Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Rustic Meets Luxury: 6 Events That Did It Right

Barns and other rustic locales have recently been gaining popularity for special event venues. Many brides, however, assume that the venue has to perfectly match the decor. Exposed beam rafters? Tractor serving as an eyesore out front? Take advantage of your surroundings and make it work. Utilize mason jars and wildflowers as trending, DIY centerpieces. Incorporate vintage linens and simple chairs. But don’t stop there! There's no need for this restrictive style matching. We've seen some breathtaking set-ups that bring wonder and whimsy (and more than a little class) to the barest of spaces. In fact, pairing luxurious colors and textures with a rustic location can create a powerful ambiance that will completely wow your guests!

Bottom line: It's your day; make it spectacular. Don’t assume that the style of your venue is locking you into a specific type of decor.

Here are some fabulous "rustic meets luxury" layouts to get your creative juices flowing!

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Barn walls can make the perfect backdrop for a shabby chic event! This reception matched lovely pink table cloths (Mosaic’s lace over light pink lamour) with wildflowers, antique picture frames, selections from a personal china collection…and best of all, a floral chandelier! This marriage of unexpected décor elements kept the event feeling fresh and unique.


We love the way the lights create dramatic shadows in the rafters! The theatrical flair up high is perfectly paired with the towering 6-layer cake down low. Everything in the room draws the eye upwards. 


These designers overcame the “down home” feel of the barn by working in some elaborate, crystal laden chandeliers. A perfect example of style balancing!


We love the elaborate curtains draping the entrance to this rustic reception. Smooth floors, ample lighting, and a more formal dress code also add to the high-class feel of the event.


Taper candles, soft lighting, delicate curtains, sparkling chandeliers, and baby’s breath pomanders…oh my!


This layout adds an element of the exotic to the mix with the oddly shaped basket lanterns and modern square plates. 

Have you been to a "rustic meets luxury" wedding or event recently? Tell us about it in the comments!


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Wedding Trends for 2013: Mint Green


Green has always been a popular choice for new beginnings, symbolizing growth, harmony, and freshness...all perfect ingredients for a wedding or baby shower!

For 2013, however, one specific shade of green is set to make waves on the wedding scene: Mint. Soft and feminine, but with a cool crispness, mint also has the slightest tinge of nostalgia, making it the perfect choice for an entrance into a life full of happy memories.

The color mint is gaining attention on Pinterest, with pinners gushing over mint in everything from soft green wedding dresses to crisp table linens. Here are a few of our top picks!

Dresses + Baubles

We love this soft, flowing, yet angular dress by Vera Wang! The vertical bow in the back adds the perfect touch.


The Contessa Jade necklace by Stella & Dot adds a dose of elegance to any ensemble.  


Linens + Tablescapes

Use the color mint in a pattern form as a backdrop. This lets the lets flowers shine and radiate, like in the set-up below.

Don’t want mint to dominate the table? You can also opt for a simple runner. 


To go for an even subtler approach, keep mint out of the linens altogether and select chairs or chair covers to incorporate the color that way.


Tasty Cakes

These sweet macaroons are just asking for a nibble. 



This cake is very reminiscent of Wedgwood china. We love the ceramic sugar bowl cup on top.


It’s all in the details

Succulents add a textural flourish to this minty fresh bouquet. 


This sweet custom embroidered pillow makes a wonderful keepsake. It matches the party decor, but afterwards the newlyweds can take it home as a personalized reminder of their happy day.


Bottles of green lemonade stand at the ready to help dancing guests cool off. 


Where have you seen the color mint used especially well?