Wedding Dresses Boutique

OT Themed Parties

Question:

I’ve never heard of a Civil War themed party. Mysteries yes, but not Civil

War. I’m pretty sure they weren’t thinking of certain aspects when they chose it. Personally, I think your office mate should go in a grand Scarlett O’Hara type crimson red gown if she can find one and act as hoity toity as possible Or, she could go as Scarlett O’Hara as Carol Burnett did – the long dress made of draperies, with the rod still in them! <G – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Neat pic! Do you own that outfit? May I borrow it? (just kidding!) Not me, though. I don’t think I could be comfortable in the corset and I’m certainly not a hat girl. lol — Cheryl

Oh, I would *kill* to have hats come back in fashion!  I *LOVE* hats and would wear one every day if it were only acceptable at work!! Hugs, CatNipped

Response:

You’re talking to the wrong woman about costumes.  I collect vintage clothing – whether it be authentic or not.  I honest to god wish I could have lived in an era where I wore corsets and hoop skirts and then moved into the 1920’s as the styles got shorter (as well as the hair).  Call me nuts.  I would have survived just fine on beans and cornbread cooked over a wood fire.  Been there, done that when I lost electricity for a week http://community.webshots.com/photo/156785843/156786523XokiaV Jill

Wow, Jill, that is *SO* kewl.  I’m like you, I would love wearing clothes like that (especially the adorable hats they used to wear)! Hugs, CatNipped

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – rec.pets.cats.anecdotes You’re talking to the wrong woman about costumes.  I collect vintage clothing – whether it be authentic or not.  I honest to god wish I could have lived in an era where I wore corsets and hoop skirts and then moved into the 1920’s as the styles got shorter (as well as the hair).  Call me nuts.  I would have survived just fine on beans and cornbread cooked over a wood fire.  Been there, done that when I lost electricity for a week http://community.webshots.com/photo/156785843/156786523XokiaV Neat pic! Do you own that outfit? May I borrow it? (just kidding!) Not me, though. I don’t think I could be comfortable in the corset and I’m certainly not a hat girl. lol

I own a couple like it (including the hair, since I’m a blonde and don’t have ringlets LOL)  Try sitting in the office wearing that outfit all day. Hoop skirts are surprisingly cool (think air-conditioned) Jill <—never wears hats unless she’s dressed as her alter ego

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’re talking to the wrong woman about costumes.  I collect vintage clothing – whether it be authentic or not.  I honest to god wish I could have lived in an era where I wore corsets and hoop skirts and then moved into the 1920’s as the styles got shorter (as well as the hair).  Call me nuts.  I would have survived just fine on beans and cornbread cooked over a wood fire.  Been there, done that when I lost electricity for a week http://community.webshots.com/photo/156785843/156786523XokiaV Jill Wow, Jill, that is *SO* kewl.  I’m like you, I would love wearing clothes like that (especially the adorable hats they used to wear)! Hugs, CatNipped

You like hats, check this site http://www.antiquedress.com/galleryhats1.htm Jill

Response:

What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees. ///

Reminds me of a story when HRFL Tiger was a kitten about 5 – 6 months old… Not exactly a themed party, but in the UK we have something called Ann Summers parties. A bit like tupperwear parties, where a rep comes around, only with sex toys and naughty underwear. For my 27 birthday, I threw an Ann Summers party. The rep had no sense of humour what-so-ever. She got about 3/4 of the way through the party, and then pulled out a 10" black rubber covered vibrator. With the imortal words "This is a black mamba", she switched it on and placed it into the middle of the floor. Well…..This was HRFL Tiger hoolikittens ultimate best dream. He pounced on this vibrating "thing" and started biting and bunny-kicking the crap out of it. He was going to kill this moving thing that was creeping towards his mommy. The rep had a sense of humour faliure. (I couldn’t do anything to help, I was convulsed in hysterics). She went to take it off him. Rule 101…. Never attempt to remove a hoolikitten from his vibrating vibrator. HRFL Tiger bit the rep. Then continued to kill the vibrator. It eventually died a heroic death (the batteries ran out) and honour was restored. I stopped laughing long enough to take it off him. But only after a very impressive set of kitty fang marks were well entrenched on the vibrator. HRFL Tiger claims the day he tamed the black mamba as a small 3lb kitten was one of his proudest moments. ;o) Helen M

Response:

are both co-workers of mine and we work in an area that is basically a melting pot. So far I’ve even heard one of our other co-workers who is African-American really shocked at this. She wants to know if she should dress like "Mammy"? What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees.

I think everyone needs to "get over it", as it were.  I hate to say this, really, but the American Civil War happened and you can’t re-write history as much as some may wish to.  What kills me is, living in the southern U.S. so many people are still trying to fight that war.  And yes, tell your co-worker to get out her Mammy outfit, kerchief and her bilin’ pot and be prepared to make and serve some griddle cakes wid cane syrup and turnip greens. Personally, I enjoy a costume party.  Not sure if this falls into that category. Jill (tongue in cheek)

Response:

You like hats, check this site http://www.antiquedress.com/galleryhats1.htm Jill

I like the civil war / Victorian / 20s era hats – don’t much care for the 30s – 50s styles.  I like the big floppy brimmed ones or the darling hats worn in "Gone With the Wind" movie. Hugs, CatNipped

Response:

HRFL Tiger claims the day he tamed the black mamba as a small 3lb kitten was one of his proudest moments. ;o) Helen M

ROTFLMAOWTIME!!!!  Ohmygawd I wish I had been there! Hugs, CatNipped

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – @fe1.texas.rr.com): We do food-themed parties, do those count? Now, that sounds like fun! But the concern is because of the era, plus having to rent a costume, plus buy a wedding gift. Maybe I’ll just go formal. It sounds like some others plan to do that in leu of costume. You’re talking to the wrong woman about costumes.  I collect vintage clothing – whether it be authentic or not.  I honest to god wish I could have lived in an era where I wore corsets and hoop skirts and then moved into the 1920’s as the styles got shorter (as well as the hair).  Call me nuts.  I would have survived just fine on beans and cornbread cooked over a wood fire.  Been there, done that when I lost electricity for a week http://community.webshots.com/photo/156785843/156786523XokiaV Jill

I’ve spent the last 25 years involved in historical re-enactments, complete with corset, hoops and all the rest.  During grad school I worked at a local historical site as a historic interpreter- I spent 7 years going to work in a corset.  My work clothes were full 19th century. Here’s some of my pictures….  The ferrotypes are actually done with 19th century technology; there’s a photographer who brings a full 19th century photographer’s set-up to Civil War events around here, so the ferrotypes are of me, my son, and my husband and his horse. http://homepage.mac.com/kworley/photos/PhotoAlbum21.html As for themed parties, the best one I’ve been to was a "Lord of the Rings"  dinner party.  It was right after extended version of the first movie was released on DVD, and we all had to bring food that was mentioned in the books.  We sat around and ate ourselves into a stupor while watching the extended version of the DVD.  Since most of us were re-enactors and costume geeks, we spent lots of time pausing the movie in order to see the detail on the clothing. Katrina

Response:

rec.pets.cats.anecdotes You’re talking to the wrong woman about costumes.  I collect vintage clothing – whether it be authentic or not.  I honest to god wish I could have lived in an era where I wore corsets and hoop skirts and then moved into the 1920’s as the styles got shorter (as well as the hair).  Call me nuts.  I would have survived just fine on beans and cornbread cooked over a wood fire.  Been there, done that when I lost electricity for a week http://community.webshots.com/photo/156785843/156786523XokiaV

Neat pic! Do you own that outfit? May I borrow it? (just kidding!)   Not me, though. I don’t think I could be comfortable in the corset and I’m certainly not a hat girl. lol — Cheryl

Response:

@fe1.texas.rr.com): We do food-themed parties, do those count? Now, that sounds like fun! But the concern is because of the era, plus having to rent a costume, plus buy a wedding gift. Maybe I’ll just go formal. It sounds like some others plan to do that in leu of costume.

You’re talking to the wrong woman about costumes.  I collect vintage clothing – whether it be authentic or not.  I honest to god wish I could have lived in an era where I wore corsets and hoop skirts and then moved into the 1920’s as the styles got shorter (as well as the hair).  Call me nuts.  I would have survived just fine on beans and cornbread cooked over a wood fire.  Been there, done that when I lost electricity for a week http://community.webshots.com/photo/156785843/156786523XokiaV Jill

Response:

rec.pets.cats.anecdotes I guess it depends on what the hosts want to do, although I’m sure they didn’t consider the feelings of some of their guests about the era in question (or maybe they did and it didn’t matter). I agree with the suggestion that your African-American co-worker should consider dressing to out Scarlett Scarlett O’Hara, "shut mah mouth" and all. It would be even better if her DH could dress in kind – Rhett Butler/Ashley Wilkes/Miss Melanie, etc.

Ok my kitties aren’t going!! (giggling at Scarlett and Rhett, who incidentally have littermates named Ashley and Michelle) The invitation came from "his" parents so I really wonder whose idea this was in the first place. — Cheryl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m not really a fan of them. However, friends of mine are having their wedding celebration finally, after being married last year. They are having the party on Apr 9, which is the 140th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. We aren’t required to dress in period costumes, but it is "strongly suggested" and they even included a link to a costume rental shop, and the party will be held at a place called Landon House (http://www.landonhouse.com/) and I really wonder why they chose this theme? I will have to ask. The "bride" is recently from Russia and the groom was born in the UK to American parents and moved here after most of his childhood in the UK. These are both co-workers of mine and we work in an area that is basically a melting pot. So far I’ve even heard one of our other co-workers who is African-American really shocked at this. She wants to know if she should dress like "Mammy"? What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees. — Cheryl I suspect your friends are unaware of the feelings about the civil war that still thrive in many parts of this country.  The end of the Civil War was a sordid ugly time for darn near everyone.  Hardly anyone or any family came out a winner when it was finally over.  That is just the nature of a civil war.  No one had any money for a fancy dress ball, and if the did there were few able bodied men for the "ladies" to attend and dance with.  The freed slaves were hardly introduced to the Garden of Eden at war’s end and physically and financially were often far worse off than they were before the war when at least they might have been valued property. I don’t think your friends would be amused at some of the post war costumes that come to my mind.  Women in ragged clothes. Men in the ratty remains of uniforms crippled or wounded or sick.  Former slaves half starved and treated by everyone else like lepers. Sorry but my family and my husbands family lived not all that far from Fredrick MD and it wasn’t party time.  The fight over slavery split my husband Plantation owning family in western Maryland forever.  Brother against brother was a grim reality in that part of the country.  (Born south of the Mason Dixon line) Jo

You worded this in the way I was thinking. It wasn’t really a good time in the US. IMO. — Cheryl

Response:

I’ve never heard of a Civil War themed party. Mysteries yes, but not Civil War. I’m pretty sure they weren’t thinking of certain aspects when they chose it. Personally, I think your office mate should go in a grand Scarlett O’Hara type crimson red gown if she can find one and act as hoity toity as possible

I’m going to tell her that tomorrow!  lol  I like it!! — Cheryl

Response:

@fe1.texas.rr.com): We do food-themed parties, do those count?

Now, that sounds like fun! But the concern is because of the era, plus having to rent a costume, plus buy a wedding gift. Maybe I’ll just go formal. It sounds like some others plan to do that in leu of costume. — Cheryl

Response:

What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees.

My parents are going to a 25th anniversary party next week, and the "theme" is for everyone to dress as if from the 50s, 60s or 70s (the people in question were married in 1980, so we can’t figure out the theme of this party, except maybe "dress weird") My brother and I are having a 50th anniversary party for our parents this summer, and we’re not going with any theme. I guess it depends on what the hosts want to do, although I’m sure they didn’t consider the feelings of some of their guests about the era in question (or maybe they did and it didn’t matter). I agree with the suggestion that your African-American co-worker should consider dressing to out Scarlett Scarlett O’Hara, "shut mah mouth" and all. It would be even better if her DH could dress in kind – Rhett Butler/Ashley Wilkes/Miss Melanie, etc. Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha http://www.jhedge.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m not really a fan of them. However, friends of mine are having their wedding celebration finally, after being married last year. They are having the party on Apr 9, which is the 140th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. We aren’t required to dress in period costumes, but it is "strongly suggested" and they even included a link to a costume rental shop, and the party will be held at a place called Landon House (http://www.landonhouse.com/) and I really wonder why they chose this theme? I will have to ask. The "bride" is recently from Russia and the groom was born in the UK to American parents and moved here after most of his childhood in the UK. These are both co-workers of mine and we work in an area that is basically a melting pot. So far I’ve even heard one of our other co-workers who is African-American really shocked at this. She wants to know if she should dress like "Mammy"? What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees. I’ve never heard of a Civil War themed party. Mysteries yes, but not Civil War. I’m pretty sure they weren’t thinking of certain aspects when they chose it. Personally, I think your office mate should go in a grand Scarlett O’Hara type crimson red gown if she can find one and act as hoity toity as possible

As one who attends occasional Civil War era reenactments, I have to say it’s a lot of fun to try to drive a 5 speed while wearing a hoop skirt! Jill

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m not really a fan of them. However, friends of mine are having their wedding celebration finally, after being married last year. They are having the party on Apr 9, which is the 140th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. We aren’t required to dress in period costumes, but it is "strongly suggested" and they even included a link to a costume rental shop, and the party will be held at a place called Landon House (http://www.landonhouse.com/) and I really wonder why they chose this theme? I will have to ask. The "bride" is recently from Russia and the groom was born in the UK to American parents and moved here after most of his childhood in the UK. These are both co-workers of mine and we work in an area that is basically a melting pot. So far I’ve even heard one of our other co-workers who is African-American really shocked at this. She wants to know if she should dress like "Mammy"? What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees.

I’ve never heard of a Civil War themed party. Mysteries yes, but not Civil War. I’m pretty sure they weren’t thinking of certain aspects when they chose it. Personally, I think your office mate should go in a grand Scarlett O’Hara type crimson red gown if she can find one and act as hoity toity as possible

Response:

We do food-themed parties, do those count? — Victor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m not really a fan of them. However, friends of mine are having their wedding celebration finally, after being married last year. They are having the party on Apr 9, which is the 140th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. We aren’t required to dress in period costumes, but it is "strongly suggested" and they even included a link to a costume rental shop, and the party will be held at a place called Landon House (http://www.landonhouse.com/) and I really wonder why they chose this theme? I will have to ask. The "bride" is recently from Russia and the groom was born in the UK to American parents and moved here after most of his childhood in the UK. These are both co-workers of mine and we work in an area that is basically a melting pot. So far I’ve even heard one of our other co-workers who is African-American really shocked at this. She wants to know if she should dress like "Mammy"? What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees. — Cheryl

I suspect your friends are unaware of the feelings about the civil war that still thrive in many parts of this country.  The end of the Civil War was a sordid ugly time for darn near everyone.  Hardly anyone or any family came out a winner when it was finally over.  That is just the nature of a civil war.  No one had any money for a fancy dress ball, and if the did there were few able bodied men for the "ladies" to attend and dance with.  The freed slaves were hardly introduced to the Garden of Eden at war’s end and physically and financially were often far worse off than they were before the war when at least they might have been valued property. I don’t think your friends would be amused at some of the post war costumes that come to my mind.  Women in ragged clothes.  Men in the ratty remains of uniforms crippled or wounded or sick.  Former slaves half starved and treated by everyone else like lepers. Sorry but my family and my husbands family lived not all that far from Fredrick MD and it wasn’t party time.  The fight over slavery split my husband Plantation owning family in western Maryland forever.  Brother against brother was a grim reality in that part of the country.  (Born south of the Mason Dixon line) Jo

Response:

I’m not really a fan of them. However, friends of mine are having their wedding celebration finally, after being married last year. They are having the party on Apr 9, which is the 140th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. We aren’t required to dress in period costumes, but it is "strongly suggested" and they even included a link to a costume rental shop, and the party will be held at a place called Landon House (http://www.landonhouse.com/) and I really wonder why they chose this theme? I will have to ask. The "bride" is recently from Russia and the groom was born in the UK to American parents and moved here after most of his childhood in the UK. These are both co-workers of mine and we work in an area that is basically a melting pot. So far I’ve even heard one of our other co-workers who is African-American really shocked at this. She wants to know if she should dress like "Mammy"? What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees. — Cheryl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m not really a fan of them. However, friends of mine are having their wedding celebration finally, after being married last year. They are having the party on Apr 9, which is the 140th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. We aren’t required to dress in period costumes, but it is "strongly suggested" and they even included a link to a costume rental shop, and the party will be held at a place called Landon House (http://www.landonhouse.com/) and I really wonder why they chose this theme? I will have to ask. The "bride" is recently from Russia and the groom was born in the UK to American parents and moved here after most of his childhood in the UK. These are both co-workers of mine and we work in an area that is basically a melting pot. So far I’ve even heard one of our other co-workers who is African-American really shocked at this. She wants to know if she should dress like "Mammy"? What do you guys think of these types of themed parties? As you can probably tell, the idea isn’t going over too well with some of the invitees.

They aren’t all bad, but you need a LOT of co-operation, and of course, you have to choose a theme that’s not going to get up your guests’ nose.    I don’t think I would have a "themed" wedding, though– a "wedding" is more than enough theme for me.  It’s just too much pressure on the guests, but that’s just me. There seem to be different ways of looking at weddings.  One very common way of looking at it is:   1)It’s MY day, and I must have EVERYTHING EXACTLY the way I fantasized it since age 8, or whatever.   It is MY day to be Paris Hilton, Martha Stewart, insert the Style Princess of your choice.  That means EVERYBODY better do what I want, EVERY MINUTE.   The way my brother and his wife did it was: 2) We want everybody there to have the best damn time they ever had. That means, first of all, that nobody is made to feel uncomfortable or spend money they can’t afford.  And the rest just follows from that. And my brother’s wedding *was* one of the best damn parties of any kind I’d ever been to, and most of the guests agreed. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

Response:

rec.pets.cats.anecdotes They aren’t all bad, but you need a LOT of co-operation, and of course, you have to choose a theme that’s not going to get up your guests’ nose.    I don’t think I would have a "themed" wedding, though– a "wedding" is more than enough theme for me. It’s just too much pressure on the guests, but that’s just me.

I tend to agree. I hope my post didn’t sound offensive or anything, but some of us could only think about how the civil war era wasn’t a really good time for our country. The only good I could see coming from it was those fighting for beliefs that didn’t include owning other humans. There seem to be different ways of looking at weddings.  One very common way of looking at it is:   1)It’s MY day, and I must have EVERYTHING EXACTLY the way I fantasized it since age 8, or whatever.   It is MY day to be Paris Hilton, Martha Stewart, insert the Style Princess of your choice.  That means EVERYBODY better do what I want, EVERY MINUTE.  

Heehee! Which makes me wonder why this theme? This girl is not a civil war buff, American History buff, or anything like that. The way my brother and his wife did it was: 2) We want everybody there to have the best damn time they ever had. That means, first of all, that nobody is made to feel uncomfortable or spend money they can’t afford.  And the rest just follows from that. And my brother’s wedding *was* one of the best damn parties of any kind I’d ever been to, and most of the guests agreed.

And that is what makes it memorable. Not spending a ton of money on costumes, or being "different". — Cheryl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – rec.pets.cats.anecdotes They aren’t all bad, but you need a LOT of co-operation, and of course, you have to choose a theme that’s not going to get up your guests’ nose.    I don’t think I would have a "themed" wedding, though– a "wedding" is more than enough theme for me. It’s just too much pressure on the guests, but that’s just me. I tend to agree. I hope my post didn’t sound offensive or anything, but some of us could only think about how the civil war era wasn’t a really good time for our country. The only good I could see coming from it was those fighting for beliefs that didn’t include owning other humans. There seem to be different ways of looking at weddings.  One very common way of looking at it is:   1)It’s MY day, and I must have EVERYTHING EXACTLY the way I fantasized it since age 8, or whatever.   It is MY day to be Paris Hilton, Martha Stewart, insert the Style Princess of your choice.  That means EVERYBODY better do what I want, EVERY MINUTE.   Heehee! Which makes me wonder why this theme? This girl is not a civil war buff, American History buff, or anything like that.

Three Words:  BIG POOFY DRESSES.   Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

Response:

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