Alice goes green

One of my favorite books is Alice in Wonderland. I love everything about it. And it just so happens to make an amazing theme for a wedding, or just about any party for that matter. So, seeing as how this is a "green" wedding blog, I've decided to let everyone in on how they can have their own quirky, whimsical Alice themed day, while still sticking to their earthy principles.
This theme actually lends itself really well to being eco friendly, because it uses a lot of antique objects, vintage clothing, and other unusual items that many people already have access to. It is also very simple to tweak regular decor/gift/attire items so that they fit within green criteria. 
Take for example the invitations. If you have been reading along with this blog thus far, you will know that invitations are very easy to do sustainably, whether they are done online or through small scale printers. An Alice theme can be applied to many letterpress invitations, as well as plantable paper ones you can design yourself.

 Clearly an Alice theme is achieved through the decor at the ceremony and reception, so venue is important. Having both ceremony and reception in one space cuts down on transportation cost as well as on things like lighting and decor. For our Alice theme, the ideal location would be an English country manor with a beautiful garden. This style of venue can be found in many different places, not just England, so don't fret if you can't get across the pond for your big day.

  

With a stunning venue like this you generally wouldn't need much in the way of decor, but this is Wonderland! You've got to step it up a notch. Whimsical is the word of the day when it comes to this theme, so think of things like colorful china teacups, old books, doorknobs and keys, mismatched floral patterns natural elements.

 Mixing together fantastic elements in unexpected ways will really create that otherworldly atmosphere. Remember when Alice fell through the rabbit hole, and all the kooky things she saw on the way down? That's where we are headed.

The Mad Hatter's tea party is one of the most popular themes for parties, and can be amazing as a wedding table theme. A little bit English, a little bit manic, and a whole lot of color and pattern come together to make a table that is both fantastical and well suited for a somewhat quirky bride and groom.

Little touches are important elements at these tables, like hiding a door mouse in a teapot in your centerpiece, having little rabbits in your china pattern. There are also some very cute ways to do table or place setting numbers, like using old door knobs or house numbers, large antique keys with numbered tags, or teacups, all easily found secondhand. 

 One great thing about this theme is that it can be adapted to any color scheme a couple wants. You could do it ultra colorful with bold bright colors and prints, you could tone it down a bit with soft pastels and more girly pinks and light blues, or go total Queen of Hearts with red, white and black. There are countless options.

Now desserts are a must at any wedding, and Alice has her own idea of what they should look like. Mini cakes and desserts, with "Eat Me" and "Drink Me" tags are a must. There are lots of options for dessert buffets, including colorful plates and stands, moss covered trays with ceramic mushrooms, theme cookies in the shape of pocket watches! The skies the limit!

Now there are all kinds of other things you could do to make this theme work for a wedding, but there is only one more I want to discuss. The clothes! Wonderland is completely fashion obsessed. I mean, take a look at the Hatter or even the Caterpillar, both dapper guys. Think somewhat Mad Hatter chic with a touch of too cool hipster gangster for the men, and colorful playful dresses for the girls, a la Alice. 

Oh, one more thing. Very important. Accessories! Handmade, vintage, one of a kind!