How often do you find “African Themed” weddings that seem to stray solely towards browns, batik and heavy earth tones? Not that there’s anything wrong with those colors…I myself am drawn to warm hues in general. These colors always seem to evoke that “Serengeti” or “Mother Nature” feel, which I’m a little tired of.
Africa is a diaspora of celebration in food, fabrics, music and everything in between. I decided to take a whole other turn for a West African inspired wedding. I wanted to evoke smiles not the safari, playfulness not Poverty, and maybe even a little mischief. In Wedding Nouveau spirit, let’s take a very stereotyped aesthetic and turn it upside down…Whimsically.
Inspiration: Contemporary African Mask
(Above: Mask by Chidi Okoye)
Dream Palette # 28: AMEENAH IN WONDERLAND
Colors: Lime Green, Pomegranate Red, Tangerine and Lemon
{CREDITS: Bride in Tree by © Pose Well Studios; Flowers by Richard Jung via Brides; Whimsical Cake; Orange Yellow Pumps; Purse by Laura Bucci; Cowrie Shell earrings by Urbanmulet; Soda bar; Curly Hair photo by Stefie Jones via here; Head wrap photo by © Ross Oscar Knight, Plantain Leaf photo by Cesar Cabrera; Candy sticks by Amy Atlas; Sliced orange photo by © John Kernick; Red and Black Bamenda Gown from Miss PoutyPout}
Challenge? How do you design a modern West African-inspired wedding that’s playful, whimsical and out of a fairytale?
How you do it? 1) Pick a fruit or candy colors instead of the usual brown, red, black and gold. 2) Find accents that speak to West African culture – Head wraps, Beaded jewelry (cowrie or other), rugs, buffet- style dining, etc. 3) Embrace nostalgia such as child hood drinks from home such as Fanta, Top Orange, Malta Guiness, etc.. 4) Blend traditional fabrics with western tailoring. 5) Ditch the western veil for a traditional head wrap, braided up do or natural coife. 7) Pepper your menu with food items from home, mixed with assorted candy and finger foods. 8) Take any african element and ask yourself how would this evolve in an “Alice in Wonderland” novel? 9) Chose an african flag color scheme, and dial the hues up to a more vibrant combination. For example – Standard Green, Red and yellow would become Lime Green, Pomegranate red and Lemon.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Who Knew? This is really inspiring.
I agree. I always equated africa to browns, darker colors and earth tones. How refreshing.
Gorgeous colours! Very nice to see my wallet in your selection. Thank you!
Laura, your creations are beautiful. Of course they’d be part of this:-)
Love it. The colors are so rich and beautiful. Very inspiring.
Love it!
Give thanks for this! This is a whole new twist on the traditional African wedding. Some Ideas I haven’t even thought about…
OMG…Just amazing !
My theme is Africa and I thought of those”traditional” shades, brown etc. but now might change it all !
Thanx 4 these ideas and this glamorous blog ;)
Thanks Lola. Keep us posted on your final color scheme:-) Happy planning.
No decision taken yet but me likey some lime green, vibrant pink and yellow.
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