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J
Savvy August 2015

Steampunk and Formal

Jacqueline, on February 23, 2016 at 10:17 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 23

I am planning my friends wedding and she wants Steampunk, Vintage, Alice in Wonderland (Time Burton) theme for her wedding reception. She also wants the reception to be a formal event. We are a month away and she is starting to feel nervous about whether or not some of her cosplay outfits will be suitable for a formal event.

Could the Groom in fact wear his Cosplay Suit, Bridesmaid's wear Blue Converse to match Alice Dress, and the Bride change into her Steampunk Alice Inspired Dress for the Reception and the event still be considered a Formal Event?

If my questions does not make sense, please let me know and I will ask differently.




23 Comments

Latest activity by JoRocka, on February 23, 2016 at 11:46 PM
  • OG Kathryn
    Champion May 2016
    OG Kathryn ·
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    I don't like it for a formal event. Sorry, I think its to over the top for a formal wedding.

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  • Jeleebeenz
    VIP September 2015
    Jeleebeenz ·
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    This just doesn't work. Her 2nd dress would not be something one would wear at a formal wedding, converse shoes aren't worn at formal weddings, the grooms cosplay suit isn't worn at formal weddings.

    I have nothing against cosplay, I have a 20 yo DS who is really into it. You can't wear cosplay and converse shoes and expect the guests to consider it a formal wedding.

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  • Britti
    VIP May 2016
    Britti ·
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    What does the rest of the of the wedding look like?

    What kind of venue? Food?

    This may go well with the rest of the wedding, but if you simply say it's "formal" than i don't think it does.

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  • Jeanne
    Master August 2015
    Jeanne ·
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    There is nothing formal about converse with cocktail dresses. I think the 3rd picture you posted drifts into sexy maid/cigarette girl territory, there are much better Alice in Wonderland inspired dresses out there. That dress isn't even the right time period.

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  • September Splendor
    Dedicated September 2016
    September Splendor ·
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    Well if she has already decided formal...no I don't like sneakers and costumes...then again if she likes it and has paid for things...she should do what she wants.

    I personally would do more formal attire with cosplay type accessories...that are more formalized...

    Like an alice in wonderland themed fascinator or beaded jewelry that has elements from Alice in Wonderland. It is hard to say though- depends on if it is all tied together perfectly with the venue and other decorations.

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  • Rene
    Super January 2017
    Rene ·
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    Sounds fun to me, maybe if she jazzed up the sneakers that would be cute

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  • Lynnie
    WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
    Lynnie ·
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    His cosplay suit definitely looks formal, but short dresses and sneakers are not considered formal. Cocktail Attire could work here!

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  • OG Ruth
    Master October 2015
    OG Ruth ·
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    I think his suit works but not the short dresses. I think the theme would work as long as it's not over the top, do everything very subtle. I like Spazzy's suggestions.

    My bridal shower was a Mad Hatter Tea Party. Here's one of the centerpieces that my MOH made.


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  • Reggie
    Master September 2015
    Reggie ·
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    Honestly to me this sounds like a really fun time. Throughout my planning I realized that while I thought I wanted a really formal day I actually didn't. I kept looking at other peoples weddings and thinking they seemed like so much fun because they had let loose a bit more. I ended up changing my plans some and making it more semi-formal and throwing in all the fun stuff I was so sad to not do. If she really wants a formal day this stuff might not mesh to some people. She can certainly make everything else super formal and then toss this in though some might not think it goes. To me though I think it might be time to really think about her prioritizes. When it comes down to it, which matters more to her? Does she want her funky unique theme or a more traditional formal wedding?

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  • S
    Super June 2016
    Sci Fi Bride ·
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    If you google "Formal alice in wonderland" or "Formal tim burton alice" some really gorgeous alice inspired gowns come up. Is it too late for her to change outfits?

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  • September Splendor
    Dedicated September 2016
    September Splendor ·
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    I agree with Reggie...maybe just back off the formal vibe all together. I also love the examples of formalized steam punk elements and alice elements.

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  • OG Kathryn
    Champion May 2016
    OG Kathryn ·
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    Spazzys comment is right on.

    I like the inspiration pics too.

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  • Katy
    Master September 2015
    Katy ·
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    Those are definitely not formal dresses. I love Alice, but I would go more Victorian and less cosplay if she wants formal. Could it perhaps just be a less casual wedding?

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  • M
    Master July 2015
    m ·
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    The dress is way too costume-y, for me personally.

    Anyone remember David Tuterra's steampunk A&W wedding a few years ago? It's a lot, but I think it's awesome.


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  • FutureMrsBrbr
    Master September 2016
    FutureMrsBrbr ·
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    Fun idea, and I think his cosplay suit would fit the formal idea. The other dresses and converse are way to casual to call it a formal event.

    Spazzy has it spot on.

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  • Jeanne
    Master August 2015
    Jeanne ·
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    ^ Yes. If I'm having a steam punk wedding, I'm not wearing an Etsy beer maid outfit, go all out.

    To M's post.

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  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
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    A little steam punk goes a long way.

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  • J
    Savvy August 2015
    Jacqueline ·
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    Ahhhh!!!! All of your comments were perfect. Thank you for helping me clear up how I am going to possibly present the Feeling of the Attire. lol

    Yes, the Decor will be subtle (Teapot Centerpieces, on top of Hard Covered Books, Vintage Clocks, a few Wooden Mushrooms, and of course Rabbits.)

    The Cupcakes with be both Mini and Large for the Big and Small concept of Alice in Wonderland.

    The Steampunk decor is the Old Vintage Typewriter at the Welcome Table and Gear Embellishments on-top of the Guest Tables.

    The Reception will also be held in a Garden.

    The bridesmaid dresses idea was to symbolize Alice Dress. Since the Bride is wearing a traditional Wedding Dress, it would be fun to have the Bridesmaid in a dress similar to Alice (by similar I mean Short and Blue). When the Bride came back with Converse shoes, I was taken back a bit, but because the Bride wanted her maids to be comfortable and edgy, she went with that look. I also suggested to her that maybe the Maids could wear a cute Sandal, wedge, or ballerina flat/slipper to stay with not putting on heels.

    I also told her, that if she wanted to change into the cosplay outfit, that maybe she could change after most of the formal events (i.e. Grand Entrance, First Dance, Dinner and Cake Cutting is over) and the party is about to begin.

    Again thank you for all of your comments, if you have any more please share. Sorry for any typos, my 2 year old is trying to bang on my computer and there is no time to go back an edit or it will never be sent...

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  • Jeleebeenz
    VIP September 2015
    Jeleebeenz ·
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    Please tell her theee is nothing edgy about a very nice dress and converse shoes. If I am getting professional hair and makeup done and buying a very nice dress there is no way I am wearing converse. That isn't edgy that is awful.

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  • Kelly King
    Kelly King ·
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    For bridesmaids - why not just choose a nice powder blue pump and avoid the converse all together? This way they are still in formal attire and also matching the costume/vibe.

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