| The sport of horseback riding has long held a | | | | The focus of a hunt breakfast is, naturally, the food. |
| cherished spot in the heart of many people. It is also a | | | | The sumptuous fare usually served at a hunt |
| pastime with many elements that have made their | | | | breakfast would be great for a fall or winter wedding |
| way into the style lexicon of our society. A great idea | | | | reception. Include a combination of breakfast and |
| for a wedding would be to incorporate some of the | | | | luncheon favorites. Ideas include: a carving station with |
| timeless style and elegance of the equestrian world | | | | roast beef, turkey, and country ham, biscuits with |
| into your reception. | | | | gravy, and bacon and eggs. This type of reception is |
| This is not to say that the bride and groom will be | | | | clearly not intended for vegetarians! Top it off with |
| wearing boots and helmets. Instead, take your | | | | mimosas, Bloody Marys, and champagne punch. |
| inspiration from a hunt breakfast (minus the foxes, of | | | | Keep the décor at an equestrian inspired |
| course). Places like country clubs or upscale lodges | | | | wedding warm and comfortable looking. You want to |
| would make great venues for an equestrian inspired | | | | think about evoking a classic English horsey lifestyle. |
| wedding. Look for locations that have that great old | | | | Some feminine touches are okay, but overall the |
| men's club feeling - leather chairs, fireplaces, dark | | | | décor for this theme should tend to be less |
| wood, and tartan accents. Of course, if you do not find | | | | frilly. Simple vases with rich red flowers would be great |
| a place that has all of the décor that you want, | | | | centerpieces. For a really unique decoration, steal this |
| you can always install it yourself. | | | | idea that I once saw in a restaurant: take Hermes |
| Rich jewel tones would make an appropriate palette | | | | scarves with some of their famous equestrian prints, |
| for the wedding. Your bridesmaids will look fetching in | | | | pop them into frames, and hang them anywhere in the |
| hunter green, burgundy, or navy dresses (and they will | | | | room that could use a little extra accent. It's very chic |
| thank you for not decking them out in tough-to-wear | | | | instant art, and after the wedding, you will enjoy |
| colors like the gray and yellow that are so hot this | | | | wearing the scarves for the rest of your life. |
| season!). Everyone will want to wear tasteful and | | | | Last, but certainly not least, the bride and groom should |
| classic accessories. Pearl bridal jewelry is a must, not | | | | plan to make either their entrance to the reception or |
| just for the bride, but also for her attendants. The | | | | grand exit at the end of the affair on horseback. It |
| bridesmaids can combine their pearl bridal jewelry with | | | | would be very romantic for the newlyweds to share |
| other accents such as heavy gold bracelets, or | | | | one horse. If the bride will need to ride sidesaddle |
| monogrammed silver bracelets (which make a perfect | | | | instead of astride, it would be a good idea to practice |
| bridesmaid jewelry gift, by the way). | | | | in advance of the wedding. |
| The gentlemen will look dashing with accessories like | | | | Your wedding should be all about your passions. If you |
| silk ties with horse and rider motifs, and foulard pocket | | | | and your fiance love horses, then what better way to |
| squares. For a more subtle pattern, the groom could | | | | share that favorite pastime than with an equestrian |
| wear a tie patterned with bits or horseshoes. A | | | | inspired wedding? The classic English lifestyle has |
| custom bow tie in one of these designs could be a | | | | much to offer as a source of great ideas for a |
| great option (and it would be so cute worn at the | | | | wedding reception. |
| office Christmas party instead of plain black or red). | | | | |