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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

“The Price of Plague” by Vivacity Rex

Submitted to Contest #264

This story contains themes of death, disease and despair, including references to blood. All around me, a dissonance of harsh voices barked orders, blending with the moans of those who saw their doom reflected in the crow's shadow. It prowled relentlessly through the street, its beaked mask dark and chilling, eager to claim what the plague had left in its wake. I had already watched them toss the lifeless body of my father, the last of my family, onto their death carts. His spirit, once so strong, now haunted me—his skin a ghastly shade of...

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“Maybe Later” by Burton Sage

Submitted to Contest #264

Maybe LaterbyBurt Sage As usual, I am sitting on my favorite bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad. It’s a little after 9 am; the surfers have already packed up and gone, but the tourists haven’t arrived yet. Bill will be joining me soon as he always does these mornings—we both have been retired for about 20 years and we love talking about the good old days and spinning yarns. He was a fire fighter, I was a medical device research guy; we enjoy sharing the things that happened on the job. Speaking of Bill, here he is now. “Hi, ...

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“Your trusty false partner.” by Swift Side Stories

Submitted to Contest #264

“I don't know if this is right. Maybe you should go, It might for the best. I don't want to embarrass my sister.” He said, his voice cracking. My client, Paul, was an anxious man. I've seen the type time and time again: a nervous twitcher, with a few quirks andmannerisms (in his case, rubbing his thumb against the side of his index finger and a trembling voice when his anxiety peaked). This gave an off impression of who he was. You know, he had that type of vibe of who you wouldn't give a second date to, but if you knew him in a situation in...

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“A Kind Chat” by Shelly Desjarlais

Submitted to Contest #264

This is the story of how a single conversation with a stranger altered my perception of, well, everything.*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*It’s amazing how the mouth and the brain can work independently from each other. I heard my voice saying things like, “Yes—of course!” and “It’d be an honor!” and “I wouldn’t miss it!” But internally? I was thinking that I’d rather eat a grilled cheese sandwich full of rusty nails than be a bridesmaid…and I’m lactose intolerant.Yet, this was about my dear cousin, Bella. I couldn’t refuse her offer without s...

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“The people you meet at a wedding” by Vivian Clausing

Submitted to Contest #264

The people you meet at a wedding The wind was blowing hard, so hard that the bride’s veil flew upwards like a gauzy sail before wrapping itself firmly around her face, just as an ocean wave broke at her feet, splashing the white satin dress and leaving wet marks on the bride’s flat stomach. From her spot on the outside of the semi circle of good friends, Kitty clamped a hand over her mouth so that she wouldn’t laugh out loud. Served Miss Perfect Matilda right that she couldn’t see, and had to bat at her hair without losing her updo and dropp...

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“A Stranger in the Garden” by Dana Orr

Submitted to Contest #264

A Stranger in the Garden “Darn it!” I say in a hush and look around to see if anyone heard me. I tuck my blonde hair behind my ears nervously. Then proceed to grab some of the fancy napkins off the ornately decorative snack table and begin to furiously scrub at the tiny spots of red wine that I’ve managed to splash onto my very expensive dress. I knew I shouldn’t have worn such a light yellow, but it’s spring and yellow is such a happy color. I knew my cousin would approve of the choice. I didn’t even want to come to this wedding, but my cou...

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“In the blink of a memory” by Deepika Pydatalli

Submitted to Contest #264

Rain splashed against the windshield of my metallic green car, making it even harder to navigate the winding road ahead. The fog was already thick, obscuring my view, but I pressed on, driving the serpentine route toward the venue deep in the countryside, about 45 minutes from home.Despite my initial reluctance to attend the wedding, here I was, decked out in an embroidered jumpsuit for my friend Girisha’s sister’s reception. As the windshield wipers swept violently from side to side, I began rethinking my decision. I barely knew anyone at t...

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“Caught in the Net” by Sara Abela

Submitted to Contest #264

The doors swung open in front of her as if to reel her in. There was no turning back now. Weddings weren’t really Mabel’s cup of tea, but her father had pleaded with her to come as his plus-one, and it had cost them an arm and a leg to be able to look the part. It was not an ordinary wedding. It was rather a grand one. As she stepped into the palace and click-clacked her way to the ballroom – she wasn’t quite used to wearing high heels – the sounds of soft jazz, clinking glasses and chatter filled her ears. The air felt warm and heavily smel...

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“Jackie” by David B

Submitted to Contest #264

I’m at a wedding when I see her, the most beautiful woman I could imagine. She’s dressed in her best, knee length baby blue silk. It matches her eyes, and the diamonds around her neck glint when she laughs. I sit and watch her, mesmerised and oblivious to the world around me, as she sips her drink and sways or claps along to the music. My heart races as she stands up to join the dancing, terrified to lose sight. I stand up too. I need to use my hand and the sturdy wooden table to help me. I must have had a few more drinks than I remember. I ...

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“Wedding Crashers” by Tyler Pyka

Submitted to Contest #264

“Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Van Hoefster!” The crowd whoops and hollers as we drink to the best man’s wedding toast. The same crowd clinks their glasses urging the newlyweds to kiss, to which they happily oblige. I smile, noting that they really do make a beautiful couple. Old money, both of them. It’s what allowed this grand affair to take place in the Grecian Isles on the cusp of summer—gorgeous sprawling hills overlooking vineyards and the ocean not far below. It was the perfect place for a wedding. A wedding that I had not been invited to. ...

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“Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Bride” by Natty Renee

Submitted to Contest #264

I think I’ve finally met my threshold of going on absolutely mind-numbingly shitty dates with men who may as well be a walking-talking red flag. In his defence, Justin has been the least red flag-ish of the bunch, but this has definitely been the straw that broke the camel’s back – the camel’s back being my sanity and faith in the male population. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. I don’t need to use the bathroom, but I need the silent reprieve from Justin’s chattering. It seems that Justin’s favourite topic to discuss was himself. Any ...

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“Chasity” by C.C. James

Submitted to Contest #264

***warning contains sexual violence and substance abuse.***Chasity“That settles it, everyone invited is officially attending. This is really happening!” Diana exclaimed to her fiancé. The destination wedding was planned and booked. Diana Rexim and Rio Gayson were all packed up and looking forward to their nuptials. Diana was looking forward to it up until 2 weeks prior to after discovering earth shattering news. Now with only a week from the big date there are a total of 60 guests including family who were all attending. Diana and Rio had re...

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“A June Weddomg” by Mindy Reed

Submitted to Contest #264

Chapel of the Lake weddings are mostly performed by Mary Ann Feebley for the traditionalists. Another officiant, who simply goes by the name of Elvira or Ellie is for the liberals and/or non-believers. Ellie’s legs and arms are wrapped in tattoos, varying from the typical skulls and flames to the more absurd, including a pair of eyes on her shoulder blades, and something unrecognizable around her belly button. She also proclaims to be sexually fluid. On this particular June day, Mary Ann was seated at the patio just outsi...

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“The Happiest Day of Their Life” by Asa P

Submitted to Contest #264

Oh what a glorious occasion. Today is a day of wonderment. Our place in the divine order is confirmed today……… A celebratory tune filled the streets for miles around. Words filled minds with amazement while the jaunty tune a childlike gayness of the spirit. The Ceremony of Alignment came but once every fifty years. But the preparations took up the preceding quarter of a century. The preparations began with the selection process, not of the poor unfortunate soul who will become the main attraction, but of the mother. The message with th...

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“Emily's Friend” by R. K. Detrick

Submitted to Contest #264

“There’ll be food and free drinks—come on, it’ll be fun!” “…Okay.” # How is it that I’ve survived this long as such a pushover? Even in the best of circumstances—attending an event I want to be at with people I know and care about—weddings are ridiculous affairs. And this? This room full of buzzing strangers is absolute hell. But I never really could say no to Emily, my best (and possibly only) friend of over a decade. If it weren’t for her, I could probably spend the rest of my life holed up in my apartment with a good book, show, or ...

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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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