Dear Abby…
Dear AbbyI have a color hangover from last week’s contest. So today, I thought that we could address the somewhat neglected Questions that have been piling up in my inbox! I am going to let you guys take a crack at them, then I will post my answers a little later in the day!
Our first question comes from Dina…
Q 1: Here is the problem – I’ve always loved the look of an all white wedding. I think that it’s so pure and timeless. But, I fear being too boring or minimalist. I want a refined, elegant look, but don’t want to be too stuffy. However, on the other hand, I loooove the look of bright vivid colors and being a fellow Martha fan, saw the most amazing fruit and flower centerpieces two issues back and think that it would be so lovely for summertime and enjoying the outdoor spaces. I love the idea of a vintage feel to things – and the notion of crystals hanging from flowering branches. I am not sure how to tie all of these together. As you can see, I’m in some serious need of design help.
Note: Dina and her fiance are getting married at a historical mansion just outside Philadelphia, PA on June 22, 2008. They are only inviting 80 people to keep things very intimate and completely focused on family.
A 1: Hey Dina…I think that many of the comments hit the nail on the head. An all white wedding can be so sophisticated and elegant…and anything BUT boring. The key though, is bringing in various shades of whites and a multitute of textures. By layering these elements together, you will create a depth that is sometimes missing in a stark, all white look. Think lace layered over creamy white linens, puffy white peonies placed in smooth laquered vases, crystals strewn about on tables, flowing white fabric hanging from branches. Lastly, with all of the white elements, you really also need a neutral color to break up the monotony. Green is the perfect accent for an all white wedding, mainly because you can incorporate it naturally through plants and flowers. Bottom line, white can be both elegant and rich looking. Just make sure that you layer…and use GOBS of candles to finish it all off.
The second question is from Sandra…
Q 2: my wedding date is quickly approaching, but I’ve gotten hung up on one of the best details of it — dessert! I’m not a big cake fan, so I have been thinking about creating a dessert bar/buffet for my guests. Do you (or your readers) have any ideas for presentation or selection?
A 2: Sandra…I love the idea of a dessert buffet in lieu of a traditional cake. And I really love the idea that was posted in the comments section about using mini tins with white napkins tucked inside so that guests can have “take aways.” As for presentation, I say, stay consistent. Go with all white platters and stands, or all crystal, or all tin…let the desserts themselves take center stage. Take a peak at the above photo on Domino. I love how they used the desserts themselves to create height and dimension. Your eye only sees the beautiful food that you are about to devour.
And the third question is from “A L”…
Q 3: I’m looking for dresses that are similar in silhouette and style to Reem Acra’s ‘Beautiful’ from Fall 2007.Any thoughts on such empire gowns / sheaths?
A 3: A L…I am in LOVE with the sheath gowns that are all the rage right now…so elegant and romantic. Love, love, love them. I am going to take a look at the latest gowns and will post my favorite sheaths a little later in the day.
15 Comments about “Dear Abby…”
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Dina: What about topiaries? I think they are highly underused and then you could dangle strands of crystals down from them sort of looping them around. I will search for a photo, but in my head, it is lovely :)
Sandra: as far as presentation I think it would be great to have different heights all around. Maybe you could put a lift on the back half of the table underneath the linens and then between that height and different height pedestals, etc., it should really look nice! I also like the idea of sticking to a color theme within the deserts. If you wanted to use this with favors, you could stack boxes with your monogram off to the side so guests could bring them home. I would look at the knot's candy buffet ideas for inspiration.
AL: I love column/sheath dresses. Carolina Herrera has some as well as Claire Pettitbone (sp?) - I would check out brides.com and search by silhouette. They are really lovely IMO and flatter most people. They also create a very romantic feel (think Romeo and Juliet)
Sandra, There's a restaurant in Philly - Continental - that serves mini desserts. Everything is perfectly presented in miniature size, so as not to overwhelm. It would be neat to have a table with big square white platters and a multitude of mini-desserts, perfectly proportioned ice cream sandiches, individual fresh fruit tarts, a small square chocolate cake with peanut butter filling, little shot glasses filled with chocolate mouse, etc. My fiance and I aren't big cake people, so we are having several desserts served to alternating guests!
Dina: I am having a vintage glamour wedding, and my centerpieces will be branches with dangling strands of crystals (idea from Brides.com) I will put everything on mirrors with candles so it will all reflect and create beautiful lighting. If you find it too big as a centerpiece you can create this idea either for your guestbook table and have your guest hang notes on your tree instead.
For your cake, why not hang a white bed canopy... adds a little something
Sandra: I agree with Stacy on this one with having about various levels to the presentation. You can use boxes, or other flat surface items, and place a beautiful linen on top to have a uniform look. The linen can have a style that reflects your theme. You can also use beautiful cake plates, to display your desserts. Having a color theme withing the desserts is a great idea...
Al: You can check out various wedding sites for pictures. Or type sheath wedding dresses in google... you will find varios sites.
Or go to http://houseofbrides.com ." rel="nofollow">http://houseofbrides.com. > They have many dresses but you need to look at each designer though. Good Luck!
Dina,
Hi! :-)
Here is our 2 cents.
Knowing your venue, I would just love the vintage look you are talking about. With such a beautiful space, you wouldn't want to "compete" too much with the surroundings. They are so beautiful on their own and you want to work with it, not against it. That being said, I think working with whites and neutrals could be just stunning. You can always bring a focus with lighting as well and give it more drama that way. There is a specific event that I am picturing that was vintagey and elegant. I will dig up pics for you.
Hope that helps.
SD
Sandra: On The Knot website they just recently featured a couple who did a candy bar with many different candies available and these really cute, white Chinese take out boxes that they had decorated for the guests to fill up. It was a really cute and whimsical idea.
Al: I've also been looking for something similar...I fell in love with Matthew Christopher's dress called Josephine. It's very elongating!
Question #2, I have thought of the very same, and I will tell you I thought of wide buckets of ice with open boxes of fine chocolates, Argentinian cookies called alfajores (Havana brand is the best) for a little exotic flavor, and colorful French baked goods like almond flavored cookies and crisps. All on a broad table with flowers and napkins. You can even set out little bags (or tiny aluminum buckets lined with tissue paper) for guests to grab and take as a favor too.
Dina-
To incorporate all the ideas you are thinking of, do white table clothes and white chair covers with white china. Have a bright multi-color fruit and flower centerpiece with crystal inserts surrounded by candles in white or crystal votives (perhaps you can find some unique/antique votives?). Or pick a single color centerpiece. I think that would go well in a historic space. You could even go ivory if that goes better with the decor or the old mansion. With the simple elegance of the tables and chairs the bright colors will bring it all to life in a vibrant way!
Dina,
My suggestion would be to use white, shades of green and one pastel color (peach, orange, lavendar)
Here is an example of an arrangement I made that would be perfect.
http://freshfloralart.typepad.com/fresh_floral_art/2007/05/5.html " rel="nofollow">http://freshfloralart.typepad.com/fresh_floral_art/2007/05/5.html >
And visit Ariella flowers for lots of inspiration in the style you are leaning towards: http://www.ariellaflowers.com/wedding/index.html " rel="nofollow">http://www.ariellaflowers.com/wedding/index.html >
Hope this helps.
Dina: We are doing a lush english garden/blooming branches theme to our wedding and are using neutrals with a splash of green. We are doing lucerne lace linens and curly willow with dendrobeum orchids hand sewn to the branches. The only color we are having is in the lady slippers in my bouquet and the bridesmaids in a spiced wine for a bold pop.
Did you see the inspiration board from Anne? She does a splash of color in different places to break up the white but it still feels white. Lovely.
We had a candy bar and in lieu of cake, we had frozen novelties which were a huge hit for our August wedding. Who doesn't love push ups, bomb pops, and drumsticks??
THIS is exactly what I was thinking of, and I thought you all might enjoy this gorgeous image:
http://www.rebeccathuss.com/portfolio_detail.php?page=confections&ctr=7 " rel="nofollow">http://www.rebeccathuss.com/portfolio_detail.php?page=confections&ctr=7 >
that is AMAZING. Rebecca's taste is impeccable.
voting for #27 Peacock theme
try casablancas dresses - they have a very similar feel to the one in the picture