Mannequins and weddings? It sounds like an unusual pairing until you see it in action. And once you do, you will wonder why nobody told you sooner.
For more than two decades, brides, wedding planners, and photographers have been finding creative ways to use Mannequin Madness’s products and services at weddings. In case you don’t know, here are the four most popular Mannequin Madness strategies of our behind-the-scenes involvement.
1 Dress Forms to Display Wedding Gowns
The number one reason brides shop at Mannequin Madness is to rent or buy a dress form for the bridal suite getting-ready photos.
This idea was likely created by wedding photographers, since a gown on a dress form photographs much better than one on a hanger or bed.
A dress form holds a bridal gown’s intended shape and structure, allowing photographers to capture more of the dress’s unique features. Besides, heavy gowns hung for too long on a hanger can stretch and pull at the fabric – not a good look for photos.
For a curated collection of bridal pre-ceremony photos using a dress form, visit this Pinterest board.
Brides also rent forms to display wedding gowns worn by family members at their bridal shower or wedding reception.
The display is a tribute to their loved ones, whether living or deceased. A crowd-pleasing alternative is to display the gown worn by the bride’s mother. Everyone loves a trip down memory lane with heirloom wedding gowns once worn, along with accompanying wedding-day photos.
For more examples of heirloom wedding gown displays visit this Pinterest board.
We offer two rental packages: one with a dress form only or our bridal package, which includes a dress form, a garment rack with hangers, and a steamer.
Some brides purchase (rather than rent) a dress form to create a permanent display of their wedding gown in a shadow box at home. They treat their wedding gown like a work of art to be admired, not stuffed away in a box.
The dress form allows the gown to maintain its shape, and be visible. For more examples of displays like this in the home, visit this Pinterest board.
2 One-of-a-Kind Wedding Décor
Over the years, we’ve seen our mannequins transformed into wedding décor in ways we never imagined. Our philosophy is: “The more unique, the better.”
Some couples turn a mannequin into a balloon dress, that is, a striking, photo-worthy highlight for a reception or a photo backdrop, built entirely from balloons in the couple’s color palette.
Other brides use dress forms as a floral display base—covered in fresh or faux greenery or flowers for centerpieces or floor displays. And once the wedding is over, the dress form can be repurposed to display clothing, jewelry, etc.
For dessert tables, a mannequin torso can serve as a cupcake stand, converting a standard dessert display into a fashion-forward conversation piece. Again, color and style can vary, depending on the bridal palette.
Creative couples and wedding planners often see possibilities where others see only a props. For them, a mannequin isn’t a mannequin — it’s a blank canvas. More Pinterest on using dress forms as wedding decor are noted here.
3 A Custom Bridal Headpiece Made with Faux Flowers
Brides also come to Mannequin Madness to design their wedding headpiece in our Sunday flower crown class. Even brides who don’t consider themselves crafty discover that, with help from our design team, they can create the exact style they have in mind.
We provide premium faux flowers instead of fresh ones, so brides can make their headpiece weeks or even months ahead of the wedding. Faux flowers also give them access to flowers that might otherwise be out of season without the worry about refrigeration, wilting, or delicate blooms getting damaged before the ceremony.
We also offer adornments like butterflies, pearls, lace, feathers, and sparkly accents for brides to embellish their flower crowns. Many brides appreciate that faux flowers give them the option to wear their flower crowns on other special occasions long beyond the wedding. Imagine wearing your bridal crown on a 5-year anniversary date with your husband.
Several women have added personal touches to their flower crown designs, especially brides getting married for the second time or having a vow renewal ceremony. A bride might also add an heirloom brooch from her mother or aunt, or a “lucky charm” from her childhood.
The bride in the photo above wrapped her headband with a necktie that had belonged to her late father. She wore it as a sentimental way of including his presence at her wedding.
Her mother came to the class and created a headpiece to match the ensemble she bought in Africa to wear to the wedding. See photo below. Neither of these women had made a flower crown before and yet they were so pleased with their finished designs.
4 A Unique Venue for Multi-Generational Pre-Wedding Celebrations
Our mannequin showroom sometimes doubles as a one-of-a-kind venue for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and other pre-wedding celebrations. Brides turn our flower crown class into their private party where they can offer food and drink, open presents, take photos in our photo studio, and play their favorite music on our sound system.
Wedding planning can be stressful, and our space offers a perfect refuge. Making something by hand is relaxing and grounding. The design process stimulates dialogue and creates the type of conversations that don’t happen as easily over drinks at a bar or dinner at a restaurant.
Additionally, it is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy together, and everyone leaves with a keepsake to remind them of the wedding for years to come.
5 Reimagine, Reuse, Remember
Weddings generate a lot of paraphernalia that often ends up packed or thrown away — flowers, decorations, even the dress itself. At Mannequin Madness, we believe those things can have a second life.
A flower crown becomes a keepsake instead of compost. A dress form, purchased for the big day, gives a wedding gown a permanent display in your home. And the moments shared in our space — whether it’s a flower crown class with your bridal party or an afternoon with your mom designing headpieces side by side — become memories that last far longer than the day itself.
We’ve spent more than two decades helping people repurpose mannequins and dress forms in creative ways. If you’re planning a wedding — or helping someone you love plan one — we’d love to help you find a few delightful ways to make it even more memorable.
Visit our website to shop for mannequins and dress forms, rent display pieces, or recycle your old mannequins.
