Black on Black for Wedding Wednesday

When packing up the old hospital bag last week, I chatted with Mom about essentials. She recommended I throw in a cute, loose sweater so I won’t be stuck receiving family and friends in a breast milk-soaked nightie. Ah, moms are just the best. And then, she added the expected, “Honey — as for color…”

I cut her off with, “I’m thinking black.”

Just as she said, “Please don’t do black.” We laughed and then she went on to explain that I could use some brightening up. As only mothers can, Mom makes my need for teal cashmere seem like a good thing rather than a negative comment on the last two months I’ve spent vampirically indoors hiding from society in black leggings and a rotation of three black shirts. I’m so pale at this point that when purchasing my fall bottle of Lancome Teint Miracle yesterday, I had to downgrade not only numbers but whole categories of tone (from Buff 5 to Bisque 2).

Just expect to see me in this, all the time, on Instagram all fall and winter. Photo via Pinterest.

So, what’s the point in all my rambling? I’m still wearing black. Black on black on top of more black, with a heavy dose of black liner and the occasional black hair bow to boot. The plan isn’t changing for post-partum, and I don’t think it should. A sudden onset of colder weather paired with the lack of effort involved of comprising an all-black outfit has the hue calling my name daily. But as you embark on your wedding plans for this time next year, might I suggest you ignore my mom’s advice and take a walk with me on the dark side? There is something very glamorous that happens when the most classic of all colors, the non-color, shines its light on your special day.

Obviously, seeing your dude in a tux is about the sexiest thing that can happen, ever. I was so sad at 8 months preg when Joshy attended a wedding I was too pregnant to fly to — I just wanted to see him in his dapperest of duds! Consider putting the entire bridal party in black; traditional tuxedos for the groomsmen and short or floor-length black silk for the gals. Get ready for a major WOW.

These DIY tea towels from ApartmentTherapy.com are so striking and whimsical. I like when an element of fun is added, especially with a palette than can read harsh otherwise. I throw these up here not to suggest that you get stamping and make tea towels for your favors (though that’s a lovely idea!) but more as general pattern inspiration — from table cloths to napkins to the backs of the programs, this is a good one to pin.

When in doubt, add gold. Or — PINK! I’m loving these black-dipped champagne bottles complete with funky straws and sparkly bows. Awesome touch for cocktail hour or to be passed around pre-ceremony to the bridal party. Also cute as favors for an end-of-the-evening nightcap. Photo courtesy of ThePerfectPalette.

Black doesn’t have to mean all-swank, no-rustic. Check out how this couple set their sleek, black and white sweets table against a wall with exposed brickface for some modern, rustic charm. Varying sized bud vases, a hand-written sign, and the heart cake topper all serve to infuse the black-and-white base palette with a punch of fun. And again, you see how the addition of gold and pink do wonders. But you can create just as striking a balance with bright yellow, soft blue, smoky silver, or any other accent color.

When my brother and Pookie served traditional French macarons at their wedding four years ago, it was totally groundbreaking. Now, they’re everywhere. Give yours an edge by ordering up custom flavors made in black and gray. This is one sweet treat that’s also undeniably chic.

A Pleasant Place for Plaid

It couldn’t be farther from the aesthetic we went with for our beach nuptials, but there is something seriously cool (or should I say warm?) about incorporating plaid in your fall or winter fete. Whether it’s an accessory you and your ‘maids sport during photos, the groom’s tie, or a table runner, this tried-and-true print can work its way into the fabric of your day with a touch of tradition and plenty of class. Here’s some inspiration:

The jingle bells and other ultra-Christmasy details might be too much, but I’m loving this scarf-inspired tablecloth for an outdoor table setting.

And on the flip side, here’s a polished-prep interpretation of the plaid-at-the-table thing. Love the monograms.

Create a rustic love banner with muted plaids — you might never wear these as a sweater, but wow do they look pretty as felted hearts to string in the reception area.

Four takes on plaid-happy groom style… yes!

I’ve totally featured her before, but this is just — wow. Had to share these snaps of the gorgeous bride who wore tartan.

Another take on the hint of plaid for the blushing bride.

…Or you could go here.

Or here…

Or HERE. Carry your essentials in this darling plaid clutch and match your mani. Now, that is what I call nailing it.

Lavender Dreams

A close friend of pink, soft lavender has always been a favorite color of mine. And while only hints of the hue made it into our nuptials, I have a passion for purple weddings done right. Bolder plums and violets are lovely, but there’s so much to love about lavender and lilac. Traditionally, pale purple works best for spring or summer weddings, but you can also infuse it into your fall or winter party with the right accents, like bold red or black velvet. Have fun! And remember that it’s your day — and your vision.

Just stunning, the lavender is there in her perfect roses but it doesn’t overpower. Photo courtesy of ColinCowieWeddings.

Great touch for a rustic wedding in early fall. The lavender and wheat boutinir affixed to a suspender is graceful and masculine at once. Photo by Paige and Blake Photography.

If your bridesmaids gasped when you mentioned purple dresses, abate their fears with a flowing medley of chiffon and white flat sandals. Perfect for summer I do’s. Photo courtesy of BuzzFeed.com.

And then there’s this. I mean, could you make a more beautiful statement than this one at a lavender-themed wedding? Sareh Nouri New York Spring 2015 collection; photo courtesy of BridalMusings.com.

 

For the Gentlemen…

We talk a lot about women’s fashion, but everyone knows the dudes want to look great on the big day, too. Josh even bought a second suit weeks before the wedding after deciding the first selection just wasn’t quite “it.” I’d heard a bit about Alton Lane, a modern men’s courtier that lets the groom hand-select the cuts and fabrics they like, all while hanging in a male-centric atmosphere that puts them at ease. On closer investigation, it seems like just the place that your groom-to-be would love to be suited up for the nuptials.

Guys might not be up for the bridal boutique madhouse we ladies live for, but at Alton Lane, your man will enjoy the “clubhouse” environment they promote, with a fully stocked custom bar and the game playing on TV. He’ll flip through their books to ascertain which of the fine fabrics and styles he likes, and then his 3D personalized measurements are taken, ensuring the suit is fitted perfectly to his form.

You’d think a hands-on experience like this would result in a majorly expensive suit, but luxury and comfort are his at an attainable price with Alton Lane. Suits start around $600, unheard of for such exceptional service and quality. Option packages and add-on’s go up from there, but even the absolute creme de la creme at Alton Lane is far more affordable than competitors who offer this level of detail and customization.

For your wedding, make sure he feels like his most handsome self — without the stress of sitting in a hectic men’s shop and being cajoled into overspending. Your guy deserves to relax and enjoy the process of picking out the most important garment he’s ever worn. AltonLane.com for details — tell them I sent you!

The New Neutrals

We talk a lot about color, and I love it all. But in my research, I’ve come to find that some of the most sweepingly romantic choices are those that make very little noise at all. We’re talking soft, muted pinks, rich creams, and striking ivories. In planning your wedding color scheme, don’t walk too briskly past the new neutrals — for you might just find a palette rich in diversity but quiet in saturation is just the ticket to a picture-perfect modern wedding.

Photo courtesy of Indulgy.com

It’s #manimonday so we’ve got to start off with the nails, right? OPI’s “Tickle My France-y” is a stunning nude polish with just enough pink to make it pop. This hue looks gorgeous against the fairest ivory to the richest brown skin tones, and is a great choice if you want to match your bridesmaids, too. $9, Ulta. Some of my other favorite nudes include Essie’s “Topless and Barefoot,” $8.50, Essie.com; and Sephora’s Color Hit Nail Polish in “Nude Shot,” $5, Sephora.com. Another great thing about nude polish is it will work throughout your honeymoon paired with that brand-new tan and all the colorful frocks in your arsenal.

Sticking with the topic of your look for the big day, an off-white gown could be just the ticket to bridal bliss. I absolutely adore a cream or beige dress, and for many brides, this is a much more flattering look than pure white. This magical ballgown is tulled up, bursting with florals, and finished with a thick, fitted sash. Despite the layers and details, it remains effortlessly elegant. Imagine this gown in bright white — not as whimsical. If you’re going for a very romantic, over-the-top design, consider cream or off-beige. You might find you fall madly in love with a surprising choice like this one.

Photo courtesy of TheKnot.com

Your ‘maids will love it if you let them show some flair in different dresses that dance around the same theme. This bride brings in an array of fabrics — some shiny, some lacy, some sequined, to create a multi-layered effect. The varying lengths and hues don’t detract from the unified look because everything down to the shoes is within the cream-to-taupe-to-gold palette. This is perfectly done and works in any season.

Photo courtesy of WeddingChicks.com

Let’s not forget the man of the hour. A gray or beige suit is divine, and this groom looks both chic and low-key in a dapper, muted hue. The traditional tux also works with a neutral scheme, but a look like this is very modern and bold. His tie and boutineer bring in just enough color to keep him from looking washed out.

Photo courtesy of StyleUnveiled.com

A nude tablescape doesn’t need to be boring. Check out the array of textures this bride uses to emphasis her timelessly romantic palette. The floral arrangement, corks, gold-rimmed plates, and burlap tablecloth create a medley of texture to keep the eye moving. This is expertly done, and much of it is DIY-friendly, too.

Photo courtesy of StyleMePretty.com

From ruffles to layers and flowers to pearls, there are about a million and one ways to make a neutral-hued wedding cake stand out. Or, you could do as this couple did and focus on the simplicity of the thing for a truly striking impact. The white, two-tiered cake features a long, cream ribbon and single sprig of greenery for color. The gold cake stand adds a pop of glamour. Despite its simple aesthetic, I’m guessing this cake earned tons of oohs and aahs at the reception. Add this one to your inspiration pile.

Photo courtesy of BridesofAdelaide.com

Pretty little details bring everything together, like a DIY string of dangling ribbons. Try incorporating grosgrain, satin, and other textures, as well as at least one metallic, to make a garland like this one stand out in your reception or cocktail area. And, for tons more inspiration on this beautifully modern palette, check out my Creamy Neutral Wedding board on Pinterest.

Brr… It’s Cold Out There

… I won’t continue this one with the cheer that comes to mind. But I will say this. If you have a winter’s wedding coming up, you have to figure out a way to make the potentially freezing weather work for you. Here’s the good news: hair is less likely to frizz this time of year. Your pores should appear tighter than they do in summer months, and your groom isn’t as likely to be sweating like crazy! But icy winter temps can also mean travel delays, slippery walkways, photo-ruining precipitation, and other bridal nightmares. Keep your cool — literally — with these tips:

Give the girls and guys of your bridal party HotHands hand warmers before attempting any outdoor photos. The ladies can conceal theirs with the bouquets and the gents can tuck them into the pockets of their pants. Everyone will be a lot more cheerful if they can feel their hands while grinning for the camera.

In lieu of a more tradition gift, consider giving your girls bunny-soft, uber-warm cashmere cardigans from J. Crew. This one comes in fifteen shades from neutral to bold, so you can mix and match or get them all in one hue that blends with your colors. The sweater will keep them comfy throughout the day and they can continue to use and love it all winter long. Also, these will be brand new, so there’s no worry about stains, pills, or other snags that could look less than perfect in your pictures.

Make sure to have a Thermos (or several) on hand filled with hot cocoa. Between takes, pass it around and share the warmth. Not only will the warm sweetness keep your bridal party cheerful, it can make for some really cute candid shots, too.

Write your names and the date in the snow, if you have any. This is the winter’s equivalent of the classic beach shot, and it will make for absolutely lovely wall or album art later. Make sure your photog gets snaps of you guys etching the words — those will also be very romantic.

Snow or no snow, you’ll want to have a cozy blanket on hand. Not only will cuddling up with your honey make you feel warm inside and out, it’s a beautiful symbol of the love that wraps you both up every day. One of my mom’s dearest friends knit us the most incredible blanket as a wedding gift, and it was such a poignant symbol. If you don’t have any talented (and patient) knitters in your family, I suggest purchasing one ahead of time. This cashmere one, from Ralph Lauren, is timeless:

$595, bloomingdales.com

Fur is classic, but if it’s not your thing, there’s plenty out there. Consider doing some solo shots in your dress worn with your groom’s jacket and a large scarf. Or, try a show-stopper, worn open, with your gown. I love this one from Etsy:

$85, NextChoice on Etsy

Plum Perfect

Your wedding color scheme is so important, as it evokes not only your style but a feeling, too. I’ve always loved a purple affair, from sweet lavender to lush plum. If you have the hue in mind for your big day, here are some ideas you might want to incorporate.

Bride Style

You might consider going all-out in a whimsical dress like this one from Atelier Aimee. If you do, be sure to keep your accessories minimal.

A lavender sash with rosebuds at the waist creates an elegant pop of color.

Groom(smen) Style

Grey suits are an excellent backdrop for purple accessories like this skinny tie and the subtle buds in his boutineer.

Bridesmaid Style

This ombre effect creates photo magic, and will work on even the bridesmaid who swears she can’t wear purple.

Opt for a modern fit and pair with statement jewelry and natural hair, to avoid that whole late-90’s prom look.

Details

Green, fuchsia and white are great accent colors for your purple bouquet.

Let your location inform the details, like the sweet netting and floral accents at this beachside affair.

Cake

Floral, ombre, and yet not over-the-top! This is a home-run for a mixed-purple theme.

Classic vs. Trendy

There is so much buzz today about bridal trends, and I absolutely love devouring all of it. After all, this is what I do! So much about planning a wedding, and subsequently getting married, is about tradition. And, as a fashion and beauty writer who’s always up to experience something new, I think that weaving some “trends” into your big day is not only natural, but fabulous. My own bridesmaids’ dresses are completely against course–they’re all different styles in different colors, selected to not only suit the girls but also create a richer, fuller color scheme for the event. And my groom will not be in a tux. There are more trendy items to come, but that’s what I can tell you for now.

But what about the major trends? I mean, gold sequined or nautical striped wedding gowns? Of-the-moment capes and so on? There are a ton of options out there and I advise all brides to make sure they dig deep and come up with the things that they really want to include, instead of letting the magazines or even the women in your life make the rules. Style Me Pretty did a cool trend piece today that I thoroughly enjoyed. I won’t say which of these items I absolutely loathe, but I think you could probably guess on a couple of them. There are certain types of chic I like to observe from a fashion perspective and even incorporate on the right occasion, but am choosing to leave away from my wedding in lieu of more traditional items.

What do you think? Are you breaking any rules on your big day? I’d love to hear all about it! I think one of the best things about modern weddings is that there really are no rules any more. Let’s play!

Men’s Fashion

we wanted a feel like this, with a slightly beachier attitude

We’ve been bouncing ideas back and forth for months, and Josh and I realized suddenly that we were in a sticky situation with our groomsmen. Tuxedos are lovely but they are just not right for our barefoot beach wedding. The look we wanted is a very J. Crew; a sort of dressed-up afternoon by the shore in khaki, taupe, or even seersucker. But those types of suits are nearly impossible to find for rental, and to buy on the cheap, they’re pretty scary. Not to say it hasn’t been done by others in a classy way! But I searched and found nothing affordable in the color scheme we wanted. I was in a mild panic; any bride would be.

With my bridesmaids I was adamant that we work together to pick styles and colors they liked. We went short and they each have their own color, in hopes that these dresses will be ones they wear again and again. I am a Virgo and a middle child with a major guilt complex, so asking my five dearest friends to spend a fortune on a hideous dress simply wouldn’t do. But our shopping day worked out great and I hope they aren’t lying when they tell me they love their dresses! They all ended up with short chiffon Amsale numbers in a variety of cute styles from vanilla and two shades of gray to a lovely blush and their palest lavender, called Opal. Gorgeous!

But these men. Eek! What to do?

this is absolutely perfect, but it was never going to happen. file away for another day…

Josh and I swallowed our pride and started looking at rentals but the choices were honestly so bad we even thought about throwing off our entire color scheme and going with tuxes after all. In a last-ditch effort at manageable chic, we went to Mens Warehouse, after I had found one linen suit on sale on their website that I actually didn’t hate.

But the wedding gods were on our side. Josh immediately discovered a khaki-hued linen Calvin Klein two-piece suit in the corner and declared it the one. I was concerned about pricing, but Mens Warehouse works up awesome group rates and the suit would be ours! I’m pleased to say that after about 2 hours total spent in the store and a few naggy emails from this bride-to-be, our groomsmen scheme is coming together and the suits have been ordered.

this was our main inspiration shot, minus the tie.

The moral? If you have a look in mind, it’s important to be reasonable but also not to give up on what you want. Your wedding is your day. You and your betrothed need to get on the same page and then figure out a way to make it happen. I’m sure there will be more of these bumps in the road… and they’ll all lead up to an absolutely beautiful day in September.