Archives for January 2011

While they may be often overlooked when planning a wedding, place cards are a big part of the reception. They help the celebration run smoothly and keep the gathering organized. But when they are little more than pieces of paper with guests' names written on them, it's understandable why few people pay attention to them.

To put a fresh spin on your place cards, enhance each one by adorning it with a small wedding decoration.

"An aromatic way to assign guests to their seats: Write their names on paper leaves, then attach them to fresh gardenias [or any flower that fits with your wedding's theme]," Brides magazine recommends.

If you are worried that the flowers will wilt before the reception, or want a more lasting way to liven up your place cards, use fake blossoms instead. However, make sure the blooms still match with the floral arrangements at your wedding to keep a cohesive decor.

This idea also works well for wedding favors. Whether you are handing out personalized water bottles or wedding candy bars, attach a large blossom to the treat for an extra-customized gift.

Whether getting married in the winter or spring, couples looking for a bold combination of hues for their wedding's color scheme may want to consider a rather unexpected pairing – red and purple. While the tones may seem to contrast, picking the right tones will lead to a dynamic decor.

It's important to select a color scheme early into your planning so that you can include the hues in every element of your nuptials, from wedding invitations to floral arrangements to custom party favors. Because purple is a mixture of red and blue, select one hue first and then search for the appropriate shade to match with it – if you choose aubergine, pair it with a warm red. If you prefer cool maroons, match it with a blueish violet.

Couples can use purple and red as accent colors and select a more conservative hue, such as cream, to be the primary color used for linens and china, but those looking to make a more bold statement can use the two shades in every element of their wedding's decor.