Looking for something different to do for your wedding or reception? Invite the fairies!   (Well, not literally though we can’t promise that  they won’t attend.)  Our daughter decided to have a fairyland themed outdoor wedding and reception combined.   So we’re sharing her ideas and hints on how to add a little magic to your own special day. Plus we’ve got lots  of photos!  You might also want to check out our unique DIY  Guest Book which can be adapted for any theme!

Color Scheme

The theme colors were taken entirely from this pieces of artwork entitled Oak Fairy by Josephine Wall. This is a great way to choose color pallets. Find some artwork you love the feel and energy of and use it as a focal point for colors. This artwork was perfect in content and colors for what she wanted.

The Dress

The beautiful wedding dress you see cost…..<drum roll>….. $200 including shipping.  She ordered it from a company in China on eBay. They had a large selection of styles and prices, all very inexpensive. The quality was wonderful. They take wedding dress photos from catalogs and custom make a “similar” version (not exact) to your measurements.  She said when she received hers she had to adjust the sides just a bit to make it fit right – but it was worth every penny! Since she was going for a specific color scheme she bought some craft store flowers and pieced together a small bouquet to attach to the front of the dress.

Foot Attire: She chose to go barefoot as that seemed to fit the setting.

Groom & Ring Bearer Clothes

The Groom wore an inexpensive white linen shirts and tan pants to keep it simple as did Jennifer’s son Ashton who was the Ring Bearer. Purple fabric was purchased to make them matching vests.

Ring Holder

Rather than the standard ring pillow a small artificial bonsai tree was purchased from craft store to hang the rings from as the ring bearer brought them up.

Goodies for Guests

A dozen fairy wings were made for the gals and a dozen head wreaths for the guys. Those who wanted to wear them could!

Fairy Wings: The wings were purchased online through an inexpensive party supply store.   As the wings were not the right color they were easily spray painted. Three colors from the color scheme were used to give a gradient effect. Some glitter spray was also used.  The wings came with cheap flowers in the center of each one which were removed before spraying. Then nicer flower’s that matched were glued to the center instead. You can find fairy wings on Amazon just check the size.

The wings were tied to the back of random chairs and the garlands were hung over random chairs.

Head Garland: The garlands were made from a long single strand pip garland 18′ long. It was cut into pieces and curled around two or three times to create the head garland then tied together.

Gift Bags: Gift bags were made to give everyone who attended as they left.  They held a small triangular tea bag with a leaf tag ,  little mirrors from the crafts store with “Happily Ever After” in vinyl on the glass , cookies in the shape of sunflowers, and a few other things we can’t remember.

Outside Decor

The wedding was held in Roy and my yard which was surrounded by trees. Jennifer did the following to turn the back yard into fairyland.

Lanterns: Battery operated paper lanterns were purchased to hang in the tree’s for evening time. Small paper butterfly silhouettes in the theme color were cut, bent so the wings would stand out a little and then glued onto the lanterns.

Fabric: Jennifer found a good deal on some wonderful silky fabric in her colors. She purchased yards and yards of it. Some of it had sparkles. It was perfect and was used to drape in various places such as the doors and hanging as backdrops from ropes tied between trees.

Photography: The brides sister, who is a professional photographer, took the staged photos. A couple of disposable cameras were placed on each table so guest could take photos for the bride and groom.

Doors Backdrop: An old set of doors were used as the backdrop for the ceremony and for photos afterwards. These can easily be found at larger thrift stores. They were draped with some fabric and a simple plaque was made with “Happily Ever After” on it to hang above the doors.  Half curtain rods were stuck into the ground on each side of the door to drape fabric onto.

Tables, Chairs & Awning Tents: These were rented.

Table Decorations: Tablecloths were purchased from Wal-Mart in a matching color. Standing fairy dolls were ordered for each table. They were given as gifts at the end to those who helped. Flat clear marble pebbles were purchased at a thrift store to sprinkle on the tables. Real flowers were on each table along with small matching candles that could be lit at night.  

Food

As they didn’t want to be cliché they decided to forgo the wedding cake and put the money into having wonderful choices of foods. Ribs and sides from a local mom and pop barbeque joint.  There was also a bar. Cheesecake for the “cakes” and bins of soda, beer, etc.  The goal was to have people feel comfortable helping themselves to anything they wanted to eat and we wanted them to enjoy it. (Cause who REALLY likes white flavorless butter cream frosting and fondant?!!?)

 

 

Entertainment

As Jennifer’s dad is an entertainer and both her brothers play guitar and piano they were the entertainment.

 Photos

The fire pit was already in our yard already. It was not lit but it made a nice focal point.

Material draped over rope tied to trees.

Even our little dog Maggie wore wings.

A small set of wings was made for Jennifer’s niece.

The flowers Jennifer added to her wedding dress.

Me and my 81 year old mother.
Jennifer and son Ashton.

Our entire family.

Jennifer’s Son Ashton

Jennifer’s Niece Alyssa Mae