A Wedding in Flames

Pyromaniac is a term used to describe a person who is obsessed with fire. Those diagnosed with the mental disorder will set fires to relieve tension and induce pleasure. A more common usage of the word includes "pyro" which is a term thrown around a bit more loosely and less severely in reference to people who may simply enjoy sitting around a campfire or before a fireplace and staring into the hypnotic flames. There are the real-life, flickering flames that leap off of hot embers and smoldering logs, and then there are also the flames of art that cover many a hot-rod car or motorcycle. Flames as an art have long been popular and can now be found on everything from coffee mugs to t-shirts.

With today's brides stepping out of tradition more and more, nothing is too out of the ordinary or off limits - even flames! Nearly anything can have flames added to it by a skilled airbrush artist, so even if you have elements in mind that don't come pre-printed with imitation fire, you can customize your day to reflect your style. Flames can be the perfect wedding accessory for off-beat brides. With a variety of options, you're not just limited to a palate of orange, yellow and red. Try white-hot, blue, or even purple pillars of fire to set the mood for your burning romance.

One airbrush artist up for flaming anything is Tom McNeal of Bonehead Designs in Gilmanton, NH. Tom makes a living airbrushing motorcycles and has added flames to everything from purses to kitchen appliances. After creation, your flame design can be incorporated into your invitations, thank-you cards and even gifts for your wedding party. Think about having bowling shirts done up for the bachelorette and bachelor parties-you'll set the town on fire!

A great thing about flames is that they make a very bold statement without having to cover every decoration in sight. Simple black tablecloths with airbrushed flames at the bottom will light up the whole room. Reinforce your theme with multitudes of candles burning brightly. For favors, choose small votives, match books, or custom lighters to pass the torch. Set your centerpieces on fire with flaming vases bursting with brightly colored, exotic flowers like delphinium or anemones. Even have flames transferred onto edible sheets to adorn the cake or talk to your baker about using edible airbrushing to paint the design right on.

And when you're ready to depart from the reception, imagine driving away in a fully-restored, decked out, hot rod with flames licking the fenders. Maybe you didn't start the fire, but the heat from your love will burn forever and what a way to show the world.