Inspiration: Derby Day Wedding

Have you ever wished you had an occasion to wear an incredible hat?

Yes? Me too.

That’s what got me started thinking about a Derby Day wedding.  As I started to seek out ideas, I was OVERWHELMED at how much good stuff there is that fits under this umbrella–great hats, good food, beautiful flowers, good luck symbols, horses, bourbon, etc.. It’s an idea in which you can completely immerse your celebration or you can just add a few little details to make your day even more special.  Peach, strawberry or blackberry could make a brilliant signature cocktail twist on a mint julep.  You could add bourbon balls and derby pie on the dessert table or as a favor.  Silver julep cups are beautiful in floral arrangements, as well as to sip from.  Touches of equestrian culture from horseshoes to horse silhouettes add even more emphasis to the theme. Bridesmaid dresses akin to jockey silks would not be out of place, though here we focused on black and white stripes to harken back to Audrey Hepburn’s memorable trip to the track in My Fair Lady.

And hats–don’t forget the hats!  On the bridesmaids, on the bride, on the guests.  A simple invitation line of  “Elegant Hats Appreciated for the Ladies”  will get the message out.  What fun for a sun-soaked afternoon in May!

Check out the sources for these ideas and all the others I didn’t have room for on our Pinterest Board! Links to recipes for hot browns, bourbon balls, derby pie and a host of juleps can be found there, as well as several amazing hat makers.