Unconventional Wedding Accessories to Make Your Theme Stand Out
- Kendra W. Houston
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Written by Kendra W. Houston | Artist & Fashion Designer
Kendra specializes in creating one-of-a-kind clothing items by hand-painting custom designs on them. She works with clients looking for something truly unique to wear for their weddings, charity galas, and other special occasions.
Your wedding theme
From afternoon at the courthouse to big white church affair, most weddings have a theme of some sort: a defining element of the event or the couple that sets the day apart. A few examples are:
the location
interests
favorite colors
the "vibe" that you want
There aren't really rules! A huge part of making it all come together is through your wedding outfits.
A hand-painted accessory is an excellent way to add a little something personalized and creative to your look. Getting something custom means your piece is one-of-a-kind and can be made to fit with literally any idea. I hope these three unconventional wedding accessory examples give you some fun inspiration for your own themed ensemble!
Get a custom hand-painted wedding accessory of your own
If you’d like to elevate your own wedding with a custom piece, I can help! Let’s create something for you to wear that’s unique, creative, and 100% made for you.
1.
The Theme: Library wedding... Books, reading, libraries
Maybe the two of you first bonded over a special book or a shared love of reading? Maybe your event is being held at a beautiful historic library? This unique theme is equal parts cozy and classy, deserving a piece of clothing to match.
The accessory: "Mine and Thine" hand-painted shoes
Shoes are a perfect option for celebrating your theme in a cute, understated way. They're a small enough canvas to not often be the center of the show, and can include little touches just for the two of you, which make them an ideal creative wedding accessory. One of these pairs has paintings of a library scene fit for fairytale royalty; the other is a subtle take on a bookshelf, featuring each person's favorite books. The tiny details on this set are what make them truly special.
2.
The Theme: New England coastal wedding
Think breezy ceremony on the shore, reception in the ballroom of an old-money mansion. Think fresh, timeless, and FUN.
The Accessory: Hand-painted bow veil
Bold statement head and hair accessories have become a popular way to add creative wow factor, especially if you're deciding to go more classic elsewhere in your outfit. I've seen pieces like feathered fedoras, embroidered veils, and jeweled headbands. Hand-painted is a new take that allows you to be more detailed and specific, like this delightful bow veil featuring a quintessential seaside vista. It's made complete with an ombre effect on the bottom of the tulle. "Something blue," anyone?
3.
The Theme: Cottagecore Woodland wedding
If your aisle is the forest floor, canopied by trees and sprinkled with wildflowers, you're going to want to walk down it in something that blends seamlessly into your magical surroundings.
The Accessory: Hand-painted detachable dress train
Climbing Rose vines, ferns, mushrooms, and moss...this train is straight out of a storybook. Will a pair of rabbits hop out and volunteer as ring bearers? I'm suddenly starting to feel like the chances are no longer zero. Plus, detachable trains like this one are a wonderfully practical option for people who want a separate reception look (the better for dancing the night away), but without the hassle of entirely changing outfits.
Your Own Unconventional Wedding Accessory
It's hard to beat wearing actual one-of-a-kind artwork on your wedding day, especially if it's created just for you and your unique story. Getting a custom hand-painted accessory might be the special touch your outfit has been waiting for. The sooner you reach out the better, so let's start the conversation today!
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About Kendra
Kendra W. Houston is a visual artist and fashion designer who specializes in customizing clothing items by painting one-of-a-kind designs on them by hand.
She is based out of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and appreciates contributing to the slow fashion movement in one of the birthplaces of American industrial textile mills. She works out of a cozy home studio, assisted by her pet rabbit Tiverton.
Kendra's designs are detailed and immersive, often reflecting things that hold special significance to the wearer. The name of her brand, The Casual Reply, comes from a line in a John Denver song: “talk to God and listen to the casual reply.”
Each one of her items is a handcrafted work of fine art that is nonetheless intended to be used and worn as an entirely functional clothing item. Continuing and meaningfully adding to the story of a garment using unconventional, personal themes and designs is a source of true joy for Kendra in pursuing this calling.
She regularly participates as a featured designer in charity fashion shows as well as juried art events throughout New England.