Since the age of Pinterest, more brides have resorted to doing something “different” for their wedding day. More often than not, the traditional aspects of a wedding such as a fruit cake for a wedding cake, a white wedding dress and getting married in a church instead of the venue’s chapel, has been tossed aside to make way for new ideas.
The History of the White Wedding Dress
By now, most of you might have heard the story before: Prior to the traditional white wedding dress – 1800’s and back – it was considered an elite privilege to have access to white linen. Pure white linen was extremely expensive at that time and only the riches could afford it.
When a bride was to get married, she would wear whatever fancy dress she had.
It wasn’t until 1840 when Princess Victoria married Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg. The dress was a stunning victorian style and rounded off with lace. It became so popular, that brides from that time forward only wore white to their weddings.
Fun fact: Queen Victoria was not the first princess to get married in white. In 1559, Mary, Queen of Scots, also wore white when she had wed Francis Dauphin. However, white was the colour of mourning in France at that time, so the trend did not pick up.
Moving Away from the White Wedding Dress
You have probably seen it all on Pinterest or social media: The controversial brides in their non-white wedding dresses. And you will definitely see more of them in the future, too!
There can be many reasons why a bride chooses not to wear a white wedding dress. The most popular reason is because it is not her first marriage. However, it might be the bride’s personality to choose a controversial dress only because she feels like it. And finally, another reason may be in honor of a loved one who passed away. The bride simply chooses the favorite color, pattern or motive, in memory of that person.
The following is a list of options which you can choose from to move away from the great, white wedding dress craze!
Keeping the White Skirt
The whimsical look of a white tulle skirt, paired with a lace top or a blouse, took the world by storm. Even now, in the alternative fashion industry, two-piece dresses are still all the rage. If you are not completely comfortable to move away from a traditional white gown, then this might be a better option for you.
Off-White Options
If you still want the soft, elegant look of a white dress, but you’re not keen on crisp white gowns, maybe you should opt for off-white dresses or pastel colors. The soft tones still gives it that elegant, wedding look and you will still be comfortable knowing that your dress isn’t white.
Going the Opposite Direction
If you’re keen on mixing things up to a whole new level, then you will be glad to know that black wedding dresses are also a thing. The black wedding dress doesn’t need to shout “gothic theme” from the rooftops. It may also be incorporated into a very elegant, Gatsby theme when paired with gold. Check out this post from The Pretty Blog, for more inspiration.
Bright Colors
You can be bold and go for something bright and colorful on your wedding day. Mix it up by using different materials and textures, or go for plain bright colors. The options are endless!
Floral Dresses
It has been a few years already since floral patterns became a trend in interior design and décor. And with that, came the floral wedding dresses. So much so that The Gilded Gown did a feature about many popular designers who jumped onto the flower wagon. Also, see this post from The Wedding Chicks for a more elegant, clean floral look.
Ruffled & OTT
Over The Top (OTT) wedding dresses also became a thing in recent years. This may or may not have been the origin of the wacky series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding! Who knows… All we can say is, if you want your day to be truly unforgetable, then wear an unforgetable dress.
Author Bio: The Wedding Club is a blog created for brides who want to plan their own weddings, and also for wedding planners who need some guidance in the industry. Follow us on our social media and visit our blog here
In a previous post, we discussed how patterns like the polka dot can quickly and effectively liven up any wedding scene. Whether patterns form the central wedding theme, or are used as an accent to the main colors, they are a pleasant addition. Some patterns like stripes can be used everywhere, from the wedding cake to the bridesmaids dresses and rest of the décor.
Stripes are an interesting update to any wedding color scheme. When it is done in moderation, this pattern has the ability to add sophistication and make a color combination more attractive. Depending on the colors and width of stripes that are chosen, stripes can make a scene look more serious, casual or contemporary. Small pin stripes and big bold colored stripes have a casual feel, while softly colored stripes have a stylish effect. Hence it is a pattern to consider using at your wedding.
Check out our top ten ideas here, on how you can add this interesting detail into your wedding.
Isn’t it refreshing to see an unconventional wedding palette? Perfect for the casual wedding theme, polka dots are a pattern that can liven up any atmosphere. Whether it is done in just two colors or a variation of several colors, it is always a fun choice that we cannot, but love. And for brides who can’t convince their to-be-husbands that polka dots is the way to go for your wedding, you can still enjoy your love affair with this mesmerizing pattern by having a polka-dot studded bridal shower or engagement party.
So, here is a collection of 10 fantastic polka dot ideas to inspire the quirky bride, whether it is for her wedding or any of the events leading up to it. Get ready to swoon!
1.Fun and festive wedding cake
Choose a contrasting combination of colors for a polka dot wedding cake like that featured in the picture here. Look at how the assorted polka dot colors frame the white frosting elegantly? Matching the polka dot colors on the cake to the design on the ribbon that decorates the cake, instantly adds more style to it. Resembling a gift box, the best part about this cake is that it isn’t too complex to create, but has an unusually interesting overall finish. So, if you are after a budget friendly option, this design is one to consider.
Image Credits: Suzanne’s Bespoke Bakery, via Flickr
2.Spotted cupcakes
Dessert buffets may no longer be as popular as they once were, but if you have one at your polka dot theme wedding, these fun spotted cupcakes are a must-have. The design is so simple, yet unusual, and we are sure your baker will be able to whip them up for little to no cost. Despite all this, the impact of the m&m studded cupcakes will be mind-blowing. If you aren’t up for this idea at your wedding, it will certainly work out for your colorful bridal shower on the polka dot theme. What do you say?
3.Spot this save-the-card
In an interesting twist to the polka dot style, this spot and check polka dot save-the-date photo card will be an instant hit with your guests. This design features emerald and canary ink colors to create the exciting combination featured here. However, you may make your pick from the many colors available to suit your wedding color palette, and you will have a save-the-date that is high on style and impact, and attractive at first sight. Follow up with a matching RSVP card and a wedding invite in the same colors as this invitation card, and find respite for your obsession with polka dots. This save-the-date card can be ordered online from our collection at Best for Bride.
4.Bling invitation card with golden dots
If you are a bride who loves bling, here is a wedding invitation that is a charming representation of dots with plenty of the “bling” factor. While the invitation wording is done on white, it is framed elegantly within a golden polka dot and textured gold border. The best part of this design is that the beautiful golden dots follows through the invitation into the envelope, creating a charming overall effect. With golden lettering as well, this is a rich and luxurious choice that your guests simply cannot miss noticing.
5.Spots on the bride-to-be shower book
Here is an accessory that will blend into a polka dot theme bridal shower seamlessly. This pink and white polka dot bridal shower guest book features a modern bride-to-be illustration that is simply adorable. With the space to hold up to 55 guest signatures, it will easily be enough for all the guests at the shower. It will also be a pretty keepsake that will always remind you of the interesting party you celebrated with your favorite girls.
6.Spotted china for a delightful brunch
If you are bold enough to side-step the conventional wedding day colors and patterns for polka dots, you would most likely be open to the idea of a wedding brunch instead of the usual reception. Not only is this budget-friendly, there are a whole set of other reasons too, that make the idea attractive. Read all about why you should consider having a wedding brunch, in this previous post of ours. If you like this idea, think of using polka dot china to serve your delicious breakfast menu in. If it is an outdoor wedding brunch, it will simply add oodles of color to the overall setting, and make the party more lively. In case this isn’t possible we have other suggestions to make your tablescape work. Nevertheless, this is an option that you should consider, as it is a definite winner.
7.Dots and spots on napkins
If the idea of the spotted china is out of reach, turn to the next best thing instead. Go all the way with a table cloth decorated with dots, or do it in moderate doses with polka dot table napkins instead. We prefer the latter, as it makes the polka dot effect more elegant and sophisticated. This is also your chance to add some glitter and glamor to your reception tables, but with subtlety. Golden polka dots on a solid color napkin would look classy, while still keeping the fun theme alive at your party.
Image Credits: Shari’s Berries, via Flickr
8.Polka dot metal boat as wedding favor
Here is the perfect polka dot favor for those couples who want something that matches a nautical theme. While the groom enjoys his share of fun with a sailing or ocean theme, you can add a soft touch of your own with this as a display accessory at your wedding reception. These quaint blue and white polka dot metal boats can do double duty as both a thematic place setting, and as a favor for the guests to take home after the party. Stuff it with mints or candy and personalize it with a thank you note on the flag, and you have a wonderful favor that your guests will love.
9.Spotted cellophane bag insert
The simplest way to add dotted details to your favor table is to use polka dot inserts in cellophane bags, like shown here. The simple addition of these economically priced bag inserts can liven up a plain cellophane bag and make it a work of art. With custom options to choose from four different colors, these favor inserts are a perfect addition to any color palette. It can also be your little polka dot detail, if you don’t want polka dots ruling the entire wedding scenery. With such a pretty cover to carry candy off the dessert spread, your guests will love your attention to detail. Whichever color you choose for the spots, this will add a welcome dose of color to your desert table and really make it pop. You can also add a small bit of information and a thank you message on the insert to complete the look. You can also use matching polka dot straws for the beverages at your party. Whether you choose to serve these straws by themselves, or with little flags, their presence will not go unnoticed. This will allow you to mix and match the details, and still achieve a cohesive effect that your guests will not miss.
10.Bright and beautiful spotted bridesmaids dresses
Polka dots may not be standard bridesmaid stuff, which is what makes it so much fun. It is an easy, and obvious way of adding your favorite detail into your wedding day and making it totally unique. Your bridesmaids will be happy to buy a dress that they can definitely use again, and you have a world of options to choose from. If you have your mind set on an outdoor spring or summer wedding, bridesmaids dresses such as that shown here will be a pleasant addition to the overall picture. This dress also has a vintage charm with the puff sleeves and bigger and bolder dots on the fabric. With bright colors like pink, turquoise or orange appearing on a white or cream background, the entire atmosphere will resonate with fun and joy. As interesting as this idea is, remember not to take the detail overboard. Balance out the polka dots with suitable addition of a solid color, that blends well into the overall picture. Also remember that it may not be a great idea to go with full-length gowns, as it can look overwhelming. Stick with cocktail length dresses instead. You can also think of matching the bridesmaids accessories to the color of the polka dots.
11.Polka dot manicure
Wearing a polka dot wedding dress may be stretching the theme a little too much. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have any thing dotty on yourself. Surprise your guests with your own unique polka dot detail, through your wedding day manicure. Polka dot nails look fantastic, and having this done will easily make it a fashion statement on your wedding day. The options are endless, as you can choose any possible base color and polka dots in any color, so it blends into your wedding theme. Our favorite combinations include white with black dots and black dots on gold. You can choose to keep it simple with just a border of polkas at the nail base or on the end of the nails. The other option is to keep it uniform and have it all over your nails. You can also try add polka dots of different sizes and in mixed colors, for more impact. It will be a delightful addition, either way. Make sure that you have your manicure done closer to the wedding day, so that your nails look fresh and the dots are details that are obvious and attractive.
12. Lucky gnome with polka hat
To keep your décor interesting, but not overwhelming, choose décor elements that bring in the effect softly. Accessories and charms like this adorable little procelain gnome featured here, can achieve this effect perfectly. Although the polka dot effect is seen only on his hat, it is still striking and just enough to make it significant in any setting. Place him as part of the centerpieces at your venue, or gift him as a party favor that carries a good wish to the bearer, and it will be a gift that everyone will appreciate. It is possible to customize the message he carries to one that you choose.
Hope this has given you enough inspiration to plan your wedding with this ever-trendy and interesting detail.
For more interesting ideas and everything wedding-related, keep dropping in at Best for Bride. Beginning with wedding dresses, accessories and bridal party attires, we bring you all that you need for planning the perfect wedding day. We also bring you interesting ideas, latest trends and fabulous pictures from real weddings to inspire you as you begin to plan the most special day of your life. Join us to explore all that the world of weddings has to offer you.
Nature’s own neutral—green, is a beautiful color that soothes and refreshes. Although it is not one of the immediate choices for many couples when they plan their wedding palette, it is a color that can create any effect you desire. Ranging from soft and romantic, to bold and overpowering, green is a color that lends itself to any design in your mind.
Not sure it will work? Just take a look at Mother Nature! There is no color that you can’t find in nature. Doesn’t green add the beautiful background that accentuates all these colors, whatever they are?
Apart from the aesthetics, there is another reason we love green as the main wedding color. It is for what this versatile hue is linked to. Green is the color of life, freshness, growth, harmony and peace. All these virtues are relevant for a happily married life, making it all the more meaningful to include this color in your wedding. It is also the color that is easiest on the eye, and when chosen well, it can make your wedding a stunning masterpiece.
Here are thirteen ideas that you should definitely consider for inspiring your green-color wedding palette.
1.Invitations
Begin your wedding planning by choosing a refreshing green invitation card for your big day. Featured here is a Now and Forever wedding invitation from the Best for Bride wedding invitation collection. The pretty combination of silver with green shimmer, makes it an elegant and attractive card. The bright green bow adds a pop of color to the muted background in the remainder of the card, and inside is a monochromatic green card with black lettering. It is a simple, but stylish choice that will offer your guests a hint of the color that will be in focus on your wedding day.
2.Wedding Cake
Image Credits: Tony Alter, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Isn’t this green cake simply embellished with a scattering of white floral details, delightful? Not only does it look delicious, it forms a pretty picture without too much clutter. The beauty of green is that it allows you to create a simple, but attractive design with a minimum amount of extra elements on it. Soft and unobtrusive, a cake such as this, will be a delightful addition to your reception. As for the flavors, pistachio is the first and most interesting choice that will be perfect for your wedding cake.
3.More green desserts
You do not always have to color your dessert totally green, to have it blend into your wedding palette. You can accomplish the same with the accessories and other essentials that come with the cake. Take this dessert idea for example. Here are some simple, but adorable cupcakes with a smooth layer of frosting. These have been packed into olive green cupcake cases, that form a beautiful combination with the crumb color and the white frosting. Unlike other heavy and luxurious desserts, these cupcakes look appetizing and are easy to enjoy. So, if you are looking for simple dishes to pep up your wedding dessert buffet, that are both budget-friendly and attractive, here is the right idea.
4.Mostly green bouquet While an entirely green bouquet can be fashioned out of leaves and green colors like the cymbidium orchid and chrysanthemum, we prefer the highlighting of green with the right amount of mixing with a lighter color. In this beautiful bouquet, the richness of green is enhanced by the presence of peach and soft pink, with a scattering of white daisies. The green colors in the bouquet are all in a single shade, and this accentuates the effect of the color. The few red berries in the design make it further attractive, as red is a color that compliments green beautifully.
5.Silk green tie
Image Credit: Emilie Rhaupp, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0,
Why not consider choosing a lime green silk tie with tiny polka dots or a similar design for your groom? While a darker shade of green would add a more refined and formal look, a light green tie would easily make it casual and fun. So, consider this accessory for the bridegroom, and there couldn’t be a better way of adding green to his outfit. Now, if you want to add more green to your groom’s look, without making it too overwhelming, you can ask him to wear green socks and it will be that little detail that nobody is going to really notice. And, what about the bride? We’ll look at it next.
6.Dramatic green wedding shoes
A green wedding gown may be stretching it too far. However, you can still have a stylish dose of green in your wedding by choosing a beautiful pair of green wedding shoes. And, we simply love the drama of a colored wedding shoe that pops in and out of sight, during all the dancing at the reception. Here is a pair of brilliant green wedding shoes that a bride custom purchased off Etsy, to go with her emerald engagement ring. At this Las Vegas theme wedding, the accessories were all green, and we think that this shoe is just right for it.
7.Dark green bridesmaids dresses
Green and white make a splendid combination, and this is what you can accomplish by choosing green bridesmaids dresses. You have plenty of shades to choose from, ranging from soft lime green to deep, velvety green and the jewel toned emerald green. For an iridescent effect, green with blue tones are perfect. Not only do they look festive, they are also really dressy.
This bridesmaid dress is the 6731 from the After Six dress collection. The pleated pattern and lightly shirred skirt are beautifully complemented by the overlay bodice. It is trendy, and the loose drape makes it suitable for both young girls and older bridesmaids.
8.Light green bridesmaid dresses
When your palette focuses on lighter or muted shades of green, bridesmaid dresses in mint green or lime green may be good choices. The Alfred Angelo 7378S is an exquisite dress with a strapless bodice and cocktail length skirt. The chiffon bodice drapes over a beautiful lace layer that adds an exquisite touch to the gown. This causes the bodice and the skirt to have entirely different textures, and the effect is simply stunning. Perfect for a casual outdoor wedding, a beach wedding or even a semi-formal wedding, this is a dress your bridesmaids are bound to love.
9.Green beverages and drinks
Chilled water with slices of cucumber floating in it, make the perfect spa refreshment. This is just perfect for a summer wedding, and you will be surprised at the number of guests who will queue up to enjoy this seemingly uncomplicated drink. Gimlets like cucumber gin, fresh lime, mint-flavored drinks and mojitos are also great choices for a wedding in a green color palette. You will be astonished at the wonderful effect a handful of leaves can add to your bar, so don’t hesitate to add them into your decor. Garnishes like olives and green chillies are also suitable for adding a pop of green to your beverage display.
10.Bright table décor
Rather than use a green table runner and place green décor items in clear jars, this couple chose to enhance the effect of green with white flowers in green mason jars and tea light candles in green glass holders. The effect is unusually interesting. The scattering of green confetti on the tables adds an extra charm. What we love most about this setting is that the elements used are budget-friendly and simple, but the impact is strong.
11.Simple green and white china for the food service
For the food service, white china with green rims will be the perfect choice. Since the serving dishes are white, the food will not lack its appetizing colors. All the same, you can easily bring in the green color subtly and make sure it is noticeable, with a choice like this.
12.Green colored food
Not everyone may be super-excited about a menu with plenty of green. After all green vegetables are notorious as health food that is usually unappetizing. When planning your wedding menu, the trick is to not focus on the green. Instead, use it as an accent color in the garnish. Make the food appetizing with other colors like orange, purple and yellow, instead of white. This will make the plate pop with a variety of colors, and instantly look more appealing. The presentation of the dish can also be adapted to make it look attractive. The other option is to balance out the green in the dish with green colored china.
13.Green wedding favors
Gifting wedding favors is customary. So, how do you make it match the color theme of your party? With green as your color, you will have no dearth of options. From potted plants to candle holders, there are ample options for you to consider. These miniature garden shovels with green handles, are from our wedding favors collection and are a great wedding favor for outdoor garden weddings. Whether you use it as a decorative accessory, or gift it with a seed packet to your guests, it makes a unique and practical wedding favor.
Hope the ideas here have inspired you to think creatively and plan your green wedding. To help you a little more, we will also take a look at the various colors that form a befitting combination with green. Whether they are used in equal doses or in varying proportions, these are the colors that will give you a striking impact when combined with green.
Combinations that work with green
Green is a color with a personality by itself. Nevertheless, the beauty of green can be further enhanced by adding colors that complement it. One combination that we are all familiar with is green and red. But this reminds us of a Christmas scene, and so it may not be a great idea to use. There are many other colors that yield beautiful combinations with green. These are colors that are either neutrals or those that come on the opposite side of the color spectrum as green. They include the following.
Dark green and light pink or peach
Image Credits:Shimelle Laine, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Green and white
Image Credits: Emilie Rhaupp, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Green and brown
Lime green and orange
Image Credits: EvelynGiggles, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Green and yellow
A point to remember when mixing colors is that you should balance out the colors in equal combinations of light and dark. You should also be liberal with the addition of details in neutrals, when the green you choose is of a bold shade.While green can be tried and tested with various other colors, the ones mentioned here are classic combinations that simply cannot go wrong. It is a good idea to create an inspiration board and compile pictures of the various combinations that you find interesting,and build your palette from there.
For more wedding planning inspiration, and ideas to plan your wedding, keep visiting us here. Choose Best for Bride as your wedding destination, and you will have to look no further to satisfy every one of your bridal needs. From fantastic wedding dresses in every price range, to bridesmaid dresses, photography, officiants, emergency kits and wedding favors, we have every aspect of your wedding covered. Come visit us today.
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