Civil War Wedding?

[BOSS]

Well, this is a first for me... so... any Civil War Re-enactors (sp) out there in FlowerChat land?

June 2011, period 1860 wedding, all men in Union Soldier uniforms, ladies all in hoop skirts and such, the guests may be in Confederate uniforms....

I'm told there will be a reenactment of some sort yet to be determined, but with a regiment or two... how many people is that? Horses, cannons, etc.... It's being held at a local gardens that has a few empty acres except for trees, bushes and ponds...

I don't think the men wear flowers, as you would not (in todays world) pin anything to a military uniform. Anyone got a clue for the ladies? Right now we're leaning toward hand picked bunches of flowers, like thistle, yellow and white daisies, some berries, and more wildflower look...

Anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[Kristine]

I googled images of civil war weddings and found.. lots. what is authentic, now that's to be seen.

My thinking is if you were of the wealthy set your may carry what was in season from the gardens. such as lily of the valley, peony, garden roses etc.
not so wealthy, more like daisies, queen Annes etc.

 

[Johan]

Mark
Have you looked anything up on the internet. I would look at the language of flowers as at this time it was very popular. Look at what would grow naturally but try and have some message in the bouquet if possible. You should find some info on the net about the meanings from around this time and not a more modern interpretation. Maybe a tussy mussy might more relevant. Hasn't the bride got any info on what was carried at a civil war wedding. Normally people into re-enactments know there stuff or have friend that do if they don't.

 

[KABERS]

I think you should take a weekend trip to Gettysburg. It's a great little town full of civilwar info. The battlefield tour is amazing and we loved the ghost walk tours at night. We've been there 3 times and my kids beg to go back all the time. They still say they're gonna move there after college. It's as pretty as Michigan this time of year honest!

 

[conchandler]

I'm just an hour from Gettysburg and my sister and her husband are big reenactors. I will give her a quick call tonight and let you know what she says.

 

[anytimeflowers]

I don't know squat about re-enactment. However, I have a customer who is heavily into it. I do a corsage for her every year, nothing for hubby. Her corsage is like a small bouquet that sits right in the center of her...umm...cleavage. I make it round with 6 sweethearts. They wear corsets so it holds very sturdy!

 

[Seasonals]

There is lots to look at if you google. http://weddingdressesgallery.com/?cat=2 I would think a small nosegay, possibly in a tussie-mussie.

 

[dlnfloral]

Did one once,tussie mussie bouquets for bride and other wore a small cluster on their dresses.Two of the mother's had folded fans that we did a cluster on. No,I don't have any pictures.I had done it when I was with another florist and they never took pictures.
Garden type flowers but nothing real big.

Didn't do anything for the men. We did do some "altar pieces" in some whiskey barrels looking containers. Did mixed "prairie/garden" flowers,open and airy.

 

[Gracie]

I don't know anything about the American Civil War, but I am in the middle of reading a book about the British Civil War. It was a time of fairly loose uniform codes. Soldiers often used a sprig of something in their hats to identify which side they were on. I have no idea if this would have been done during the American Civil War, but if so, I'm thinking it would be cool to make each man a type of cockade for his hat (assuming they're wearing hats!).

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

I am very intrigued by this "civil war wedding" theme...I hope the marriage turns out "civil" and DOESN'T start any conflicts!

 

[BOSS]

Thanks everybody.... you all gave me some good ideas and leads....

And Mikey... great... I had avoided the "obvious":... LOL

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

Rent Gone With The Wind. It was very important to David Selznick that things were authentic, right down to the bloomers! Might give you some insight. If you don't know the story-Scarlet got married 3 times.