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French Romance Wedding Theme

French romance. It often doesn’t get more beautiful than that for a wedding theme and it’s one that is a universally chic choice that will stand the test of time.  Think dreamy and ethereal colours and textures of creams, pinks, French greys and Versailles style gilding.

Elegant draping and romantic fairylights help to set the scene, as well as candelabras, blush florals and chic Chiavari or Hannah Jane chairs.

Of course French food and drinks are key. Think an array of sweet treats like macaroons, mini cookies and pink champagne too.

If you’d like to chat about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

 

Colours

Getting the colour palette right, will really help to set off this stunningly romantic wedding theme. So consider carefully choices such as pinks, blush, creams, gilding, French grey and lavender. Be creative with how you use these fabulous colours. Think about having them in your flowers, bouquets and bridesmaids dresses as well as the general décor.

 

Ethereal

Channel the dreamy French romantic feeling with lots of draping and fairy lights. Think about using draping on entrances, from ceilings and on chairs to really ramp up the look. Intersperse with romantic fairylights, curtain lights and plenty of candles in varying sizes. Also use pin lighting, gobo lighting and coloured lighting to great effect.

 

 

Table Décor

Soft colours and a touch of gilding are key for this look. So consider having floral centrepieces, tall candelabras and lots of candles. Think lanterns filled with florals, gilded glassware, antique style menus and beautiful Hannah Jane or Chiavari Chairs to complete the look.

 

Food and drinks

When it comes to food and drinks, the French are masters, so why not incorporate it into your wedding day? Think Macaroons, croquembouche towers, elegant French fancies and lots of sweet treats, like delicately iced sugar cookies. And don’t forget the pretty pink champagne in antique style glassware with non-alcoholic versions on offer too.

 

Images via Pinterest 

How To Have An Outdoor Wedding In Ireland

They say that when the weather is good in Ireland, why would you want to be anywhere else, and when it comes to outdoor weddings, the same is true. The country is packed with a myriad of incredible outdoor wedding locations, such as clifftops, ancient castles, lakes, beaches, lush forests and green fields, and if you’ve always wanted to say ‘I do’ outdoors, then there can be no better place to do it in.

However, it is Ireland and of course that means changeable weather conditions, where a summer’s day in July or August can be a complete deluge. That said, it’s still possible and indeed getting more and more popular to have outdoor wedding ceremonies in Ireland; all that’s needed is a little planning and expertise.

I’ve planned and co-ordinated dozens of successful outdoor wedding ceremonies and if you’d like to chat about this, or any other aspect of your wedding day décor or planning, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

 

Have a Backup Plan

This is the most important part of having an outdoor wedding ceremony in Ireland or indeed anywhere. Having a backup plan for inclement weather, even in the height of summer, is crucial. Look for venues that have both outdoor areas where you can have your ceremony, but that also offers an indoor area where you can move to if the weather looks like it’s not going to play ball. Often venues will offer beautiful outdoor areas that may even have some kind of covering such as marquees with open sides, large gazebos, or areas with large awnings in case of rain. And have enough large umbrellas in case there is some drizzle mid ceremony.

 

Be Flexible

Understand, that while you might be dreaming of an outdoor wedding ceremony, the weather might make it impossible, so be prepared for the fact that you may have to compromise. Consider using a tent or marquee that is open on the sides but covered on the top so you still get that outdoor feel. Similarly, if you want something really atmospheric what about finding and old castle or church that is partially open to the elements, yet still provides cover for the guests.

 

 

Keep it Casual

By their very nature, outdoor wedding ceremonies tend to be a little more causal or informal, so think about doing away with set sides for the bride and grooms family and encourage them to sit where they wish. Don’t forget to experiment and have little fun with the seating set up. Forget stuffy church pews and have chairs arranged in a spiral with the couple in the middle, or why not have bales of hay dotted around for guests to sit on.

 

Have Fun

Why not keep the outdoor theme running and consider having your food outside too? Think food trucks, BBQ’s and informal dining. Or if you want to have your food indoors in a more formal set up, then why not have some outdoor games set up for after the meal. Think giant Jenga, boules, ring toss and even life-size chess.

 

 

Plum and Sage Wedding Theme

Winter weddings are special. While for many couples the ideal time of year to tie the knot is summer, there are a growing cohort who are coming to appreciate the unique nature of a winter time wedding. There’s plenty to love about this time of year, the beauty of the changing leaves, the bare trees against the green, the possibility of snow, the cosiness of a roaring fire and even a few truly stand out pictures with the rain can all be a real draw.

Plus at this time of year availability for your favourite bands, venues and vendors can be much more accessible not to mention the savings too.

So now you’re sold on the idea, it is time to think about how you’d like your winter wedding to look and while it’s tempting to go for traditional hues of silvers, golds, reds and greens, think about something a little different such as the rich seasonal hues of plum and sage.

We’ve put together some ideas to whet your appetite, but if you’d like to chat further about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

Florals
From buttonholes to bouquets, choosing vibrant florals in shades of plums, purples, lavenders against rich greens is a virial treat for the eyes. It can really bring warmth and depth to the day and work well with tweed for men and of course provides a stunning contrast for the brides dress, as well as the bridesmaid’s dresses.

 

Centrepieces
Centrepieces really bring your venue to life and with this colour palette there’s huge scope to be as vibrant or subtle as you wish. From rich table runners or table cloths in purple and plum, to contrasting flowers, rustic boxes filled with green cacti and purple flowers, lanterns or birdcages, purple or green ombre coloured mason jars, to stark white candles wrapped in greens, there’s so much to think about.

Chairs
Chairs are another sometimes overlooked way to get colour into your wedding day décor and while sashes are the obvious choice, you can also think about using draping, cushions, ribbons and florals to make the colours really stand out.

 

Room Décor
There’s plenty of ways to add touches of plum and sage accents around the room as well as on your tables. Paper lanterns and pompoms are a wonderful way to do this and can look very dramatic, as can garlands on fireplaces and staircases. Backdrops are also well worth considering and can work as a sort of DIY photobooth for the day too!

 

 

Dramatic Draping at a Wedding

When you first see your wedding venue, it’s nice to try visualise how it will look on your own wedding day. Often it can be set up fully or partially to give you an idea of how it can look, but if you have your own vision of how you want the room to look on the day, then it’s important to try and visualise in your mind where you plan to add your own little touches.

Draping is one such way to add your own stamp on your big day and it can have a dramatic effect on your wedding day décor. A relatively simple thing, yet it instantly adds an air of romance and an elegant inviting atmosphere for your guests. Think light, chiffon style material that can be hung from the ceiling to add a soft ethereal feel, on walls as backdrops, on room pillars, at entrances, on staircases, on chairs and don’t forget all the different ways you can adorn the draping – such as with lights, metallics, and colour.

If you’d like to chat about this or any aspect of your wedding day décor, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

 

In the Church/At the Ceremony
Always remember that your church or ceremony venue is going to be your guest’s first impression of your wedding day, so it’s important to make sure you add some little touches to make it feel personal and special and that it reflects your theme for the day to come. Draping can look stunning on the entrance to your church or venue. Think white chiffon style material draped in either one or two curtains, as well as draping on the pew ends. Also if your church or venue allows, why not have a gazebo-style look over the ceremony itself made out of chiffon and if you’re saying ‘I do’ outdoors, this can work particularly well.

 

In the Venue

Make sure to discuss your plans for draping with your venue in advance so they can accommodate your wishes. Draping was made for ceilings and you can place the material in a variety of ways depending on your room size and of course ceiling height, but draping works so well on practically all venues, including barns, ballrooms and marquees. Also think about draping on walls for backdrops, over the top table, on any awkward pillars, windows and staircases too.

On Chairs
Draping can look truly stunning on your chairs and there’s so many ways you can go with the look. From elaborate draping designs, to just small touches on one side of the chair itself, it really depends on how you want the draping to look in terms of the overall theme of the room.

 

Variations and Adornments
Draping doesn’t just have to be plain white or cream. In fact, it can look particularly well if you match in with the colour palette of the day. Also consider the addition of small fairy style lights with the draping itself, for a totally incredible look that is nothing short of stunning. Also play around with different materials and don’t be afraid to use a contrast of materials too for great effect.