Broad Ripple is a great location for weddings and wedding parties. With June as the traditional month for wedding bells, you might see celebrations happening here these days.

The bachelor and bachelorette parties are easy to spot. As nightlife gets in full swing with a limo in sight, the tip-off might be a bevy of young women with one sporting a tiara, boa, or sash that designates her as the bride. She is usually the "queen bee" with all the other women buzzing around her. Hopping from bar to bar, celebrating the days preceding the grand wedding finale, these merry groups stand out with their laughter and chatter. Their camaraderie underscores joy of the event to come. With the bride leading the way, dinner orders usually consist of lots of cosmos drinks and chicken dishes. No groom in sight!

Groups of guys out on the town are usually the sign of a bachelor party in progress. Revelry runs high as these outings celebrate the groom's last few days or hours of freedom. The groom is usually in the center of his group, being indulged with his favorite brew or cocktail and ribs, steak, or thick hamburger.

Rehearsal dinners, weddings, and receptions abound in the Village and surrounding restaurants. Hollyhock Hill has been a tradition for family rehearsal dinners. I have attended several at this venerable, old-line restaurant. Bigger receptions frequently get booked at the Riveria Club or Riverwalk on Westfield. I have attended weddings at the Indianapolis Art League and would not be surprised by a funky wedding at the Vogue. Although area churches are most likely to host weddings, I am sure there have been couples united in wedlock on the Monon Trail, at Broad Ripple Park, along the Canal, or at the Museum of Art. Choosing the special site for a wedding or reception might be just as important as the decision to marry. Maybe a favorite date spot or sentimental spot where the couple met becomes the wedding destination as it did for the pair who wed this year at Plump's Last Shot

Wedding related festivities are easily accommodated in Broad Ripple. There seems to be a decided trend toward choosing more casual places for rehearsal dinners. BR is loaded with options. Cruising the Farmer's Market might help you find unique vendors to complement rehearsals or receptions. Ice cream carts and wonderful breads, crepes, and pies may be sourced. If you want a delicious BBQ, you can find the right vendors for a DIY affair. Perhaps a cupcake cake or pink whoopie pies from local bakeries can put a special spark in your event. Local breweries can help with a craft beer reception.

Don't forget the pets or kiddos. Some weddings are including dogs as part of the wedding party. I have seen them carry a pillow bearing rings all the way to the altar. If you do include four-legged friends, stop by the Three Dog Bakery for the day's special treat. I also have heard of couples who are inviting lots of young families to enjoy weddings with a children's area featuring small tables and chairs where children can color and craft supervised by a sitter.

Area parks offer shelters and perfect landscapes for vows: Broad Ripple Park, Opti Park, Marott Park, and Holliday Park. A ceremony by the Canal or the River would be sublime on a cool June day. What about having four or five food trucks pulling up for an impromptu reception? Surprise and fun! Instead of a traditional guestbook, have guests sign a tablecloth with permanent markers. Any one of the wonderful local florist can design lovely flowers: Colby Palmer, McNamara, Posh Petals, Bokay.

Got the idea? If you want to have wedding events, big or small, Broad Ripple can be the best of all locations.