One of the primary design elements to every wedding are the colors. They help cohesively tie everything together from the very beginning with the invitations.

Color is a tricky thing because there are some definite rules that can be followed when it comes to selection for a wedding. Using the aid of a color wheel is sometimes very helpful. Especially if you are at a loss for what colors will complement each other. But nowadays rules are quite often thrown out the window and couple's let their instincts guide them when choosing the colors for their wedding.


Color Wheel Puzzle: Pottery Barn Kids Design



Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your colors:

The location- Where will the wedding be and what will the prominent colors at the location be? Keep these things in mind when choosing the colors because you don't want to clash with your location.

Season- Many times seasonal colors can help as you decide on your colors. Red, burgandy, navy blue, teal, champagne, and magenta are common colors seen during winter and early spring. As warmer weather comes it's very normal to see lavender, sky blue, yellow, orange, pink and coral. Also you may be somewhat limited in your floral colors during certain times of the year so keep that in mind as you choose your date and as you choose your color scheme.

Mood- The colors you choose will impact the mood of your wedding so pick wisely. If you are going for a tranquil event choose muted, less intense, tones. While if you are wanting a regal feel for your wedding don't be afraid to pick more bold and rich colors.

Personal Taste- What are your color likes and dislikes? A recent bride told me she was definitely not going to have some specific colors but was open minded to others. It was wonderful becasue she and I were quickly able to narrow down our color choices just based on her opinion.

Try to have two or three main colors that are complementary of each other then feel free to blend monochromatic (colors that are similar but only slightly different) tones throughout your design as well.

Many times the bride's attendants will be wearing one of the colors, typically the primary color, she selects so some bride's consider what will look best on their ladies as they think about the wedding colors.

Where should you add these colors at your wedding? Start with the attire, invitations, flowers, cake and favors. As you progress through designing your day see if there are any other areas you can add in your colors without it becoming 'too' much. Keeping your table cloths and place settings simple in color (white or black) allows you to have more color fun with the centerpieces, napkins, and even the food.

Color is a great way to express yourself and your personality. Have fun, and hopefully using some of these tips as you select your colors will allow your instincts to direct you as you design your big day!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning, Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style

Recently, when idea generating with a June 2010 client, I encouraged them to embrace the uniqueness of their Kansas wedding by celebrating outside during the reception amongst the landscape of prairie grasses, rolling hills with a big sky and a warm sunset. They have chosen the theme 'Prairie Wedding' and as we plan all the small and large details you can look forward to many more blog posts dedicated to this couple.

What I love about the 'Prairie Wedding' theme for this particular couple is that they have embraced the beauty of their home state. They are both from a small town in Kansas and want to have a classy, yet comfortable, wedding that celebrates where they grew up while also blending in the class and style of being a college couple from New York. So, as we are still brainstorming and putting structure to the dreams for their wedding I'm reminded of all the great wedding themes we at MHP have been exposed to.

Megan, the owner and Photographer of MHP, just photographed a wedding for a Professional Bullfighter full of cowboy hats, sunflowers, barns, and southern drawl. The wedding I planned in March for Grace and Sean was a celebration of spring which was reflected in their flowers and colors. And I'll never forget a wedding from last summer where the couple wanted to celebrate their unified love of cats so the reception was decorated with feline touches.

One of my favorite things about being a wedding planner is the unique individuals I come in contact with, and the joy of celebrating their individuality as I help them plan their most special day. So, as you plan and envision your theme remember to stay true to who you are and where you've come from and always remember to celebrate the journey's that have brought you together.

Labels: Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style

With wedding season just around the corner I am often asked by those invited: "What should I wear?" Here is a quick guide to wedding guest attire during spring and summer weddings.

In some cases the dress code may be listed at the bottom of the invitation. If this is the case these are usually the distinctions:

-Black Tie or Formal
Guys wear tuxedos and ladies wear a formal long cocktail dress or dressy evening separates.

-Black Tie Optional
In this case guys have the option of wearing a tuxedo or a full suit and ladies still dress formally in a long cocktail dress or dressy evening separates.

-Semi-Formal
Tuxes and long dresses are not required. If the wedding is after 5 p.m. dark suits and short cocktail dresses are appropriate. If the wedding is before 5 p.m. the colors can be a little lighter and it means a suit for him and a short nice dress for her.

-Informal
This is usually translated as casual but it's actually the same as semi-formal and when a wedding celebration or festive invite-only event calls for this attire it's best to assume the semi-formal dress code.

-Dressy Casual
This means dressed up versions of casual looks. It could mean slacks and a sports coat for him and a nice sundress for her.

-Casual
The best rule of thumb for this is to wear something you'd wear on a first date.

But what if there is no dress code distinction? I usually look to see what time the wedding will be taking place as well as the location when deciding on the attire.

Generally speaking if the wedding is:

-In the Morning
Dressy casual is the standard, I even step it up a bit from that. A great visual description is traditional summer church clothes.

-In the Afternoon
A before 5 semi-formal attire selection is the rule of thumb.

-In the Evening
Stick with semi-formal.

-A few last minute tips
Let the location be your guide. If you are on the fence about whether you should really dress up that black cocktail dress or keep it more casual think about the location. An evening wedding on the beach during sunset and an evening wedding at a ballroom in a five star hotel call for completely different attire. Think about where you'll be located and how traditional the ceremony will be when deciding on your wardrobe.

Remember even though dancing may be involved at some point during the event you're not going to a club. A wedding guest-list will include great grandparents as well as toddlers and in most cases you will be in some kind of 'house of worship' for a portion of the event so remember to keep your attire classy.

As far as color selection goes, ladies, always steer clear of white or anything that resembles white especially if your dress is a solid color, you don't want to distract from the bride. White, ivory, champagne and anything else close to those colors should be reserved for the lady of honor.

Whew! Who would have ever thought that dressing for a wedding could be so complicated! Well it certainly doesn't have to be, follow this simple guide and I'm sure you will have a blast at all those spring and summer wedding while being immaculately dressed!

Labels: Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style