B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
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You’ve locked in the vibe you want for your wedding, but how do
you bring your dream day to colorful and perfectly accented life?
Two expert planners weigh in with fresh design ideas for three pop-
ular styles.
VIBE: LUXE
To go glam, think bling. Acrylic and crystals are hot right now. Pair
these ornate details with rich jewel tones for a bold statement – for
example, an acrylic candelabra topped with bursts of vibrant florals
in a variety of textures is contemporary and on-trend, Zaroff says.
For a more traditional, elegant version of luxe, select a softer color
palette – think all white, silver and blush, ivory and grayed jade, etc.
Sumptuous centerpieces of varying heights will make the room feel
full and opulent, especially when paired with floor length glitter/se-
quin linens, tons of candles and dramatic uplighting.
Fancy paper goods (menu, place card, table number), statement nap-
kin rings, high-end stemware and china, and details like individual
salt and pepper shakers will help your luxe look feel complete.
VIBE: MODERN
When it comes to palette, black and white may be timeless, but it also
makes a sophisticated modern statement. Clean and sleek, it feels ur-
ban and expensive – think black chandeliers and low white couches
for sipping cocktails. For extra flair, consider adding in a single vivid
hue, like hot pink, lime green or a bright yellow or red.
Another modern color option is to hop on board the current craze
for all-things ombré. For instance, consider long, dense centerpiec-
es of a single bloom that gradate from white to lavender to darker
and darkest shades of purple. Also incorporating a large, bold pat-
tern (e.g. damask, chevron, houndstooth) through runners, napkin
wraps, and more.
In general, all-white dishware looks smart (rectangles are cool), and
avoid overloading your tabletop and using florid fonts on your paper
elements.
VIBE: RUSTIC CHIC
Palettes have a fair amount of flexibility for this a little bit country/a
little bit vintage aesthetic. Play around with brown, beige, cream,
blue, teal, violet, mustard, greens, and soft pinks, coral and orange,
plus pewter, wood and burlap materials. The best centerpieces are
eclectic arrangements paired with eye candy like picture frames, an-
tique books, lanterns, votives or even ceramic figurines. Use vintage
rental companies to source mix-and-match dinnerware or other
unique pieces.
If you’re down to do it yourself, set the scene with up-cycling. Turn
an old barn window into a table for your lounge area, make a chan-
delier out of bottles or build a large frame out of discarded crown
molding to get married in or for a photo booth. And don’t forget
the wooden signs for everything from lawn games to directions to
the loo.
To avoid skewing too “country,” focus on juxtaposing the unpolished
and the posh. Chandeliers with barn tables: Think Sofia Vergara in
the Diet Pepsi commercial at the wedding with gorgeous candela-
bras hanging from the trees.
Copyright © CTW Features
Wedding Style Primer
Get inspired with a quick style guide on design
for 3 fashionable wedding themes
By Anna Sachse, CTW Features
Robin Falk Photography
