In the grand scheme of wedding design there are various elements that are considered the staples of décor that help create the bride’s vision of her dream wedding. Some of these elements are linens, centerpieces, lighting, and candles. However, it is the smaller details and extra little touches that help pull all of the design elements together to create a polished and personal vision for the bride and her guests. These are what I call the “Dazzling Details.”
When working with clients on the aesthetics of their wedding we often discuss a multitude of thoughts and ideas. I try to focus on one or two main ideas and work around them to create the wedding vision they so deeply strive for. It is during this process that we open the door for all of the dazzling details that make each wedding so special. Sometimes these details are personal elements like a monogram, or something glitzy that immediately catches the eye, or even something as subtle as the hue of the water beneath the floating candles. It is these details that individually may not be remembered, but collectively take wedding design from average to extraordinary.
Something Personal
One of the most common yet dazzling details is the use of the monogram to add both a personal and glamorous touch to the wedding décor. Regardless if it is a custom created monogram made just for the couple’s wedding or the utilizing of the stock monogram from a couple’s invitation, it is how the monogram is carried through the various décor elements that makes the impact.
One of my favorite examples of wonderful usage of the ever-powerful monogram is from a recent Miami wedding. The idea for the usage stemmed from the bride’s dislike of an air wall that divided the ballroom; she didn’t want to drape the entire room yet lighting alone would not camouflage this wall. I suggested having a large monogram created that we would project onto the air wall, as it would serve as a focal point in the center of the room behind her sweet heart table. This coupled with lighting created a great camouflage effect and gave us a wonderful element to carry through on other aspects of décor. We used the monogram on the invitations, menu cards, table numbers etc. We utilized other aspects inspired from the invitations such as the bands of ribbon in monochromatic ivory and beige and mother of pearl accents on the menu cards, table names, napkin folds, and candy table sign which created a very tailored look for the tablescape. It is these little details that were strategically placed that pulled this wedding together in a most fabulous way.
All That Sparkles
On a glitzy note anything that sparkles and shines is a widely requested and high impact detail. We often think of a bridal headpiece when we think of all things wedding and sparkly, but there are so many ways to add this very pretty detail to your wedding décor. One client just loved a brooch that she purchased to use on the ribbon belt of her wedding gown, in fact she was so crazy about this brooch that I knew we had to add elements of sparkle to other aspects of her décor. We added hanging chandelier crystals to her centerpieces and had a replica of her brooch and the ribbon belt made for her wedding cake that was designed after inspiration taken from the lace of her wedding gown. These were slight touches that made a big impact.
A few other ways to add the sparkle factor to your wedding décor is using baubles in your bouquet, or a brooch accent on your napkin fold, or even a crystal monogram cake topper or menu card detail.
Color
Another great way to dazzle your guests is with the cohesive use of color; yes color is in fact a great detail often never getting its well-deserved credit. I try to start with one main shade and add another hue used as an accent, I could actually devote a whole segment to color but I will save that for another issue. A wonderful illustration of such use of color is the chocolate and aqua beach chic invitation pictured. We started with a chocolate base for the invitation added minimal touches of aqua with the border card, print ink, ribbon accent, and the beautiful starfish brooch. This used all the elements of color that the bride wanted without looking too busy and over powering. These colors were used through out the wedding in the linens, menu cards, lighting, tablescapes, and centerpieces creating well thought out unified colorful details that wowed her wedding guests.
Comfy Couches
Lounge furniture is relatively new on the wedding front and has become an instant smash hit. The use of either ultra contemporary or deep seating lounge section have become big as a décor detail that is both beautiful and functional. Many of my clients request lounge furniture for either their cocktail hour, reception, and even after party. I often suggest utilizing it in areas that will get the most use, as it is an additional budgetary item. Most of the lounge furniture offered today comes in a multitude of colors and can be accented with colored throw pillows, and Lucite or wood coffee and end tables. The modular lounge sections are great as they can be configured in large U shape seating for many guests or smaller intimate seating sections strategically placed through out the ballroom. The nice thing about lounge furniture is it is so versatile and even a little makes a huge impact. An alternative way to bring in an element of lounge furniture on a smaller scale is to use corner sections around your dance floor to create a great spot for guests to relax and enjoy a drink while staying close to the action.
All of these little snippets are just the tip of the iceberg in the big world of wedding ideas and meant to get your creative juices flowing ladies. Hence, take your most favorite ideas narrow them down to two or three fabulous elements and use them in consistent and creative ways throughout your wedding décor. These elements will become your very own dazzling details that will raise the bar on your wedding WOW factor.
Happy Planning....
Credits
Written by: Tiffany Cook of Tiffany Cook Events