5 Ways You Can Shape Your Lifestyle Around Elvis

The King may no longer be around in the flesh (although there are some who might claim otherwise), but that doesn't mean you can't re-create his magic yourself. Here are five ways you can make the Elvis Presley magic a central part of your life. 

1. Get Married in an Elvis Chapel

"Viva Las Vegas" was one of Elvis's most famous films, and nowadays the city is justly famous for its wealth of Elvis impersonators -- so much so, in fact, that you can actually have an Elvis-themed wedding. Elvis chapels in Las Vegas feature a wide range of evocative options, including:

  • "Elvis" singing his beloved hit songs
  • A reproduction of the original marriage certificate for Elvis and Priscilla Presley's wedding
  • Professional photography and/or videography
  • DVD keepsakes of the ceremony
  • Silk bouquets and boutonnieres
  • Marriage license, wedding coordinator and/or witness as needed

An Elvis chapel in Las Vegas, like A Little White Wedding Chapel, is likely to offer several tiers of offerings, from basic services to the full treatment. But whichever level best suits your budget, you'll be delighted to have the spirit of the King overseeing one of the most important moments of your life. Since camera phones are allowed in addition to the professional photos being taken, all your friends will be able to capture their own memories of this special day -- Elvis-style!

2. Celebrate Elvis's Birthday

Elvis Presley was born on January 8th, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi -- a date most fans no doubt have committed to memory. But you can go a step further by celebrating Elvis's birthday each year. Elvis-themed birthday goods are easy to find in party shops or online stores, ranging from balloons and party favors to individually-wrapped candies with the King's picture on them. Full-size stand-up images enable the man himself to attend his own party (more or less) -- and since Elvis stood in the neighborhood of six feet tall, he's sure to dominate the proceedings as he should. Don't forget to load up the stereo with all your favorite tunes.

3. Host an Annual Elvis Movie Marathon

Elvis made an astonishing 33 films, if you count his concert movies as well as his feature films. The most devoted followers make an effort to see each and every one of them at least once, and with the release of complete DVD collections, this goal is actually quite achievable. So why not give your fellow Elvis fans the treat of a lifetime by showing all the films in a massive marathon viewing party?

To make the experience as unforgettable as possible, consider renting or buying an outdoor theater system. These systems typically include a powerful projector, a DVD player, a sound system, and a large screen designed for easy setup in a back yard. Enhance the environment further by serving malteds, popcorn, or even the King's beloved fried peanut-butter and banana sandwiches.

4. Work at Graceland

Every self-respecting Elvis fan will make the pilgrimage to Graceland, the King's stately Memphis mansion, at some point or other. But if you really want to feel close to your idol, what better way than by choosing his home as your workplace? Believe it or not, there are occasional hiring opportunities, not only at Graceland but also at the adjoining hotel where Elvis lovers love to stay. While you're waiting for an available position to open up, consider landing a job at one of the many other Elvis-themed businesses in town. 

5. Get Your Very Own Elvis Costume

If you're ready to embody the Elvis lifestyle in your wardrobe, you can always invest a few thousand dollars in your very own authentic reproduction Elvis costume. Many online firms specialize in the construction and sale of these extraordinary garments, including the legendary "Aloha" jumpsuit (complete with American Eagle embroidery) and the black leather jumpsuit worn in the historic televised "comeback" concert of 1968. Wear it around the house, show off your Elvis impersonation skills to your friends, or work up the courage to run everyday errands in full costume. 

From Elvis chapels in Las Vegas to Elvis jumpsuits in your closet, your imagination is the only limit when it comes to making the King live again. Try some of these suggestions -- you may just hear that familiar voice in your mind's ear saying, "Thank you very much!"


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