The Party Dress » bridesmaid dresses

Wedding Inspiration: Pretty in Plaid

Kelly — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:00:39 +0000

For a summertime wedding full of charm, take some old “country” ideas and update them to create a modern event that will have the town talking for weeks! If you are a bride planning an outdoor, casual wedding, opt for a short wedding gown, such as this one from Amsale. Short and sassy will not only update your look, but it will keep you cool on the dance floor!

Green and purple are a natural pair….but instead of opting for soft, pastel colors…..go bold! A chartreuse green and strong purple will bring your event to life and you can have a ton of fun with your decor. Use white and green as your base colors, and pop in the purple in all of your floral details.

Update a classic white wedding invitation with a bold green monogram like this one from Wedding Paper Divas, and carry the green ink thru all of your stationery. Wedding programs, thank you cards, even the placecards. When it comes to decorating your tables, take a cue from those old “country charm” ideas I mentioned above and use a plaid table cloth. Done in these bold colors, it looks updated and fresh….perfect for a summer wedding! I love the centerpieces on this table! They took footed trifle bowls and filled them with a large bunch of the same bloom – here they used irises. The single bloom, and bold color from the irises is a more modern look – paired with the plaid table cloth – it’s the perfect combination!

Carry the green throughout your event by creating a dessert buffet to surround the wedding cake. Dessert buffets offer your guests a bunch of options in terms of dessert, and when they are done in a monochromatic theme they look oh, so sophisticated!

Images: short wedding gown (amsale.com), purple bouquet (theknot.com), plaid table setting (brides.com), invitation (weddingpaperdivas.com), lime placecards (realsimple.com), dessert buffet (amyatlas.com)

White Wedding

Kelly — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:36 +0000

I always dreamed of having a white wedding….there is just something so elegant and romantic about it! I was married in October, so the white color palette just wasn’t going to work for me….but for all of you brides out there, I encourage you to explore the possibilities of a white, white wedding!

I think of white as a very “classic” color. You can give it a modern edge by using some un-traditional items in your centerpieces and decorations. I love the look of the white twigs in the centerpieces pictured above…..a touch of natural beauty, but placed with large, white blooms it creates a perfect balance of elegant and traditional, with a touch of modern appeal. Decorations don’t have to be complicated or elaborate! Have a room full of plain doors?! Hang a wreath of white flowers on each door….not only with the repetition be stunning, but it’s a simple way to elevate the space.

Images: bridal party (theknot.com), bouquet and wreath (projectwedding.com), table setting, white urn, party favor (brides.com), wedding cake (thecakegirls.com)

Wedding Inspiration for a Georgia Peach

Kelly — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Today I am answering an e-mail from one of my readers….

“I am in the beginning stages of planning my wedding and desperately need some help! I am a southern belle and want to have an outdoor wedding in my home state of Georgia. I’m looking for a color palette that incorporates the color peach – but I don’t want anything too traditional. I want it to look fun and special! Can you help me?“

An outdoor wedding for a Georgia Peach….here you go!

Start with your color palette – peach, with accents of lime green, yellow and white. It’s fresh and will look fun and modern in your outdoor setting.

Since your wedding will be outside – provide your guests with a colorful fan that doubles as your ceremony program.

In order to keep your space light and airy, keep everything white – the tent (which would be stunning draped with white lanterns!), white chairs, and white pillows on the lounging furniture. Use your pop colors – peach, lime green, and yellow – in your accents. A green and white stripe table cloth gives a garden feel, and orange cocktails passed by waiters, and a cake adorned with colorful sweet pea flowers complete the vision.

Since your wedding is outdoors, make sure to keep the attire in line with the dressiness of the event. Instead of having your groom wear a tuxedo, try a tan suit with a tie that incorporates all of your pop colors. Have the bridesmaids wear your signature color of peach – tea-length or short would be most appropriate (and the girls will be so thankful they don’t have to wear a long dress on a hot, summer day!). Have the bridesmaids carry bouquets of crisp, white flowers – but for – you should stand out with a bouquet of peach roses!

Images: tie, bridesmaids, table setting, bouquet, and programs (theknot.com), tent lounge area (swsmag.com), sweet pea cake (brides.com)

COLOR: Bold Teal and Orchid

Kelly — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:00:42 +0000

A lot of the COLOR posts I do focus on the pretty, pale colors…..not today! Today is all about bold, bold, bold!

My inspiration today is a beautiful room I found on the Harlequin Fabric & Wallpaper website. Harlequin is a company in the UK that offers an eclectic, elegant, and versatile range of weaves, prints and wallcoverings that will satisfy the most demanding of tastes.

Shades of deep teal, popped with orchid purple and accents of brown and white….this color palette has a stunning wedding written all over it!

White flowers and dishes look fresh up against the strong teal walls and linens – add a touch of chocolate brown by tying a ribbon on your teal favor boxes and place them on each seat. You can also bring in the brown color and satisfy your guest’s sweet tooth by offering a lavish chocolate buffet for dessert! Offer cellophane bags and teal ribbon to pack up some goodies to bring home at the end of the evening. Deep shades of color, stunning accents and an evening rich in love – perfect!

Images: teal room (harlequin.uk.com), boutonniere and calla lilly bouquet (weddingchannel.com), table (theknot.com), bridesmaid dresses (swsmag.com), welcome sign (theknot.com), favor boxes (aboutdetailsdetails.com), chocolate buffet (brides.com)

Trend Alert: Grey & Yellow

Kelly — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:39:04 +0000

Yellow – one of my favorites! By pairing it with different colors, it can take on so many different lives.

Pair it with pink, orange, turquoise – it becomes a bit of a fiesta! Placed with black & white – it is bold. Nestled between sky blue and pale green, it is the ideal palette for a baby shower.

This season – I am seeing a ton of yellow and pale grey mixed together. It’s somewhat of an unlikely pairing, but is really attractive! I like it especially in the home. Grey is a great neutral backdrop that gives you the opportunity to change up your pop colors seasonally. This season….I hope you will choose yellow!

Images: pillows (styleathome.com), little girl (ba-reps.com), yellow dress (jcrew.com), place setting (theknot.com), patio set (crateandbarrel.com), gift (carolynroehm.com)

A Modern Twist on a Black & White Wedding

Kelly — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:03:16 +0000

There are so many options when it comes to planning a wedding with a black & white color palette….an elegant black tie affair, a modern event in a lounge with all white furniture….or you could go this route:

Clean polka dots and stripes, happy flowers and a ruffle here or there – creates a modern, somewhat preppy event.

The gerber daisy centerpiece is an idea that you could do for any special occassion – and would be darling in any color.