Bali umbrellas are everywhere these days as evidenced by the recent cover of the J. Crew Catalog shown below. They are hot and trendy right now but rooted in solid tradition. The decorative colorful canopy fabrics with traditional motifs drawn from nature combined with the symbolism of the umbrella as shelter provide a perfect background for celebration.
For beach destination weddings, a Balinese umbrella is the perfect accent with all of the romance of the parasol and design made for natural surroundings. To secure the umbrella in the sand you can buy a a bucket, fill rock in around it (smaller rocks work best to limit movement of the pole) or get a piece of pvc pipe slightly larger than the umbrella pole and fill in around it with quick cement creating a permanent base for the umbrella. Bury the bucket in the sand and your’e good to go!
Garden Parties are all about celebrating nature and the summer season. A bali umbrella is by nature festive and earthy at the same time.
The colors are vivid and lend themselves naturally to outdoor decor creating a festive atmosphere.
The patterns are usually small in keeping with the tradition of hand blocked motifs drawn from natural elements including leaves, floral, and living creatures. This allows for a great mixing of other larger patterns in pillows and cushions that can carry the same theme with larger motifs that work together so easily. A small leaf pattern on the umbrella can be a jumping off point to a larger leaf design for the pillows. Applique designs, Suzani prints, and embroidery on solids and prints can all be used to enhance the look.
Add on dangling capis shells, brass bells, gold hearts and finials and you’ve got a backdrop for your celebration of bohemian bliss!