Instead of people, you can now invite a lama in a bow tie to a wedding
In the USA, the non-profit organization Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas launched the service "Wedding Llamas": llamas and alpacas in the costumes of the bride and groom can now be brought to the celebration. All proceeds will go to the maintenance of the center and allow the animals to engage in therapy. The service operates in Washington, Portland and Vancouver.
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The company is owned by Lori Gregory, and the events are coordinated by her daughter Shannon Joy. Women have been using Lama Rojo for therapy since 2007: she comes to visit children with special needs, sick and blind people. They say lamas relieve anxiety and help people calm down and feel good.
Now there are five llamas and five alpacas in the therapeutic center, although only three are used for therapy.
The center held its first wedding with lamas in 2011. In 2016, the animals attended 11 marriage ceremonies, and in 2017, dozens of orders have already been received at the center, although the wedding season has not yet begun.
The organizers claim that the newlyweds have become more interested in llamas as wedding guests — partly because of their Instagram account "Wedding Llamas".
Most brides prefer to invite two animals. Usually it's Rojo in the groom's suit and the little alpaca Napoleon in the bride's dress. Sometimes they are joined by Lama Smokey.
To order two animals for a wedding costs from $ 300. The price may be raised — it depends on the distance between the farm and the wedding venue and on the time that the lamas spend with guests. According to Shannon Joy, most customers have an hour: they just need an alternative to the photo booth. Other newlyweds want lamas to greet guests, take pictures with them, bring rings and entertain everyone at a cocktail party.