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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

“Dream Dress” by Bridgette Abbott

Submitted to Contest #264

“This one is it…this is my dream dress!” My client began to do a little happy dance on the dress platform. Her entire bridal party began cheering and taking more pictures than you could ever imagine. I ducked out of the changing room and grabbed the champagne glasses I have ready for all of my clients. “Congrats Maggie…this is YOUR day! Cherish it and never forget it! I’m so incredibly happy for you.” I say as I hand each of the women in the room their glass of champagne. She shed a tear as she stared into the full-sized mirror, imagining he...

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“Act of Faith” by PS Leth

Submitted to Contest #264

Short Story by Priya Leth-Jorgensen An Act of Faith Anne studied her reflection in the rectangular face mirror in the sacristy. Even the old, stained surface could not hide her glow and happiness. The day she had dreamed of for the last eighteen months was finally here. She felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She had insisted that her bridal skirt be flared, so she could have pockets. She activated the facial recognition to see a message from Marcus. ‘Can’t wait to kiss you, Mrs. Jefferson’, followed by a champagne bottle and t...

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“The Crafting of a Prophet” by KA James

Submitted to Contest #264

The rains came often enough in the spring, always in mid-afternoon, but lasted not long enough and were usually too violent to be of any real benefit. Full of wind, lightning and loud with booming thunder, the brief but torrential downpours often managed to wash away soil more than provide any real saturation to the fields. The blistering sun always followed the storm, drying and cracking the now muddy top layer of claylike earth.The village had been in slow decline now for years, weather patterns changing as is their ilk. The previous winte...

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“I Do Wah Ditty” by Jeannie Labelle -Potvin

Submitted to Contest #264

On her 70th birthday Alice knew she was in trouble.Unlike the blessed virgin Mary, no angels were lurking above awaiting to impregnate her. Or worse than that, she didn’t have a horny old Abraham itching to get a son out of her 90 year old body.Sarah’s tolerance was much greater than Alice’s.Alice was actually a rather chaste celibate. She had been penis free for close to 30 years and though she enjoyed the freedom that went with this status, occasionally she was tempted.The day it dawned on her that change might be brewing was a strang...

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“SILVER'S JOURNEY TO HER HAPPILY EVER AFTER” by Melinda Madrigal

Submitted to Contest #264

My journey to this day. The biggest day of my life can be summed up in so many words. Too many words to actually count. I will say this. Whatever hardship I faced. Whatever obstacle I faced. I overcame them all.My journey to this day began the day I met the most amazing, the most wonderful guy. My future husband, Dylan. He was so kind and caring. He listened to me when I talked. His smile was out of this world. He was a dream. My dream.I talked to Dylan about anything. He never judged me. We spent almost every day together. We talked on the ...

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“For Love, Not Show” by Madeline Honig

Submitted to Contest #264

Becca raised her arms above her head as the white gown came down over her head and around her body, carefully avoiding her fresh hair and makeup. She was already dressed in a corset and a skimpy thong. Her modesty had gone out the window. Her sister-in-law-to-be, Trina, buttoned all the tiny little buttons on the back of the princess dress, taking time with each one. Nicole, Becca’s best friend from college, watched impatiently, taking sips of mimosa, arm across her chest, to pass the time. Becca already felt ov...

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“And They Danced” by Karyln Williams

Submitted to Contest #264

The music flooded his ears the moment he stepped into the old auditorium. It was good music, though. His cousin had good taste. Looking around, he noticed his name card on a gooseberry cloth covered table. “Odd color choice,” he thought. It was a table on the opposite side of the room from the newly betrothed couple. Not surprising since they were never close; not even when they were kids. In fact his older cousin held a deep grudge against him. Though, he wasn’t sure which childish squabble was to blame for this grudge. He did, however, hav...

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“Wedding Blues” by Paul Hellyer

Submitted to Contest #264

It was 12:00 am, and the wedding reception was still going strong. Everyone seemed glad the long drawn out ceremony was over, as beautiful as it had been. Jackie was on her 4th glass of champagne, and her table was positively brimming with lively conversation and gossip. Some had bravely taken their positions on the dancefloor, and few had left, due to the late hour, but clearly the ones who had stayed at the table were in too deep to walk away now. ‘And I told him, you have no chance, absolutely no chance with Mary, so you shoul...

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“A Broken System: My Struggle with CRPS” by Lilly Mae

Submitted to Contest #264

I've been forced to confront the harsh reality of a system that prioritizes power and greed over people's lives. I've been marginalized, ignored, and dismissed. But I refuse to be silenced. I demand accountability, justice, and compassion. I urge those in power to walk in my shoes, to understand my struggles, and to act with humanity. I will not be defeated; I will rise above the corruption and continue to fight for my rights and the rights of others. Together, we can create a better world, a world that values empathy, kindness, and justice....

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“Dance With Me ” by Cidney Mayes

Submitted to Contest #264

Ten minutes away from the rocky cliffs where my sister pledged her vows to her new husband, my ancient Volvo crunches and splutters. I left the ceremony site after everyone else, making sure Lena was safely ensconced in her limo with the layers of her gown tucked carefully around her like the fluted liner of a fine pastry. The other cars were quickly swallowed in cool October mist, leaving me to navigate the twisting back roads to the reception alone. Betty is a notoriously fussy hypochondriac of a car. She coughs and lets out a groan ...

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“When It Is Time to Say "I do".” by John Steckley

Submitted to Contest #264

Samson was a very rich young man. His talent, skill, determination and some well-placed connections in high places through his father’s business associates had made him quickly become a leading executive in the largest and most successful business in town. Samson was also devilishly handsome, in two senses of the word, one good, and one bad.He also dressed to impress with success all the time. He was always wearing a suit and tie in public, and no one could ever say that they had seen him wearing shorts, a tee-shirt or runnin...

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“Purrfect for Each Other” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #264

"When Stacy organized this wedding and said it was happening, we all were astonished. I have to admit, I thought it was a joke at first. We've seen Stacy say and do some peculiar things – all good, of course - but still on the atypical side. But Stacy, you make life more interesting, and I couldn't wait to see how this all turned out. And I kinda still think it's a joke, but it's really sweet. And I must admit that being among friends and seeing how much everyone supports one another, I think the shock has worn off a little. As long as...

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“Their Villain” by Justin J. Harris

Submitted to Contest #264

Their VillainBy Justin J. HarrisFrom hundreds of winds above Josephine stared down toward the cromlech through the scope of her rifle counting the series of torches bracketed to each column. “Nine,” she said. A fire for each member of the council. The lit torches signaled that the ceremony would soon begin and The Nine were arriving. All but one of them, anyway.The body was at the center of the cromlech draped in a ceremonial white cloth with a red fringe. Four vertical dots on the left and five on the right were stitched into the cloth...

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“Finest Gwine” by Melissa Taylor

Submitted to Contest #264

I am already sweaty from fighting my way into this form fitting satin dress. The arm straps on this thing are absolutely unforgiving. No stretch to the fabric whatsoever. The dress code for tonight is silver and gold. I went with silver because no one will ever top Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days with her gorgeous, long golden gown. She was glowing! Even I had a crush on her in that movie. I don’t want to even think about trying to compete. My dress does have a plunging waterfall back just like the one from the mov...

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“Coming Around Again” by Jed Cope

Submitted to Contest #264

November has snuck its way into the landscape and Summer is a memory that still hurts in the telling. Deathly Winter stalks the unsuspecting days, just a little further along the path of life, and the idea of rebirth is just that. An abstraction that does not yet belong in the world. There is a chill in the air, but it is not yet cold. The old church is draughty and the gutless heating pipes fight a losing battle against the belligerent rock foundations. The modern world is of no interest to this ancient place. The old stone bones are about ...

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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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