Like many of you around the country, I’ve spent much of the past week thinking about the profound impact Ted Kennedy, and the entire Kennedy family, has had on American politics and culture. Not only has the Kennedy family proven to be the picture of modern public service, but they have always embodied a kind of classic style that transcends the borders of the New England states. So to pay a bit of homage to the members of the Kennedy clan, and one female member of the family in particular (you know where this is headed, don’t you?), I thought I’d share with you a few ideas for bringing the some classic style to your wedding.
Photo credit: squidoo.com
Jackie Kennedy Onassis had a grace and style that few women are lucky enough to possess. She was always perfectly put together and had a visible appreciation for style and culture. Hence it’s no surprise that many ladies draw inspiration from this American style icon when designing the details of their big day. So if you swoon at the sight of a Hermes Kelly Bag, pair all your skinny pants with a cute ballet flat, and TiVo Mad Men just to see the costumes, then these looks might just be for you!
Because Jackie loved fashion, let’s cover the fashion element first (it’s my favorite, anyway). When I tried on gowns earlier this year, I was amazed at how many designers pushed fashion-forward designs and elements. So many gowns featured a fit-to-flare or mermaid silhouette, funky beading or lingerie-inspired details. While I’m a big fan of designers taking creative risks (otherwise I wouldn’t be so happy that Project Runway is finally back!), there is something to be said for flaunting a timeless style as you walk down the aisle. After all, your wedding gown is a once-in-a-lifetime look. So here are a few of my favorite classic looks from recent bridal collections:
In my humble opinion, no one does better classic style than Oscar de la Renta. Honestly, when I saw this dress, I gasped. The details are just amazing.
Photo Credit: Oscar de la Renta
A pleasantly surprising newcomer to the bridal scene is J. Crew, whose recent gowns have been nothing less than gorgeous. I love the giant flower detail on the back of this one.
Photo credit: jcrew.com
Photo credit: jcrew.com
And of course, Amsale always does a beautiful job interpreting the classics in a fun and fresh way.
Photo Credit: Amsale
Now, with your stunning gown, who wouldn’t want to hold a gorgeous bouquet of roses, the most classic and romantic flower out there?
Photo Credit: Winston Flowers
There are many ways to bring a classic style to your wedding location as well. In addition to the flowers and table design, think of asking your band or DJ to play the standards your parents danced to when they were getting married. It’s a great way to get everyone out of their chairs and excited about the music. And what about incorporating some classic comfort foods into your cocktail hour menu or placing a vintage topper on your cake?
Photo Credit: Winston Flowers
Photo Credit: Fancy Flours
Photo Credit: Crane & Co.
So how will you incorporate a bit of the classics into your wedding style?
Image Credits: Squidoo.com, Forbes.com, J. Crew, Amsale, Winston Flowers, Fancy Flours, Crane & Co.
Style by Texture
Flowers can shape the theme of the wedding. It can bring pop, style and romance to your event. Today’s bride is not always the princess that wants sweet smelling roses and soft pinks. There are many styles of weddings today that turn old traditions upside down. One trend that I see changing the floral world is texture. The application of texture can be added to a few different elements to create a style that is both trendy and modern, without losing the romance.
Photo Credit: WeddingBee.com
The first of these elements is the bridal party bouquets. Feathers add unique colors and bold shape to other flowers brides carry. Other cool texture elements I’ve seen are twisty willow branches, silver wire with jewels or pearls threaded or even seashells for a destination wedding. Seasonal weddings may dictate some of the color pallets or appropriate accessories within the bouquet. For instance, fall weddings lend themselves to bright oranges and chocolate tones that mesh well with peacock or quail feathers. Whereas winter weddings that feature silver painted twisted willow branches bring an icy splendor to any flower arrangement.
Photo Credit: Media.theknot.com
Photo Credit: WeddingBee.com
Throughout the ceremony and reception site, unique textures can create memory points for your guests. At my wedding, we took a huge branch that had been painted white and we tied ribbons all over it that hung down and held the place cards for the reception. Guests enjoyed walking around the branch during the cocktail time and finding their name and table information.
Photo Credit: TheWeddingDecorators.ca
Another great texture to bring to the wedding is hanging crystals. Everyone remembers that scene from Pollyanna where she sells “rainbow makers” at the community fair. Use your own prisms by hanging crystals from fishing wire to glisten in the sunlight or your spotlights.
Get creative and make your day memorable in every way!