Creating A Custom Second Line Wedding Umbrella

Second-line wedding umbrellas are a New Orleans tradition. The second line is made up of wedding guests and the bridal party, who follow the band from the ceremony to the reception. The bride and groom lead the second line, carrying fanciful umbrellas, usually white for the bride and black for the groom. These umbrellas are often decorated with feathers, fringe, and gemstone handles. You can make your own second-line wedding umbrella by purchasing a simple, small umbrella and decorating it with fabric, lace, trim, ribbon, beads, and spray paint. You can also add feathers and sequins, attaching them with hot glue or hand-stitching them in place.

Choosing an umbrella

Type of Umbrella

The first step is to decide on the type of umbrella you want. The two main options are a traditional umbrella or a parasol. Parasols are typically more decorative and are meant to provide shade, while traditional umbrellas offer more protection from the rain. If you're concerned about the weather, a traditional umbrella might be the better choice. However, if you're looking for something more whimsical and elegant, a parasol could be the perfect option.

Size and Portability

Consider the size and portability of the umbrella, especially if you plan to carry it with you throughout the day. Smaller, compact umbrellas are easier to transport and won't take up too much space. Larger umbrellas, on the other hand, can provide more coverage and make a bigger visual impact.

Colour and Design

The colour and design of the umbrella should complement your wedding theme and your outfit. Traditional second-line wedding umbrellas in New Orleans are often white for the bride and black for the groom. However, you can also choose colourful umbrellas with intricate designs, lace, or other embellishments. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and choose colours that complement your wedding palette.

Material and Quality

The material and quality of the umbrella are important factors to ensure it is durable and long-lasting. Look for high-quality fabrics that can withstand the wind and rain, such as pongee, a high-grade polyester, or recycled plastics. The ribs and handle of the umbrella should also be made from sturdy materials like fiberglass or wood to provide better support and longevity.

Customisation

If you want to add a personal touch to your second-line wedding umbrella, consider customising it. You can decorate the umbrella with fabrics, lace, trim, ribbon, beads, and spray paint. Feathers, sequins, and other embellishments can also be added to make it more festive. Customisation allows you to create unique umbrellas for yourself, your wedding party, and your guests.

Source

You have several options when it comes to sourcing your second-line wedding umbrellas. You can purchase them from specialty stores, either online or locally. Etsy, for example, offers a wide variety of wedding umbrellas, including colourful options, vintage styles, and customisable designs. Alternatively, you can rent vintage umbrellas from local shops, which often feature unique details like feathers, fringe, and gemstone handles. If you're crafty, you can also make your own umbrellas using simple, small umbrellas as a base and adding your own decorations.

Decorating the umbrella

Plan your design:

Before you start gluing and stitching, it's a good idea to sketch out your design ideas. Think about the overall look you want to achieve and the specific materials and colours you will use. Consider the size of your umbrella and how you want to incorporate different decorative elements.

Choose your colour scheme:

Traditionally, second-line wedding umbrellas in New Orleans feature a white umbrella for the bride and a black one for the groom. However, you can choose any colour scheme that matches your wedding theme or personal style. You can also incorporate multiple colours for a vibrant and playful look.

Gather your materials:

The great thing about decorating a second-line wedding umbrella is that you can use a variety of materials to create a unique look. Here are some ideas for materials you can use:

• Fabric: Choose fabrics with colours and patterns that complement your theme. You can use fabric to cover the entire umbrella or add accents and trims.
• Lace: Lace adds a delicate and elegant touch to your umbrella. You can use it as an overlay or trim, or even create lace patterns on the umbrella.
• Ribbon, trim, and fringe: These materials can be used to add texture and dimension to your umbrella. They can be wrapped around the handle, attached to the edges, or used to create patterns.
• Beads: Beads can be glued along the spines or allowed to hang from the edges of the umbrella for a sparkling and playful effect.
• Feathers: Feathers add a dramatic and festive touch. They can be attached to the spine, scattered across the umbrella, or used as a topper.
• Spray paint: Spray paint can be used to change the base colour of your umbrella or create patterns and designs.
• Sequins: Sequins can be glued or stitched onto the umbrella for a sparkling and textured effect.

Attach your decorations:

Once you have gathered your materials, it's time to start decorating! Here are some tips for attaching your decorations:

• Hot glue: Hot glue is a quick and easy way to attach most of your decorations. Be careful, as hot glue can be very hot, and always test a small area first to ensure the glue doesn't damage the fabric of your umbrella.
• Hand stitching: For a more secure hold, especially for heavier decorations like feathers and sequins, consider hand stitching them in place. This will take more time but will ensure your decorations stay put during the festivities.
• Paint: If you're using paint, make sure to use fabric paint or a waterproof variety so that your design doesn't wash away. You can use stencils or freehand your design.

Personalize for your wedding party:

Consider creating personalized umbrellas for the wedding party, such as the mothers of the bride and groom, or even custom umbrellas for the entire bridal party. You can match the colours to their outfits or add special details that reflect their style or relationship to the couple.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to decorate your second-line wedding umbrella. Get creative, have fun, and make it a unique reflection of your style and celebration!

The history of the second line

The second line is a New Orleans tradition, which originated from the city's famous jazz funerals. In a jazz funeral procession, the family of the deceased forms the "first line", while other mourners follow behind as the "second line". The second line is characterised by music and dancing, with participants carrying umbrellas or parasols to add to the festive atmosphere.

Over time, the second line tradition evolved beyond jazz funerals and began to be incorporated into other celebrations, including weddings. In a wedding second line, the first line is typically a brass band, followed by the newly married couple, who lead the second line, carrying uniquely decorated umbrellas or parasols. The second line then consists of the bridal party and guests, who dance and strut to the music, often waving handkerchiefs or cocktail napkins.

The second line tradition is said to signify the start of a new life together for the married couple. The umbrellas used in the procession are often highly decorated, with feathers, fringe, and gemstone handles. The umbrellas epitomise "celebration" and are considered a reflection of personal style and attitude.

The second line dance

To include a second line dance in your wedding, there are a few steps you need to take. First, plan your route, considering the distance between the ceremony and reception venues and the comfort of your guests. Second, obtain a permit from the City of New Orleans and hire a city-mandated parade escort to close the streets to traffic. Third, hire a brass band to lead the parade. You may also want to hire Mardi Gras Indians to add a unique touch to your celebration. Fourth, purchase or decorate parasols and handkerchiefs for the couple and guests. You can personalise these with your names, wedding date, and other embellishments. Finally, on your wedding day, lead your guests in a joyous and memorable second line dance!

Buying vs making an umbrella

Second-line wedding umbrellas are a New Orleans tradition, with the first line being a brass band parading down the street, originally for a jazz funeral. The second line is the people following the band, dancing to the music, waving handkerchiefs, and twirling umbrellas.

If you are considering buying vs making a second-line wedding umbrella, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, buying an umbrella can save you time and effort, especially if you are short on time. There are many local shops and online stores, such as Etsy, that offer a wide range of second-line wedding umbrellas, from traditional options to custom-made designs. Buying an umbrella can be more convenient if you are not crafty or don't have the time to make one yourself. Additionally, buying an umbrella ensures that you will have a durable and functional product that is ready to use right away.

On the other hand, making your own second-line wedding umbrella can be a fun and creative project. It allows you to personalize and customize your umbrella to match your unique style and the theme of your wedding. You can choose the colors, fabrics, and decorations that best represent your taste. Making your own umbrella also gives you the freedom to add special touches, such as hand-stitched sequins or feathers, that may not be available in store-bought options. Additionally, making your own umbrella can be a more affordable option, especially if you are crafty and already have some of the necessary materials.

Whether you decide to buy or make your second-line wedding umbrella, it is important to consider your budget, the time you have available, and the level of customization you desire. Buying an umbrella can be more convenient and time-efficient, while making your own can offer a greater level of personalization and creativity. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions