Creating Custom Second Line Umbrellas For Your Wedding

Second-line umbrellas are a New Orleans tradition, typically used in jazz funeral processions, where the family of the deceased forms the first line and other mourners form the second line, carrying umbrellas or parasols to add to the festive atmosphere. Over time, the second-line tradition has been incorporated into weddings, with the bride and groom leading the second line, carrying uniquely decorated umbrellas. These umbrellas are often white for the bride and black for the groom, and can be customised with feathers, fringe, beads, lace, and other embellishments.

Choosing an umbrella type: small, simple, two-fold, or three-fold

When choosing an umbrella type for a wedding second line, you can opt for small, simple, two-fold, or three-fold umbrellas. Here are some key considerations to help you decide:

Small Umbrellas: Small umbrellas are easy to handle and manoeuvre, especially when dancing or strolling in the second line. They are lightweight and portable, making them convenient for guests to carry and store. Small umbrellas can also be easily decorated with beads, fabrics, lace, and other embellishments.

Simple Umbrellas: Simple umbrellas are those with a basic design and functionality. They typically have a straight handle and a single fold. Simple umbrellas are easy to operate and often serve as a blank canvas for decorations. They are suitable if you prioritize ease of use and customization over compactness.

Two-Fold Umbrellas: Two-fold umbrellas have a more durable and compact structure, making them suitable for both rainy and sunny days. They offer better wind resistance than three-fold umbrellas due to their sturdy build. Additionally, they combine the windproof functionality of long-handled umbrellas while being more convenient to carry. However, closing a two-fold umbrella can be troublesome as you need to collapse the ribs one by one.

Three-Fold Umbrellas: Three-fold umbrellas are the most popular and widely available type. They can be folded into a more compact form, making them easy to carry and store. Three-fold umbrellas are typically designed for both sun and rain protection and are available in various styles, including European-style sunshade umbrellas. They usually feature buttons for automatic opening and closing. However, they are not as effective as two-fold umbrellas in strong winds or heavy rain.

Ultimately, the choice between a two-fold or three-fold umbrella depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize wind resistance and durability, a two-fold umbrella is a better option. On the other hand, if compactness, portability, and ease of use are more important, a three-fold umbrella may be the right choice.

Decorating the umbrella: using fabric, lace, paint, beads, and feathers

Decorating the umbrella is where you can get creative and experiment with different materials and designs. Here are some ideas and instructions for using fabric, lace, paint, beads, and feathers to decorate your wedding second-line umbrellas:

Fabric

When selecting fabric for your umbrella, consider lightweight and flexible materials that will drape nicely over the umbrella's frame. Silk, chiffon, or thin polyester are good options. Cut the fabric into strips or shapes that you can glue or stitch onto the umbrella. You can also use fabric to create a ruffle or fringe effect along the edges of the umbrella. If you're feeling adventurous, try dying the fabric in colours that match your wedding theme.

Lace

Lace adds a delicate and elegant touch to your umbrellas. Look for lace with intricate patterns and metallic threads to give it some sparkle. Cut the lace into strips and glue it along the edges of the umbrella or use it to create a beautiful overlay on the umbrella's panels. You can also use lace to create a dainty trim or ruffle effect.

Paint

Fabric paint or spray paint can be used to add colour and design to your umbrellas. Paint the entire umbrella a solid colour or create patterns such as polka dots, stripes, or floral designs. You can also use stencils to create lettering or shapes. Watered-down acrylic paint can be used to create a soft, romantic look, as seen on the umbrella made for the creator's mother, which was painted with watered-down purple acrylic paint in multiple layers.

Beads

Beads can be used to add texture and sparkle to your umbrellas. Cut the beads into strips and glue them along the spines of the umbrella for a sleek look. You can also let the beads hang from the edges of the umbrella for a playful, dangling effect. Glass seed beads are a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance.

Feathers

Feathers are a fun and festive way to decorate your umbrellas. Use feathers in a variety of colours, such as marabou, ostrich, and peacock feathers. Attach the feathers in clusters or layers for a full and fluffy look. You can also use feathers as a trim or topper for your umbrella, as seen in the Gris Gris Art umbrellas, which feature feather or fringe trim and toppers.

When decorating your umbrellas, feel free to mix and match these elements to create unique and personalised designs. Most decorations can be attached with hot glue, but consider hand-stitching certain parts for a more secure hold.

Buying vs. making: purchasing a custom-made umbrella or creating your own

When it comes to wedding second-line umbrellas, you have two main options: buying custom-made umbrellas or making your own. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences.

Buying Custom-Made Umbrellas

Custom-made umbrellas offer a convenient and hassle-free option for those who don't have the time or inclination to make their own. There are many companies that specialise in creating branded or personalised umbrellas, offering a wide range of customisation options to meet your exact specifications. You can choose the size, colour, fabric, handle type, printing options, and more. This option is ideal if you want high-quality, professionally made umbrellas that represent your brand or personality. It is also a good choice if you need a large quantity of umbrellas, as most custom umbrella companies offer bulk orders with discounted prices.

Making Your Own Umbrellas

Creating your own wedding second-line umbrellas can be a fun and creative project, allowing you to add a personal touch to your special day. It is also a more cost-effective option, especially if you are handy with arts and crafts. You can purchase plain umbrellas and decorate them with fabrics, lace, trim, ribbon, beads, spray paint, feathers, sequins, and more. This option gives you complete creative freedom to design unique umbrellas that perfectly match your wedding theme and colour scheme. However, making your own umbrellas can be time-consuming, especially if you are crafting a large number of them. Additionally, the quality of the finished product may not be as high as professionally made umbrellas.

In conclusion, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Buying custom-made umbrellas offers convenience and high-quality results, while making your own allows for greater creativity and cost savings. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, budget, and the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest in this project.

Size and colour: selecting the right size and colour for the occasion

When it comes to selecting the right size and colour for your wedding second line umbrellas, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to think about the practical aspects of the umbrellas, such as the weather conditions and the number of people you need to shelter. Secondly, you'll want to choose a colour and design that complement your wedding theme and add to the festive atmosphere of the occasion.

Let's start with size. If you're expecting rainy weather, it's a good idea to go for larger umbrellas, such as golf umbrellas, which can fit up to three people underneath. This way, you can ensure that the bride, groom, and even a few guests stay dry during the procession. On the other hand, if you're mainly concerned about providing shade, smaller, more compact umbrellas might be a better option, especially if you're expecting a large number of guests.

Now, let's talk about colour and design. Traditional second-line umbrellas in New Orleans typically feature the bride carrying a white umbrella and the groom carrying a black one. However, you can certainly get creative and choose colours that match your wedding theme or the attire of the bridal party and guests. If you're feeling particularly crafty, you can even decorate the umbrellas yourself, using fabrics, lace, trim, ribbon, beads, spray paint, feathers, and sequins. This adds a personal touch and makes for great photo opportunities.

If you're looking to buy ready-made wedding umbrellas, many retailers offer a variety of colours, including classic white and ivory, and colourful options to suit any theme. You can also find clear dome umbrellas, which are trendy and complement a modern and casual wedding theme. For a unique touch, you can opt for personalised umbrellas with your initials, a special quote, or the date of the wedding printed on them. These can also double as lovely wedding favours for your guests.

Remember, the key is to choose a size that is practical and comfortable for your guests and a colour or design that enhances the festive atmosphere of your wedding. With a little creativity and planning, your second-line umbrellas will not only provide shade or shelter from the rain but also add a touch of elegance and fun to your special day.

History and meaning: understanding the tradition and significance of second-line umbrellas

The second-line umbrella is a New Orleans tradition that epitomises "celebration". The "second line" refers to the group of people following a brass band in a street parade. The tradition began as a "jazz funeral", with the family of the deceased forming the "first line" of mourners, and other mourners forming the second line. Over time, the second line evolved into a more celebratory tradition, with participants dancing to the music, waving handkerchiefs, and twirling umbrellas.

The true origin of the second-line umbrella is unknown, but it is easy to understand its necessity given the demands of a second-line stroll through the French Quarter or other older neighbourhoods of New Orleans before the arrival of air conditioning. Carrying an umbrella for shade was very common, and it also served as a symbol of southern style, femininity, and grace. This umbrella became a staple of many southern weddings and was often an indicator of social status.

In a wedding second-line parade, the first line is usually made up of a brass band, the newly married couple, and those being honoured, such as the bridal party. The couple leads the second line, holding uniquely decorated umbrellas or parasols, followed by guests who join in the celebration. The second line signifies the start of a new life together for the couple.

The second-line umbrella tradition has also been incorporated into other celebrations and events, including political gatherings, birthday parties, grand openings, births, and funerals.

Frequently asked questions