Category

Decor

Category

Some weddings are simple, others are simply works of art. And as any painter knows colours speak volumes.

Colours are imperative for setting the tone and feel of any event. They reflect not only what we think looks gorgeous, but what will incite certain feelings – from love to excitement and even good luck.

In many different cultures, colours have specific meanings, premised with the wishful thinking that these will attract certain energy, and in 2022 we’re all about just that – energy. But what are the tones we need to know for this year, and where do we integrate them? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you take your wedding from simple to bespoke.

In 2022, the colour trends for the year are succinctly put, full of life and zeal. According to Wedding Forward, the colours for this year are:

  • Very Peri Pantone 2022
  • Dusty Blue and Blush
  • Jewel Tones
  • Green Colours

1.Very Peri Pantone 

A deep purple with blueish hues, Veri Peri has been all over 2022 – from the runway to the aisle.

This colour is for the trendy couple who thrive on making a statement.

It’s the perfect rich colour to add to the centrepieces of a white wedding ie: table decor through lavender flowers with Veri Peri vases or candles. Especially if you’re going for round, separate tables, it’s the peri thread that ties everything together. How about cake finishings? Especially if you’re going the modern-bride route and opting for cupcakes or macaroons,  this is an exciting turn for a delicious assortment of eye candy.

Lápis de Noiva

If you want to go big, create floral ceiling arangements that accentuate the colour in different shades using hanging flowers and lamps.

Rowley Hesselballe

Veri Peri can also be complemented beautifully by other colours that are softer in hues. Think pale yellow, soft oranges or even a light turquoise for that seascape chic feel.

2.Dusty Blue and Blush 

Karissa Watson/ Pinterest

Dusty blue deserves far more credit than it gets and paired with the soft tenderness of blush pink, the two make a powerful duo.

This colour-pairing is for the sophisticated wedding and the couple who are always referred to as ‘sweethearts’.

This colour combo works gorgeously with floral arrangements, from arch formations to ceiling and table. Dusty Blue table runners or cloths paired with blush pink roses? Breathtaking. Add a few candles to envelope everyone in the romance? A must!

Elegant Wedding Invites

Dusty Blue and Blush hues also serve as great inspiration for bridesmaids’ dresses, to be complemented by the groomsmen’s suits, as Style Me Pretty showcases below.

Now if  you’re a bold bride, then adding a pop of either colour to compliment your soon-to-be husband’s pocket square is another adorable way to subtly match.

3.Jewel Tones

rockmywedding.co.uk

Emerald, Ocean, Merigold, Gold, Dark Purple Ceres Pink and dark purple make for royal energy, and these colour coordinations are for the couple who are all about extravagance.

Many Indian Weddings have long been ahead of this trend, but in 2022 these colours are soaring into mainstream vogue.

marginpar.com

Implement the colours bold by using a rich colour ie: dark purple for your largest surface space like the table cloth, followed by ceres pink flowers and marigold cutlery. Alternatively, pick two to pair like emerald and marigold, and use these as pops of colour for white undertones.

If you want to keep things rich but simple, try emphasising gold and complimenting with three or more colours using flowers.

Sweet Luxury Events

These colours as especially thrilling to use in a geode wedding cake, which is also one of the top trends for this year’s cake scene.

4.Green Colours

etsy.com

Green is associated with good fortune, fertility and growth. For the couple who knows they want their wedding to be bohemian, playing with shades of green is a sure way to accentuate your love of peace, the Earth and of course, each other.

Now before you start picturing over-powering green finishings that may make your guests think Kermit the Frog is getting married, there’s something important to understand about this shade, and that is its versatility. Green can play up so many other soft colours – from white to baby pinks, an assortment of other green shades and gold.

splendid.com.cy

One way to implement shades of green onto the scene is to start off with light green touches (ie: tea green or soft mint) and then work your way to a forest or sea green.

Lot’s of plants can also flourish at this kind of wedding, and we believe that the air will be positively buzzing with love (and clean oxygen).

vogue.com

Happy colour popping!

Picture: Rowley Hesselballe

Flowers play a very important role on the wedding day, so it is important to match them to the season. Like fruit, flowers are seasonal, and getting the ones you love will sometimes be expensive if they are out of season.

Summer

Having a summer wedding is the easiest season because you are guaranteed the best weather, most flowers have bloomed and available and you can have an outdoor wedding. These flowers thrive best in summer:

Roses

Roses can be dressed up or down in a bouquet for any type of wedding. You are never limited to colours with these flowers. Shades range from red, yellow, pink, and orange to purple and white. Be careful though, each colour has its own symbolism!

Chrysanthemum

These flowers are perfect for a summer vintage wedding theme. They are available in hues such as yellow, orange, white, red, purple, and pink.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers were made for summer with their bright, happy hues and appearance. They’re the perfect bloom for a rustic wedding. They are mostly yellow but you can find orange and red varieties.

Winter

Winter weddings are popular for thsoe that love the season, and tend to be more intimate and indoors. The weather is mostly gloomy but your decor doesn’t have to be, here are flowers to help.

Camellias

Camellias are one of winter’s most-loved flowers Their petals are layered, which adds plenty of texture and you can pair them with thorny green. Their peak blooming season allows them to be readily available and easy to use.

Carnations

These cuties continue to bloom and thrive during winter’s cold months, and they are also available in a variety of colours like shades of red, purple, pink, and white. They make a room come alive with their flexibility.

Ranunculus

Ranunculus are great to use if you are going for the all-white soft florals theme. They are perfect for the bouquet and the groom’s pocket flower.

Spring

Spring is the season of hope. During this time everything is bright and beautiful, the sun is out but not too harsh and you want to look like a blooming flower. Your wedding should represent that vibe with these options:

Tulips

Tulips are great flowers and they look vibrant. You will find them in every colour except for black, blue, and green.

Peony

It’s one of the most loved flowers of the wedding season and it’s easy to see why the peony is an all-time favourite. It is the perfect mix of softness and texture, the flower also has a secret meaning – ‘a happy marriage’. It is available in white, cream, burgundy, soft pink, crimson, rose pink, and deep pink

Lilac

These beautiful flowers have a great beautiful soft scent. They are available in pure white, pale lilac, deep lilac, and pale pink.

Autumn  

This is a season of natural colours. Everything is wilting and is mostly windy, it is hard to imagine that there are flowers that bloom when trees fall. Here are flowers you can find in autumn to make your wedding a day to remember:

Dahlias

These flowers are a nice balance between organic and refined. They are commonly mixed with greens to make a grounding look on your decor. You can find them in pink, white, and a quiet orange.

Zinnias

The Zinnias have an ombre effect. They have a calming effect and can be a great use for a barn-themed wedding. You will find them in various shades, from deep burgundy to the palest blush.

Protea

South Africa’s national flower is fitting for a wedding day. It is symbolic of change and transformation across cultures.

Pictures: Unsplash

What makes a wedding all the more special is having the perfect drink to cheers with. When it comes to drinks, nothing goes down better than a classic G&T. If you agree; here are a few ways to make a standout gin bar at your wedding.

Choose your vibe

A lot of a gin bar is the vibe. Decide whether you’re going for a classic high tea look, mid-century modern touch or bohemian and base your gin choices around that.

With your concept in mind choose your setup, whether that be a gin tent, truck, stand or picnic area. While its a gin bar, its also a statement and a decorative piece of your big day so don’t be afraid to add a little something extra to your look.

The look and feel of your gin bar speaks to your personal style and can be customised to the last detail.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

We love our recently acquired G & T letters. Thank you @holt_antiques_interiors_centre perfectly finished off this little set up along with some vintage coloured glass and of course a lovely bottle of Norfolk Gin! Norfolk gin and tonic perfect for a warm summer evening?? #sustainablebusiness #sustainableweddings #proudlynorfolk #supportnorfolkbusinesses #tipiweddings #woodlandweddingvenue #rusticweddingdecor #rusticweddings #norfolkweddingsuppliers #norfolkweddingvenues #ecoweddings #weddingsuppliers #rusticbride #norfolkbridetobe #ecoweddinginspiration #rusticweddinginspiration #rusticweddingideas #rusticweddingstyling #prophire #bridetobe2021 #ecoweddingplanner #outsidewedding #tipiweddings #rusticweddingdecor #rusticweddings #norfolkweddingsuppliers #ecoweddings #weddingsuppliers #rusticbride #ecoweddinginspiration #norfolkbridetobe #prophire #bridetobe2021 #ecoweddingplanner #vintageglassware #weddingginbar

A post shared by Samphire Vintage Props (@samphirevintageprops) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

We had a ball taking part in a styled wedding shoot at @horstedpondfarm back in July. Planning your big day and looking for some inspo? Check out the images and super talented supplier list below ??✨?? Concept, Coordination, Styling & Bell Tents: @beneaththecanopy Venue: @horstedpondfarm Photography: @kirstymackenziephotography Tipis and furnishings: @lovetipisofficial Flags: @eventflaghire Bunting: @bohotemple Prop hire, tassel & glitter walls, styling and accessories: @tohaveandtohire_weddings Stationery & map: @paperbearlane Jackets, home accessories, throws and cushions: @sarahbaily Wedding dress: @pantilesbride Headpieces, bouquet and button holes: @f.o.l.k.y.d.o.k.e.y Make-up advisor and hair: @lucymeyermakeupartist_ Blooms: @ferncottagefloristry Models: @meeraroses @benjamins_craft Wedding bands: @benjamins_craft Celebrants: @kateandkatecelebrants Jewellery: @jackandfredas Grazing table and platters: @grazingsocial Cakes and smores: @coppice_cakes Doughnuts: @marblekitchenuk Lollipops: @emilys_lollies Pizza Truck: @tinroofkitchen Cider: @nightingalecider Trousers and Top for evening shots: @lucymeyermakeupartist_

A post shared by Vintage Citroën HY Mobile Bar (@theginemporiumco) on

Gins & cocktails

When it comes to choosing the gins, you have to decide whether you are going for the classic G&T offering or whether you’ll serve up specially made cocktails for the day. A large portion of this decision depends on whether you’re outsourcing help for your bar or simply arranging it yourself with a bartender or two to help.

Customised cocktails are a nice touch that can tie into you and your partner’s history but they are extra effort due to additional ingredients needed.

If you’re a purist and like your gin with a classic tonic or soda then opting for G&Ts is perfect for you.

Gin choices are up to taste, more classic unflavoured option will suit a purist palate while more flavoured and coloured gins work well for cocktails. Opting for a few pricey and some more budget options can help ease the pressure on your pocket too.

Local gins are lovely and fall into a price bracket that is easier to budget for.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I’m off to a gin and canape tasting today at @12apostleshotel , which has me reflecting on this incredible gin bar from Rach and Matt’s beautiful wedding! See more of their gorgeous details on the blog! (link in profile) P.S. How stunning is their delft style patterned tablecloth? . . . Photography by @andstory.co.za #loveandthemoonweddings #loveandthemoon #loveandthemoonblog #loveandthemooncouples #loveintentionally #makeadventure #diyginbar #loveauthentic #filmpalette #littlethingstheory #adventurealways #portraitcollective #chasinglight #makemoments #momentsovermountains #elopementcollective #agameoftones #exploretocreate #letsgosomewhere #ginandtonicstyle #firstsandlasts #weddingtrendilove #weddingtrends2018 #weddingbar #weddingginbar #chicginbar

A post shared by Love & The Moon Blog (@loveandthemoonweddings) on

Garnish, garnish, garnish

Opinions vary on how much garnish a gin drink should have, but whether you prefer your drink with a good splash of agriculture or a simple prig of thyme; garnish makes a drink.

If you are looking for a way to save on your gin bar, an easy option is growing your own garnish well in advance. Thyme, rosemary, citrus and cucumber, among others, not only make for the perfect garnish options but are also easy to grow with enough foresight.

Match your garnish to your taste, cocktail preference and availability.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Is it gin o’clock yet? #bluecoatgin #gincocktails #ginbar #getintouch #weddingginbar ✨✨

A post shared by Bluecoat Weddings (@bluecoatweddings) on

Don’t forget the extras

From ice, to bar tools, bartenders and a fridge to keep things cool; the things you don’t think about first can come back to bite you.

In the end a good gin bar is all about ginspiration, a love for gin and planning. If you put enough time into ensure every box is ticked and all your extra necessities are covered your bar will be a hit and you can have your gin and drink it too.

Picture: Instagram

When you are part of a couple that falls somewhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, chances are, there are hardships you have had to deal with in expressing your love freely. As a result, most queer couples would like to incorporate one or more of the pride flags into their wedding decor, but how do you do this without it overwhelming the entire aesthetic of your big day?

There are a number of flags that can be incorporated, and each will depend on the couple getting married. These are the various flags:

The Gilbert Baker flag/original Pride flag: 

In 1977, Harvey Milk challenged Gilbert Baker, a veteran who taught himself to sew, to come up with a symbol of pride for the gay community. This is how the original Pride flag was born, and it is inspired by Judy Garland’s Over the Rainbow.

The flag made its debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade celebration on June 25, 1978. Each colour symbolises the following:

Hot pink =  Sex
Red = Life
Orange = Healing
Yellow = Sunlight
Green = Nature
Turquoise = Magic/Art
Indigo = Serenity
Violet = Spirit

The revised Pride flag: 

After Harvey Milk was assassinated, many in the LGBTQIA+ community wanted the Pride flag to commemorate all the hard work he did to uplift and build the community. The demand for the flag, however, was greater than the fabric at hand. This is how the original flag evolved into the flag we know today – if you pay attention, you will notice that the hot pink strip is missing.

The flag was designed by Michael Page, and shows the heteronormative colours for boys and girls, and their overlap.
The flag was inspired by an older symbol for bisexuality, which is two overlapping pink and dark blue triangles, often called “biangles”.
The pansexual flag:

This flag was created on the web in 2010, and this flag represents the pansexual love and acceptance of all genders in partners. The pink represents women, while the yellow represents all non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals. The blue at the bottom of the flag represents men.

The asexual flag was also created in 2010, and was inspired by the logo of the Asexual Visibility and Education network. It represents the identity of asexual individuals, as well as those who are graysexual (individuals who find themselves in a fluid spot between sexual and asexual), and demisexuals (those who are only attracted to partners they share an emotional connection with).
The polysexual flag:
Polysexuality is the attraction to multiple genders but not all, and is often viewed as the middle ground between bisexuality and pansexuality. Polysexuality is widely believed to centre more around attractions to femininity and masculinity rather than gender itself. The pink represents attraction to females; the blue for males. The green is for an attraction to those who don’t conform to either gender.
Agender flag:

While genderqueer people bend the rules of gender, agender people reject a gender completely. For their flag, the black and white stripes represent the absence of gender, while green – the inverse of the gender-heavy purple – represents nonbinary genders.

Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest

A wedding guest book does not have to mean pen and paper only. As weddings evolve and modernise, couples are looking for more creative ways to still incorporate traditional elements into their big day.

The guest book allows you to preserve memories from your nearest and dearest. Traditionally, couples go for a hardcover book for guests to sign. However, this easily gets sidelined amid the various exciting points of a wedding.

Make sure your guest book is a moment itself by offering a fun and creative way to sign. Besides encouraging more people to sign, having an alternative guest book allows you to have a creative and functional decor piece to display in your home and remind you of the good times.

Here are some cute ideas:

For the record:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAk3DYKg8je/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Shake it like a polaroid picture:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiedwxHdl6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Wait a minute, Mr Postman:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAkxExcnFyx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Bucket List:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdkjrTnO0I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

You’re my world:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAO2c4EgD9x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Tile-tastic:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxko56hjNgS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pretty as a puzzle:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm0rBmUBj3g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Let’s play a game:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAhd4YSn6tm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Take a seat:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAMBFcnB_qi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Surf’s up:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvW4OLNgXrE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Instagram

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Traditionally, the first step in wedding festivities is to throw an engagement party celebrating your upcoming nuptials with your nearest and dearest. Here are some key steps to planning your perfect engagement party.

Choose the hostess with the most-est:

While tradition states that the bride’s parents typically throw the engagement party, it is not a hard and fast rule. Today, anyone can host the party, whether it be a family member, close friend or even joint hosts. Just remember that the host will be the main funder of the party, so they have to be prepared to pay.

Pick a date:

Next step is to find the right date. However, this is not an easy feat. Think about the scale of the party and how long it will take to plan things before setting a date. If you are going for a big, extravagant party then allot more time to plan. Engagement parties typically occur soon after the engagement but can still be held months after the fact.

You will also need to take into consideration the schedules of your guests. For example, if family members out of town will have to travel long distances to attend, ideally don’t host the party during the week.

Plan your guest list:

This is an important step. Remember that the people you invite to your engagement party will also have to be invited to your wedding. As such, this guest list is a preliminary list for your big day. If you’re not sure how big your wedding will be, allow your engagement to be more intimate so that you don’t invite too many people and create an expectation.

Set up a budget:

Party planning can quickly get expensive if you don’t have a financial guideline in place. Set up a budget in which you allocate certain amounts of money for the venue, food and drinks, invites and other party planning necessities. This makes every following step much easier as you narrow your options to fit financial means. Remember to leave a margin for extra expenses too!

Location, location, location:

Now that you know how big your guest list is, you can choose a venue that will accompany everyone. The venue will speak to the type of party you want. For example, having a party in your parents’ back yard will give an intimate feel, whereas a grand ballroom will give a more luxe feel. This way, you can create a vision of the type of decor you want too.

Send invites:

With date and location secured, you can now send out invites. Make sure you send these out with enough time to arrive and give your guests time to plan. At least 3 weeks before the party is ideal. Luckily, your type of venue also helps to determine the style of invitation, making the design element much easier. Make sure to let your guests know the dress-code to avoid outfit disasters.

Set up a menu:

Now that you know the venue, your menu can perfectly correspond. For example, if it’s a cocktail event, finger foods work best. A family-style menu works best for intimate gatherings. Don’t forget to include drinks in this! Your menu should work for you, your budget and the style of party you’re aiming for.

Plan your decor:

At this point, you should already have an idea of the type of decor you want. Now is the time to do your research and purchase things that will bring your vision to life. Simply adding mini-candles and fairy lights can add a whimsical yet romantic feel. Use fabric to bring in colour schemes, and flowers to soften the space.

Gift registry:

While not expected, some guests may want to gift you and your partner at your engagement party. To prep for this, you can set up a gift registry. Remember to focus on low- to medium-priced gifts, as people will most likely spend more on a wedding gift. You can also ask guests to donate to a chosen charity in lieu of gifts.

Dress to impress:

As the first taste of wedding festivities, it is typical, though not required, that engaged pairs wear white to their engagement party. Regardless of colour, make sure that your outfit works well for the venue and style of party you are throwing. For example, a casual sundress won’t work for a formal event, and a beaded gown might be a bit too dressed up for a poolside celebration.

Enjoy!

You’ve made it! Now is the time to revel in your excitement and celebrate your future with your loved ones.

Image: Pixabay

If you don’t already know how, we’re teaching you how to fold a linen napkin this week. With minimal effort and maximum style, these bow ties make for perfect modern table decor.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Square napkins
Napkin rings

STEP 1

Iron out a square napkin.

STEP 2

Fold the napkin in half once from opposite corners. Turn it so the longest side is at the top and the point faces down.

STEP 3

Fold up the bottom point about 2–3 cm.

STEP 4

Fold over the top towards the point twice.

STEP 5

Turn the bottom half up and over the top, then turn the napkin over.

STEP 6

Fold the napkin at the two diagonal folds in the middle then fold in each end. Make sure that the folded section lies parallel to the diagonal fold line.

STEP 7

Pinch the napkin into a rough bow shape with your fingers and slide it into a napkin ring. Neaten, then repeat with the rest of your napkins.