch the rules and plan a wedding day that feels more like a party than a performance — full of nostalgia, movement, laughter, and love.”
Vendor Team
Planner- Miss Lyss Planning
Florist- Lancaster Flower Co.
Venue- Decades
Jewelry- Mae Jean Vintage
Stationary- Jean-Marie Made it
Linens- Premier Linen Company
Tips for Planning a Bowling Wedding
Planning a bowling wedding means embracing fun, personality, and a wonderfully relaxed vibe for your big day. To pull off this unique celebration, focus on finding a venue that offers both bowling and event space, then weave in retro-chic decor and playful activities that reflect your love story. It’s all about creating an unforgettable experience that feels more like a party than a performance!
Is a Bowling Wedding Right for You?
So, you’re thinking about swapping vows near the pins instead of the pews? As someone who’s seen it all in the wedding world over the last nine years, I can tell you a bowling alley wedding isn’t for every couple, but it’s pure magic for the right ones.
It’s perfect if you two are…
- Non-traditionalists: You cringe at the thought of a stuffy ballroom and want your wedding to scream “us!”
- Fun-lovers: You envision guests laughing, playing, and genuinely letting loose, rather than just sitting politely.
- Budget-conscious: Often, venues like bowling alleys can offer a more affordable all-in-one solution than traditional wedding venues.
- Looking for built-in entertainment: No need to hire a separate band or DJ for hours of filler; the lanes are the star!
However, it might not be your lane if…
- You dream of a very formal, black-tie affair.
- You have a massive guest list (some alleys have space limitations).
- You prefer quiet conversations over lively background noise.
I remember chatting with a couple, Sarah and Mike, who were initially hesitant about a bowling wedding because their parents were a bit traditional. But they loved the idea of a relaxed party. After their big day, Sarah told me, “It was the most us wedding imaginable. Everyone, even Grandma, got on the lanes!” It really showed me how embracing your true selves can create the most memorable moments.
What to Know Before Planning Your Bowling Wedding?
Diving into a bowling wedding means thinking a little differently about your venue, decor, and guest experience. It’s not just about picking a spot; it’s about crafting an atmosphere.
Choosing Your Perfect Bowling Alley Venue
This is where your vision truly comes to life! Not all bowling alleys are created equal when it comes to hosting a wedding.
- Look for a vintage vibe: Places like Decades in Lancaster, PA, which hosted the styled shoot that inspired this, are ideal. They often have that cool, built-in retro charm that saves you on decor.
- Check event spaces: Does the venue have a dedicated party room or restaurant area separate from the main lanes? This is crucial for dinner, toasts, and perhaps even your ceremony.
- Inquire about catering and bar services: Many bowling alleys, especially modern ones or those with attached restaurants, offer in-house catering, making planning much easier. Think beyond typical wedding fare – boozy milkshakes, gourmet sliders, and elevated bar snacks fit the theme perfectly!
- Sound system and lighting: Can they accommodate a DJ or band? Do they have dimmable lights for a romantic atmosphere during dinner, then turn up the party lights for dancing?
My best advice? Visit a few places in person. Imagine your guests there, from cocktail hour to the last dance. Does it feel right?
Decoding Your Decor: Retro-Chic and Playful Details
This is where you infuse your personality! Think vibrant colors, playful patterns, and subtle nods to the sport without going overboard.
- Color Palette: Bright, punchy colors like teal, orange, mustard yellow, and even hot pink work wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
- Florals: Think outside the classic rose bouquet. A colorful purse bouquet like the one in the styled shoot adds so much personality. Incorporate playful blooms and greenery.
- Signage: Utilize vintage-inspired neon signs or chalkboard art for a fun touch.
- Tablescapes: Instead of formal centerpieces, try unique elements like small trophies, mini bowling pins, or colorful acrylic blocks.
- Outfit Choices: The bride in the styled shoot rocked a pearl-dotted mini dress – absolutely perfect for movement and fun! Consider unique accessories like colorful heels, a personalized bowling bag clutch, or even custom bowling shoes.
- Arcade Fun: If your venue has an arcade, embrace it! Tokens as favors, a high-score competition, or even incorporating classic games into your photo ops are brilliant.
I once worked with a couple who had custom bowling pins as their guestbook, with each guest signing a pin. It was such a brilliant, unique touch that completely fit their theme and gave them a lasting keepsake!
Pro Tips for Your Bowling Wedding
Having seen dozens of weddings unfold, I’ve gathered some insider knowledge that can make your bowling wedding truly shine.
- Manage the Flow: If bowling is a main activity, decide if it’s open play all night, or designated times. Consider having a “lane attendant” to help organize teams and keep things running smoothly.
- Shoe Logistics: Have a plan for bowling shoe rentals. Can guests swap their wedding shoes for bowling shoes easily? Provide cute socks as a favor!
- Photo Opportunities: The lanes, the ball returns, the vintage seating, and glowing mid-century signage are all incredible backdrops. Talk to your photographer about unique shots.
- Sound Considerations: Bowling alleys can be noisy. Ensure your ceremony area (if at the venue) has good acoustics or a sound system for vows and toasts.
- Guest Comfort: While fun, some older guests might prefer to watch. Ensure there’s comfortable seating away from the lanes for those who aren’t bowling.
People Also Ask About Bowling Weddings
Can you get married in a bowling alley?
Absolutely! Many modern or refurbished bowling alleys offer dedicated event spaces or can cordon off lanes for a ceremony. It’s a fantastic way to have your whole celebration in one unique spot.
How do you decorate a bowling alley for a wedding?
Focus on a retro-chic aesthetic with bold colors (think teal, orange, pink), fun patterns, and playful details. Utilize neon signs, vintage-inspired seating, unique floral arrangements (like a colorful purse bouquet!), and incorporate elements like mini bowling pins or arcade tokens. The key is to blend the venue’s natural charm with your personal style.
Is a bowling wedding cheaper?
Often, yes! Bowling alleys can be more affordable than traditional wedding venues because they often include built-in entertainment (the lanes!), existing bar setups, and sometimes in-house catering, which can reduce the need for multiple vendors. It’s always worth getting a custom quote based on your guest count and desired services.
So, there you have it, future newlyweds! A bowling wedding is a fantastic way to knock down traditional expectations and roll into married life with a bang. Would you consider ditching the conventional for a quirky celebration like this?
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