Wearing masks in public is now an essential part of our lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it appears as though it will be a while before we can say, “masks are a thing of the past.”
Instead of seeing this as an inconvenience, we suggest leaning into the situation and adding a personalized mask to a welcome basket for family, a gift for guests during your wedding (the appropriate number of guests as directed by the city and state), or as party favors – which can also be sent to guests unable to attend your wedding.
New Orleans is filled with artists and creative people who have mostly pivoted their usual offerings to include mask. For example, online clothing store Fringe+Co (known for their sequin and fringe attire) offers “The Pizzazz Collection” of masks full of sparkle and sequin. Lionheart Prints, which specializes in hand lettered prints, stationery goods and gifts, offers both ear loop and tie-on face mask and screen-print T-shirt and gift shop Dirty Coast recently launched repeatmasks.com, where on-demand designs and custom prints can be made.
Personalizing a mask to go with your wedding is as easy as picking a color or patterned theme, adding your monogram to a wedding favor or passing out handkerchiefs for a second line parade. The plethora of colors, patterns, prints and so forth that each of the different companies and artists offer gives couples endless opportunities. Mix and match a few styles from different places and put out a basket at your ceremony to make sure each guest is adhering to COVID guidelines, or recruit Dirty Coast (or one of your favorites artist or screen-printing company) to make a specialized mask with your monogram, photo or maybe a customed piece created just for you.
Allison Behan is a local New Orleans artist and graphic designer creating original, New Orleans-themed mask designs. (Disclosure: Behan is LTEC blogger Kelly’s cousin.) Of note are the New Orleans puppy face mask, as well as the Mount Carmel Academy design – Geaux Cubs! See all of her work here, and order face masks here.
Both New Orleans & Company and SewDat.com have a list of companies and individuals who are offering facemasks. Additionally, there are a few local boutiques like Fleurty Girl, Phina, Candy Apple in Metairie, Lucy Rose and more that stock various facemask options.
