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A wedding in Wonderland

Posted: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013

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Photo by Lora Denton Photography.

Originally from England, Sarah Ryberg has lived in Charlotte for the last 12 years and is a graduate of UNC Charlotte. After two whirlwind weddings - one in Charlotte and another in her homeland - Sarah is settling into married life and learning what it takes to be a Mrs. You can reach Sarah at sarahmryberg@yahoo.com

Per several requests, I’ve chosen to use Alice in Wonderland for my next Disney wedding post. I think Alice in Wonderland is one of the best movies to theme a wedding too. Not only can you be really original with the quirkiness, but you can include some traditional British charm as well (like tea parties, flourishing gardens, and plenty of baked treats). Here are a couple of different ways to plan a wedding in Wonderland without going too over the top.

The location: Anywhere that offers a gorgeous outdoor garden space is perfect for Alice in Wonderland. If you’re in Charlotte and the surrounding areas, something like Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, is spot on. Not only are there several gorgeous gardens to pick from, but the inside rooms give the perfect English tea-room atmosphere.

The details: When I think of Alice in Wonderland, the one thing that stands out to me is the “eat me” and “drink me” signs. Whether you choose to offer a dessert table, or serve a signature drink with “drink me” written on the swizzle stick, be sure to include a few of these signs. The “eat me” and “drink me” décor adds a gentle nod to the movie without overdoing it.

At the Mad Hatter’s tea party, none of the chairs are the same. If it’s in your budget, think of renting different types of antique chairs and mixing them up around each table. That way, nothing looks too matchy, but it also looks perfectly put together.

The dessert/cake: For a Wonderland inspired cake, try something deceivingly lopsided and multi-patterned. If you’re more on the traditional side, the cake by Pink Cake Box above still gives the wonky Wonderland feel but without straying too far from traditional designs. However, if you want to go the extra step, consider a dessert table filled with different delectables (cupcakes, tarts, jam-filled heart cookies). It’s the perfect way to incorporate the “eat me” concept and always makes for a conversational décor piece.

The fashion: To fit with an English garden feel, choose something with lace or floral details (maybe even both). As a nod to Alice in Wonderland, consider a funk pair of blue shoes to go with it.

Tabletops: Think flowers in teacups alongside oddly placed antiquities, like candlestick holders, small clocks, and old editions of books (like Alice in Wonderland). Remember that nothing in Wonderland is in its right place, but somehow, all fits together perfectly. For table numbers, consider the adorable keyhole cards from KuteKardz above. You could then use vintage keys to help guests find their seats.

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