Feathers instead of flowers?

Just an idea I'm throwing around, but I want to know what other people think and how they would go about it. The way I'm thinking of doing it would be a LOT cheaper than buying flowers, IF my fiance and I decide we like it and if we can do it tastefully.





*I was thinking maybe peacock feathers instead of flowers for the boutonnieres (would this even look right? Our colors are purple %26amp; green, and it's an outdoor ceremony, in a wooded area)


*Maybe shedding a feather boa and use those feathers instead of tossing petals for the flower girls


*Somehow make bouquets out of feathers for the bridesmaids (NO idea how I would go about this, or how it would look)





Any other ideas? Our wedding is going to be pretty much different in almost every other aspect, so I like the IDEA of feathers, they would fit right in, I just don't know ... well, I just don't know. Help!

Feathers instead of flowers?
That sounds interesting. But I wouldn't try to force it ALL to be 100% feathers. For the bouquets, mix the feathers in with real flowers that would go well together. The feathers should cut down on the cost as filler. The feathers are fine as the bouteniers and "petals" covering the ground, and mixed in the decor -- but I'd mix in flowers as well in most of the arrangements. If it's an outdoor ceremony in a wooded area, think about making use of clusters of branches maybe covered in lights or spraypainted and tied with raffia or ribbon of some sort.


And maybe to make the feather theme work -- fit it into a lovebird theme? Just a thought. It doesn't have to be the traditional birds of love, but it could be like two owls or two peacocks or two... you get the idea - as a cake topper, and maybe those clip bird ornaments meant for Christmas trees you could add here and there in centerpieces. I also like the idea someone mentioned of using bird cages and potted plants! Also using little birds or feathers as napkin rings. Something to incorporate or pull it together (and even lovebirds on the invitations).


Don't forget greens -- fern leaves, grassy fillers to mix in as well, keeping it woodsy. Other elements to think about making use of: willow branches, pebbles, bird baths (maybe a bird bath that's really used for serving something or displaying the cake, etc.), nests filled with chocolate candied eggs, bird seed goes perfect in this for throwing, moss, windchimes, flutists/flutes, reed instruments, harps (I'm thinking either in decor or real players or just in the music for added atmosphere). Have fun with it!





Note about butterflies: That would be absolutely wonderful! It would expand the theme to be more enchanted woods/ midsummer night's dream style -- butterflies, birds, woodsy elements, feathers, branches, flowers, greens... I think it'd tie together nicely -- just as long as the colors don't get too bright and pastel (don't want it shouting Easter theme) -- but more muted and earthy would work.
Reply:I think that is the neatest idea I have seen. I say go for it. But yeah, sounds like a challenge to get it together. But I bet you can pull it of.
Reply:I think this is a great idea! I am a wedding florist and have done flower bouquets with feathers surrounding the flowers. I love when brides come up with different things other than just plain roses.
Reply:It can be done tastefully if you do not go overboard. I have seen feather centerpieces and they look gorgeous. Just do not tuck feathers every single place you can otherwise it will look like a bird exploded. Best of luck!
Reply:Feathers instead of flowers are great. Instead of butterflies, why don't you release a hundred white "doves." The feathers will go with the birds.





Take care. Happy holidays!
Reply:I think it would be gorgeous! If you have any floral arranging experience, or know someone who does, they can make the bouquets from feathers as easily as flowers. Keep in mind though that it will take more feathers than flowers to 'fill' a bouquet. Since your ceremony is in a wooded area, add some leaves and greenery native to the area as filler.





While I also like the idea of using the feathers as 'petals' I would spray them down with 'Static Guard' prior. You know how those feathers seem to stick to everything around them! Using the static product will help eliminate some of the 'stickiness' of them. Check with a wildlife expert in your area though because sometimes birds of prey (hawks, etc) may confuse a large amount of feathers on the ground as a 'kill' site (NOT while their are humans around though - after the ceremony I am talking about), so you may need to have someone clean up the site. Again, just check with someone to save environmental problems.





If your men are wearing black or dark colored tuxes, keep in mind the peacock feathers may not show that well on the lapels if used by themselves. If you can get some lighter colored feathers to use, or greenery even, to use as a backdrop to make them pop a little, it would help immensely.





Look in to pheasant feathers as well as those from birds that would be found in your state/area. You can carry the theme throughout the whole day - feather centerpieces, you can find invitations with feather themes. Take it a bit further and use a modified Robin Hood theme with archers and arrows.





It's an awesome idea and if done correctly will be fantastic.


Good Luck!
Reply:IT is your wedding and your big day, if you want feathers, then, have feathers. One thing that I could suggest, if you are having the wedding ouside and it is going to be a different ceremony than the norm...still sticking with the outdoors and feather theme...why not have some birds in a cage where normally there would be bouquets of flowers. I doubt if you could rent real birds in a cage for this...never heard of it...but that would go along with your idea. Maybe small cages that can be bought at a craft store. I think that I have seen them.


pots of ferns and or ivy too might be an idea instead of the pricey boquets again.. like at the alter etc. sorry, that is all that I can think of right now
Reply:All I can say is good luck it is a good ideal but it might be hard
Reply:I think it's brilliant. My friend used feathers and flowers from Michael's and they came out beautiful. There are magazines in the craft stores that shows you how to put bouquets, boutonnieres, and whatever else together. Go for it, Best of Luck.
Reply:Try looking up feather bouquets up on the internet. You might find some really easy, cute ideas.
Reply:It's your wedding and you can do whatever you want. Your wedding should reflect you and your fiance's personalities and it sounds like it will be doing just that. I love the idea of the peacock feathers for boutonnieres. Also, your bridesmaids could carry a grouping of peacock feathers like you would normally carry a bouquet of calla lily stems with some ribbon tying them together and draping down the front of the girls dresses. One thing to remember about shedding a boa and dropping the feathers as opposed to petals, you probably will have to pick them up after the wedding ceremony. I know that we used freezedried rose petals which would disintegrate just like normal rose petals and threw them outside but we still had to pick them up after the wedding. Made no sense to me because the wind would just blow them away but that's what the policy was. So be sure to check and see if you will be responsible for cleaning up whatever you have your guests throw. If you are, you may want to have them blow bubbles and attach some teathers to each small bottle of bubbles?
Reply:It's your wedding dear! I like the fact of how different it is, I love going to weddings where things are different and you leave going "...hmm, wonder how they thought of that..." You could take your idea to a florist and they could help you with ideas for the feathers! Or google feather bouquets! You are sure to find something!





Good luck!