Daring Bolds

Chicago’s Kehoe Designs has created two color palettes called “Chicago Classics”: jet black, gentleman’s gray, opal white, shadow gold, and accent hues like emerald green, Turkish blue, and garnet red. The other palette, “Istanbul Style”: azure blue, Indian pink, pearlized turquoise, copper gold, petrol blue and ruby red. “This look is more theatrical, exotic and glamorous than in previous years.”

[Jessica Tierney.com]

[Better Homes and Garden]

Neutrals for the Refined 

In fashion right now, neutral shades like pale pink, taupe, and shades of white will stay prominent in wedding color trends. The colors are great for brides who want to project a sense of refinement, simplicity, and tradition. They also work well for budget-friendly brides since they can function as backdrop colors with bursts of color popping up in florals or lighting.

Our Favorite and What Works For Us

Orange! Yes, sometimes you just have to go with the color that works best for you. Sometimes you have to say “To heck with these trends!” and opt with complimentary colors or colors which represent you and your groom. We love the orange color because it’s warm, vibrant, exciting and it attracts others. Finding out the meaning of colors or how others perceive it can help you determine if the color is right for you.

They are based in San Diego, CA, but they are willing to deliver rentals 75 miles out. We think they’re a great resource for inspiration and all things vintage. So if you’re thinking of renting a few statement pieces at your wedding or event, please give Pow Wow Vintage Rentals a call!

*All photos were lovingly borrowed from Pow Wow Vintage Rentals. We take no credit.

Since Isabella Fiore’s is one of my favorite designers because of the unique designs so I choose a very unique purse to share with you. The colors are so well put together I guess that’s what makes it unique.  It has clear sequence all over you can only see up close or get little flicker of light.

Photo by  Jill Elaine

Lounges and tables offer a modern and chic feel, and can easily be dressed up with flowers.

If you’re a daring, out-of-the-box bride, incorporating black and white elements in your dress is an excellent way to keep all eyes on you!

Striped lanterns are nice for an outdoor weddings or even just as decor accents inside for a reception.

The stripe rug would be a great area rug under the sweetheart table or in the lounge area.

pictures courtesy of elbow chocolates, artoflovebymarielennabcz.com, laura eaton photograhpy, ariations.net, Steve Kemble (B&W candy bar), and Z Gallery

 Celebrations go on for 3 days and simple or grand, a Lebanese wedding isn’t truly Lebanese without a ‘zaffeh’, the act of escorting the bride to her husband, in celebration of their holy marriage. Even the ‘zaffeh’ is a form of entertainment, celebration and dance because, on the third day, the groom is led by a group of dancers, as they play music, sing and dance on their way to the bride’s house.

Entertainment is an essential and important priority in Lebanese weddings. Music and dance are the hallmarks of celebration and fun in Lebanese families and culture.

 A Middle Eastern wedding celebration, is one where the dancer has a special place. Usually a belly dancer or singer will entertain the guests and more luxurious weddings will have more than one entertainer.

As you can clearly see, the Lebanese truly believe a wedding is a celebration and there is no costs to keeping guests entertained.

Also, the invitation can give the guests a glimpse into the theme of the wedding…. whether its going to be a fairytale, storybook, or seasonal themed occasion….for example. if the wedding is in the fall the couple may choose to have that scents of the fall added to the paper or accents in the invitation packaging for the recipient to indulge in as they open the envelope.

The invitation can be used to inform your guests about your conscious views….express you global contribution and go green with your invitations and your wedding theme….

Express your individuality beginning with your invitations….set the tone to your whole wedding planning journey!!

Invitation Inspirations courtesy of Rock Paper Scissors Design

Invitations

From save-the-dates to RSVPs to ceremony programs, the amount of paper used in your wedding stationary definitely adds up. Amid habitat destruction and the global warming crisis, it is essential to find eco-friendly substitutes. Consider tree-free paper alternatives (such as hemp or bamboo) or 100% post-consumer recycled stock (such as old newspapers and magazines) in your wedding invitations.

• Go Green with the printer by using soy- or vegetable-based inks.

Paperless Annoucements–Using Technology to Save Money & Trees

• Go Greener with paperless announcements! Take advantage of the cyber world—personalized save-the-dates can be sent via email. Setting up a wedding website is easy with no fuss and it reduces the amount of paper needed to share important information with guests! (think RSVPs, program, ceremony & reception locations)

Some Suggestions:

1)      http://www.ewedding.com

2)      http://www.weddingwindow.com

3)      http://www.mywedding.com

Flowers

Eco-friendly wedding flowers that are organic and sustainable usually are free from chemical pesticides and insecticides. Look for flowers that are organically grown, in-season, and grown locally. Silk flowers are another great option as well.

• Go Green at your reception by having potted plants instead of traditional centerpieces; this way, your guests can bring them home!
• Go Greener with an outdoor wedding and/or reception! Nature will surround you and your guests on your Big Day as the backdrop—thus saving you more green, if you know what I mean!

Some Suggestions:

1)      http://www.organicbouquet.com/

2)      http://www.seedsofchange.com/

3)      Your Local Farmer’s Market

Wedding Gown

Your wedding attire will be one of the most important choices, and there are many eco-friendly options for every budget. Wearing your mother’s or friend’s gown is definitely an easy and eco-friendly option. If that’s not available, you can rent or buy something you’ll wear again (and let your bridesmaids do the same!).

• Go Green by picking clothes made of sustainable fabrics, such as hemp or organic cotton
• Go Greener buying your dress from charity, such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, at remarkable prices with proceeds going towards Breast Cancer Research.

Some Suggestions:

1)      http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/

2)      http://www.thedressmarket.net/

3)      http://www.getconscious.com/about.php

Catering, Food & Drinks

Choosing local, organic and seasonal foods is a great green move. You can ask your caterer if they can prepare the food organically. After the event, consider donating the leftovers to a homeless shelter or local food bank (Check Out http://feedingamerica.org/ for more information); this way, food will not be discarded, but will go to an excellent cause!

·        Go Green by hiring a local company who uses only local ingredients

·        Go Greener by using non-disposable plates and utensils, or recycled materials

Some Organic Caterer Suggestions:

1)      http://www.ecocaters.com/

2)      http://www.localharvest.org/ to find organic restaurants in your area!

3)      http://organictogo.com/

From simple and tasteful weddings to fancy and elaborate weddings, there are many “green” options to choose from. You can preserve our environment, and still have the perfect wedding! Cheers!