You may ask right off the bat what the heck is steampunk about anyway?
Well, it’s a fashion movement, a literary movement, and one of the coolest trends on the face of the planet.
If you want to have a funny, slightly geeky wedding that will definitely put you in the forefront of cultural trendsetters, then try doing it in true steampunk style.
Steampunk, in case you’re hopelessly out of it, combines a neo-Victorian mindset with some modern technology to create a brass-plated, corset-encased retro-looking future.
Folks that are true steampunks don’t just dress in top hats, high-button shoes, suede vests or velvet Victorian gowns; they live it in their daily lives.
They might have a flat screen plasma TV in their homes, but it will be wrapped in burlap or encased in polished wood or brass, a favorite steampunk material.
Many steampunks have replaced their computer’s drab plastic case with richly ornamented cases fashioned from teak or some other beautiful wood.
Steampunks tend to be into science fiction and alternative culture, but one of the cool things about this very hip cultural movement is that they’re trying to bring some of the good manners and social graces of the Victorian Age into our increasingly plastic and crass modern world.
So if you want to have elegant, genteel, old-fashioned wedding that’s just slightly offbeat, a steampunk ceremony and reception could be just the ticket, by Jove!
If this idea appeals to you, but you don’t know any steampunks, don’t worry.
There’s a large and very active steampunk community online that’s easy to find.
Start by finding steampunk fashion websites so you can properly clothe the bride and groom and the rest of the wedding party in the requisite high collars, corsets, cutaway coats and stylish hats with veils.
(Steampunk relies heavily on cool headgear to create the correct period look).
Next, you should look into finding a caterer who can provide steampunk wedding food, usually foods that were popular at the turn of the 20th century in the U.K. and U.S., stuff like Beef Wellington, sausages, petit fours, home-made ice cream (made in a hand-cranked ice cream maker, natch!), fruitcake, plum pudding, marzipan, fresh oysters, champagne, brandy, Absinthe and the like.
If you’re unsure what to serve, consult one of the steampunk websites.
Like any passionate hobbyist, steampunks don’t mind sharing information about their culture.
Now go out there and have a new/old-fashioned brass-plated, clockwork steampunk wedding!
