Birds have certainly entered the design arena with a bang. Whether cute caricatures, whimsical vinyl silhouettes on the wall or bright peacock feathers, our avian counterparts are gracing the homes, venues and even bodies of modern folk. Weddings are the ideal place to implement this trend, as they are distinctly dreamy and elegant, while often [...]

Birds have certainly entered the design arena with a bang. Whether cute caricatures, whimsical vinyl silhouettes on the wall or bright peacock feathers, our avian counterparts are gracing the homes, venues and even bodies of modern folk. Weddings are the ideal place to implement this trend, as they are distinctly dreamy and elegant, while often incorporating a touch of fairytale charm or fun.

Design Elements
Having a bird-themed wedding means incorporating all things bird-related, whether vintage wire cages; soft, colourful feathers; ornamental birds; plain or painted eggs; nests; branches (representing the trees in which birds live); bird baths; and seed feeders. Use these in your décor and the design of your menus, invitations, programmes and even your attire.

Invitations
Give your guests clues as to your bird theme by incorporating it onto your invitations. This can be done by means of simple graphics, but you can also choose to be more cunning in your approach. For example, giving invitees seed bars, miniature cages or a stylised twig with your invitation attached is sure to pique their interest and get them excited about your theme and celebration.

Attire
Unless you manage to find a fabric with a bird-themed design or embossing (great for ties, bridesmaids’ dresses or waistcoats), your attire can actually remain fairly traditional. The key is to play along with the whimsical look and feel that is created by the bird theme. Use your accessories to communicate the theme in fun and clever ways. Add feathers to your fascinator, veil, hair accessories or jewellery. Consider carrying a birdcage down the aisle instead of a conventional floral bouquet. The cage can contain a dove or can be filled with colourful blooms. Alternatively, carry a bouquet made from twigs and / or feathers. Try to incorporate details that refer to birds, such as a bird motif on your shoes, or a bird brooch.

Décor
Be adventurous when it comes to using the bird theme in your décor. Instead of name settings made from card, opt for ceramic birds or eggs, nests with chocolate eggs or birds, or little twigs and branches. Display your table plan in a ‘tree’ made from free-standing branches, and replace the conventional floral centrepiece with a nest of fresh fruits or a vintage cage.

 
Very popular at the moment are metal or vinyl silhouettes that are hung or stuck onto the wall. Use these around your venue to depict scenes of birds sitting in a tree or soaring through the air and around your guests.

 
Get really creative when it comes to decorating your wedding cake. Use bird cake toppers, a nest design, or simply cover your tiered creation with birds and eggs. For a different take on the wedding cake, offer an arrangement of chocolate eggs with painted exteriors so that guests can help themselves.

 
Guest Favours
Ensure that your guests remember your special day by giving them one of the following unique favours:

• Seed bars
• Bird feeder
• Mini cage filled with chocolates, nuts or flowers
• A contribution to a local bird sanctuary in the name of your guests

Photo Credit: Top Cake Toppers