The Maverick Wedding

In consultation with Marcy Blum.

• By Stacia Thiel
• Published Summer 2006

LOW BUDGET

OFFICEOPS
57 Thames St., at Morgan St., second fl., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-418-2509; officeops.org

Location

This 2,600-square-foot second-floor loft space in East Williamsburg is the epitome of cool. The total cost will run you around $3,400 for the entire night, so you can party until dawn, which is precisely the point. The price includes access to a 15,000-square-foot roof deck, a private "get ready" room for the bride, cleanup crew, tables, and chairs, as well as an on-site commercial kitchen. And if that's not enough to get your wheels spinning, the space also plays host to frequent roller-rink parties. The roof deck offers unobstructed views of the NYC skyline-the ultimate backdrop for an urban-inspired ceremony.

Catering

Make the eats as eclectic as the crowd, Blum suggests, and opt for a variety of takeout: sushi starters from Miyako (212-779-2381), platters of Mediterranean hors d'oeuvre from Black Betty (718-599-0243), and sinful sides of sage stuffing and corn on the cob from Union Picnic (718-387-3800)-for drama, get their whole roasted pig, complete with an apple in its mouth. Wave goodbye to a pricey bar tab: Offer raspberry Bellinis and the groom's favorite beer from a keg. Serve all dishes in their original takeout containers-no china or flatware necessary. For the cake, go local: Brooklyn's own Brownstone Cake Company (718-832-6662) is great.

Music

Since the arrival of the iPod, piping in the right tunes has never been easier. Audiostiles.com will make compilations based on your preferences; plus, you'll have the evening stored on your hard drive forever (from $85 per hour). Create three distinct playlists: ceremony, dinner, and reception. Add an experimental element and hand out the lyrics to the bride's favorite song for a spontaneous sing-along. Ask one of the more outgoing attendants beforehand to lead the guests. Take advantage of the in-house PA system ($250) and hire an amateur D.J., ensuring the perfect party flow.

Flowers & Décor

Steer clear of flowers-they're too pedestrian. Instead, utilize the on-site projection screen and incorporate a favorite indie film or a friend's visual masterpiece. Highlight architectural details with can lights and pin spots. Fill the space with candles in abundance: Roman pillars, votives placed in colored glass, gothic candelabras with tapers. Buy them in bulk at diningbycandlelight.com. Start scouting thrift shops months before the big day for unusual holders and pedestals to ensure a truly unique display. Feeling generous? Allow guests to take home their favorites at the end of the night as favors.