12 Days of Weddings - Four Calling Birds

We are excited to reveal the newest edition in our 12 Days of Weddings blog series, featuring inspirations drawn from Day Four of the famous 12 Days of Christmas song. A fun little known fact about this verse is that it originally named four colly birds, not four calling birds. In other words, the original quartet of birdies consisted of simple blackbirds. While we love the cheeky little Christmas card (shown to the left) that plays off the more well-known phrasing of the song, our main set of images features colly bird silhouettes and vintage style in keeping with the original verse. Enjoy!

 

Image Credits: Four Calling Birds Card from Paper-Source, Blackbird Sachets via Manolo Brides, Invitations from unknown source, Favor Bags from KcPaperWorks on Etsy, Cupcakes from Paper Scissors Cake on Etsy, Handmade First Christmas Ornament from Paloma's Nest, Feathered Head Piece from PeacockPixys on Etsy, Bouquet via Ideas In Blume, Vintage Limo from Limofan.net, Black and White Ornaments via The House of Brooke , Red Dress and Fur Shrug by MKPhoto.

Black Tie Elegance: Inspiration to Reality

A black and white wedding color scheme is one of the most versatile color themes to put together.  You can go glam with damask patterns, sparkle, and pops of pink or create a modern look by choosing elements that are classic and mixing them with clean lines and less ornate pieces.  To make a more modern and classic look come to life, here's a table setting to inspire you and all the little details you'll need to pull it off.

The Inspiration - Modern and Elegant Black and White Wedding Reception Table Setting

After creating a base of table linens/runners, choose a centerpiece that's clean and crisp.  Different varieties of white flowers will keep your look fresh while still adding visual interest.

1/2. Help guests find their seats with ease with round table numbers that can be seen from a distance.  The circular shape will tie in the classic lines of a modern look.  Carry this theme from start to finish, by placing the numbers in round table number holders.

3/4/5.  Tall pillar candles are a great way to add ambience and warmth to your table settings.  Keep your black and white color scheme by setting candles in glass cylinders filled with expanding water beads.

6. Add a subtle ornate decorative element to your each guest place setting by presenting escort cards on filigree favor cards, shown here in black to offset the white cup and saucer sets that sit next to them.

7.  The contemporary swirl pattern of these cup and saucer favors pulls in a modern element while still keeping a classy feel.  Set the cup and saucers at each plate for guests to enjoy.

8.  To create an eye-catching effect, the sparkle of these diamond ring napkin holders adds a Tiffany's feel to your classic palette and will catch the light from every angle  (giving guests another accent to ooh and ahh over....).  Add the napkin holders to black linen napkins to really make each guest place setting pop.

9/10. Add a hint of whimsy to your tables with adorable black and white bride and groom candy bags.  A great way to say thank you to guests, fill the bags with black and white colored candies to carry your color palette one step further.  Add matching bride and groom favor tags to complete the look.

11. To match those adorable engagement ring inspired napkin holders, diamond shaped candle holders will add more sparkle....and you can never have enough sparkle.

12.  Don't forget the finishing touches.  Adorable heart shaped interlocking salt and pepper shakers are a must come dinner time and match your palette.

Too add the final elements to your look, add plates/chargers, glassware to each guest place setting, silverware, and your look will truly be complete.  You can even hang a Victorian style chandelier over each table to give your look a Breakfast at Tiffany's feel.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Make Your Black and White Pop with a Pattern

Black and White. It's the go-to color scheme for brides that want simple and elegant. It's a clean, classic look that, let's face it, can be a little bit boring if not done well. One way to keep your guests from stifling a yawn over your decor and get them "oohing and ahhing" is to use a trendy pattern. The use of black and white damask patterns has become a popular choice for weddings. To vamp up this look a bit more, splashes of bright color can be used. Our favorites are Sunshine Yellow, Lipstick Pink, or Bermuda Blue. The end result is playful and modern, with a sophisticated nod to tradition.

As with any theme, there is the possibility of overdoing it. An ornate pattern and a bright color will automatically pull  eyes toward them. This means that too much of either will seem chaotic. Find ways to showcase both pattern and color in small touches. Other details can be left beautifully simple using primarily black or white. For example, a white tablecloth is an excellent backdrop for black and white damask favor boxes topped with a colorful ribbon. Other fun ways to feature a damask pattern are in things like bridesmaid dresses, the cake, and even the bride's own gown for our brave brides-to-be.

Your color accent should be bold and bright. Pink and red are seen most often paired with a black and white damask, but the choice is yours. Remember that you are looking for your color to pop, not overwhelm. It should be used sparingly and in places where it will create a high contrast. Save your color accent for things like the pocket square in a groomsman's tux, ribbons on your favors, and napkins at your place settings.

Don't forget the flowers! They are one of the best ways to use your ration of color. White Daisies with a sunny yellow center, bright pink Gerbera Daisies, or the classic Red Rose will all be eye-catching - and not only when you toss your bouquet!

The most important tip, is to make it your own. This high drama look is trendy because everyone loves it. Just remember rules are made to be broken! One way to create variation in this look is by using a different pattern. For example, polka dots are another trendy pattern that creates a fun, vintage feel.

We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Jenna