Winter is going out like a lion bringing spring in like a lamb, so
close we can feel it on the tips of our tongues. For some that means
pedicures and pretty colors, for others it means the clock is ticking
its final tocks on the wedding of their dreams, as summer looms not far
overhead.
Not sure where to start? Don't fret, as an event coordinator I get
lots of flustered fianc©s who can't even think of where to begin. I
usually start with color chat. One of the most important steps in
planning the wedding of your dreams is to choose the color palette for
your big day.
Look for color scheme designs on line to help with your color planning.
Summer brides are in luck because this season brings with it the
widest variety of flowers and colors to enhance their dream wedding.
Below are some summer wedding theme ideas to get the creative juices
flowing.
Beach Bride
Whether you're landlocked or live on the coastline, a beach wedding
is a popular choice for summertime nuptials. Choose tea length dresses
and sharp lines to provide contrast against the soft waves and rolling
sand dunes. If you want to blend into the location, cottony sundresses
are a comfortable choice for your bridesmaids, especially if you've
chosen to have a destination wedding.
Beach weddings are great because there aren't any colors that you
can't use. Bright vibrant colors like oranges, yellows, and bold blue
are all the rage for 2009 brides. You can fill your bouquets and
centerpieces with exotic hibiscus, orchids, and stargazer lilies, with
palm accents. For a unique look try hanging silver starfish or seashell
charms from the stems, or scattered through the bouquet
If you're not interested in traditional floral centerpieces, or
you're wedding planning on a budget get some hurricane glasses or
fishbowls filled with sand, colorful shells or candles. Sprinkle
seashells or hibiscus blooms on the tables for an authentic beachy feel.
Signature drinks are always a fun hit at weddings. Pick a summery
drink, like a coconut or pineapple rum mixed with cranberry juice and
name it for yourselves. For example, Paul & Karen's Love Breeze. The
knot suggests trendy wine smoothies for something new and fun. For
non-drinkers, or kids add club soda to pineapple juice or lemonade and
garnish with a paper umbrella.
For a breath taking cake try a sandcastle cake like the ones at La
Patisserie in Cape May, New Jersey. Take a picture to your favorite cake
designer and see how they can wow you.
Can't have a beach front wedding? Don't despair; you can bring the
beach to you. Have your cocktail hour outdoors or create an area for
your guests to take pictures. Rent a Tikki bar and buy some sand from
your local Home Depot. Wrap some rope around a pole, lamppost, or column
to look like a palm tree. Get some fake palm leaves and attach at the
top. For an added touch wind clear Christmas lights in the indents of
the rope, and green Christmas lights at the top for a palm tree that
twinkles with the stars. Voila! Instant beach for any area.
Midsummer Night's Wedding
Some brides are looking for a more magical way to say "I do". For
these brides the romance of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's
Dream is the perfect path to their own happy ending.
Whimsical dresses in silks and chiffons in pastels, plums and creams
are best for this fairy-tale theme. Weave flowers into loose hair, or
adorn your bridesmaids with crowns of flowers with leafy accents.
Ballerina shoes will add the right touch of romance to complete the
look.
Exchange vows under a trellis adorned with vines and flowers. Cover
the floor with white cloth (make sure to secure properly!) and scatter
multi-colored rose petals all over for a picture perfect scene.
Multi-colored wildflower bouquets are the perfect complement, or for a
flirty touch try fairy wands or scepters. Choose full flowers like
roses or lisianthus with delicate accents like Peruvian lilies for
centerpieces. A silver bowl with floating lily pads, rose petals, or
candles are an interesting alternative.
To set the scene, think about hiring a harpist or a troupe of
renaissance musicians. Fill your venue with potted trees strung with
white Christmas lights. Hang rose blooms or electric tea lights in
multi-colored candle holders. For a whimsical touch hang fairy figures
too.
Signature drinks can include champagne spritzers, aptly named Judy & Johnny's Love Potion.
You can even create a D-I-Y fairy pond near the gift table. Get a
kiddie pool lined with a solid blue liner. Fill with water, river rocks
and water plants. Surround on the outside with forest shrubbery. Adorn
with fairy figurines and light from the bottom or the back. Floating
flowers are a sweet touch to this. Encourage your guests to make a wish,
and donate the proceeds to your favorite charity.
Fill small vials with colored sand and silver glitter stopped with a
cork, and give away fairy dust favors tucked into scrolls with your
favorite love poem, or quote from Shakespeare's play. For a more
practical twist on fairy dust, use bath salts, and tell guests to enjoy
the relaxing effects of your love for another night.
Japanese "Zen" Wedding
For the bride who craves elegance and simplicity, the Japanese
East/West fusion wedding is a great way to avoid the typical wedding
pageantry that may just not be your taste.
For this theme you can either stay neutral with sleek browns and
creams, or go bold with bright fuchsias and muted green accents.
Tea length bridesmaid dresses are en vogue this wedding season, as well as sleek lined
gowns for the more earth toned dresses. For a more authentic Asian
flair, kimonos are an awesome choice that will have your guests talking
for months. Parasols are a great picture pleaser and they come in colors
and shapes for any color palette.
As for flowers, you can go sleek with elegant calla lilies, orchids
or plumerias, or pink peonies for a bolder accent. Centerpieces can be
tall sleep arrangements with bamboo accents, soba trays with mini Zen
gardens accented with a lone orchid bloom, or explosions of origami
cranes floating in bowls and fountains.
