Fashion Rules: 7 Tips to Contemporary Wedding Design

The same rules that apply to putting together a stunning head-to-toe look can often be taken when approaching the design and styling of your wedding. Here are some runway-worthy tips that can help you keep your focus and design a wedding that is both in vogue and authentic.

#1: DO be aware of trends, but DON’T overdo them. Spotlight one main trend at a time.
Just because metallics AND animal prints AND rocker embellishments are in doesn’t mean that you should incorporate them all into one crazed outfit, right? Ditto for weddings. Bold colors, princess elegance and ethnic influences are all big for 2011, but please, PLEASE, do not scramble your brain trying to find a way to tie them all together. Find one that speaks to you and use it as the foundation for designing the rest of the look. Not crazy about any of the so-called hottest trends? Don’t fret! See Rule #7 below.

#2: DON’T be too matchy-matchy.
Yes, you want your overall look to be cohesive, but feel free to mix and match to keep things interesting and balanced. Contrast the old with the new, the sophisticated with the whimsical. Throw a clean, modern font on an ornately designed invitation. Or, put a spray of wild flowers in a sleek vase. Alternate centerpieces with different heights and floral design or have your bridesmaids don dresses in an assortment of colors from your palette. Surprise your guests with something unexpected and they will stand up and take notice.

#3: Let your accessories do the talking!
The wrong shoe or accessory can derail an entire outfit. Likewise, the right cocktail ring, statement necklace or well-placed brooch can transform jeans and a white tee into something spectacular. The beauty really is in the finer details, so pay particular attention to the myriad of ways you can customize and make your wedding undeniably yours – whether it’s a wedding logo, charming envelope liner or statement linens.

#4: DO edit!
The epitome of effortless glamor, Coco Chanel once said that before you leave the house, you should look in the mirror and take one thing off. There can be too much of a good thing. If you have a monogram or motif, don’t feel the need to throw it on every single detail your guests will come across. It can be tempting to just keep piling on the accessories, but pull a Goldilocks and find the amount that’s just right.

#5: DO layer and vary textures.
Varying textures is a great way to mix things up, especially with a monochromatic color palette. Sticking to an all white bouquet? Mixing up the blooms (think calla lilies with roses, peonies and anemones) will add depth and dimension that will show up beautifully in photographs. Can’t decide between letterpress and engraving? Try a blind letterpress print with engraved type (oh my… be still my heart!).

#6: DO mix expensive pieces with bargain finds.
Don’t be afraid to throw in some DIY projects, they add personality and charm, and are good for the wallet! Look around your own abode for decor pieces; you may just find that perfect cluster of vases for the guest book table arrangement.

#7: DO stay true to yourself and your personal style.
When in doubt, stay true to yourself! At the end of the day, you’ll know what feels right and what doesn’t. If you find yourself coming back to something over and over again, questioning it and wondering if it works, then it probably doesn’t. At least, not for you. It’s like that dress in your closet that you keep trying on, but have yet to wear out. Too form-fitting, too flashy, too basic – too not you. The last thing you want to feel on the big day is discomfort or anxiety, so do yourself a favor and stick to a style that feels genuine.

Now, go on and discover your own signature style…

Article Submitted by:
Viv Milne
221 by Viv {Wedding & Event Design}