Theme Ideas?

PDXShari83

I'm getting married next September at a zoo -- any theme ideas? 

We would love to incorporate a few splashes of the animal theme, but don't want to overdo it (and leave people feeling like they've attended a kids' birthday party...).

Thanks for any help!

DramaGeek

Zoo is a lovely theme.  I think using some animal print would be awesome, but not too much or it could turn ugly fast.

Something like this cake 

or this one

or this one

or this one

Something like this invitation is pretty cool too

I guess what I'm saying is I'd choose an animal print as one of my colors and use that.  I'd probably use zebra just because it's black and white and you can use any other color with it.  I wouldn't use it as my predominant color, but I would use it to embelish.  So, I'd use it on the cake, on the invitations, maybe tie it in as a very small accent with the BM dresses(maybe, if there's a classy way to do it) and possibly chair sashes or something.  Anything more and it would get really tacky really fast.

You could also go with a peacock theme.  That would be gorgeous, and if the PDX means you're getting married in Portland, the Oregon Zoo used to have peacocks running around al the time, so old timers would remember that.

PDXShari83

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_theme-ideas-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:1a3e7ab1-b2ef-4266-ac05-9b0117da15c9Post:018207a7-aad8-4c73-9b26-9956c2414b3c">Re: Theme Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]Zoo is a lovely theme.  I think using some animal print would be awesome, but not too much or it could turn ugly fast. Something like  this cake  or  this one or  this one or  this one Something like this invitation  is pretty cool too I guess what I'm saying is I'd choose an animal print as one of my colors and use that.  I'd probably use zebra just because it's black and white and you can use any other color with it.  I wouldn't use it as my predominant color, but I would use it to embelish.  So, I'd use it on the cake, on the invitations, maybe tie it in as a very small accent with the BM dresses(maybe, if there's a classy way to do it) and possibly chair sashes or something.  Anything more and it would get really tacky really fast. You could also go with a peacock theme.  That would be gorgeous, and if the PDX means you're getting married in Portland, the Oregon Zoo used to have peacocks running around al the time, so old timers would remember that.
Posted by DramaGeek[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I think that since we're getting married in the giraffe exhibit, we'll likely go with a champagne/light brown color scheme and my bridesmaids can wear animal print shoes :) I like the zebra idea as well, but for some reason that seems less classy -- like maybe subconsciously I'm dredging up memories of seeing someone in a vile zebra outfit or something! Haha. PDX does indeed stand for Portland. I was born and raised there, however I live in Colorado now :) I love the Oregon Zoo! And now I'm craving an elephant ear...</div><div>
</div><div>Thanks for the tips! We're leaning toward something like a vintage safari theme, or a "Water for Elephants" touch.

</div>

PDXShari83

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_theme-ideas-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:1a3e7ab1-b2ef-4266-ac05-9b0117da15c9Post:6764e613-e44d-4229-9153-7c13838153f6">Re:Theme Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]Personally, I'd do the peacock theme with primary colors being brown, teal, or emerald green and a splash of peacock feathers here and there. For some reason zebra or leopard print at a zoo wedding seem morbid to me. Like "look at the pretty animals, and now see how we killed them torpid decorations". But that's just me.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

<div>Thanks for the ideas! I have seen quite a few peacock weddings lately, so not sure if I'd feel super original if that was the main theme; however, I think we may throw in a few peacock feathers in the centerpieces :) There's so much flexibility with those colors, and they can be whimsical or moody -- I love it!</div>

DramaGeek

I love the idea of a champagne colored wedding.  SIL's wedding was white, ivory and silver and it was gorgeous.

alithebride

since it's your wedding you already have a theme no need to go further than that-especially if you can't put your finger on one that reflects importantce to you and FI. since your wedding is at a zoo keep it subtle-maybe napkins, feathers in centerpieces, favors wrapped in animal print etc...

PDXShari83

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_theme-ideas-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:1a3e7ab1-b2ef-4266-ac05-9b0117da15c9Post:613f39b5-5afb-4c69-8786-22861b721926">Re: Theme Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]I love the idea of a champagne colored wedding.  SIL's wedding was white, ivory and silver and it was gorgeous.
Posted by DramaGeek[/QUOTE]

<div>That's a great combination! FI would love that. </div>

PDXShari83

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_theme-ideas-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:1a3e7ab1-b2ef-4266-ac05-9b0117da15c9Post:09ce424e-f2a8-488c-b3f4-92445e26f195">Re:Theme Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]Just remember if your bridesmaids wear animal print shoes, you need to pay for them. Since the vintage safari look is usually white and khaki, I think white and a rich champagne color would be gorgeous. I recently watched a rerun of Gilmore Girls where a secret society at Yale throws a very extravagant party with the same theme. It was all white tents with lanterns and candlelight and looked absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

<div>I've never seen that show, but I may look up the episode to scope out the party scene :) FI and I both love lanterns and have been looking for ways to incorporate them!</div>

PDXShari83

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_theme-ideas-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:1a3e7ab1-b2ef-4266-ac05-9b0117da15c9Post:3127c130-2e64-45b4-8552-19107a540a28">Re: Theme Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]since it's your wedding you already have a theme :) no need to go further than that-especially if you can't put your finger on one that reflects importantce to you and FI. since your wedding is at a zoo keep it subtle-maybe napkins, feathers in centerpieces, favors wrapped in animal print etc...
Posted by alithebride[/QUOTE]

<div>You make an excellent point :) At this point, we're planning to incorporate the animal print in very subtle ways -- some of the linens, bridesmaid shoes, my shoes, feather bouquets and feather centerpieces. We'd also like to do a classy cake that has a touch of the theme as well. We're excited!</div><div>
</div><div>I've looked at many zoo wedding photos that various brides have posted online, and it appears that the zoos they wed at had nice little separate/lush green areas for the ceremony (away from the animals) -- Since we're marrying just few feet from the giraffes (and our guests will get to interact with them during cocktail hour) I think it makes good sense for us to use the animal print theme :) I'll post pictures after the big day!</div>

ladygingersnaps

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_theme-ideas-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:1a3e7ab1-b2ef-4266-ac05-9b0117da15c9Post:6764e613-e44d-4229-9153-7c13838153f6">Re:Theme Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]Personally, I'd do the peacock theme with primary colors being brown, teal, or emerald green and a splash of peacock feathers here and there. 
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

<div>I love this idea.</div>