A Traditional and Romantic Take on Fall Wedding Colors

There does not need much explanation of why fall is such a beautiful time of year for a wedding. The weather, the colors present in nature and the feelings of comfort and family that come along with the season are all top selling points! When choosing colors for your fall wedding one can easily be influenced by the colors of the changing leaves and cheery, plump pumpkins of the season. This traditional fall wedding color scheme of oranges, rust, goldens and cream  is a guest favorite! You can't go wrong really with sticking to these warm and welcoming shades. Now if you are a bride who doesn't like to stick to conformity and be constrained by these traditional falls colors, think outside the box. We've put together a romantic color inspiration for your consideration as well. Picture a golden wheat field at dusk with shades or purple-y gray in the sky and the creams and browns of the fields. Simply romantic, and still so totally fall. Read on for our traditional and romantic take on fall wedding colors.

  

Image Credits: Main wheat and pumpkin image, white pumpkin floral centerpiece, fall wedding cake, orange tie groom, carved wedding pumpkins, wheat boutonniere, wheat bouquet, wheat field bride and groom and wheat hair piece

Charcoal Grey + Raspberry - A Wedding Color Story

The bright palette of hot pink and orange takes a modern twist when grounded with the neutral color of charcoal grey.  We love the idea of adding in this darker shade to bring a sense of sophistication to an ordinarily whimsical color scheme. 

When putting together this palette, don't be afraid to take advantage of the different shades of pink and orange to add depth and texture to your florals, table centerpieces, and decor.  Adding in lighter shades of pink and pops of marigold and yellow will bring your look from homemade to custom made.

Photo Credits: Grey and Pink Wedding, Photo booth prop, Streamers, Margaritas, and Shepards hook, Orange Balloon Centerpiece, Striped Wedding Invitation, Chair back and table setting, Wedding Dress with Lanterns, Groomsmen

The Little Black Bridesmaids Dress

Black is the new black.  Okay okay, so bright and bold hues were forecasted to be this year's hottest trend but don't be fooled because the absence of color is definitely back full force.  This staple wardrobe color can be styled to be romantic, classic, modern, retro, or even boho.  And since black flatters any figure it only makes sense to don your leading ladies with a gorgeous little black number she will definitely wear again.  Pair your dresses with some strappy sandals or daring colored pumps for a splash of color.  Contrasting monochromatic bouquets also look stunning next to the dark backdrop created by a simple black gown.  For more daring brides, hand your girls a black color swatch with your dress length preference and let them pick their own gown.  Giving your girls the freedom to pick their own dress is the perfect way to get  a wedding day wardrobe that will be cohesive yet unique.  To help with your hunt for the perfect little black dress, here are a few of our favorite must-have frocks.

Classic bridesmaids dresses have a simple and understated elegance to them.  From timeless  A-lines and simple sheaths to strapless floor length gowns, you can't go wrong with a classic little black dress. (Left to right: J.Crew, Jim Hjelm, J.Crew, Dessy)

For romantic brides, don't forget the girly trimmings.  Ruffles, bows, ribbons, and ornate lace detailing simply ooze romance.  To stay on trend and score one of this season's hottest looks, opt for a simple lace dress for your girls. (Left to right: Bardot, David's Bridal, Alexon, Dessy)

Boho is for the bride who's looking for a laid-back, thrifty chic style.  Opt for a high-low dress for this season's trendsetting style.  For our Bohemian brides, we especially love TwoBirds Bridesmaids wrap dresses which can be wrapped in a million different ways to flatter each individual's figure. (Left to right: TwoBirds Bridesmaid, BCBG, ModCloth, Aidan Mattox)

Retro dress styles will have your girls looking timeless while still keeping with your vintage aesthetic.  Cap sleeves, circle skirts, and pinups dresses are sure fire ways to get that vintage glam look.  Stay on trend by grabbing an illusion neckline dress.  Your ladies will love your high fashion pick. (Left to right: ModCloth, Asos, Stop Staring, Dessy)

Modern brides will love these architectural little numbers.  It's all about volume and structure with these modern frocks.  For daring brides, channel Carrie Bradshaw and throw in a structural headpiece for a touch of avant-garde styling.  For this season's must-have look, opt for a trendy peplum dress. (Left to right: Calvin Klein, Alexon, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood)

Pretty Picnic Wedding ~ A Red Picnic Wedding Themed Inspiration Board

With the lovely weather lately, we can’t help but daydream of a blanket spread on the grass, and the sun shining down on a perfect picnic.  For the laid-back or outdoor-loving couple, a picnic themed wedding may be just the thing.  Your picnic wedding could be as fancy or relaxed as you want.  We love bold, bright reds paired with hay bale seating or elegant round tables.  Use plain red or patterned tablecloths, and simple flower arrangements. Keep your guests satisfied with signature red cocktails and strawberry shortcake in red-and-white checkered paper cartons.  When it comes time to eat, each guest can choose an adorable boxed meal with a menu printed on a sticker on the front of the box.  

For these and more picnic wedding themed ideas, follow our Picnic Weddings Board on Pinterest.

Image Credits: Cherry Pie, Bridal Portrait, High-Top Table with Bunting, Glass Bottles, Boxed Lunches, Favors, Strawberry Shortcake, Table Setting, Signature Cocktail, Wedding Invitations, Mini Picnic Baskets, Berry Cake, Personalized Napkins, Bridesmaids Dresses

Love is in the Air - Hot Air Balloon Themed Wedding

There would be nothing lovelier than saying "I do" in a brightly colored hot air balloon as you and your love float along on a warm spring day. This sweet little daydream is the inspiration behind our newest wedding collage. We love the way the sunlight streams through the balloon silk,  subduing the bright colors and softening them into a dreamy pastel color palette. Streamers of ribbon that catch any passing breeze and vintage style stationary complete the look. Enjoy!

Photo Credits: Invitations via Invitation Crush, Hot Air Balloon Photo Shoot by Jose Villa, Table Numbers from Sunshine and Ravioli on Etsy, Earrings from Elaina Louise Studios on Etsy, Boutonniere and Ribbon Chair Swag via Southern Weddings, Balloon Centerpieces from Love and Lavender, Save the Dates from Eden Wedding Studio on Etsy, Locket from Sora Designs on Etsy.

Seafoam and Coral - A Wedding Color Story

Today's wedding inspiration board features a color palette that we think is utterly perfect for a summer wedding.  Refreshing seafoam paired with the contrast of invigorating coral.  (Cue, Sigh)  It makes me wish for salty ocean water and a sunkissed tan.

Something about this color combo beckons for a day at the Hamptons. It's so clean and modern yet classic at the same time.  To pull this look off, simply ground the two colors with a warm tone of taupe, gold, or brown to bring in a bit of warmth.  Don't you just love the pop of purple in dining room centerpieces?  Simply gorgeous.

Photo Credits: Balloons, Macaroons 1, Macaroons 2, Coral lip, You + Me, Ruche ruffle dress by Elizabeth Messina, Wildflower print, Staged dining room, Flower in vase, Bouquet, Earrings, Ribbon

Ombre Obsession - A Wedding Inspiration Board

Ombre, from a French word meaning "shading," is our new favorite way to make a colorful statement in your wedding. The idea behind this look is creating a color palette consisting of graduating shades similar to those created by dip dying fabric. You can use any color you wish or even a group of colors, like red, orange, and yellow or shades of blue and purple. We chose to use pink for our inspiration board because it is the color we see most often in ombre. This trend seems to also go hand in hand with lovely ruffles everything from cakes to dresses to decor. Ombre ruffling creates such a fun, romantic look and we knew we had to share it with all our spring and summer brides.

Here are few simple tips for brides using an ombre theme...

1. Tone down your color palette by choosing a neutral color that will be used on the majority of your decor. Shades of grey are on trend right now, as are shades of pure white and creamier tones of ivory. If you want a more dramatic look, go for black or brown as your backdrop. This will keep your ombre from being too overwhelming.

2. Dip dyed bridesmaids dresses aren't every girl's style. Instead, dress your bridesmaids in solid colors that are one shade darker than the girl's dress on her right. When they all stand together in a row, the ombre effect will be stunningly subtle. Your groomsmen can wear whatever neutral shade you have chosen with ties or boutonnieres that coordinate with the shades used in the bridesmaid dresses.

3. Check out paint swatches at your local hardware store for color inspiration. Usually the colors on these swatches already show perfectly graduating shades.

We hope you enjoy the inspiration board we've put together. For more ideas, follow our Ombre Wedding Inspiration Board on Pinterest.

Image Sources: Rose Carpet from Martha Stewart Weddings, Feathers from Green Wedding Shoes, Dresses from Anna Elyse, Shoes from Shoes.com, LOVE Design from Wedding Chicks, Soda bottles from Jam and Toast, "Oat to Joy" Favors from Green Wedding Shoes, Ruffled Cake via Calligraphy by Jennifer, Ombre Cake Slice from Call Me Cupcake, Flower Box from Ruffled Blog

Apricot, Peach, and Blush - A Wedding Color Story

Spring and summer weddings will be full of romance and soft colors this year. One of our favorite palettes combines shades of apricot, peach, and beautiful blush. The warm tones in this color scheme are invitingly soft and delicate, yet manage to be subtly striking and breathtakingly gorgeous. We've seen these colors used most often in vintage and Victorian inspired themes, so we combined them here with hints of lace, English roses, and beautiful Victorian cameos. This look has everything a blushing bride could ask for, with a whisper of romance and a hint of hopeful spring blossoms.    

Image Credits: Peach and Lace Dress from Simply Bloom Photography, Burlap and Cameo invitations from Invitation Crush,  Cupcake Heart Photo from Ooh Pretty Shiny on Etsy, Pink Cupcakes from Martha Stewart, Cameo Cake from JL Designs, Roses and Lanterns from Lisa Lefkowitz via Snippet and Ink

Sundresses and Sandals - A Bright and Cheery Wedding Color Story

With the winter well underway, we are ready for bright and cheery spring and summer weddings!  Check out this lemon, tangerine, and sangria inspiration board.  With the bright yellows, oranges, and pinks you will be sure to love the exciting photos we have collected with warm and sunny days in mind.  The fun and cheerful wedding ideas featured here have us daydreaming of sundresses, sandals, and flowers in our hair.

As shown in the inspiration board, there are many great ways to bring color into your wedding.  One of our favorites is the use of bright blooms in so many different ways.  We love colorful flowers in different types and sizes mixed and matched for a stunning look.  Depending on your location, you may even be able to grow or pick wildflowers in every shade imaginable.  Have your florist, or a friend with a green thumb, give you some recommend some great types of flowers for your wedding.

Image Credits: Lemon Centerpiece, Bright Bouquet, Cake, Mason Jar Drinks, Umbrellas, Flag and Flower Centerpiece, Handkerchief, Bright Flower Centerpiece, Yellow Shoes, Macaroons, Reception Table, Bride’s Bouquet 

Margarita and Bellflower Wedding Inspiration Board

Create a breath taking wedding with a couple tips from the pantone 2012 fashion report. Margarita green and bellflower purple create a beautiful color combination and are two of the trendier color options to choose from. Look to the inspiration of the color name for color inspiration in your wedding. Serve margaritas and use bellflowers in your wedding bouquet. Dress your bridal party in bellflower and add margarita touches, like a sash or boutonniere.

Remember when you are selecting your wedding colors and inspiration; that colors that are the opposite of each other on the color wheel, such as purple and green complement each other very well. Whether you look to the newest trends, the color wheel or your favorite colors for your wedding, create a look that inspires you. Good Luck!

Photo Credits: Bellflower dress (weddingbee.com), Wedding table setting (Carolyn Roehn Style), Lavender seating cards (Martha Stewart Wedding), Macarons (Tartelette) and Men's Suit (Brides.com)

Poppies & Sunshine - A Wedding Color Story

Almost eerily beautiful, the poppy flower has deep rooted symbolism and meaning behind it. While the Wicked Witch of the West used the poppy's powers of sleep against Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, the flower has a more cheerful orientation to it as well. The poppy has associations with beauty, magic and fertility. These delicate wildflowers come in a variety of types and colors. The California Poppy takes center stage in our Poppies and Sunshine Color Inspiration Board. Perfect for a spring or summer wedding, the California Poppy's colors range from yellow to light and dark orange. Pair these cheerful blooms with shades of sunshine yellow, sky blue and shadowy gray for a charming wedding color scheme.

Add pops of color to your wedding day attire with poppy orange bridesmaid dresses, cool blue ties and floral hair pins, belts and boutonnieres.  Cheery and fun, get inspired by this laid back wedding color scheme  for your spring or summer wedding!

Photo Credits: Single poppy bloom, Poppy Field, Paper flowers, Wedding party by the pool by Heather Kinkaid Photographer, Yellow poppy belt, Blue tie groom by Orchard Grove Photography

Top Ten 2012 Wedding Trends

All across the bridalsphere there seems to be a general consensus about 2012 weddings... goodbye DIY!  As we move into 2012, it's time to wave goodbye to the DIY wedding trend and welcome a more classic take on vintage elegance.  While we all can agree that the vintage, DIY trend will still continue on into 2012 seen mostly through rustic and natural elements like homemade centerpieces and flower arrangements, 2012 will be the year for romance. Expect lavish details, lace, and glittery accents for a more romantic take on vintage weddings with less of the homemade projects. Sorry DIYers!

2012 weddings will see inspiration from media influences like last year's Royal Wedding and the recent Twilight saga Breaking Dawn. The rustic, woodland decor seen in Twilight's gorgeous outdoor wedding scene will be among the many copied looks for this year while Prince William and Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding will be the most coveted of wedding styles. Long sleeved and lace wedding gowns will be among the most popular trends in 2012 for those looking to recreate the classic, elegant look of Kate's stunning Sarah Burton gown.

According to Pantone's recent color forecast, bright and bold colors are also making a swift comeback as we head into Spring. Tangerine has been announced as their choice for color of the year and we are expecting this bright color to be among one of the hot wedding colors in 2012 as well. For a bold statement consider mixing this color with a bright girly pink. Other great color pair ups are modern gray or taupe, yellow, or sodalite blue.

Now to get down to business...check out our top 10 picks below forecasting what are sure to be the hottest wedding trends in 2012.

#10 - A New Take on Old Photography

#9 - Multi-Way Bridesmaids Dresses and Classy Tuxedos

#8 - Tiered Wedding Cakes and Signature Foods

#7 - Period Inspiration and Old Hollywood Style

#6 - All That Glitters

#5 - Traditional Veils and Grecian Headpieces

#4 - Tangerine and Color Palettes That Pop

#3 - Natural and Rustic Elements

#2 - Lavish Centerpieces and Decor

#1 - Lace, Sleeves, and Low Back Wedding Dresses

Credits: Lace Back Claire Pettibone Gown, #10 via Vogue, #9 tux via Lane Dittoe, Bridesmaids dresses via Two Birds, #8 via Brides, #7 via Green Wedding Shoes, #6 from Every Last Detail, #5 via Vogue, #4 pink and gray wedding via Ariella Chezar, Pink and orange wedding from Every Last Detail, #3 from The Vegas Wedding Planner, #2 via Ariella Chezar, #1 Legends by Romonakeveza, Jenny Packham, Coan Couture