table decor

How To Do A Vintage Wedding Theme

 

The vintage wedding theme is still one of the most popular choices for couples these days. Its popularity remains strong, thanks to its adaptability, budget friendly ways and because it is still one of the most beautiful wedding themes to bring to life.

There are so many ways to channel a vintage theme. So many decades to focus on, that it can appeal to different personalities and couples. You can have just a few small vintage touches or you can go all out with larger statements of retro.  That’s the beauty of this theme.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to interpreting the vintage theme. Raid attics, raid skips, to go auctions and embrace upcycling in a big way.

Here’s some ideas to get the creative juices going. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

 

Attire

One of the most stunning ways to set a vintage tone for your wedding day is with your attire. Brides are embracing retro and vintage styles of dresses, going for pretty detailing and classic cuts over more modern shapes. Don’t be afraid to bring it through to your bridesmaids too and let’s not forget the men! Retro and vintage suits are another big trend at the moment, so define the era you’re trying to emulate and stick with it. If you really want to make a splash, why not ask your guests to embrace the attire of your chosen era too, for extra fun.

 

Transport

One of the easiest ways to channel the vintage theme is with your wedding transport. Yes we’re talking about vintage cars. And you don’t necessarily have to go for the traditional types of cars either, such as a Rolls Royce. Why not have a little fun with VW Camper vans, mini coopers and even vintage motorbikes with side cars or push bikes?

 

On The Table

You can really go wild in terms of on the table vintage inspiration. Anything from stacks of old books, vintage birdcages filled with flowers, retro weighing scales topped with florals or candles, vintage cameras and old photos, retro style tins, pocket watches, old unusual bottles filled with candles, vintage sewing machines. The list is endless. Remember to dress them up with key florals and items made from burlap and lace are the ideal partners to reinforce that vintage look.

 

Around The Room

When it comes to placing vintage pieces around your wedding venue or ceremony, you can make a big impact for a small investment. Think about having stacks of retro suitcases, why not even use one for your guests to put their wedding cards? Vintage items like typewriters and gramophones make stunning focal points and again can cost next to nothing. You can make an even bigger impact with upcycled chests of drawers which you could use as your dessert or cake area too. And if you really want to go big and have the budget, why not seek out larger vintage pieces like a retro telephone box! It would look stunning in situ and can double as an ideal photobooth for your guests too.

 

 

 

 

Velvet Crush Wedding Theme

This year velvet is making a big impression on weddings. A beautiful fabric, full of rich texture and visual impact, there are dozens of ways to bring a touch of velvet into your wedding décor.

From pops of velvet in the bridal party’s attire, to delicate details on bouquets and to adding well placed elements in the reception itself, expect to see velvet popping up everywhere.

It’s a versatile fabric that can be used in plenty of ways, although it is probably best to stick with accents rather than having velvet overload. There’s a range of colours to choose from, but if you want to keep it classic think of rich tones of purples, sage, red and blush pink.

Ideal for weddings with a more vintage vibe or elegant theme to it, don’t be afraid to have fun and contrast the beautiful texture with sharper finishes such as cool metal or wood.

Here’s some ideas to get your thinking. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Flowers

One of the best ways to include a touch of velvet into your big day is with your bouquet. Think velvet style ribbon detailing on the brides bouquet or indeed the bridesmaid flowers too. Go for a colour that compliments your chosen florals and ensure the ribbon becomes a feature in itself to enhance the elegance of the bouquet.

 

Clothing           

Expect to see lots of pretty velvet accents appearing in the bridal parties clothing this year. From velvet shoes to velvet bow ties or even grooms jackets, this is a trend that crosses all gender lines for the couple. If you want to go all out, why not have your bridesmaids in velvet dresses? Invest in a velvet bolero for the bride, or if you want to add detailing to your dress why not have a visually impactful velvet bow around the waist of the dress?

 

On the Table

There’s plenty of ways to add velvet accents to your wedding tables. Think about velvet style table runners, or velvet ribbons around the menus or place cards. Velvet sashes on chairs will make for a stunning counterpoint with draping for example. Play around with textures when it comes to velvet and have a mix of finishes on the table. Cool metal or wood work well as contrasting textures for velvet.

 

Around the Room  

There so many ways to have fun with velvet around your venue. From adding velvet ribbons to garlands, to going big with velvet style backdrop for photos or even some upcycled velvet couches for guests to chill out on and for use for some great wedding photos, don’t be afraid to get creative.

 

 

Pink & Grey Wedding Theme

Pink and grey is a colour combination made in heaven. It’s a classic duo that has stood the test of time and works universally for all weddings, no matter what theme you are going for.

From blush pink shades to hotter pinks, to steel greys and lighter greys, there’s a whole host of variation to choose from within these two main colours.

The great thing about pink and grey, is that they are so versatile and can be brought into all aspects of the wedding, from the gents suits, to the bouquets, to the stationary to the room décor itself, the possibilities are endless. Plus because it’s a popular colour combination it should be relatively easy to find lots of fab décor to dress your room.

Here’s some visual inspiration for you. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Attire

Grey suits are a universally flattering choice for the groom and/or groomsmen. Pairing them with a pink tie is always a winner and if you’re not sure what to pick in terms of colours for the gents, then you can’t go wrong with this combo. Also it’s a colour that works well for bridesmaids, think blush pink gowns with grey florals or vice versa or try alternating colours in your gowns for an on trend contrast.  

 

 

Flowers

Again, there’s something so classically beautiful about pink and grey florals and they are colours that are generally speaking going to work with most dresses, suits and skin tones. You don’t have to stick with the lighter, blush tones of course. You can add in pops of hot pink and sharp steel grey too, or even succulents with shades of pink and grey to mix things up and give it a vibrant twist.

 

On The Table

Have fun with table cloths from steel grey to blush pink. Think oversized pom poms in a range of pinks alongside grey lanterns, pink ribbon, roses and don’t forget Mason jars sprayed in shades of the two colours. You could also extend the theme into your chairs, with sashes, or draping to add a show stopping finish.

 

 

The Cake

Marble and granite are two very on trend effects right now in terms of weddings and for this colour palette, it tends to work very well for cakes. Think pink layers, marble effect layers and playing around with textures from mirror shine, to buttercream to fondant icing, interspersed with touches of glitter here and there.

 

Images via Pinterest

Ultra Violet Pantone Colour of the Year

Ultra violet is the Pantone colour of the year for 2018 and it is truly stunning. Vivid, bright and eye-catching this is a colour you can really use to make your wedding pop. While it can be tempting to go all out, it does have the potential to overwhelm the look of your wedding, so when using it, use it carefully.

For example, think about using it for you bridesmaid dresses as a stunning counterpoint to your dress, but then don’t go for all out purple décor in your venue, instead add subtle pops here and there. Or use shades of ultra violet and purple instead of one big splash of colour.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

Flowers

Go for a few perfectly placed vivid ultra violet blooms interspersed with hits of blush and lots of greenery for a really on trend take that will look superb against the white or creams of the brides dress. Don’t forget things like Hydrangeas and of course Lavender. Be sure to match the buttonholes to the gent’s suits as say a light navy or blue might clash with the ultra violet. Experiment with succulents or even purple sprouting broccoli in your bouquets which look fantastic in purple shades with a hit of green.

 

 

Attire

Bridesmaids dresses in this vivid ultra violet shade provide a stunning contrast against the brides dress and will look incredible in the photos. If that seems a little OTT, then why not think about having the brides shoes in ultra violet for a pop of unexpected colour? Add a purple sash to your flower girls dresses. For the men, you could add some ultra violet ties, or even socks for another unexpected dash of colour.

 

Table and Room Décor

For a big hit of colour consider ultra violet table cloths. If that sounds a little too much then try napkins or glassware as a great focal point. Purple candles, florals and low level boxes filled with lavender or succulents will look stunning. Why not get DIY and paint some mason jars and fill with florals in shades of purple. Use purple coloured lighting in the room to set a stunning scene too and string purple pompoms or paper lanterns around the venue or over the dancefloor.

 

 

Food and Drink

Why not create some bespoke purple cocktails and lemonades for guests on arrival instead of traditional bubbles? Little touches like macaroons work so well in this colour palette too. When it comes to the main cake, the ever popular geode style cake trend was made for a hit of ultra violet! Think purple ombre buttercream finishes as well as tiers dressed with marbling and offset with vivid hits of full on purple.

 

Images via pinterest 

Marble Wedding Theme

If you’re looking for an ultra-cool, right on-trend theme for your wedding day, then the marble effect is for you. Think minimalist, clean lines with subtle colour palettes and you’ve got it. Marbling is a great way to add texture and works incredibly well with greys, light pinks, crisp whites and greenery for a really modern touch to your wedding décor.
Of course you don’t have to stick to the rule book when it comes to this trend. Indeed, marbling doesn’t have to be confined to muted tones of grey. Remember those fun oil marbling effect paintings most of us did in school? Well keep that in mind when it comes to marbling embellishments and why not expand the colour palettes to include anything from pastels, to brights and bolds.
If you’d like to chat about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor and planning, then please don’t hesitate to email me directly.

 

Stationary and Signage
Marbling works so well for invites and save the dates so have a look at the designs that are out there. A marbled menu on each place setting will also add visual texture to your tables. Also think about having some strategic signage throughout the day too. And they don’t have to be made out of marble, regular card printed with marbling effect will work just as well.

 

Finishing Touches
Think marbled table runners, dishes or napkins. Why not use some marbled ribbon wound around candles or lanterns, or why not just go for a few marbled accents such as balloons or aisle runners? Or instead of the traditional guest book, why not get a customised piece of marble for guests to sign? It can become a bespoke piece of art for your home afterwards.

 

Favours
Cakepops or cookies covered in swirls of chocolate will look stunning or why not get creative and make some homemade soap with marbling effect? Marble coasters with guest’s names can easily double as favours and escort cards and they don’t have to be made out of real marble either, regular card with a marble effect printed on it will look just as good. Or what about regular place cards sitting in marble stones?

 

Cakes
Your wedding cake is a great way to channel your theme and marbling is one of the hottest cake trends of recent times and it’s not hard to see why. From greys, to pinks and beyond, using marbling turns your wedding cake into a beautiful piece of art you almost won’t want to cut it will look so good.

 

 

Baking Wedding Theme

With shows like the Great British Bake Off taking centre stage, baking has become one of the most popular pastimes for many people. And if you and your partner fancy yourselves as a bit of a Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood in the kitchen, then why not channel that shared passion into your wedding day décor?

It’s a hugely fun wedding theme idea and it has massive scope for some truly fabulous visual touches, plus it’s quite inexpensive to source lots of the essential items. Think retro weighing scales, old tins, tea sets, edible favours and bunting.

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

 

Vintage Centrepieces

Vintage works so well for a baking theme and the sky is the limit when it comes to centrepieces. Think old fashioned weighing scales filled with flowers,  retro baking bowls, pastel cake stands or domes filled with flowers and candles, tea pots and tea sets sitting on top of old cookbooks and lots of doilies too!

 

Retro Tins

Retro and vintage style baking and tea tins are perfect for filling with flowers and dotting around the room as well as on the table or as part of the centrepieces. Raid the attic, vintage fairs, flea markets and auctions for some old tins and if you can’t find any, try some artisan baking shops and let’s not forget modern retro tins like Lyle’s Golden Syrup and Irel Coffee.

 

Favours

Everyone loves an edible favour, so this is your chance to really go for it. Think about cupcakes, cakepops and macaroons or why not make some DIY baking kits in jars containing all of the dry ingredients. Bundle together mini spatulas and wooden spoons with bespoke napkins with the wedding date on it. Or why not show off your skills with some homemade jams or chutneys in jars?

 

 

Have Fun with Signs and Bunting

Baking of course lends itself so well to lots of fun puns, such as ‘the perfect recipe for love’ etc, so don’t be afraid to embrace it and create some signage to have around the room. And how could you have a baking themed wedding without the infamous words of Marie Antoinette ‘Let them eat Cake!’ Or why not channel the kitsch of the Great British Bake Off Tent with some bunting and gingham?

 

 

 

How To Use Greenery In Your Wedding Decor

A big trend this year has been for greenery in wedding décor. On first thought, it may seem a little boring when compared to colourful florals, but on the contrary, using bold greens in your décor can be incredibly stunning. Think of a vibrant array of greens against crisp whites for the ultimate look. They can also be much more budget friendly then fresh florals, which is another major plus to consider.

There’s also a huge range of greens to choose from, such as ferns, herbs, boxwood, moss, eucalyptus, lambs ear, lavender, gypsophila, banana leaf, bamboo, holly and many more. And there’s so many ways to incorporate them into your wedding day décor and theme, for example using more banana style leaves will give it a tropical theme, whereas more moss and ferns will make it feel more woodland. From the ceremony itself, to the room décor and even in your bouquets, greenery is the really versatile addition to your wedding day.

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.

 

In the Ceremony
Greenery works incredibly well for your ceremony pew ends. It can look so atmospheric especially in a church setting. If you’re going for lanterns, then why not surround them with a mini garland or greens or use mini green wreaths on each pew? Alternatively a scattering of green leaves can look stunning along the aisle and don’t forget an arch, which can look incredibly eye-catching in vibrant greens.

 

On the Table
Table runners work so well especially for long tables, but don’t discount it for round tables too. Use the greenery in a circle for a unique centrepiece that will really stand out. Also think about wrapping candles in greens, bamboo or leaves and why not use larger banana style leaves for the each guests place name.

 

Favours
Herbs are a super quirky idea for favours, especially if you and your husband or wife to be have a bit of a green thumb. You can give guests mini potted herbs or even some seeds for them to grow. Micro cacti works really well too.

 

Hanging Greenery
If you don’t want to go for greenery on your tables or around the room, but would like to incorporate it in other ways then think about going for hanging greens. It can be a real stand out detail of your décor and is relatively easy to pull off. Just take a hula hoop and some greens and you’re got a readymade woodland chandelier! Also inverted lace parasols stuffed with greens make ideal hanging décor too. Greenery can be hung over the top table, the dancefloor, over a dessert station or cake table, or indeed over each table.

 

Staircases
If you’re lucky enough to have a staircase in your wedding venue, then make the most of it, by styling it with some dramatic greens. It is a look that works so well and especially when you team the greens with simple candles. It is surprisingly impressive and very simple to pull off.

 

Pretty Pearls Wedding Decor

There’s something very classic and elegant about pearls. Maybe it’s the whole Breakfast at Tiffany’s feel, or perhaps it’s the simple beauty of a pearl necklace, but whichever it is, their natural elegance makes them an ideal choice for wedding day décor. Aside from having pearls in the brides dress or jewellery selections, pearls can work incredibly well in a variety of ways on your big day. Pearls are the perfect partner to lace too, so consider that when you’re thinking about how you want your décor to look.

You don’t have to go over the top with the pearl detail either for it to look well. Indeed something as simple as a sprinkling of pearls on each table or some small accents on the chairs can be enough to make a subtle yet elegant impression. And don’t forget to add some colour in there too. Not all pearl style décor has to be white or cream. In fact accents of blush or blues can work really well.

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

 

Bouquets/Buttonholes
Pearls wound around the base of the bride’s bouquet can look extremely elegant and classic and will be a subtle yet beautiful detail to add into your wedding day photos. Adding a few pearls to the grooms buttonhole is another really nice touch. If you want to kick it up a notch, why not add pearls into the bouquet itself or indeed have a boutique made entirely of different sized pearls for a really stunning effect?

 

Chairs
Pearls are a wonderful alternative to traditional chair covers and sashes. They also work well with almost all types of chairs, but are especially suited to Chiavari chairs. For a simple look, drape some pearls over the back of the chairs or from the sides. If you prefer something a little more ornate, then why not combine the pearls with ribbon and flowers for something really stunning.

 

Centrepieces and Table Décor
Pearls work incredibly well as part of your centrepieces and general table décor. Why not drape over and in birdcages and branches? Wind some around mason jars or tea lights? Filling vases with pearls and topping with candles is such a simple yet effective way to add some instant elegance to the table. Speaking of simple, a sprinkle on the table itself looks great too. Why not have pearls cascading from oversized martini style glasses for a real Gatsby-esque feel. Pearl pomanders are easy to source and look stunning on the tables and around the room too.
Table decor

 

Cakes
Finally don’t forget your cake! Pearls make a great addition to your wedding cake, or indeed cupcakes if you’re having some of those. Add simple accents of pearls, or go for the full Marie Antoinette style feel with tiers of pearl details; it’s entirely up to you!

 

 

Barn Style Wedding Theme

Barn style themes for weddings have been a popular choice for the last number of years. It’s a trend that has its roots in the United States and eventually made its way to this side of the pond and it’s not hard to see why the theme is so popular. Full of rustic charm and ideal for a more laid back sort of wedding day, it can make for a truly unique and spectacular look.

Thankfully the number of barn inspired venues has increased in recent years, so now couples can find a venue that will work with the theme well, but bear in mind that for whatever reason, even if you are unable to secure a barn style venue, that doesn’t mean you cannot channel the vibe with some carefully chosen décor items. Think about rustic elements, such as barrels, wood, palettes, hay, mason jars, burlap, bunting and long tables.

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

 

Room Décor
String lights wound around any beams or rafters work really well, as do bistro style lights hanging over the tables. Have fun with authentic hay bale sofas and props like cowbells! Old wooden barrels make fantastic props, top them with flowers, photos of you both as a couple or why not use them as your cake or dessert stations? Wood boxes and crates work really well stacked and topped with florals and lanterns and don’t forget the burlap style bunting and lots of clever celling draping too.

Backdrops and Table Plans
Think rustic style palettes juxtaposed with soft draping for the full barn style effect. Dress any large barn doors with long chiffon draping too for maximum impact. Also think about having large table plans, again made out of wood or palettes full of ornate frames for the perfect contrast, or indeed go full barn style with something quirky like horseshoes for each table and all the guests’ names on each horseshoe. They work great as photo backdrops later in the evening too.

 

Tables
Long, cafeteria style tables work really well for barn style weddings. Think about having the room set up with several long table formations and also consider having no assigned seating too, which will reinforce the laid back feel of the day.

 

Centrepieces & Table Décor
The contrast of crisp white linen and burlap works so well for the barn theme. Also think about mason jars as your centrepieces filled with either small tea lights or gypsophila. Why not have them on stacked wooden boxed or go for mini wooden crates filled with your favourite posies? Or why not go a little wacky and have cowboy boots filled with flowers or antique style cowbells?

 

Images via Pinterest

Tropical Wedding Theme

While you may not be jetting off to the tropics for your wedding day and the possibility of Ireland suddenly morphing into Hawaii being low, that doesn’t mean you can’t channel the exotic in your wedding day décor! And if you love all things bright and beautiful and want to inject some serious fun into your day, then this theme is really worth considering.

Think pineapples, coconuts, flamingos, rainforests, palm trees, banana leaves, cocktails, tiki torches, pinks, greens, yellows and lots of Hawaiian style. It’s possible to inject some tropical fun into practically all aspects of your day and the best thing is that much of these touches are both easy to source and on the whole inexpensive too. The main thing to remember with this one is to have lots of fun and really go for it.

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.

 

Pew Ends

No matter if you’re walking down the aisle of a church or another venue, having pineapples at the base of your pews or chairs is a fantastic way to kick things off! Also consider palm leaves tied with flowers and look for brightly coloured exotic flowers if you can. Banana leaves rolled into cones filled with petals look stunning too and if you’re saying ‘I do’ outdoors then why not go for tiki torches?

 

 

Centrepieces and Table Décor

Centrepieces are always an essential cog in your wedding day décor and channelling the tropical will really add the wow factor. Think hollowed out pineapples with tropical coloured flowers inside and tall birds of paradise or green bamboo.  Palm and banana leaves work so well as place settings. Think of using rainbow cocktail umbrellas as place names. Have large shells filled with tropical flowers or give each guest a Hawaiian leis as their escort card or place name.

 

 

Room Décor

Placing some carefully chosen props around your venue will further cement your theme and add lots of fun to the day. Bamboo would work wonders for a backdrop, as would some flamingos, even the inflatable kind would work well! And if you’re having a DIY photobooth they’d be great as props, as would hula skirts and Hawaiian shirts and Hawaiian leis for guests to play around with. Don’t forget the light up Aloha signs and surf boards too!

 

Food and Drinks

Finally have fun with the food and drinks! And what could be more tropical than drinking out of a coconut! And they don’t even have to be real coconuts, source kitsch plastic ones and serve welcome cocktails or ‘mocktails’ to your guests on arrival! Or forego the coconuts and have some colourful pink cocktails or creamy Pina Coladas instead.  Exotic fruit is also a must with fun skewers or even trees made out of fruit for guests to enjoy.

 

Images via Pinterest