An extravagant, themed wedding isn't for everyone. But for those who want to make the most wonderful day of their lives truly spectacular, a creative themed wedding makes for a most memorable evening.

Many brides shy away from the idea of a themed wedding, equating it to the ultimate in tacky. But a themed wedding can be elegant, stylish and sophisticated.

It can be as subtle as selecting a specific colour scheme, or as elaborate as turning the entire wedding party into body doubles for the cast of Mad Men.

Mike and Robyn Lapuz, both from Windsor, have proven that a themed wedding doesn't have to include an overzealous Elvis impersonator greeting guests at the door. The couple's New Year's Eve wedding this past December was anything but subtle, but it was done tastefully and in style.

"We had kind of an Asian fusion thing going," says Mike, whose trip to the Philippines with his then-fiancée inspired the theme. The banquet hall at the St. Clair College Centre of the Arts was transformed into a sensational Asian scene, with tablecloths, table runners and ceiling décor made out of orange and gold fabric, imported directly from the Philippines. Chinese lanterns lit up the hall, while decorative runners inscribed with a romantic Chinese poem were draped over each table. Expertly gathered bamboo sticks served as centerpieces, with the menu tucked between two stalks, and fortune cookies were placed at each table setting. Personalized champagne flutes graced every table, and gold fans from the Philippines went to each guest as the wedding favour, as well as a bottle of ice wine.

About 500 guests attended the wedding, one which cost the couple in excess of $110,000.

The couple owns Phat Boy Productions, a full-service wedding business that provides videography, photography, decoration, invitation and disc jockey services, so they're well versed in wedding day details.

"If we hadn't done everything ourselves," says Mike, whom Robyn affectionately refers to as Groomzilla, "this wedding would have cost us anywhere between $300,000 and $400,000. We paid attention to every detail."

- - -

IF YOU'RE ON THE SEARCH FOR OTHER ENTERTAINING AND UNIQUE WEDDING THEMES, HERE ARE SOME FUN IDEAS:

1920s

Invite your female guests to show up in flapper dresses and long strings of pearls, and promise them a party made alive by a jazz band and a never-ending flow of cocktails. Encourage the men to arrive in pinstriped zoot suits and ascot ties, topped with felt fedora hats.

To enhance the Prohibition-era feel, send out invitations that say "entry permit," and include a secret password. On the tables, use cigarette holders as place holders for the menu.

MEDIEVAL

A brave knight, a beautiful princess and a sumptuous feast! Use scrolls for invitations and serve traditional dishes like mutton, venison and turkey.

The men can wear doublets, hose and breeches, the women long dresses in rich fabrics like velvet, in jewel-toned shades like purple, russet and wine.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Even if there's no snow in the forecast, a winter wonderland wedding theme is still possible, as long as your date is during the colder months of the year.

Choose an all-white theme: drape the chairs in brilliant white fabric; select white flowers and have them wrapped in white or silver satin ribbons; purchase a faux fur shrug or long white velvet cape to wear over the bridal gown.

Add to the enchantment by hanging tiny white twinkling lights on topiary trees, strategically placed throughout the hall.

ARABIAN DREAMS

While belly dancers charm and fascinate guests, have wait staff serve platters of Middle Eastern food. Tables should be draped in rich fabrics of gold and royal purple; instead of chairs, consider floor cushions.

Decorate the hall with palm trees for an oasis effect. Light it up with incense and old-fashioned lamps.

GARDEN ROMANCE

Few locations can be as intimate and personal as the backyard of your own home.

Decorate a trellis with Spanish moss and ivy, and use it as the focal point of your ceremony. Consider a simple menu of grilled meats and mini sandwiches, and have large jugs of pink lemonade on hand. Choose small potted plants or flowers as wedding favours. Hand write each place card and menu, and place them at each setting with a small bud tied with a thin strip of raffia.