Menu

Prompts

Contests

Stories

Blog

Menu

✕

CONNECT

Editing Design Marketing Publicity Ghostwriting Websites

BLOG

Success Stories

APPS

TOOLS

Book Promotion Sites Book Review Blogs Booktube Channel Guide Book Title Generator Character Name Generator Independent Publishers Literary Agents Literary Magazines Pen Name Generator Plot Generator Publishers Directory Short Story Ideas Writing Contests Writing Exercises Writing Scholarships

ABOUT

About Reedsy Terms Privacy

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

“Side by Side” by Jessika Sims

Submitted to Contest #264

"Wearing white to a wedding. That's scandalous."I stood behind the bride as she trembled through her written vows to her husband-to-be. The silk gown rippled over my skin like the surface of the beach behind us as I stood there, shoes planted on her long train she ignored. Of course I had to go for the veil too. The lace edges were immaculately crafted and far too ornate to leave gathering dust in a cupboard. All eyes were on me. I revelled in the attention, soaking it in alongside the warm sun and cool, salty air.Flowers were ever...

Read story

“From Playmates to Soulmates” by Michael Palmieri

Submitted to Contest #264

There I was, minding my own business, carefully arranging the buildings in my Lego metropolis, when a knock came from the front door. I ignored it, hoping it wasn’t for me, and continued building. I heard the door open, and my heart sank as I heard my mother greet the visitor. “Well, hello, Sophia. How are you today?” Oh no. Not Sophia. “Hello, Mrs. Harper. Can Max come out and play? “Say no, say no,” I silently pleaded. “Of course, dear. Some fresh air will do him some good,” my mom replied, betraying me with a smile. “Max!” she called out...

Read story

“Party Animals ” by Vesta Bartholomew

Submitted to Contest #264

Jack sat on the stoop of his Troy brownstone, bent over and holding his head in his hands. His fingers played with his dark curly locks tinged with a hint of gray. With a sigh of impatience, he almost pulled his cell from the pocket of his black dress pants and called Yvette. He was then startled by the loud, repeated honks of his sister's truck and nearly fell off the porch. He jogged the short distance to the Ford, opened the door, and hopped in. He said to Yvette in a sarcastic tone, “On time, lik...

Read story

“Maid of a Holy Mess” by Kim Malcolm

Submitted to Contest #264

Oh boy, was I late. I panted as I ran back down the hotel stairs and raced through the lobby, tossing the stolen master key for John’s room to the concierge.I shuffled on teetering heels through the gravel lot to my car. I tossed off my right heel to reach the pedals. I tossed the shirt and pants I stole from his luggage into the backseat and tucked my phone into my bra. I backed out of the parking lot and sped out onto the highway.I broke every speed limit and possibly every driver’s school rule, as I held onto the steering wheel with my kn...

Read story

“Oathkeeper” by Sara Gonzalez-Rothi

Submitted to Contest #264

Seventh Heaven?One chilly hand over Carina’s mouth, the other over her own eyes, Michelle’s forehead resembled the bellows of an accordion. Add in the “Birthday Girl” tiara on top, and it was a bizarre scene.There, in the cramped and dusty underbelly below Michelle’s bunk beds, Carina felt her heart in her ears. “Lub-dub. Lub-dub, Lub-dub,” punctuated by thuds and wails from the hall.Assured that Carina comprehended her plea to get down and be quiet, Michelle drew her hand away from Carina’s face and to the bottom corner of the door. The doo...

Read story

“Ten Tips if School’s Making You Lose Your Mind (Life is Short)” by Gabrielle Galchen

Submitted to Contest #264

1) Confirm whether you’re losing your mind ex) It’s 9:15 PM, but it was just 1:03. Or 1:04. Not too sure. I skipped lunch. My Finance textbook is big, fat, endless. Time keeps slipping away from me these days and I’m never sure where it’s going. I watch it like a cartoon character, with a big question mark lopsided above my head. I watch it with less clarity than when my dad forces me to watch college football. I would write a poem about this feeling, try to describe time like some sort of mouse that keeps skittering, or maybe like a su...

Read story

“Devil in Disguise” by Nina Shylo

Submitted to Contest #264

It’s not often I end up somewhere I don’t plan, nor want, to be. This was, however, one of those situations. Idly, I reflect on what landed me here and conclude it was likely a case of me trying to get Misty to shut up and quit haranguing me. Our relationship is entirely superficial—as I like it. She’s got more curves than an F1 race in Monaco and is just as fast. Her big blue eyes sport a vacuous look that is entirely legit. In other words, I’m not banging her for her brain power. Don’t judge me too harshly; I feel it’s a pretty equit...

Read story

“The Unexpected Knock” by Yoana Corro

Submitted to Contest #264

The day of the wedding arrived faster than I had anticipated. I groggily opened up my eyes as the rays of the sun snuck in through the curtains. Yawning widely, I opened up the curtains and did some quick yoga stretches to warm up my body. It seemed like only yesterday I had received the invitation in my inbox, the beautiful Taylor Swift music softly introducing the elaborate animation that could have been created by the groom. Although the sun’s rays were strong now, they were being obscured by sneaky gray clouds that slowly crept up. A qui...

Read story

“TWO STRANGERS WALK INTO A WEDDING PARTY...” by Frances Goulart

Submitted to Contest #264

TWO STRANGERS WALK INTO A WEDDING PARTY….. “Phew, what a relief to be inside! I know this is a happy wedding celebration, but what’s with all the shouting out there? Shouldn’t the action be in here now that the ceremony is over? I thought I came here for some good cheer (and some fancy food)!” “Yeah, me, too, dude, what is it that’s happening out there? “No idea. And you know what? I don’t really care. I parked in the front but I came in the back way to avoid the crowd. But most of the crowd seems to be out front. I don’t hear a...

Read story

“AngelEyes” by Evelyn Greyson

Submitted to Contest #264

“So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”- Matthew 19:6 Her brow pinched tight to the centre of her forehead in tortured silence, fighting the tears begging to spring forth. The inky veil fell in front of her face, almost opaque with blackness and heavy with tulle, cascading to the shiny abyss of parquet at her feet and covering her blonde tresses. Lace roses edging the bottom of the piece burned hot from the lamplight. She kept her chin raised, her shoulders back, holding herself up...

Read story

“Even Stevens” by J. S. Bailey

Submitted to Contest #264

1979 - Outside a movie theatre "Hey! Get outta the way will ya," shooed the box office clerk as Jack and Stanley Stevens disrupted a young couple trying to pay for tickets."Hee-yaww," said Stanley, adding sound effects as he threw an open palm at Jack's torso, to which Jack leaned back like a limbo champion to avoid."Eyat!" Jack made his move—a springing jump-kick aimed at Stanley's upper leg. A muffled thud came from his jeans when Jack's dirty converse connected with the back of Stanley’s thigh."Waddaw-yaht!" Stanley leaped at Jack, spinni...

Read story

“Surprise Photographer” by Sandra Tregaskis

Submitted to Contest #264

Sarah really hated weddings, especially ones she is in. Her sister Annie married the “man of her dreams.” Sarah knew there was no such thing as a dream man. There was always a agenda for men. A trophy wife, someone to support him while he “finds himself.” “Sarah please try and smile, your ruining your sisters pictures.” By they way their mothers brow furled, Sarah knew a lecture would be coming if she didn’t comply. If anyone cared to really look, they would see the curl of her lips was more a snear than a smile. Be...

Read story

“The wedding crasher” by James Little

Submitted to Contest #264

Alexia was sitting next to the stream lost in thought as she fiddled with the braid in her long blonde hair, when suddenly a large rock fell into the water, splashing water over her!“Hey!” she yelled angrily turning to look at a young woman in a beautiful purple and pink dress, seemingly way more comfortable than her own tight sapphire blue one."You asked for it! It couldn't be helped” Margot, Duchess of Livervale, teased, sticking out her tongue. Alexia examined her friend from top to bottom. "So, this is what your mum went with?”Her eyes w...

Read story

“Canned goods” by Anna Auzāne

Submitted to Contest #264

He poured himself a glass of white wine. "So, are you all right?""Yes, everything is settled now. We visit her parents. Even adopted a cat from the shelter for our daughter," answered the second man."Great to hear. I was worried about both of you. Honestly, I thought your intelligence and her character would lead to your ruin." His interlocutor, growing increasingly frustrated, pushed the plate closer, loaded it with salad and potatoes and poured sauce on top. He then asked the bartender, a very tall high school student who, for unknown reas...

Read story

“In Bed” by Tim Baehr

Submitted to Contest #264

In Bed Peter lay watching the girl in his bed. Her long black hair, even in the delicate dawn light, shone like obsidian. Her features were ordinary, neither classically beautiful nor out of balance with each other. She lay on her side, facing him; a droplet of drool hung from the lower corner of her mouth. She was snoring quietly. She was wearing one of Peter’s T-shirts. The T-shirt was plenty roomy on her slender, almost scrawny frame. On him the shirt clung to him; Peter needed to lose a few — well, maybe ten or a dozen — pounds. They ha...

Read story

Load more stories

$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!

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢