Winter Wedding: Steampunk Style

The Victorians were a lavish bunch who favored the tactile and textured qualities of rich velvet, strung pearls, and thick parchment scrolled in calligraphy. Taking inspiration from the glamour of old and adding a touch of futuristic technology equals a steampunk-fabulous winter wedding. Christmas is an excellent time to explore the softer side of steampunk by time traveling to a childhood past full of fur-lined coats, bright tin soldiers, and mink muffs.

Start with stockings - a great way to decorate, a unique table number, a fancy favor...the possibilities are practically endless. High-heeled, elegant Victorian boot-shaped stockings have been in vogue for a few years now. For a steampunk twist, add gears, springs, pocket watches, or other trinkets. McCall's pattern #5261 includes six different designs for Victorian boot stockings that can be sewn or simply traced onto paper depending on your level of craftiness.

Trim the trees - around Christmas, it's pretty much a given that your hall will be pre-decked in garland with evergreens abounding, simply bring the trimmings and you're good to go. Include both Victorian bows, cameos, mini hat boxes and candles as well as steampunk sprockets, keys, miniature books and chains. Try filling glass ball ornaments with change, buttons, or nuts and bolts. Have guests choose one off the trees to take home so they serve double duty. You can also make a steampunk wreath in a similar style; try using old typewriter keys to spell out Marry Christmas, or your new name.

Gingerbread gears - gingerbread snowflakes hanging from the tree are delightfully reminiscent of Victorian childhood. They're also an excellent way to save money on ornaments and watch gears! Use a cardboard template to cut out a combination of gears and snowflakes or gingerbread people and monogram letters. Roll your cookies thin and use a straw to make a hole for the ribbon before baking. Bake slightly longer than normal so the ornaments stay together on the tree, and then pipe royal icing on (use pastels for emphasis) to add detail. For an extra steampunk touch, buy edible metallic dust from a cake decorating store and gild or bronze the edges of the ornaments.

Wrap it up - use old sheet music, maps, or yellowed newspapers to wrap "presents" to decorate around the tree, or line a candy counter full of Victorian treats like sugared almonds, conversation peppermints, non pareils, and individual filled chocolates. Wrap small, open containers and intersperse them with unique glass jars full of goodies. Create steampunk origami to decorate the trees, notate table numbers, or just hang out. Simply cut your sheet music or other paper product into the appropriate-size square and fold a hat, crane, or anything else your heart desires.

Re-read Dickens' A Christmas Carol or rent one of the many wonderful movie versions for ideas. Other great inspirations include Holiday Inn and White Christmas with Bing Crosby - you can't go wrong. A winter wedding with steampunk style will save you money without costing you class or pizzazz.