The Caucus-Race from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
www.neveraplainjane.blogspot.com
If you recall, the last time we chatted, Alice was falling, falling, falling down the rabbit hole. It wasn’t long after she hit bottom that she found herself swimming in her own tears along with “a Duck and a Dodo, a Lory and an Eaglet, and several other curious creatures.” Once clear of the water the Dodo recommended they dry off by means of a “Caucus-race.” What followed was nothing short of a running circus sideshow containing any number of bird species.
Caption: “See artwork credits below”
Cut to today – your wedding day! You know you’ll be racing hither and thither so why not own it with your version of a Caucus-race? Start with a whimsically romantic, spiraling race course – er- aisle.
Caption: “via Bridal Guide. Click for details.”
For the reception, I love the idea of decorating with birds. I’m not talking Hitchcock-ian, Poe-ish, or even Portlandia birds. I’m talking flights of fantasy, Wonderland birds. Imagine spending your first evening as a married couple under a sky of swirling birds.
Caption: “Tutorial via Free Pretty Things for You. Click for details”
Caption: “via Land of Nod. Click for details.”
Caption: “via bloesom living. Click for details.”
You can also find a good tutorial on the Etsy blog. Even better, WedEclectic team member, Stacy Blair of Little Red Button, is happy to put her paper-folding skills to use on a custom bird order just for you! (Bird mobile bonus: no droppings)
For a more subtle take, consider Terryn + John’s bohemian look featured on Green Wedding Shoes.
I adore these moss-filled ravens, available in several colors, from our own Teresa Kessler! Imagine them nestled amongst greenery throughout your reception site!
Caption: “Metal Bird by Teresa Kessler. Click for details.”
Caucus Race Artwork from left to right: Arthur Rackham, John Tenniel, Cory Godbey, and Rodney Matthews
A little bit of Citrus for your wedding.
Karen over at FeltNatural has created our latest treasury “What a horrible thing yellow is¨- Edgar Degas. I think we showed him! This treasury is about as creamy as a lemon meringue pie!
Tropical Wedding Inspiration
Ideas for Tropical Wedding that is Tiki inspired!
Here is what I found on Etsy, girls…check this out:
Martini Cake topper
Tiki Wine torches
Wedding Favors
Wedding table numbers
Hawaiian Print Red dress
Wed In Red
Although the ethereal grace of white weddings in the West has always been a favorite adopted by many, it does not quite equal the passion & romance of marrying in red!
In ancient Rome, the first bridal veils were worn, and were usually an intense red flame-like color which shrouded their entire bodies, called a Flammeum. This early veil would also vary in fiery shades of yellow & orange among the ancient Greeks, but all were intended to protect the bride and the union from evil spirits. Here is an early Roman bride wearing her Flammeum veil:
Perhaps the most opulent of Red Weddings has to be those in both China & in India, who prize the color and believe it attracts happiness, luck & good fortune. In fact, the Indian bride traditionally wears a red dress & veil, but will also have red henna designs with hidden romantic messages or auspicious symbols for her husband to read during their wedding night painted all over her body. Instead of being carried over the threshold, the bride will partake in a ritual in which she dips her feet in red colored water and then walks barefoot through her new home – a custom symbolizing her new role as a married woman.
The Chinese bride will change three times into one red dress for the Tea Ceremony, another red dress for the actual Wedding Ceremony, and finally a third red dress for the Wedding
Reception. Some even have changes of gowns during the reception just for fun.
Inspired by these traditions here are some Red Hot creations by the Wed Eclectic team to set your wedding day ablaze!
“Adored” Veiled Headpiece by MataHari’sDaughter
Masquerade Masks for Two by Artisan Maskers
Personalized Monograms for Wedding invitations by WeddingMonograms
Red Feather Headdress with Roses & Silver Pheasant Feathers by LaCocoRouge
Paper Flower Bridal Bouquets by TheLittleRedButton
Red Sunflower Fascinator by MySmittenBoutique
Hand-painted Wine Glasses by PureBeautyArt
By MoonshineBaby of WedEclectic
A bit of inspiration from a fun, alternative bridal photoshoot : )
I have planned to include alternative brides in my advertising for awhile, and finally had the opportunity to include models willing to have fun with this idea earlier this year. Here are some photos to enjoy…and possibly use as inspiration. : )
We had multiple outfits available for models, some more traditional than others, so many models appear more than once. The models had loads of fun in the wardrobe room changing from one outfit into another, accessorizing their attire, and wandering around Turkey Hill Inn for photos by the different photographers. : )
Bouquet, haircomb and jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Veil by Chaos Couture
Haircomb and jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Jacket by Blooms In The Night
Bouquet, haircomb and jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Gloves and lace neck wrap (eye mask) by KVO Design
Bouttonniere by ClayBouquetShop
Bouquet and jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Hair Flower by Chaos Couture
Jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Corset and skirt by Mayfaire Moon
Bouquet and Accessories by ClayBouquetShop
Jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Fascinator by Chaos Couture
Corset and skirt by Mayfaire Moon
Jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Corset and skirt by Mayfaire Moon
Accessories by ClayBouquetShop
Fingerless gloves and Lace neck corset by KVO Design
Accessories by ClayBouquetShop
Corset and skirt by Mayfaire Moon
Bouquet and accessories by ClayBouquetShop
Bouquet and Accessories by ClayBouquetShop
Layered skirt by Blooms In The Night
Accessories by ClayBouquetShop
Corset and skirt by Mayfaire Moon
Bouquet and jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Bouquet and accessories by ClayBouquetShop
Bouquet, haircomb and jewelry by ClayBouquetShop
Lace eye mask and cuffs by KVO Design
Bouquet charm by DelaneyPhotoJewelry
Skirt handcrafted by the model (Elderberry)!
(Yes, I told her that she should open up an Etsy shop, too!)
Thank you to all of our participants!
(listed alphabetically)
Photographers
www.brianbortnickphotography.com
www.modelmayhem.com/MichaelLawrencePhotography
Hair Stylists
Allison Tegano
Make Up Artists
KimmV MM# 2357138
www.facebook.com/makeupbynessa
SK Faceworks Makeup MM# 2213330
Models
Andie-Nicole
Ava
Courtney
Elderberry
Jacqueline
Jamie
Kattia
Nicole
Rachell
Stephanie
Tips for a Less Expensive Wedding – #5 Be Creative!
This tip is exactly what the Wed Eclectic Team is all about, so if you are reading our blog, you probably already have creativity in the bag! This step is all about the question: who wants a wedding just like the next? This is a chance to share your joy and excitement with those who care about you most, so it should reflect who you are, even in the details. Often, with a little creativity, you can not only express yourself better, but save some money, as well!
My wedding colors were based on citrus tones, so my center-pieces consisted very simply of artfully piled limes, lemons, and tangerines among greenery and “filler” flowers (which can be purchased inexpensively at a floral supply place). It was a cheap, but pretty, alternative to candles, glassware, or floral arrangements.
Another way I was able to save some money with a little creativity was by having our engagement announced with photos taken in one of those old black and white photo booths. We found one, took two tries and used them on the back of the announcements. It was definitely quirky (like me!) but you can’t beat spending $2 for your engagement photos!
Julianna wanted her bridesmaids to look cohesive, but not hate their dresses. She purchased fabric in the colors she liked and then allowed each bridesmaid to have a dress of their choosing made for them in that fabric. They were guaranteed to like the style (as their dress was made for them), and she liked the unified look.
Looking for more ways to give your wedding a splash of creativity? I loved the creative use of color in this post (especially on simple things like fingernails and chair ribbons), the many alternatives to the “traditional” toasting flutes in this post, and some alternative lighting ideas offered in this post! If you are having a hard time defining how to imbue your wedding with your own personality, I highly recommend starting with MyHaleyGirl‘s post about skipping the “cookie cutter” wedding, too.
Wedding Headdress of the world
By Isla Wong
(aka Kitty Kanzashi)
We often think veils as being the wedding headdress worn by the brides but it made me wonder, what do other countries and cultures (past and present) wear for their weddings?
Hindu Wedding – Mang Tikka
The mang tikka is the piece of jewellery that hangs on the forehead of a hindu bride. I can imagine some of these mang tikka can get very heavy but what a way to wear something as pretty as a mang tikka.
Vietnam – Khan Dong
Khan Dong is a coil of very stiff brocade fabric that is worn by the bride. It is worn just like a crown with your hairstyle poking through the middle so perfect for brides who are planning to wear a fancy hairbun. If you feel the men are left out, don’t worry, there is a version for them as well but it is not as big and fancy as the brides.
Japan – Wataboshi
The wataboshi can be a hood or a strip of white cloth which is supposed to hide the “horns of jealousy” until the couple is married. What these horns can be, I do not know but like the veil, it is very simple and chic.
Korean – Jokduri/Hwagwan (more elaborate jokduri) below is an example
Korean brides if they are wearing a traditional hanbok wedding dress will wear a Jokduri or Hwagwan. This is a crown that sits at the front of the head, I think the crown is held on by strings that are tied at the base of the head.
From what I have read the jokduri and hwagwan are very similar in shape except the hwagwan is decorated more heavily like the picture below.
Russian – Kokoshnik
This is something from the past and I wish it came back in wedding fashion. This headdress was once worn part of everywear for Russian women and of course weddings as well.
Tradition states that if you were a girl or unmarried lady you would wear one showing off your hair but once you were married, you would then wear a veil with it.
Chinese – Crown
I remember my mother telling me that when my great grandmother got married she wore a bridal crown but of course we don’t have any pictures of this and it was a long time ago.
Nowadays, most Chinese brides will only wear these at wedding photoshoots rather then at their actual weddings. However there has been a hanfu movement and some couples are wearing them for their wedding.
African – Gele
This one I would love to try my hands on because I am fascinated by how the fabric seems to defy gravity! And it is not just the bride who wears ones, this headdress is worn by all females and I think the rule is the bigger the better.
Every lady has their own way of styling their gele and if you hop onto YouTube, there are a lot of videos on how to tie a gele.
Do you have any other wedding headdress you would like to share with us?
Etsy store : http://www.etsy.com/shop/kittykanzashi
My gallery : http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykanzashi_designs/
May Giveaway!
This month’s WedEclectic giveaway is hosted by:
She creates fabulous hairpieces and hair accessories! They would be perfect accessories for your unique wedding, for events, or for wearing everyday.
Take a look at some of her wondrous hairpiece designs…wish I would have one of these to wear on my wedding day! : )
And her hair accessories…!
She is offering a $30 gift certificate to her shop…!
www.etsy.com/listing/63162118/gift-certificate-puppycatmeow-30-dollar
This giveaway will run until midnight, May 31st, but don’t wait!
Your initial entries will be accepted for:
A comment including your favorite item from PuppyCatMeow’s shop
Extra entries for additional comments indicating that you: (Please include your email, handle, etc for verification & contacting you when you win!)
Heart PuppyCatMeow’s shop
Friend/Like PuppyCatMeow on Facebook
Follow @WedEclectic on Twitter
Friend WedEclectic on Facebook
Tweeted this giveaway (please copy your tweet here)
Posted this giveaway on your Facebook page (please copy your post here)
Posted this giveaway on your blog (please include the link here)
Posted this giveaway on a wedding/social network (please include the link here)
The giveaway is open worldwide, however, any additional charges for international shipping would be the responsibility of the winner. Shipping in the US is included in the giveaway.
The winner will be chosen randomly, verified, and contacted on May 1st via email with the good news!
PuppyCatMeow
Be Mine
Our newest love inspired April treasury comes from Wed Eclectic team member Stephanie over at LaCocoRouge. Take a look at the sweet collection she’s put together.
Krissy - Make Believe'N
EdenGalleryArt
ArtisanMaskers
claybouquetshop
