Inspired Ideas {Lace}

From Grace Kelly to Kate Middleton, some of the world's most iconic brides have chosen lace for their wedding day wardrobe. And who can blame them? The intricate patterns, the feminine details, the sense of classic beauty...there really is just something so bridal about lace. 

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But you don't have to be royalty to wear lace to your wedding. Gorgeous designs exist at just about every price point so you're bound to find a dress that's the right fit. Long or short, mermaid or a-line, strapless or sleeved- the options are endless. 

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Dresses aren't the only way to wear lace. Accessories can help any bride look perfect from head to toe. Complement your hairstyle with key pieces like a lace headband, flower or veil. 

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Then finish off your look with beautiful lace shoes. Styles range from soaring heels to comfy flats. Whether you're looking for something fancy or simple, the perfect pair is out there. 

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Don't let the lace touches stop there. You can include them in any and every aspect of your day. Give your guests a taste of things to come with lacey invitations. Choose colorful lace motifs, textured letterpress or rich fabric accents.

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Try to incorporate lace into your ceremony. Using it as an aisle runner or for the canopy of a Chuppah are two wonderful options.

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Table decor is a great way to showcase just how versatile lace really is. It goes with virtually any color and can be dressed up or down depending on depending on your design concept. Pair lace linens with gold chivari chairs and chargers for a sleek and elegant look or combine them with burlap and wood details for a more rustic feel.

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From our styled shoot featured on Ruffled

Create striking backdrops by hanging large lace panels or embroidery hoops in a variety of sizes. String pieces of lace into garland or arrange it in rows and clip place cards or even photographs onto it.

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Let lace literally tie your details together. Wrap it around vases or bouquets. Use it to make delicate napkin rings or package your favors. 

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The right lighting can really set the tone for your reception. Adding lace to candles or building lanterns out of doilies will create the perfect mood for a romantic evening.

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Treating your guests right is so important and what better way to keep them happy than with good food? Step up the presentation with lace patterned china or serving towers. Embellish cakes, cookies or cupcakes with lace for dessert that's truly a work of art.

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So get inspired by lace and get ready for a wedding day filled with details that are beautiful and timeless!

-Laura

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Inspired Ideas {Stripes}

Multicolored or black and white, thick or thin, horizontal or vertical- take your pick. Stripes can do it all. They are one of those patterns that somehow manages to complement classic and sophisticated affairs just as well as playful and modern ones. No matter what your style is, stripes can add the perfect touch of flair to so many aspects of your wedding.

Let's start by taking a look at wedding day attire. While wearing stripes down the aisle might sound a little unusual to some brides, there are many gorgeous gowns out there that feature them in beautiful ways. Subtle white bands, embellishments such as piping and pin tucks, or even tiered layers create the illusion of stripes without color.

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Bridesmaids' dresses, on the other hand, often use color in their patterns. Depending on the overall look and feel of your wedding, your bridal party can opt for bold bands of color or elegant and understated striped accents.

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Every girl needs a few good accessories. Sticking to key pieces like a simple necklace or a colorfully striped clutch will enhance your ensemble without overwhelming it.

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Step up your look with the perfect shoes. They come in virtually every style and color scheme. Stripes can be featured on a single detail like a bow or heel or they can cover the entire shoe.

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Get the guys in on the action as well. Pinstripe suits are sleek and stylish, while seersucker provides a preppy look that's perfect for spring. 

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Striped ties or socks can really complete the look. Other accessories like striped pocket squares or cufflinks are excellent ideas as well. 

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Now that you've thought about the wedding day wardrobe, it's time to focus on the details and decor. Invitations are a fantastic way to get your guests excited for your wedding day. Include stripes in your suite with elements such as backing paper, belly bands, wrap-around labels or envelope liners. Or tie everything together with a bit of striped twine.

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Paper can be used for so much more than just invitations and it's an incredibly easy way to showcase stripes. You can use it for everything from table numbers and signage down to luminaries or even straws for your signature drink.

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Ribbons are another great detail that can help incorporate stripes into your day. They are a wonderful addition to just about anything, whether it's stationery and program baskets or favor boxes and bags. The ribbons themselves don't all have to be striped. A mix of solid and patterned ones can be pieced together to create striped bands for projects such as photo booth backdrops or place card displays.

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They can also really enhance your floral decor. Wrap ribbons around bouquets and vases or attach them to boutonnieres. 

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Table design is such an important part of reception decor. One of the simplest ways to add stripes to your tables is through linens. Decide just how much striped detail you'd like to include and choose between tablecloths, runners or napkins for a variety of unique looks.

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And don't forget about the chairs. Make your sweetheart table stand out with colorful chair signs like the ones shown below. Seat everyone in stylish chivaris with striped cushions or spruce up chairs with decorative sashes. 

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And finally, fill your guests up with some inspired dishes and desserts. Consider starting dinner off with this uniquely patterned pasta. Layer sweet or savory foods in shot glasses to create a striped look. Then finish the night up with a wedding cake that shows off your love of stripes.

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No matter what colors you choose or what details you highlight, a striped wedding is bound to be beautiful and fun!

-Laura

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Inspired Ideas {Ombre}

Inspired Ideas is a new series that we will be doing twice a month on the blog! We'll be discussing how to take one detail that you love and having it present throughout your wedding day from start to finish, without being overdone. First up, Ombre Details!

Ombre, a french word meaning shade or shadow, is often used to describe an effect in which a color gradually changes from light to dark or dark to light. It has become an increasingly popular concept and can be found anywhere from hair and nails to home decor or red carpet fashions. Ombre is a unique and fun way to play with color, so it's no surprise that today's brides are embracing it as a wedding trend. They can choose to highlight one hue with a few subtle accents or play up a variety of shades without having to worry about everything matching perfectly. 

Although the concept of ombre has picked up steam recently, it's certainly not new to the world of weddings. Nearly ten years ago, Gwen Stefani wore a striking Dior gown that could easily be categorized as ombre. Dip-dyed in a vivid pink, it made for a truly bold fashion statement.

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But the beauty of ombre is its versatility. It can be bright and daring or subtle and romantic. So, if Gwen's look is a little too "rock star" for your tastes, try something with less of a contrast. Dresses that darken slowly to peach at the hemline or fade from a pale pink at the top are gorgeous choices.

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If you have your heart set on a solid white or ivory gown but find yourself longing for a little more color, consider using ombre accessories. Dyed crinoline is a great way to add darker tones to your dress. Ombre clutches, jewelry or even shoes can also enhance your bridal look.

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There are two approaches you can take when styling your bridal party. One option is to select matching ombre dresses that complement your wedding scheme. With looks that range from elegant to playful to dramatic, you're bound to find something beautiful for them to wear. 

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Or, you can design a color palette and have each of your maids wear dresses in slightly different hues. Use paint swatches to find light, medium and dark shades and have each bridesmaid select one. When they stand side by side during the ceremony or in pictures they'll create an ombre effect. You can also coordinate the groomsmen's looks by adjusting the color of their shirts or ties accordingly. 

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Attire isn't the only way to include ombre in your wedding day. Stationery is the perfect detail to tie any look or theme together. Start early with your invitations and continue with coordinating programs, menus and even thank you cards.

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Add ombre to your ceremony with aisle decor. Line the path with flower petals that darken or lighten with each passing step or hang several shades of pomanders from the chairs.

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Backdrops are another popular trend that can really showcase your ombre scheme. They can be hung at your ceremony site, behind your candy buffet, or even used for a DIY photobooth. The best part is that they can be made from virtually any material, from paper to clothespins or even fabric shower curtains. 

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Once the reception begins, direct your guests with multicolored seating charts or escort cards. They can be designed with papers of varying hues or even dyed for the perfect look. 

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Table decor is an easy way to set the mood. Create an ombre centerpiece with an assortment of flowers in any given color family or choose a single bloom and change the shades of your vases or containers. Ombre linens, such as napkins, table runners or tableclothes are another great way to brighten things up. 

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Celebrate with signature cocktails like the uniquely colored Lava Flow or simply add an ombre garnish or stirrer to your favorite drink.

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Top off the night with a beautiful wedding cake. The design possibilities are endless and ombre looks can be achieved with several mediums, from butter cream and fondant to flowers and ribbons.

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Be sure to send your guests home with favors that capture the look and feel of your wedding. Make these ombre candle sets or cookies with tutorials from Something Turquoise and The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle. Or send guests home with bottles of wine wrapped in these amazing customizable labels.

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Ombre is guaranteed to inspire a wedding day that's colorful and unique, so choose your shades, get creative and have fun!

-Laura

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