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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#264: Save the Date

From romantic comedies like 27 Dresses to suspenseful thrillers like Lucy Foley’s The Guest List, it’s no secret that weddings are a compelling backdrop for storytelling. I’ve personally got weddings on the brain after attending a few this summer — and while they all went smoothly, I’m still intrigued by the narrative possibilities of dramatic, comedic, and just plain outlandish weddings!

This week’s prompts draw from those possibilities, though they’re worded in a way that doesn’t necessarily require you to write a “wedding story.” Whether your characters stroll down the aisle or avoid it altogether, now’s your chance to take them on a captivating journey… in sickness, in health, as long as they both shall live, or under any other circumstances you might invent for them.

This week's prompts

Center your story around two people who meet at a wedding.

Character – 72 stories

Write a story in the form of a speech (or multiple speeches).

Character – 24 stories

Start your story with people arriving at a special ceremony.

Character – 31 stories

Write a story from the POV of a plus-one.

Character – 48 stories

End your story with someone saying “I do.”

Character – 113 stories

Stories

““Mind and memories”” by Andrea Bisello

Submitted to Contest #264

"Welcome home.""Who are you?"“I am Deus.”“Where are we?”“In your mind, as you can see.”“Of course, of course… I only see a semi-dark corridor dotted with doors on the sides. Did you happen to kidnap me and take me to some kind of abandoned motel or something?”"No. This is really your mind. And I did not bring you here. You got into it on your own.”“Of course! Get me out of here, you freak!”"I cannot. I am sorry."“What do you mean “I am sorry”?! Get a move on!”“I tell you again, I cannot. You will have to escape from this prison with your own...

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“Do I?” by Peter Wallace

Submitted to Contest #264

It was the apex moment in my life. Everything, all at once. Every feeling, every thought, every sense engaged beyond their capabilities. People talk about time standing still. Now I know that it can happen. I was hyper-aware of my body. Sweat beads on my forehead and one drop of sweat making its way past my left ear. I could hear each breath as the air coming in exceeded the air going out. That wasn’t good. Hyper...

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“Two Little Words” by Andrea Corwin

Submitted to Contest #264

The story has slight nudity and mention of drowning. If this triggers you, my story may not be for you. He couldn't say the words. Sure, he loved her, but he couldn't, wouldn't say it. She cared for him and felt she could live the rest of her days with him. They had met in 2005, so now, two years later, Tamra wondered why Todd never said, "I love you" back to her. 1995 RaeLynn sat in the passenger seat, and Todd sped around the curves of the country gravel road. The convertible's roof was down, her ponytail blew back in the wind, and the d...

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“The Widower and the Old Maid” by Rachel Ermutlu

Submitted to Contest #264

Melissa wasn’t looking forward to another wedding. She definitely wasn’t looking forward to going to her 20-year- old niece’s wedding when she was a 42-year-old old maid. Old maid, that wasn’t a term that was still used anymore, but that was how she felt. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had been on a date. She had dated a lot when she was younger, but she hadn’t found anyone she was compatible with. Now, it was even more difficult; most of the men she knew were married. Her only options were t...

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“Feeling Unsteady” by Lennie Couture

Submitted to Contest #264

I've always envisioned myself walking in heels as if I were a newborn giraffe experiencing the uneven plains of the savannah for the first time. Being a girl did not come with any informational pamphlets or a play by play. I always lacked the finesse most beautiful young women displayed. But tonight I was braving this wedding in heels, lipstick, and overpriced jewelry for my best friend. Somehow, Julie could light up a room with her smile and laughter unlike any other person I've known. It's like this warmth she exudes encapsulates you even ...

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“Bumping into each other” by George Wallace

Submitted to Contest #264

Chris awoke in his hotel room to the ringing of the telephone from reception. It was eight pm. It had been a perfect night’s sleep. The bed was so comfortable. He had arrived in time for dinner. Although he ate little, he had enjoyed the food. It was hot and tasty. Now he was looking forward to the wedding this afternoon. But first things first, the morning run. Chris slipped out of bed and pulled on his running gear. Grabbed the card that opened the door. No one was around in reception. He walked to the main door. Took a huge deep breath th...

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“Never Meant To Be” by Isabel Payne

Submitted to Contest #264

Maddox slid his greasy dark hair back, as small droplets of sweat beaded down his forehead. He puffed out his rented black suit to relieve it of any built-up sweat. He knew that there was no way he was going to want to buy a tuxedo that he would shove in the deepest crevice of his closet that he would never wear again. It was an ordinary dress suit, with a simple black coat and dress pants, with a plain white button-up shirt, a slightly expensive pair of black dress shoes, and his own signature piece, a red apple colored tie. Bes...

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“JUST BEEN NICE” by Heidtmann Oppong

Submitted to Contest #264

The sun reflects off the ocean, casting a golden tint over the beach. A gentle breeze moves through a path decorated with white roses and lilies, playing with the edges of silk dresses and tailored suits. The wedding guests, a mix of sophistication and wealth, share whispers of anticipation. At the outskirts, Joe sits relaxed, observing the celebration, lost in his thoughts.“Smiles like they're selling something," he quietly speaks with a slight sneer at the corner of his mouth. "All those teeth gleaming... until you get down on one knee. Th...

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“The Exes” by Cieanna Arnett

Submitted to Contest #264

The Exes by Cieanna Arnett Guests of Charlotte and Derick’s wedding ceremony fill the wooden pews. I scan the area, decorated in shades of beige ribbons and white flowers. It’s dreadfully bland. I’m sweating in my brown suit jacket and peel it off. I grab the flask of whiskey from my pocket before I drape it on the back of the seat. The chatter from the guests comes to a stop as the wedding march sounds. Charlotte makes her way down the aisle and I take a swig from my flask as I watch her glide down the walkway. She walks past my ais...

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“Divine Timing” by Ingrid Dove

Submitted to Contest #264

{TW: foul language, violence & alcohol use} "And you may kiss..." The pastor didn't even get to finish the line. Trevor, the groom, pulls Poppy in and tilts her back to kiss her. "The bride." He finishes the sentence. I proudly smile behind her as her maid of honor. I'm happy she finally found love because she was not the marrying type. And me? I'm currently dealing with my cheating ex. Everything was revealed this morning when I went through his phone while he was in the shower. We had just finished being intimate and discussing marriag...

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“Echos From the Canyon” by Suzanne Jennifer

Submitted to Contest #264

October 7th, 2023 McCall, Idaho, Payette National Forest Deep in the wilderness, on the canyon’s edge, in the most unlikely of places, stood a small gathering of friends and family. They had made the trek to this special location with some offerings of complaint, but all with love in their hearts. They gathered on the ridge above the aspen stand to witness the marriage of their loved ones, Daisy and Ray.“They wouldn’t do this for just anyone, Daisy.” Ray had said as they led the procession up the trail.“It was the best way to be closest to m...

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“THE TIME TRAVELLERS’ DILEMMA” by David Dean

Submitted to Contest #264

iAs Inti took in the local view before her, she looked at the sun, noticing that it was high in the sky. It was the day of her mother’s scattering. The weight of despondency melted away as she surrendered to the stirring sounds that were coming to her ears from Mount Pleasant cemetery’s pool of reflection and its waterfall. With each moment, she felt less constrained. As Inti soaked in the warm sun of a Toronto summer, her eyes glinted with sorrow for the life she was bearing, the enigmatic journey of her life behind her. Her recurring visit...

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“Walpurgisnacht.” by Jim King

Submitted to Contest #264

The huge thunderstorm raged around them, rain on the roof of the coach sounded like horses stampeding for fear of being struck by lightening. Up until Derbyshire all was calm, as soon as they hit Yorkshire, it seemed like all hell had broken loose. What a way to spend the eve of “Walpurgis Night”, for both innocents and sinners alike. Saying that it was the end of April and we should expect downpours, but this! The driver had his work cut out for him, he was well experienced and it wasn’t a big coach, just held 26 people and it was onl...

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“Frog Went A-Courtin'” by Ron Conte

Submitted to Contest #264

Not much happens in the forest resulting in big news. But the much-anticipated marriage of Felix Frog to Miss Mouse is an exception. It was the event of the decade down in the hollow, not far from here. The wedding was spectacular however it was the reception that has everyone talking. The speech by Uncle Rat honoring the couple was the highlight of the celebration. It did not take Felix Frog long to propose to Miss Mouse. He was smitten with her ever since he first saw her selling cheese at the local church bazaar. He regularly pursued he...

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“One plus One” by John Bryan

Submitted to Contest #264

Rebecca rests her hand on my leg as our Sentra pulls up to a set of tall, ornate gates. Golden cherubs climb the gilded bars, a few blow trumpets, and one offers a mischievous smile to visitors. "His parents are well-to-do" Rebecca explains. "I see." "They're actually down-to-earth and not judgmental." "His parents or those chubby gatekeepers?" Rebecca smiles, squeezes my thigh, and we drive inside. * I pull between two Mercedes couched between two other immaculate foreign sports cars. I washed the Sentra b...

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$250

Prize money

288

Contest entries

105

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Aug 23, 2024 EST

Won by Lonnie Russo 🏆

Title: Men on the Moon

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

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