Southern Lady Celebrate Weddings 2013

Weddings … the mere word conjures up thoughts we ladies have had our entire lives! We have been in love with our Prince Charming since we were toddlers, but for years we just didn’t know who he was. From the first swoosh of the wedding dress to the carriage that carries the couple to “happily ever after,” we have always had our weddings planned in our minds. Today, I marvel at the wonderful, creative weddings I see daily. The young people in my office who are getting married amaze me with their ideas to make the day their very own. Those of us on the periphery get to share in the fun, too. I have never seen such beautiful invitations, flowers, and all the details that are put together. When Neal and…

FOR:The Bridesmaids FOR: The Groooomsmen FOR: The Parents MORE WAYS TO THANK MOM AND DAD Give the gift of wine appreciation, wineofthemonthclub.com; Let them share a cooking class, williams-sonoma.com; Reward them with some R&R, spafinder.com; Send them to a Broadway hit or favorite concert, ticketmaster.com; Hire an artist to capture the big day, liveeventartist.com. FOR: The Kids photo styling by SIDNEY BRAGIEL | photography by SARAH ARRINGTON…

OMBRE TREND Monochromatic arrangements are perfect for carrying wedding themes and color palettes from bouquets to tabletops. The ombré effect—colors graduated from one shade to the next—is stunning when moving from deep pinks to almost-white blooms. MODERN ROMANTIC Floral designers and tablescape artists today emphasize the saying “anything goes.” It’s all about pulling together the old and the new. This centerpiece does just that, mixing floral pieces with pedestals, artwork, nests, and a small birdcage. GARDEN PARTY This mix of flowers creates a perfect palette of soft pinks, greens, and grays. Hydrangea blooms are placed first as the larger, filler flowers, while peonies, silver brunia clusters, and double-petal tulips add the delicate finishing details. ALL-WHITE VESSELS Stick with an assortment of white vessels, vases, and dishware to create the perfect canvas for your floral arrangments. These peonies,…

WINE BOTTLES Wine bottles can make glamorous table markers. Spray-paint empty bottles gold, and let dry. Then adhere our labels (available at celebratemag.com). Finish the table with more shimmery accents, such as flatware and gilded mercury glass. SMALL AND SWEET In addition to an opulent centerpiece, small arrangements interspersed throughout the table lend a bohemian touch. Here, succulents and fluff y hydrangea blooms are woven together atop moss in a gold-rimmed box. Find the place cards shown at celebratemag.com. IN THE GARDEN (Facing page) Attach chicken wire to the back of an antique frame, and use tiny clothespins to invite guests to their table for the evening. (Clockwise) For a buff et-style event, roll napkins in bracelets (we found these at stelladot.com) instead of napkin rings, perfect for a shower or bridesmaids luncheon. For another…

BELLINI BAR Provide the option of three different fruit purées and a few bottles of chilled Prosecco so the girls can serve themselves. This beautiful brunch celebrates the special bond between a bride and her bridesmaids, and a warm citrus color palette suits a morning get-together. Set the scene with a simple yet glamorous backdrop, and then let the festivities begin with a Bellini bar. A heart-shaped punch is key to crafting these festive garlands, and the colorful card stock reflects the palette. Adhere hearts to gold-sequined ribbon, using double-sided tape. TABLETOP DETAILS Start by mixing and matching linens in bright, bold patterns. We tucked vibrant blooms into gold-accented vessels and interspersed citrus throughout the tablescape, tying in the color palette. Casual, colorful plates and chargers went well against the bold hues and patterns…

As the grand event approaches, a brideto- be will love this elegant yet casual celebration. Gather family and friends, and let them reminisce about the past and shower her with gifts that send her off into this new season of her life. The simple color palette of blush pinks and robin’segg blue imparts an air of romance, and easy DIY vases and other components add playfulness and whimsy to the décor. The menu includes small bites and a frilly cocktail fitting for ladies. PERSONAL FAVORS These special handmade rings make wonderful party favors—they reiterate the promise of love that wedding rings symbolize. Start with a ring back (available at craft stores), and use a glue gun to attach a silk or other decorative flower—we found this flower and the gift box at…