Ascot elegance

From the My Fair Lady movie - best costumes ever...

Historic influence

Looking back for some inspiration (dress, hair, veil, shoe-wise)...


1910 garden party (this was really what I had in mind originally)







1930s glamour

Hairy issue

And then there's the hair issue (hairy issue)...
(I think the Alyson Hannigan shot is closest to what I've now got... but how to make it soft and pretty??)

When birdcages go bad

Hmmm... this is an excellent illustration of why finger-waved hair would not be such a good idea. Great in theory - looks like helmet-hair in practise... especially from the back!

A birdcage for every bird

So I stumbled upon this amazing website by a company that seems to specialise in every kind of birdcage possible - with various accessories.

Look at all these flower options!





And there are apparently several distinctly different styles of birdcage:

The Wedge

Sassy and Edgy the Wedge delivers a feeling of "Old Hollywood". This captivating veil will compliment a casual to informal gown. It begins with French netting that is cut at an 9" length. The Wedge is intended to be placed at the side near the temple & ear. It will give you a sharp wedge that covers one eye. The Wedge veil will come with a custom comb decoration. You get to delve into our numerous accessories, picking items that will flatter your unique sense of style. Then I will spin your accessories together creating a comb decoration that will reflect your personality. The combinations of materials are limited only to a 1" comb space (feather will extend past this base). You may look at our inspiration gallery for past brides birdcage comb examples.

The Blusher (no feathers)

Elegant and refined our Blusher birdcage has a Art Deco inspired opulence. Vintage with a modern touch the Blusher will provide a look that will compliment the 1920's-40's reproduction gowns as well as the modern informal to formal gowns. The Blusher's 2" space gives you tons of room for beading only looks or extravagant lace and beading mixes. You could do more metal works buttons mixed with beading and more vintage buttons with beading. In all this space givse you a bigger "show stopper" for the bride who does not want feathers but wants a nice substantial presence.

The Blusher begins with French netting (also known as Russian Veiling) This veiling can be cut to be Below the eyes, below the mouth or below the nose. It placement can be to the back of the crown for the edge to straigten or to the side which will make the edge angle. The veil can be flipped for a snooded look for the reception. You get to lavish your 2" wire comb base with an array of embellishments.

The Angle

Vintage inspired, the Angle veil has the allure and charm of the 1940's-50's. While its design is modeled after these time periods it also carries with it a chic modern experience.

The Angle is intended to be placed at the side near the ear and will covers both eyes with a subtle angle. You can also place the comb to the back of the crown, which will cause the veil's front edge to straighten. Please note on the comment section of the cart where you will place the comb. Where you place will effect the length of the veil. If you want the veil to set next to a low bun then the veil must be left long and the width adjusted. Placement and head size is a very important part of cutting the veil for a good fit.

The Bandeau

The Bandeau is a sophisticated design which will compliment a more modern gown. It is fashioned with French netting that attaches on both sides of the head (perfect for positioning next to a low bun).

The main clip features a show stopping main clip (model is wearing marabou feather flower). You may also do any of the flowers in the flower room (accept orchid) with beading center, or do beading only for both sides of the veil.

Genuine gratitude to Unveiled Bridal Designs for this education! http://www.unveiledbridaldesigns.com

Embroidery and stationery

I'd love to find a way to incorporate all these beautiful old embroidered napkins and tablecloths into the invitation and other stationery. I've had such fun collecting them.

These pix offered some inspiration as to how embroidery could be used. Looks like more trouble that it's worth to actually make things to match, but the textural contrast is beautiful.

Also - mental note - less is more!

From a blog that credits the 'hardaker and pope' blog.

Blue birdcage

Perhaps there's a option here for adding some additional colour by using coloured netting? I like that this doesn't have flowers/ feathers competing too. Perhaps they're in the back holding the sides together?

Birdcage

I think the top one is my favourite. So hard to find a pic of a birdcage with hair down.

...but is there some sick irony in wearing a "cage" on the day you get married??

and yet, they're so pretty...

Crochet Flowers?

Who would be crazy enough to do this?! But aren't they pretty.. and they'd last forever...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/16521062/crochet-flowers-small-calliopsis-white
They're on wire, so could be good in hair??? Or perhaps too fussy for me, and just simply a cool idea...

Stationery

This ranunculus stationery is pretty. Some kind of flower or embroidery motif would be appropriate...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/22461080/ranunculus-wedding-invitation-eco?ref=storque

To veil or not to veil

Invitation wording

BRIDE & GROOM REQUEST THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY AS THEY ARE UNITED IN MARRIAGE…

BRIDE & GROOM INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM AS THEY EXCHANGE MARRIAGE VOWS...(date)

BRIDE & GROOM TOGETHER WITH OUR / THEIR PARENTS / FAMILIES INVITE YOU TO JOIN US WHEN WE EX CHANGE MARRIAGE VOWS

The pleasure of your company is requested as BRIDE and GROOM vow to share their lives in a marriage ceremony on DAY YEAR at TIME LOCATION ADDRESS CITY, STATE

We invite you to join the celebration as we are married on DAY YEAR at TIME LOCATION
ADDRESS CITY, STATE

Jeez invitation wording is generally dreadful!

Sourcing parasols

So many parasols... so expensive.


My Wedding Style
$19.95, many bright colours, no white.
Made from a durable silk-look fabric that can resist light rain. Umbrellas are a generous size, measuring 84cm in diameter.

Parasoul
$48 ea, cheapest

Astra Bridal
$35.99, paper, many colours, 20”

Look Sharp Store
$5 ea, fabric party parasol, 84cm, painted, many bright colours

Celebrations Studio
HIRE $15-20 per parasol
BUY $30 per parasol, paper

Brides Best Friend
$50 average, beautiful but seriously pricey

Sunrise Imports (Aust)
AUD$8 each, multi coloured, painted
AUD$7 each, white, 84cm

My Wedding Store
$20ea, 70cm, plain colours, paper

Asian Ideas (US)
as many varieties as you can think of with good pictures – good to see difference between thai/Chinese/ paper/ silk/ etc
US$4ea for 20+ of same colour
order 20x 2 colours: purple and green. Need to check shipping costs.