Sorry Evelyn Waugh.
One of my lovely aunts has got married. So, some paper craft was called for and I had a chance to rustle up a little something. Well, two little somethings, actually. I felt rather out of practice, to be honest, using paper and card again after a bit of a break. Inspiration was somewhat tricky, and I had a few epic fails, but overall I am happy with what I have made in the time I had.
It is a second marriage, so I didn’t want to use any bridal dress imagery, but any wedding is a happy event so a few bells and whistles are not out of place, right? So, and hearts and pearls for nuptials.
My one and only experience as a bridesmaid was at this aunt’s first wedding, back in the 1970s. Being the youngest sister in her family, unfortunately Auntie C had little choice but to select all of her elder sisters’ female offspring as bridesmaids. All five of us, ranging from about aged 10, to aged 2 or 3. She had my sympathy, even then. My sister, as a the eldest, was head wrangler chief bridesmaid. Not an easy job, and she was possibly suffering from PBSD (Post Bridesmaid Stress Disorder) anyway, as she had filled the role once before, years earlier, for another aunt, and lost her headdress down the toilet….
We were so excited about being bridesmaids. I think that is why Auntie C couldn’t refuse any of us the chance. I don’t suppose she really relished it, but bless her, she never let on. I do remember a LOT of talks about being on best behaviour from every other adult that knew us though.
So, in Britain in the 1970s, or at least in our corner of it, weddings were rather different to now. Rather more low key; a ceremony and a bit of a house party with family and friends rather than the larger affairs that take place in the 21st century. I can’t help but think that the 1970s version had something going for it. Everyone chipped in, got involved. And although obviously it cost money, it could not have been anything like the frankly astonishing amount that the average wedding costs today. Plus, less pressure for the ‘perfect day’ to remember. A church, a frock, some photos, a party, super.
Actually it is probably good that ‘perfect’ was not expected.
Back to the delirious bridesmaids. Our dresses were handmade by, I think, my mum and her other sister Auntie B (mother of the other three bridesmaids). They were yellow, broderie anglaise, lined (for extra swishiness, I assumed, probably modesty and a touch of luxury, in reality), with peter pan collars and puff sleeves. We were all pretty much in love with the frock. Then shoes. Ballet shoes. Some cups of happiness ran over.
Now, here is where it could have ended. But, for a reason which has never been explained to my satisfaction, headgear was apparently also required. Perhaps it was the fashion, I don’t know. I was a kid. But if I had known the acronym ‘WTH (polite version) were you thinking?’ well it would have been extremely apposite right then.
We had yellow bonnets, made from scratchy net, like you would use for a tutu. When I say bonnet, think of those thingies that Cosmonauts wear under their helmets. So really, a skull cap, covering the whole head. And wreathed all over in several big, big, big fake white and yellow flowers. Kind of like a swimming cap from an old Esther Williams movie, but feeling more like a pan scourer. Then, it was fastened with a mahoosive bow, under the chin. Maybe my sister’s previous experience was being considered. Lash it to them, so they can’t lose it.
As if this wasn’t enough, I was also the object of scientific experimentation. My hair was permed. Apparently, it was because it was ‘so fine’ (as in thickness, not as in splendour). But then it was covered up with an enormous floral ritual offering, so why bother?! I don’t think Social Services would allow it these days…
So, the wedding day. We were of a generation that was taught to behave in public, do what you were told, drilled, even, by the adults who wanted the ceremony to go well. In a Catholic Church in the 1970s, there was precious little informality. Impeccable behaviour was expected, and, generally, delivered. Any deviation, signs of boredom or outright naughtiness was NOT good and you would be left in little doubt that you had let the side down. But the youngest bridesmaid was 3. Good luck folks! As I said earlier, this is from the perspective of a kid. I was both mortified by what happened, as the Bridesmaid Etiquette had gotten massively trampled upon, and yet couldn’t help thinking ‘well, what did you expect…’
I only recall what happened in the church. There was probably more. Perhaps I have just blocked it out with my own PBSD. The 3 year old cousin, we will call her D, was really not keen on the job. She was cross that she had different footwear to the rest of us. Apparently ballet shoes were not available in her size so she got snazzy new white proper shoes. Fair enough, she wanted to be like everyone else. But you know, deal with it, right? We are all standing here getting net rash, but doin’ it for Auntie C.
There was some kerfuffle as we prepared to parade down the aisle. D could not understand why she had to go last in the cloud of lemony scratchy flowery bridesmaids. She wanted to be front and centre. Some rank was pulled. Maybe some hair too? I don’t know. But she ended up back at the back, and grouchy as hell.
So, we have made it safely down the aisle, despite being hamstrung by the slightly blinkering effect of the stiff bonnets and blooms and the chafing of the double fisherman‘s knot they had been secured with. The couple are at the altar, bridesmaids assembled in arrow formation 2,2,1 – oldest to youngest – behind. Some solemn words are being said by the priest, and four of us are doing our best to look angelic and attentive. The fifth, Cousin D, has had enough. She stomps to the front and started fussing at the bride’s gown. The Chief Wrangler lived up to her title and executed a stealth manoeuvre. Order was restored, briefly. Then cousin D changed tactics, and started counting the holes in my sister’s broderie anglaise dress. Loudly. And poking each hole, vigorously. Enough to bruise. So the congregation is treated to “ONE! (ouch) TWO! (aargh) FIVE! (oooh) EIGHT!” (whoa). ‘Bless the person that taught her numbers‘, I am sure the adults were thinking. Then, cousin D again, with slightly less confidence “NINE! NINE! NINE! TWO-TY TEN!” Okaaaay. Some querulous looks between the bridesmaids, hushed instructions and a snatch and bundle operation. Back to positions, pretend that everything is fine. Nobody noticed, right?
A bit more of the wedding service went on. Don’t ask me what. Cousin D decided it was a dull affair. She wandered in the direction of our grandmother (mother of the bride) and threw her bridesmaid’s posy at her, and hollered “here, you hold this, I have had E-NOUGH”. Yeah, the work of a 3 year old is truly hard… She spent the rest of the service pinioned to the front pew, humming as only a toddler can. Namely a selection of nursery rhymes mashed up with a smattering of her own interesting compositions, with gusto.
The photos were a bit hit and miss. Some had four bridesmaids, some five. I expect remonstrations and toilet breaks were the cause. Then the party, afterwards, in my grandparents’ house. A real meeting of an older generation and my aunt’s super cool friends, who were so lovely to the bonneted scratchy ones, now blessedly bonnetless and craving the calm of calamine lotion.
Anyway, Auntie C is married again. I know she will be happy, and had a lovely day, but she didn’t ask us to bridesmaid this time…..
Supplies list – I used so many individual items! If anyone wants to know what something is, or how I made these, drop a line in a comment and I will get back to you.
What you do with paper is magical!
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What a lovely thing to say! Thank you!
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Love the cards and the story too!
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Thank you so much!
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Beautiful cards Gill 🙂 And a very funny story – love the bit about the bonnet!
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Thanks Karen! None of us kept the bonnets, I don’t think…
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Great story! There so much to admire in the low key wedding – I love the idea of involving everyone, having a more relaxed house party after, and having a 3 yr old bridesmaid! 🙂 Sorry to hear about the net rash, but thank goodness for the calamine. Very lovely card. Congrats to your aunt.
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Thank you! I still remember the smell of the calamine though – yeuch!!
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haha 🙂
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You tell the best stories to go along with your projects. The die cutting on these cards is beautiful. I agree I miss the simpler time of weddings being more of a fun low key celebration with family. Everyone had fun and had a story about a little niece or nephew at a wedding…like losing the rings before the wedding.
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Sounds like you have a story or two to tell! Thanks for the kind comment!
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Lovely cards, the colour schemes are perfect, and of course pearls were essential. Brilliant story too, I was a bridesmaid in the late 80s, the only one, and was left in charge of a bouquet the same size as me. I spent the ceremony swinging it around, and it looked a tad bedraggled. It was for my auntie too, and there’s a lovely photo of us together even after I trashed her flowers. Happy memories, thanks for sharing yours.
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Thank you! And good story! I think we are both proof of why brides choose adult bridesmaids instead of kids!
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I suspect that has a lot to do with it! My daughter’s godmother begged me to take my two to her wedding, they weren’t playing a role but she really wanted them there. I did try to explain that they weren’t ‘ideal’ wedding guests but she insisted. Mr C took them home half way through the evening and left me with the girls and a whole lot of wine. 😂
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That sounds like a happy ending!
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It was, very happy, until I was woken up at 6 the next morning.
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Lol, kids should come with a ‘snooze’ button.
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You create the most gorgeous cards!!!
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Lovely cards, very entertaining story! Thanks to you, I now have a new word to add to my vocabulary: mahoosive. I shall use it frequently. In mahoosive quantities, as a matter of fact.
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Hahaha! I don’t always like ‘new’ words or slang, but ‘mahoosive’ is a welcome newcomer, we agree!
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Lovely cards, Gillian! Even better story to go with them! Now…about the bonnets…was there some rule about ladies covering their heads when they entered the Catholic Church back in the 1970’s? (With the details that you remembered thus far, you have to know what your other aunt, your Mother, your Grandmother wore…down to number of buttons on gloves!) And the Cosmonaut net hats…maybe someone thought they would stay on your heads better that way? A bit Daisy Gatsby?
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Kathy, you may have a very good point there! I may have to interrogate the Elders a little more. Once again you are the calm voice of reason!
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I just remember, in so many movies before the 1970’s, women covered their heads in church (even with the tiniest scraps of lace).
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Lovely card-I’ve seen cakes done with that sort of quilting effect too 🙂
Family wedding-lol-would you believe I’ve only been to one wedding and that was at a registry office…ha ha ha! Esther Williams! Class!
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Oh, weddings are actually great fun and lovely joyous occasions. Generally. I do have a couple of other stories that are a bit more dramarama though. Might save them for another day!
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Yes. I think they need to be shared at some point in the future…!
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Always love your stories! =) The cards are perfect and beautiful.
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Aw, thanks!
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the cards are beautiful! and what a funny story-best wishes to your aunt!
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Thank you! You are so kind!
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Great story and beautiful cards! Did you spray a gold finish on the lacey cut part? It looks 3D 🙂
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Thank you! If you are asking about the heart, then no. The die I used is from Tattered Lace, and it cuts a heart that will stand proud of the card top. I cut the whole base card from the lavender, then cut another heart from gold. I trimmed this one out completely to make a whole heart image and glued it over the top of the lavender one. I hope this makes sense? If not, feel free to come back to me and I’ll do pictures. Thanks for commenting!
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Oh what beautiful cards! Perfect for a second marriage! I love the little pearl accents on the first card. They really add the touch of elegance to that card. The embossing and beautiful ribbon on the second card are perfect, as are those hearts. Beautiful. I so loved reading the antics of the “bridesmaids”. What a great story! 🙂
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Thank you Nancee! I think a lot of us have a wedding story or two in our memory banks!
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Oh yeah I’m sure we do! 😂
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Enjoyed your story so much 🙂 And although the cards are not ‘my style’ I admire how well you have made them 🙂
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Thank you! Weddings do often provide a lot of amusement!
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Gorgeous cards as always
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Thank you!
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What a brilliant story. You do make me laugh. What a bout D…what a terror! lol! I’m all for 70s styles weddings. Much prefer them to the orchestrated ones now. Absolutely stunning cards. Beautifully made as always. Have a great weekend.
Flo x
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Thanks Flo! Hope you have a good weekend too!
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This made me smile so much! Made me remember a friend’s sister being a real bridezilla (got rid of one of her bridesmaids because she was pregnant and would ruin the elegant look she wanted!). When she walked into the church a bird aimed its offerings at her, luckily hitting the back of her dress. Nobody told her all day, it would have spoiled her day, and all the photos were from the front so at least there was no lasting record of it.
Anyway… Lovely cards, really like the colours and the subtlety
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Brilliant story! I am hovering between sympathy for her and ‘ah well…’! Thanks for the kind words about the cards!
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The card is magic! Impressive 😊
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Thank you very much!
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I laughed. I wriggled. I scratched. I giggled and would have LOVED to have been in the congregation, for I’d have had to leave the room before I burst with laughter. LOLOL
The cards are beautiful Puff. I can’t choose which one is my favourite for they both have something which I connect with. They’re perfect.
So elegant and so ‘right’. Love them both. Well done you clever thing. ….. and thanks for a great post. It was …. fantastical!
Sending squidges ~ Cobs. x
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Hello, I’ve nominated you for the Blue Sky Tag and the Sunshine Blogger Award if you’d like to take part! 🙂
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I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. If you wish to accept it, you can find more about it on my blog.
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I love your stories and, of course, your cards. Your description of the bridesmaid dresses and bonnets reminded me of my first (and only) ballet recital, which also took place in the 70s. I, with all of the other untalented 1st year dancers, was a sunflower in a bright yellow tutu (not the bad part), my flat ballet shoes (not the bad part, although I couldn’t understand why we weren’t all wearing pointe shoes), and this elastic satin ruffle headband thing designed to make our faces look like the center of a sunflower – the bad part. The elastic was itchy and too tight and if I moved my jaw the wrong way, it sprang off my head or slipped back too far and became a necklace. I still have those shoes, which I wore even after I stopped ballet lessons, but not the tutu or that hideous headband thing. Also, I still hate that yellow golden color unless it’s part of an actual sunflower.
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Lol, what a great mental picture I have right now! I have visions of you getting crosser and crosser. If only there was a video…..??
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If only video existed. If only my parents had a home movie camera. Somewhere, there are Polaroids.
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Please find one?!!
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I think my Mom has it, but she’s a 10 hour drive away and not on the interwebs (she still won’t get a cordless phone, much less use my stepfather’s computer). I’ll have to take a scanner with me the next time I visit. Sorry to disappoint! I’d love to have it to share!
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Still, I can look forward to it!
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Anticipation! Cue the Carly Simon!
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Love the cards and the embellishments! did your heart shaped die cutter come with the gold heart embellishment as a package?
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No, it is just one heart-shaped die. When it cuts it stays within the card, so you can either snip it out around the top o have it stand proud of the card top, as I did here with the lavender base card. Or you can snip through all the fixing points to get a complete heart shape. This is what I did with gold card, then just stuck it (very carefully!) over the lavender base. Hope this makes sense?
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Loved it! Your ribbon makes it extra special. Which company is the die from?
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It is Tattered Lace. The packaging has no product name or code so I have Googled it. Looks like if is called Deco Heart die. Not sure if it is still available though.
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thank you will look it up!
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Absolutely beautiful!
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Thank you so much!
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I so love your designs…I nominated you for an award…up to you…you can see it here https://kelleysdiy.com/2017/02/27/thank-you-so-much/?iframe=true&theme_preview=true
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Thanks! I am pretty rubbish at doing the award posts, but I appreciate your kind gesture!
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Your welcome honey!
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I enjoyed reading this story and learning something about life in Britain through it.
Both of your cards are very beautiful, the second one is just gorgeous!
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These cards are absolutely gorgeous and I enjoyed reading your post too.
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Thank you, and thanks for reading. Always nice to hear from you!
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Now I know why you’re so funny, you’re British! I love your tongue in cheek humour. You should put all your blog posts into a book!
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Aw, thanks! We have to be able to laugh at ourselves!
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