Childhood memories are precious, and often hold a special place in our hearts. What if you could relive those cherished moments on your wedding day? A themed wedding inspired by your childhood can transport you and your guests back in time, creating a magical and unforgettable experience. Get inspired by Mel and Andy’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland themed wedding, complete with quirky DIY touches and a host of unique, interactive activities.
The Inspiration & Wedding Planning
Since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. I have about 20-25 copies of the book, two Alice in Wonderland tattoos, and always wanted an Alice in Wonderland wedding!
Thankfully, my husband was happy to let me have my dream wedding – he went with all my crazy ideas and helped make everything. Our wedding ceremony was a White Rabbit theme; our wedding breakfast was a Mad Hatter’s tea party; and our evening party was a Red Queen theme.
The Venue
Our venue was Nunsmere Hall in Northwich, Cheshire, and we picked it because it was a gorgeous country house which we felt fit the theme.
My husband and I set up everything in the wedding breakfast the night before and it took hours! My mum and I then stayed over at Nunsmere Hall Hotel the night before together.
Our wedding coordinator was Erin at Nunsmere Hall, and she was the best ever! She saw our vision and was as excited as we were. We have her Hufflepuff flowers on the wedding day as a thank you (made my friend Amee at A Thousand Years Bouquets). We also gave my mum, my mother-in-law and hairdresser Alice in Wonderland flowers, and pocket watches to my three dads.
Our wedding decorator was Marie at Butterfly Events (who work with Nunsmere Hall), and our DJ was from Hipswing (who also work with Nunsmere Hall).
The Decor
We wanted our wedding to be created by ourselves. I was the painter, Andy was the craftsman. I painted six giant paintings from the original Tenniel drawings in the original book, while Andy crafted a this way/that way sign, which I then painted, as well as stands for my paintings and signs, and our own photo memory board. We made all of our own themed invites and table names too.
We collected tea cups, tea pots, plates etc. for our table decorations. It took two years to collect enough items to make our wonky table decorations, which were covered in card and flowers and keys. Most of our decorations came from charity shops. Our centerpieces for the wedding breakfast were all homemade, and took us about nine months to complete in little stages.
Dress, Accessories & Bridal Bouquet
I originally wanted a blue wedding dress, but couldn’t find one I liked or that was in my budget! So I had my bridesmaids in blue tea dresses instead.
My bouquet was handmade by my friend Amee at A Thousand Years Bouquets (she can be found on Facebook). They are made of an old copy of Alice in Wonderland and blue card. She is amazing!
My wedding shoes were Alice in Wonderland converse-style, which I bought from ShoeArtCottage on Etsy. I also had Alice in Wonderland socks, which were a gift.
I had my nails done by Karen at Shanti Beauty in Crewe, Cheshire. They were French nails, but my ring fingers were blue with bows on them. Andy bought me stopwatch earrings for the day, and I bought him his cufflinks. I had his tie and pocket square made from blue Alice in Wonderland fabric by my friend Stewart. My bracelet and necklace were from Pandora, and featured all of the Alice in Wonderland collection, which my mum and stepdad had bought me as gifts on the day.
The Activities
My hen do was at the Rabbit Hole Team Room in Stoke. It was an Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea that my best friend and chief bridesmaid Vickie arranged.
Two of my dads walked me down the aisle, and Andy wrote the best speech and had everyone laughing. He wrote me a poem in his speech, too, and it was just beautiful.
We had a chessboard dance floor and provided games like Jenga, and cards for the evening party. We made our own photo booth frame, which we used our own camera for, with props to go with it.
We had a sweet table with “Eat Me” jars on it, which my two dads arranged for us. Our wedding favours were little shots of gin in “Drink Me” bottles, and “Eat Me” cookies shaped like mushrooms.
Mel and Andy’s Suppliers
- Venue: Nunsmere Hall
- Photographer: N D Reid Photography
- Decor: Butterfly Events
- Music: Hipswing
- Cake: Lois’ Little Cakery
- Flowers: A Thousand Years Bouquets
- Bridal dress: WED2B
- Bridesmaids’ dresses: Retro Star London
- Shoes: ShoeArtCottage (Etsy)
- Hair: Hair By Danni
- Makeup: Amylee Mobile Makeup Artist
- Nails: Shanti Beauty
- Mel’s bracelet and necklace: Pandora
- Engagement ring: The Diamond Store
- Wedding rings: Ernest Jones
- Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: Marc Jacobs
- Tie and pocket square: Shady Queen Limited
Dreaming of planning your own childhood-inspired themed wedding? Then take a leaf out of Mel and Andy’s book, and start putting together your own unique ideas – the possibilities are endless!
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