Though “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is in many ways an anti-love story, this movie has captured my heart and held on tightly since the first time I saw it in 2005. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple who choose to erase each other from their memories after a nasty breakup, this drama has captivated viewers since its release with its accurate portrayal of the highlights and low points that exist in every relationship.
While this classic breakup film may seem an unlikely candidate for a wedding theme, I have always seen the brutal honesty of the story to have a romantic quality worthy of showcasing on the most important day in two people’s relationship. If there’s a lesson to learn from the story of Joel and Clementine, it’s that love will always find a way to bring two people together, and that it is important to hold on to the happy memories that exist in every relationship despite any bad that may occur. If you, like me, appreciate the beauty of the story told in this film, this article will serve as a useful guide for you when planning your very own “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” themed wedding.
Invitations
Memories are a recurring theme in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” so reflect this in your wedding invitations. One idea is to create wedding invitations modeled after the cards sent out to friends and family in the movie. Joel accidentally sees one of these cards at his friend’s house after Clementine erases him, and these cards are also seen at the Lacuna office being printed by Mary. You could also send out more traditional wedding invitations but include a quote from the film, such as the Alexander Pope quote recited by Mary from which the film is named after. Another idea is to take photos of you and your fiance dressed as Clementine and Joel, and have these printed onto the invites. Pick your favorite scene from the movie, such as the scene when Joel and Clementine are lying on the frozen Charles River, and replicate it. Have a friend or professional photographer take pictures and include these in your invitations.
Music
The score from “Eternal Sunshine” was created specifically for the film by Job Bryon, a very talented im composer. These songs are all instrumentals featuring piano and an assortment of other instruments. The original score is perfect for playing during your wedding ceremony, and will go hand-in-hand with your wedding theme. You could play “Theme” while guests are being seated, “Peer Pressure” during the procession and “Row” when the bride walks down the aisle.
Drinks
Themed drinks are a fun way to get the party started at your wedding reception, and there are two signature cocktails that will reflect your “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” themed wedding perfectly; a clementine drop and a blue ruin. Clementine drops are similar to lemon drops, but contain clementine juice instead of lemon juice. Just mix 1/2 oz vodka with 1/2 ounce clementine juice and a sugar cube for each drink. Blue ruins are a drink directly from the film, and are featured during the scene when Joel has a drink in Clementine’s apartment after they meet on the train. While it doesn’t say exactly what a Blue Ruin is composed of in the film, a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and a bottle of Schweppe’s tonic is visible in the kitchen while Clementine prepares the drinks. Basically, a blue ruin is a gin and tonic with a drop of blue food coloring added for color.
Cake Toppers
Some of the strangest objects to appear in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” are the potato dolls made by Clementine. These dolls are made of dehydrated potatoes dressed in various outfits. To fit with your wedding theme, make a set of potato dolls dressed like you and your fiance to top your wedding cake.
Bride’s Hair
Few things make Clementine more identifiable than her hair, which changes from green to red, to orange to blue in the film. On your wedding day, either dye your hair one of these colors or don a high-quality wig to reflect this aspect of the film. This will be a fun and memorable way to walk down the aisle.